boxer puppies baltimore maryland

boxer puppies baltimore maryland

Most dogs do not have full bladder control until they are six months old. This means that even if your puppy does learn to hold it, accidents may still happen if it is left inside too long. Not potty training early can extend the process and make things harder. As the puppy grows, the mess and smells will increase. It is also harder to break an existing habit than prevent one from starting in the first place. How long on average does it take to potty train a puppy? If everything goes according to plan, your German Shepherd can be potty trained within five days. However, that does not mean your pup will be able to be locked indoors for eight hours while you go to work and not make a mess. Therefore, a two-month-old puppy needs to go out every two hours. A three-month-old can hold for three, and so on. German Shepherds also often have a high play drive and might completely forget that they need to potty when they want to play instead. There are few things more frustrating than playing outside with your puppy for an hour, only to have them calm down enough to relieve themselves the moment they come indoors. Have a complimentary diet An upset stomach is one of the most common setbacks in housetraining. In particular, puppies are vulnerable to garbage gut because they tend to eat anything smelly or exciting. This is another reason to make use of a crate. Excellent digestive health is not only good for your puppy, but it makes it much easier to stick to your routine. Use a specific door By now, you might be noticing a theme of consistency and routine emerging. Taking your puppy out through the same door helps condition and imprint the housetraining process on your dog and will also serve you later when your dog learns to always ask to go outside at the same door. Leash and lead The leash or lead is a further way of conditioning your puppy. The lead ensures that you can keep them close and make sure they always go to the specific spotty to potty. Do some research on the best collar for German Shephards , as there are some breed specific requirements. Then give a treat or some playtime to reward the correct behavior. Guide your dog back inside A potty run needs to be conditioned as a potty run. While praise, playtime, and treats should be used to make it a positive experience, your pup must learn to stay focused on the task at hand. Creating a negative experience for your dog is more likely to cause sneaky behavior such as peeing and pooping secretly out of fear that you will reprimand them if caught. Make sure you check on your puppy at least twice throughout the night Set an alarm clock and check if your puppy is awake and restless at least twice a night. This is your cue to take the pup outside. If the crate is near your bed and you are a light sleeper, you will likely wake when you hear rustling or whimpering. Stick to a routine A rigid routine is the quickest and smoothest route to a house-trained puppy. Be sure to take the puppy outside as soon as it wakes up in the morning, as well as after a nap, after playtime, and after meals. Until they are at least twelve weeks old, they should be taken out a minimum every two hours during the day. Positive Reinforcement As with all dog training, positive reinforcement works best. Make sure to praise and reward within three seconds of your puppy going potty to make a positive association. While your German Shepherd is learning that the entire house is out of bounds for elimination, the crate is a useful tool to avoid accidents. Once this has been achieved, you can gradually allow your puppy more free rein indoors. Pee Pads are not helpful. Accidents are part of the process, but if you follow these basic house training guidelines, you can get the newest member of your family on the right track. To potty train your puppy, establish a routine Puppies do best on a regular schedule. The schedule teaches them that there are times to eat, times to play and times to do their business. Typically, a puppy can control their bladder one hour for every month of age. So if your puppy is 2 months old, they can hold it for about two hours. Take your puppy outside frequently—at least every two hours—and immediately after they wake up, during and after playing, and after eating or drinking. Pick a bathroom spot outside, and always take your puppy on a leash to that spot. While your puppy is relieving themselves, use a specific word or phrase that you can eventually use before they go to remind them what to do. Take them out for a longer walk or some playtime only after they have eliminated. Reward your puppy every time they eliminate outdoors. This step is vital, because rewarding your dog for going outdoors is the only way to teach what's expected of them. Put your puppy on a regular feeding schedule. What goes into a puppy on a schedule comes out of a puppy on a schedule. Depending on their age, puppies may need to be fed two or three times a day. Feeding your puppy at the same times each day will make it more likely that they'll eliminate at consistent times as well, making house training easier for both of you. Pick up your puppy's water dish about two and a half hours before bedtime to reduce the likelihood that they'll need to relieve themselves during the night. Most puppies can sleep for approximately seven hours without needing a bathroom break. If your puppy does wake you up in the night, don't make a big deal of it; otherwise, they will think it is time to play and won't want to go back to sleep. Turn on as few lights as possible, don't talk to or play with your puppy, take them out to the spot where they relieve themselves and then return them to bed. Top 10 pet tips Sign up to receive our exclusive e-book full of important information about caring for your pet, including training techniques and answers to frequently asked questions. Tether your puppy to you or a nearby piece of furniture with a six-foot leash if you are not actively training or playing. Watch for signs that your puppy needs to go out. Some signs are obvious, such as barking or scratching at the door, squatting, restlessness, sniffing around or circling. When you see these signs, immediately grab the leash and take them outside to their bathroom spot. If they eliminate, praise them and reward with a treat. Keep your puppy on leash in the yard. During the house training process, your yard should be treated like any other room in your house. Give your puppy some freedom in the house and yard only after they become reliably house trained. When you can't supervise, confine When you're unable to watch your puppy at all times, restrict them to an area small enough that they won't want to eliminate there. Browse Dog Crates on Amazon. You can use a portion of a bathroom or laundry room blocked off with baby gates. Or you may want to crate train your puppy. Be sure to learn how to use a crate humanely as a method of confinement. If your puppy has spent several hours in confinement, you'll need to take them directly to their bathroom spot as soon as you return. Mistakes happen Expect your puppy to have a few accidents in the house—it's a normal part of house training. Here's what to do when that happens: Without a lot of drama, immediately take them to their outside bathroom spot. Praise your pup and give a treat if they finish there. Don't punish your puppy for eliminating in the house. If you find a soiled area, just clean it up. Rubbing your puppy's nose in it, taking them to the spot and scolding them or any other punishment will only make them afraid of you or afraid to eliminate in your presence. Punishment will do more harm than good. Clean the soiled area thoroughly. Puppies are highly motivated to continue soiling in areas that smell like urine or feces. It's extremely important that you use these supervision and confinement procedures to minimize the number of accidents. Make plans for when you're away If you have to be away from home more than four or five hours a day, this may not be the best time for you to get a puppy. Instead, you may want to consider an older house-trained dog who can wait for your return. If you already have a puppy and must be away for long periods of time, you may need to: Arrange for someone, such as a responsible neighbor or a professional pet sitter, to take them for bathroom breaks. Alternatively, train them to eliminate in a specific place indoors. Be aware, however, that doing this can prolong the process of house training. Teaching your puppy to eliminate on newspaper may create a life-long surface preference, meaning that even as an adult they may eliminate on any newspaper lying around the living room. If you plan to paper-train, confine them to an area with enough room for a sleeping space, a playing space and a separate place to eliminate. In the designated elimination area, use either pet pee pads, newspapers cover the area with several layers of newspaper or a sod box. To make a sod box, place sod in a container such as a child's small, plastic swimming pool. You can also find dog litter products at a pet supply store. If you have to clean up an accident outside the designated elimination area, put the soiled rags or paper towels inside that area afterward to help your puppy recognize the scented area as the place where they are supposed to eliminate. Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links. You probably already know that learning how to potty train a German Shepherd puppy can be a stressful time. But… once you know these easy steps, great things happen! Knowing how to potty train your German Shepherd is vital to having a happy, comfortable life with them. Use this training consistently to have the most effect. A proactive approach works best. Which means you should… focus on preventing accidents, instead of waiting on them to happen! Follow a strict feeding and bathroom schedule to see the best results. Basically, you teach your German Shepherd puppy the right potty skills… until it becomes a habit humanesociety. The key to quick success is taking your pup out every 2 to 3 hours and never giving the opportunity for them to have an accident inside. This means at least 8 to 10 trips outside every single day! In their welcoming and safe crate either resting, eating their meals, or enjoying a play toy. In an exercise pen or playpen with a strict potty area. Under your direct, undivided attention. This means you are always watching your pup. All it takes is for you to check your phone for a few seconds for your pup to have a toileting accident! You can either use a crate to speed up their potty training or provide them an area indoors to eliminate. I prefer the crate method. Housebreaking with the use of a crate speeds up your success rate incredibly! But you want to use the crate positively so they learn to love their little den. Make their crate an enjoyable and inviting place to go. How to show your pup how to love their crate: Never force your pup into their crate! Take your time with crate introduction and allow them to explore under their own will. Serve your pup at least one meal a day inside their crate. Use a Kong with their meal stuffed inside and mixed with a small spoonful of unsweetened Greek yogurt or peanut butter to entice them to stay and work on the Kong inside the crate. Offer treats when they willingly go inside to rest or explore their crate. Use a verbal cue when you want your pup to go into the crate. You can learn all the benefits of teaching your dog to use their crate in this easy post on crate training your German Shepherd successfully. Check it out to get the complete facts, tips, and step-by-step instructions to perfect crate training today. Use Puppy Pads You can use puppy pads if you need to… or skip to step 4 to learn potty training without pads. Not going to use puppy pads? You can skip to step 4. But… if you prefer to use puppy pads, then you need an area where you always take your dog when they need to go to the bathroom. Preferably place their pads near the door that you eventually want them to use to go outside. Place more pads down than you think you need at first. This is because puppies have poor aim and also may find a spot they prefer other than the one you pick. After a couple of weeks, you may remove the extra pads until there are only two puppy pads on the floor in the primary area they prefer to go. Keep the food and water area away from the puppy pads in another place. Using Puppy Pads Successfully Change your puppy pads as they become soiled. But a lightly soiled pad is attractive to your pup in the beginning stages of training and helps them learn the right area to potty indoors at first. Once they are reliably using the correct spot, you need not continue to use this trick and can throw away the pads as they become too soiled. Training Them to Go Outside After Using Pads Indoors If you set up your pads near the door you use to take them outside to their elimination area, then you can transition them to go outside more easily. So, place or move your puppy pads closer to the door from their original spot to begin the transition to the outdoors. When your pads are close to the door, watch them for their elimination signs and get them to the outside as swiftly as you can. While I generally use a crate to house train my German Shepherd puppy I also totally understand that you might prefer to learn how to potty train a German Shepherd puppy using a puppy pad for any number of reasons. Teach Them a Potty Routine Every day, follow the same routine and schedule to keep your puppy from having accidents inside your house. Teaching your dog to eliminate outside means that you must have a strict schedule. Watch for signs that your pup needs to go potty so you can avoid indoor accidents. Morning Potty Routine First thing in the morning when you let your pup out of their crate or from their sleeping area take them to their potty spot. If in doubt, carry them outside yourself. If you will not leash your pup when you take them out in the morning, then run ahead of them to lead them outside quickly. If you have stairs, carry your pup since rushing downstairs on a full bladder is never a good idea. Outside Potty Routine Stay with your pup until they do their business. You can place your pup in a small confined area to go potty or keep them leashed to you. Stand quietly until they potty. Then, praise them and offer a tasty treat. This can bore you at first, but potty training a German Shepherd puppy becomes easier every day. After 10 to 15 minutes, take them out of their crate and repeat the above process. Learning how to potty train a German Shepherd puppy takes repetition and patience. How do you know when to take your GSD puppy outside to potty? Take them out after a nap. They need to relieve themselves after sleeping or napping in their crates. Take them out after a play session. Take them out after they drink a large amount of water. Take them out first thing in the morning and the last thing before you place them in their crate or go to bed. Take your dog out when their body language says they are searching for a potty spot! You should take out your German Shepherd puppy every 2 hours for an 8-week-old pup. Add an hour for each month your pup is old. So, a week-old dog needs to go out every 3 hours. And a week-old German Shepherd needs to go outside to relieve herself every 4 hours. Puppy Age How often do you take them outside to potty? Puppies Puppy accidents are inevitable and can also be the most frustrating part of welcoming a new dog into your household. However, with a little bit of patience and the commitment to establishing a routine, you should get your GSD puppy potty trained in no time. This article will dive into how to potty train a German Shepherd puppy as well as give you step-by-step instructions and tips for success. German Shepherds become aware of their ability to control their bodily functions at around 3 weeks old. However, it is best to start potty training as soon as you bring your puppy home, usually, this is around 8 weeks of age. So, a 2-month old can hold their pee for about 2 hours. To avoid accidents, take them for potty breaks once every hour. No, not all adult German Shepherds are potty trained. Nevertheless, the general process of training an adult is pretty much the same as potty training a puppy. The key is in setting your rules and establishing a routine from the beginning. Ideally, choose a relatively quiet place. German Shepherds, like many other dog breeds, are creatures of habit. Having a designated potty area and using it consistently is key to making this process work smoothly. When dogs eliminate, their urine and feces leave behind a unique scent. Smelling it will signal to their brains that it is, indeed, time to go potty. Step 2: Establish a schedule Just like having a consistent potty area, sticking to a regular schedule is essential. Take very young puppies to their designated potty area every hour. As they age and as they become familiar with the routine, you can lengthen the time between their potty breaks. Start by choosing a command and sticking with it. When your pup gets to their potty spot, say your chosen command. Then say your command again and praise your pup as soon as your pup has successfully eliminated. You can usually tell this by their body language. Keep doing that until you can just give the command and your pup knows to squat and poop. Step 4: Reinforce positive potty behavior Whenever your GSD pup potties successfully, give them a good time! Reward them especially when they potty on command. Make sure you give them lots of praises and maybe a good head scratch. Depending on what motivates them, reward them with food or play. Step 5: Give it time and patience Following these steps will give you the best chance of success, but expect it to take some time. Top Tips for Potty Training Success German Shepherds are easy to train , so by following the proper potty training steps, you should get your GSD pup housebroken in no time. Nevertheless, here are some tips that will set you up for success and allow you to get over this tedious phase much more quickly: Tip 1: Make crate training a priority Crate training offers plenty of critical benefits, especially to puppies. Apart from providing a private space where they can feel safe, the right crate can be an excellent housebreaking tool. Tip 2: Establish a routine German Shepherds tend to thrive on a daily routine, so try your best to make every day the same for them. It will also help you more accurately predict when they need to go potty. Try to limit feeding times to three times a day for puppies younger than 6 months. German Shepherds that are at least 6 months old can eat once in the morning and then again in the evening. Tip 4: Withhold water at night Dogs should always have access to clean drinking water, but free access to a water bowl will make potty training more difficult. Once housebroken, your dog can have free access to water. When you take your dog out to potty, try to keep yourself relaxed and only talk when giving the potty command. This will also make your post-potty reward extra special. Disciplining your puppy for a potty accident is likely to do more harm. It will lead to negative potty behavior like being afraid to eliminate in your presence as well as feeling anxiety over having to pee or poop. Just clean it up and hope you can both do better next time. If your dog is having accidents too regularly, you likely need to take your dog out more frequently to prevent it. This is also the best way to maintain proper hygiene and good health. Tip 8: Listen and observe Dogs have their own way of communicating and will be especially communicative when they need to go potty. Some dogs might whine while others paw at the door. You just need to establish a routine and give them time to develop full control over their bladder and bowels. As long as you are committed to following your protocol, you should be able to enjoy a fully housebroken dog soon enough.

When you bring a new puppy home, it's important to keep feeding it the same food that it has been eating at its previous home. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show. Go to source Talk to the person or organization that you are adopting your puppy from to see what food they are feeding it. They should willingly provide that info and they may even send you home with some if you can't find any to buy. If you can't find the right food in your local pet supply store, consider ordering it online. However, you would need to order it ahead of time so that you have it on hand when the puppy comes home. If you want to feed your puppy a different food from what it has been eating, you will need to switch its food over the course of several days. Feed that mix for several days. Finally, you can give the puppy all new food. If you are content to give your puppy the food it was originally eating, it's fine to do that. Every puppy will have different nutritional needs. Because of this, it's a good idea to discuss proper nutrition with your vet. They can suggest great foods to give your puppy and how much it should be eating. Go to source The right portion size depends on the size of your puppy and its metabolism. Ask your vet to teach you how to body score your puppy. This will allow you to do a quick visual check to see whether your puppy is losing or gaining weight. Tip: If your vet suggests a specific food but doesn't tell you how much to give your puppy, follow the instructions on the packaging. Doing 3 or 4 feedings per day allows your puppy to get enough nutrients without overwhelming its digestive system with a huge amount of food at once. This is especially important when your puppy is under 6 months old, as they have delicate systems. Go to source Don't just leave the food out all day. Take the food away after the puppy eats for about 10 or 15 minutes. Lab puppies should always have access to fresh water so that they can stay adequately hydrated. Put out a dish of water and dump it out, clean the dish, and refill it daily. Some puppies are really messy with their water dishes. To prevent a mess, try putting the water dish on a tray, so that spilled water won't go right onto the floor. All dogs are unique and grow at their own rate. Pro Tip: Check out our complete guide to puppy care to ensure your Lab gets off to a great start. As a medium to large breed, Labrador Retrievers need at least one year to reach their full size. A general rule of thumb suggests your Lab should be at or close to its full size by their first birthday. However, bigger-boned Lab puppies can keep growing and filling out their chest up to 18 months old. How big should a 6-month-old Labrador Retriever be? The average Lab weight at six months old is about 40 to 55 pounds for males or 30 to 35 pounds for females. Please keep in mind that these numbers are averages, and every puppy will grow at a slightly different rate. How much bigger will my Labrador Retriever get? There are three ways to predict the size of a Labrador Retriever at maturity: Age. Labrador Retrievers typically reach their full height and weight around their first birthday. Larger Labs may need up to 18 months to fill out their chest, but any weight gain after 12 months should be minimal overall. If your Lab is less than a year old, they are likely still growing and putting on muscle to reach their adult size. Paw Size. If their paws look oversized next to their legs and body, then they are probably still growing, as this is a classic puppy feature. Lastly, if you purchased your Lab through a breeder, you can contact them for a more exact height and weight estimate. What is the size of a full-grown Labrador Retriever? A full-grown Labrador Retriever weighs between 65 and 80 pounds and stands about .The average weight of a full-grown female Labrador Retriever should be about 55 to 70 pounds, standing at .Make sure to consult with your veterinarian to ensure that your Lab is maintaining a healthy weight for its body size. The Labrador Retriever growth rate should be indicative of its athletic body and muscular build. Did you know. ? Their webbed paws made them strong swimmers, along with their otter tail, which acts like a powerful rudder when retrieving ducks. English nobles spotted the dogs and brought them home across the Atlantic, where breeders continued to refine the breed into its own variation. Between their friendly demeanor, adaptability, and outgoing disposition, they make ideal family members. As cherished members of our families, Labs deserve the best care. Unfortunately, like many other purebred dogs, Labrador Retrievers are more susceptible to various health issues. Some of the most common examples include:. Puppy training development after 6 months It is very tempting to get carried away with puppy training. Your young do is so willing to please and such fun to be around. It is important to go at a happy pace for you both. Positive reinforcement training is the right choice for your puppy because there are no negative consequences to getting something wrong. But you can still both suffer from burnout and frustration if you try to reach the later puppy training stages without totally aceing the earlier developments. Your Puppy Training Schedule This may not be exactly the same for each puppy, especially with retrieving which is more Labrador specific. However, it gives you a rough idea. Constantly changing direction. Stopping frequently for cuddles and rewards. This means I blow the recall whistle whenever the puppy runs towards me, no compulsion, and no whistle unless the recall is already underway. Socialisation: Lots almost daily of outings to different places rural and urban carried Visits to family and friends. Bite inhibition: Discourage hard biting, allow mouthing. Working with food: Learning how to take food gently without snatching or grabbing at the treat pot. I still give the puppy lots of encouragement by running away as soon as I blow the whistle. Socialisation: More socialisation, at least twice a week to busy public places. Bite inhibition: Discourage hard biting, allow gentle mouthing. Retrieving: Encourage chase and pick up retrieve drive. Hand touch: I teach all new puppies to touch my hand with their noses. This is a great foundation for other skills. Recall: Puppy recall continues, reduce my run to a walk, avoid any distractions. Still frequently blow the recall whenever the pup runs towards me of her own free will. Socialisation: From ground level after vaccination. No other leash walking at all Bite inhibition: No biting, gentle mouthing allowed. Retrieving: Continue to build drive. Positions: I introduce three positions — sit, stand, down. What to expect from your 3 month old puppy Most three month old puppies will be sleeping through the night. And will be having less potty training accidents in the house. There are a few potty training problems that arise at this age, and they are all covered in 15 potty training problems solved. Biting is a big shock and a big problem for many new Lab puppy parents so do check out our complete guide to biting , and join the forum for help and support. Help encourage your puppy to stay in their bed while you are eating. I have a pot of dog treats on our kitchen table, and whenever we sit down to a meal, the puppy gets a treat each time she steps into her basket. Just a treat for stepping in there. What to expect from your 4 month old puppy Your 4 month old puppy will be pretty much potty trained, but accidents still happen if they are left alone too long. Biting is usually starting to subside now, and many four month old puppies will be able to mouth at your hand without hurting you. At this point I start to discourage all mouthing. I teach every puppy to let me touch her face or approach her with my hand, food, a leash etc while holding eye contact and not grabbing at me, or at what is in my hand. This is the age at which people often start to push forward with training. Your 4 month old puppy is capable of quite a lot. There is nothing wrong with teaching your puppy different cues and even some tricks. I recommend you still avoid long duration activities at this point as they are a common stumbling point with puppies young enough to have a short attention span. A ten second sit is ample. Add mild distractions Recall: Fade additional cues. Begin to whistle the pup and stand still. Add mild distractions. Clicker train to polish this in more mouthy puppies. No commands are needed for this. Gradual introduction of distractions. Advanced puppy training begins in earnest This is where I start a programme of sporting training with my Labs. You can begin raising your standards and expectations, asking for longer and more complex behaviors. Teaching your puppy to walk to heel nicely for longer distance and past all kinds of distractions and temptations. Or teaching your puppy to sit and stay for longer periods of time, and even while you go out of sight or while other dogs play nearby. What to expect from your six month old puppy Six months is a common time for people to have a lot of questions and to be struggling with a few challenges. This is now a very bouncy, quite powerful and rapidly maturing young dog. And you may need to patch up a few holes in his training or manners. We have a great article for owners of six month old Lab puppies.

Boxers in the News Welcome to PortCity Boxers, where we are passionate about raising the best quality Show Boxers and beloved family pets! During her debut into show life at the Tarheel and Concord Clusters, the week of her second birthday, she beautifully progressed from class seconds, to class firsts, onto achieving Two Reserve Winners Bitch placements under Judge Mr. Hiroshi Kamisato and under Judge Ms. Carolyn I. Gary L. Thankyou Ms. Alexander, Mr. Kamisato and Dr. Sparschu for your recognition and most of all… A huge thankyou to you Vicky East, for the Wonderful Care and Excellent Handling you gave to our girl!! Woohoo, we are so excited and proud of you sweetheart! Thanks for taking time to visit us! Our Boxers are bred for a genetically healthy disposition, intelligence, and companionship. With proper care, you will find your Boxer to be a wonderful friend to your family. We are located in the beautiful town of Wilmington, NC. As a small family oriented breeder, we focus on producing the perfect line family pets and show quality puppies. We believe in quality, not quantity. Each of our dogs were chosen for their bloodlines to ensure great dispositions and healthy pups. We offer a natural alternative for the care and nutrition of our dogs to promote a healthy Boxer. These loving dogs will make a wonderful addition to your family. A Boxer will love you and protect you for life. A Boxer is highly intelligent and can learn anything you're willing to teach. Boxers love children, and the two can help wear each other out. A Boxer will help keep you in shape because of all the exercise he requires. A Boxer is a multi-talented dog that excels in canine activities. When you want to go out, it's difficult to find a more desirable escort than a Boxer. A Boxer's short shiny coat comes in a handsome fawn or brindle, and is easy to care for. A Boxer combines strength and agility with elegance and style. Beneath that serious facade beats the heart of a clown. For the complete list please see our List of Boxer Breeders page. Purchasing a boxer puppy in North Carolina directly from a breeder can be expensive; however, it is also the best way to ensure that you are getting an animal that has been raised with proper care. Some breeders do not have the right facilities needed to raise healthy dogs and oftentimes these animals may be sickly or lack proper socialization skills due to improper care during development. What Are The Extra Costs? There are very few extra costs associated with owning a Boxer in North Carolina outside of routine vet visits, food, and other supplies that your new pet will need in order to live comfortably. A responsible breeder will typically keep all of their breeding dogs inside of their home and raise them with love and attention. They should also be able to tell you about their history; including any titles that either parent might have earned. A good breeder will give you health guarantees for your new pet as well as plenty of information on how to properly take care of your Boxer throughout its life. Responsible Boxer Breeders will typically not sell puppies to people who plan on leaving them outdoors or alone for long periods of time without supervision because it is important for them to receive plenty of attention while they are young in order for them to grow up healthy and happy. This will give you a chance to learn as much as possible about any sire and dam as well as the environment that they were raised in. Visiting your breeder will also give you a chance to see their home and how they keep their dogs. This will give you a better idea of what type of environment your puppy is coming from and if the breeder is someone that has invested time into raising healthy puppies. You should be able to tell if someone is being honest with you or not from how they answer your questions and whether or not they seem knowledgeable about the breed itself. A good breeder should be willing and able to help you decide what puppy would best suit your lifestyle and family needs, which can only be done if they know everything about you. Questions to Ask Ask for References from Your Boxer Breeder in North Carolina It is a good idea to always ask for references from your breeder or anyone who has purchased a puppy from them in the past. If they have any, you should be able to get in contact with at least one person who can tell you about how their experience was with the breeder and whether or not they were satisfied with the way that everything was handled. If you cannot find any references, then this is something that should raise a red flag and may cause you to reevaluate why there are no people willing and able to speak on their behalf. Not having references does not necessarily mean that someone is a bad breeder; however, it does mean that you should take the time to dig a little deeper. A responsible breeder will usually have plenty of satisfied buyers that are willing to share their information about the transaction with future potential owners because it helps ensure that the people they are selling their puppies to will be good homes. Meeting past customers will also give you an idea of how the breeder interacts with their buyers and if they are willing to allow them to ask questions before, during, and after the sale. A good breeder will not only have a veterinarian that they trust and depend on to take care of their dogs, but they will also be willing and able to share the information about them with you. It is extremely important to find out how often your breeder takes their dogs to see a vet because this can also give you an idea as to just how much attention they pay towards making sure that they stay healthy and happy. If someone cannot afford proper veterinary care then breeding these animals should be A Reputable North Carolina Boxer Breeder Will Ask About Your Living Situation Most breeders want to make sure that their puppies are going into a loving home where each one can thrive and receive all of the attention it deserves. You may find yourself at the receiving end of a lot of questions from your breeder which is perfectly normal. You can usually find this information on their website or by calling your local department of agriculture. Look out for red flags when dealing with an unethical breeder in North Carolina; these may include: Claiming that their lineage is rare or includes show-quality dogs without any proof. Lack of Health Certificates Provided. Constantly being asked to pay a higher price after you have already committed. This may also happen if your breeder tries to do business over the phone and refuses to provide any documentation at first. Refusing to provide their contact information, address, or name. Take the time necessary when looking at boxers in NC that will make sure that their lineage is healthy and well taken care of. If your breeder cannot provide you with any information pertaining to potential health problems then this is not someone you should do business with. How to Prepare Your Home for Your Boxer Puppy There are a number of things you will want to consider preparing for before your boxer is set to arrive. First, make sure you stock up on all of the necessary supplies like food and water bowls, toys, treats, bedding, etc. Remember; puppies tend to chew on everything so make sure you keep important documents like remote controls and cell phones out of reach or else they might end up getting destroyed. Puppies also love leather; if given the opportunity they will start chewing away at your furniture corners which will make for a mess to clean up. Potty Training Your New Boxer Puppy Training your boxer to go potty outside will get easier with time; this is one of the most important things you can do when raising your new pup. Remember, patience is key when training any dog; it can be frustrating at times, but you should never hit or otherwise punish your puppy for having an accident. This will only make them more afraid of you and afraid to go near their potty areas in the future. I love animals and love helping people adopt a pet. It all started when attending Missouri State University and I began volunteering at an animal shelter.

We are fully licensed bulldog breeders and insured. We have an outstanding reputation as reputable breeders and come highly recommended. We like to class ourselves as one of the best. Our main goal is to breed healthy, quality, British bulldogs with the correct temperament in line with the breed standard. This is very important to us to breed the best quality bulldogs we can and so our litters are very carefully planned. I am a member of The British Bulldog Club, Yorkshire bulldog club and The London Bulldog Society and regularly attend shows all over the country with my bulldogs from which i have had great success. My family and I love bulldogs and have had them for many years. We own them as pets and they are part of the family home brought up with our young children. We breed our bulldogs with the health and improvement of the breed as the highest priority and to seek potential show dogs in line with the breed standard and many puppies we do sell only go to the best of homes with a lifetime of support and help. We are proud to have re homed our puppies in wonderful homes all over the UK and all over the world. We now also complete HUU testing on our dogs to ensure that non of our puppies are affected. I hold a Diploma of achievement, with which I passed judging and written elements at the British Bulldog Club Bulldog breed specific judging seminar 28th April and fully ID chipped qualfied Registered with the bulldog rescue as a back to breeder member Enjoy surfing our page, do not hesitate to contact us with any questions you may have. References 1. Clinical and pathological effects Dystocia difficulty in giving birth can occur for a variety of reasons. Both affect the English bulldog Johnston et al and lead to a very high rate of dystocia in this breed. Abnormalities of pelvic shape have been investigated in relation to dystocia in the Boston terrier and Scottish terrier Eneroth et al but, as far as we are aware, there have been no corresponding studies in the English bulldog. The foetal factor that is most likely to cause dystocia is a large head Johnston et al .The larger the puppy the greater the risk. The English bulldog is a brachycephalic breed. Dogs with brachycephalic airway disease have a shortened and distorted upper airway, narrow nostrils, an elongated soft palate, and an abnormal larynx voice box. Secondary to these airway obstructions, these dogs can develop collapsed airways, especially involving the larynx and trachea. These defects commonly make it difficult for the breed to breathe adequately whilst undertaking normal activity. Stress caused by exercise, excitement, heat or giving birth can exacerbate this and lead to collapse and death. It is likely that a proportion of the large number of caesarean sections carried out on English bulldogs are elective procedures arranged by breeders to avoid any chance of dystocia and the risk of asphyxiation of whelping bitches as might otherwise occur during the normal birth process Harvey .Return to top 2. Intensity of welfare impact Dystocia is a severe welfare problem for the affected bitch and, if untreated, it will usually lead to her death. Treatment of a bitch that is having difficulty giving birth involves transportation of the dog to a veterinary practice for examination and imposes further stressors for a brachycephalic dog with breathing difficulties. Uterine contractions are painful and control of this pain is difficult in the home environment, so any delay in the birth process causes more prolonged and severe pain than usual. Caesarean section is usually required to treat English bulldogs with dystocia. Unplanned, emergency caesarean sections are likely to have a higher welfare impact than either natural birth or elective caesarean, and a higher death rate for the puppies. Caesarean sections are major surgical procedures and anaesthesia presents particular risks to brachycephalic dogs because of their abnormal respiratory tracts and breathing difficulties. It is likely that a significant proportion of caesarean sections in English bulldogs are performed electively. Return to top 3. Duration of welfare impact If untreated, dystocia may continue for up to hours although, as this time goes on, mortality among the puppies will increase. If a caesarean is performed, there will be pain from the surgery for some days although effective analgesia should be available. A further issue is that if live puppies have been delivered and the bitch is to rear them normally then their sucking on a teat close to the surgical wound may cause her pain in the first week, or so, after the procedure. Return to top 4. English bulldogs were found in a study undertaken in Canada and the USA, to be in the top five of the breeds most likely to have elective and emergency caesarians Moon et al .From data on estimates of total dog population in the UK and on the percentage of all micro-chip registered dogs that are English bulldogs Lucy Asher, , personal communication , we estimate that the UK population size of this breed may be around 50, Return to top 5. Diagnosis A normal labour has three stages. In the first stage, the body prepares itself for birth with the cervix relaxing and dilating. During this stage, if left alone, the bitch in the wild would seek seclusion and dig a den. The second stage involves the loss of uterine fluids, progressively more vigorous straining, and birth of the puppies. The third stage of labour is delivery of the foetal membranes and, in dogs, this stage can be concurrent with the second stage, as membranes are sometimes expelled with their puppy. In some cases of dystocia, stage two never starts and dystocia is diagnosed once a dog is recognised not to have progressed from stage one to stage two after about 24 hours. Radiographs can be used to investigate if foetal-pelvic disproportion is the cause and to help in judging if normal birth will be possible. Return to top 6. The part of the canine genome responsible for brachycephaly has been identified and two genes have been implicated Bannasch et al .There are no genetic tests to help determine which dogs are least at risk of dystocia and therefore most suitable for use in breeding. Return to top 7. How do you know if an animal is a carrier or likely to become affected? All female English bulldogs are at risk of this condition. All puppies have the brachycephalic head shape and many bitches are unable to give birth naturally because of this and perhaps also because of pelvic abnormalities. Thus it is very difficult to find a puppy which has not been born via caesarean section. Ideally only puppies born by natural birth from a bitch that did not have dystocia, should be used for breeding. Return to top 8. Methods and prospects for elimination of the problem It might be argued that breeding from dogs that had been born naturally would help to select for a strain population able to give birth naturally in the future. However, any advantages that might bring would have to be 'weighed' carefully against the risks associated with allowing all births to progress naturally rather than undertaking elective caesarians to preclude the risk of dystocia. It might be possible to assess the size and shape of the pelvises of prospective mothers, as has been described for Boston and Scottish terriers by Eneroth et al .These authors found that bitches in which the pelvis was larger vertically than horizontally were less likely to suffer from dystocia. Breeding from such dogs, and from those with the greatest pelvic measurements, might be a reasonable approach and may be helpful in reducing the incidence of dystocia. However, this speculative proposal has not been validated and might be hard to undertake in practice. As yet no such scheme is in operation. Given the high proportion of animals that appear to suffer from foetal-pelvic disproportion in this breed, efforts to breed only from a minority judged to have the best chances of giving birth naturally might risk, through diminution of the size of the breeding population, inadvertent selection for other genetic diseases. Selecting for smaller head size in puppies is theoretically possible and, if successful, would probably help in reducing the incidence of dystocia. However, this might result also in unpredictable changes to other aspects of conformation or biology. Efforts directed at reducing the prevalence and severity of brachycephalic airway disease in the breed eg by out-crossing with dogs that are not affected with this disease would probably have an impact through reducing the severity of the brachycephaly itself. Return to top 9. Return to top .References Bennett D Normal and abnormal parturition. Abstract Background The English Bulldog has risen sharply in popularity over the past decade but its distinctive and extreme conformation is linked to several serious health conditions. Using multivariable analysis of anonymised veterinary clinical data from the VetCompass Programme, this study compared the odds of common disorders between English Bulldogs and all remaining dogs in the UK during .Results From , dogs under veterinary care during , the analysis included a random sample of 2, English Bulldogs and 22, dogs that are not English Bulldogs. English Bulldogs had 2. These included: skin fold dermatitis odds ratio [OR] .These included: retained deciduous tooth OR 0. These included: congenital disorder OR 7. These were: dental disorder OR 0. Conclusions These results suggest that the health of English Bulldogs is substantially lower than dogs that are not English Bulldogs and that many predispositions in the breed are driven by the extreme conformation of these dogs. Consequently, immediate redefinition of the breed towards a moderate conformation is strongly advocated to avoid the UK joining the growing list of countries where breeding of English Bulldogs is banned. However, its distinctive and extreme conformation has raised concerns because many of these physical features render the breed prone to serious health conditions. There are increasing international efforts to either reform the breed towards a more moderate conformation or, in the absence of such change, to ban the breeding of these dogs on welfare grounds. This VetCompass study explored random samples of anonymised veterinary clinical records from 2, English Bulldogs and 22, dogs that are not English Bulldogs from an overall population of , dogs under veterinary care during in the UK to identify all health disorders recorded for each dog during .The most common disorders in each group were identified and the risks for the most common disorders overall was compared between the English Bulldogs and dogs that are not English Bulldogs. English Bulldogs were younger 2. The results of this study suggest that the overall health of the English Bulldog is much lower than dogs that are not English Bulldogs. Many of the disorder predispositions reported in this study are intrinsically related to the extreme conformation of English Bulldogs. Redefining the body-shape of the breed away from its current extreme conformation and towards a moderate conformation is advocated for urgent action to avoid the UK joining the growing list of countries where breeding of English Bulldogs is banned. Background The English Bulldog was originally a muscular and athletic animal bred and used to attack bulls for sport, broadly similar in conformation to the modern Staffordshire Bull Terrier [ 1 ]. After this activity was banned in , the Bulldog breed became associated with the Victorian underworld, but was repurposed as a show dog at the end of the nineteenth century. Dog showing was a fashionable pastime at that time and was largely regulated by The Kennel Club from onwards [ 2 ]. Consequently, during the s, the combined influences of the breed standard and show-ring fashion drove a dramatic physical transformation of the Bulldog. This refashioned Bulldog had more exaggerated conformation than its ancestors — in particular, a shorter face with a protruding underjaw, heavier build and bowed forelegs [ 3 ]. Because this physical transformation was both dramatic and rapid, it triggered considerable controversy among breeders at that time [ 3 ]. They described many disorders then that are still reported as common problems in modern English Bulldogs, such as short lifespans, heat and exercise intolerance, dystocia, skin disease and noisy breathing [ 6 ]. While these historical accounts are inevitably subjective, lack quantitative data and are largely grounded in superseded understandings of pathology, they nevertheless demonstrate that, over a century ago, the English Bulldog was already showing a variety of health problems that correlate with those still reported in the breed today, and that, even then, Bulldogs were widely considered less robust than many other breeds [ 7 ]. Moreover, they also reveal that the fashion for extreme English Bulldog conformation has persisted for over a century despite widespread awareness of the linked health issues [ 8 ]. Because of the preexisting significance of the breed as a nationalistic icon, the new body shape of the English Bulldog was widely depicted in patriotic imagery from onwards, and became firmly established in popular culture thereafter [ 3 , 9 ]. Indeed, brachycephalic breeds, including the English Bulldog, are currently experiencing a surge in popularity, paradoxically despite increasing evidence and awareness of serious health problems linked to their physical appearance, such as respiratory compromise [ 12 , 14 ], spinal defects [ 15 ], dystocia [ 11 ], ocular disorders [ 13 , 16 , 17 ] and skin disease [ 18 ]. As small animal practice gained political influence during the s, leaders of the newly-formed British Small Animal Veterinary Association BSAVA undertook a pioneering survey of breed-related disease in pedigree dogs, which provides some limited quantitative data on Bulldog health at that time [ 20 ]. In , English Bulldogs were the 34th most numerous breed registered by the Kennel Club, comprising 0. Despite the methodological limitations of this early survey, it provides strong evidence that, sixty years ago, English Bulldogs were disproportionately affected by several conformation-related diseases, which, like those that were already being mentioned half a century earlier, broadly mirror those still reported as common in the breed today [ 6 ]. Using anonymised clinical data from primary care veterinary clinics in the UK, the VetCompass Programme [ 24 ] has previously reported high levels of skin and ear disease, ophthalmological disorders and respiratory issues in English Bulldogs [ 10 ]. Although previous research, historical evidence and anecdotal experience all support a general conclusion that English Bulldogs suffer extremely high levels of conformation-related disease, there remains a need to provide reliable supporting evidence to quantify this conclusion. Growing concerns about the welfare of dogs with severely brachycephalic conformation promoted the formation of the Brachycephalic Working Group in the UK in , followed by the International Collaborative for Extreme Conformations in Dogs in [ 27 , 28 ]. Legislative action has also been taken in countries such as the Netherlands where breeding of 12 brachycephalic dog breeds was banned in [ 29 , 30 ] and Norway where breeding of English Bulldogs was banned in [ 31 ]. Using anonymised veterinary clinical data from the VetCompass Programme [ 24 ], this study aimed to report the most commonly recorded disorders in English Bulldogs and to compare the odds of common disorders between English Bulldogs and all remaining dogs under primary veterinary care in the UK during after accounting for major confounding variables. Based on prior evidence of frequent health issues in the breed [ 10 ], the study hypothesised English Bulldogs would show more predispositions than protections among common disorders overall. The study also hypothesized that the disorders with the highest levels of predisposition in English Bulldogs are closely linked to the extreme conformation that defines the English Bulldog breed [ 8 ]. These results could assist breeders, veterinary practitioners and owners with a robust evidence base on the health of the wider general population of English Bulldogs to predict, prevent and manage key health and welfare opportunities for the breed. Methods The study population included all available dogs under primary veterinary care at clinics participating in the VetCompass Programme during .Dogs under veterinary care were defined as those with either a at least one electronic patient record EPR free-text clinical note, treatment or bodyweight recorded during or b at least one EPR recorded during both and .VetCompass collates anonymised EPR data from primary-care veterinary practices in the UK for epidemiological research [ 24 ]. Data fields available to VetCompass researchers include a unique animal identifier along with species, breed, date of birth, sex, neuter status, insurance status and bodyweight, and also clinical information from free-form text clinical notes, summary diagnosis terms [ 32 ] and treatment with relevant dates. A cross-sectional study design was used to estimate and compare the one-year period prevalence of the most commonly diagnosed disorders in a random sample of English Bulldogs and a random sample of all other dogs. Breed information entered by the participating practices was cleaned and mapped to a VetCompass breed list derived and extended from the VeNom Coding breed list [ 32 ]. Dogs recorded as English Bulldog were categorised as English Bulldog and dogs recorded with any other breed term were categorised as dogs that are not English Bulldogs. Neuter status was defined by the final available EPR neuter value and was combined with sex female entire, female neutered, male entire, male neutered. Adult bodyweight was defined as the mean of all bodyweight kg values recorded for each dog after reaching 18 months old. Mean adult bodyweight was reported overall and broken down by sex for all breeds with adult bodyweight available for at least dogs. Veterinary group attended was categorised as 1—5, based on the 5 practice groups involved in the study. Veterinary group describes aggregations of individual veterinary practices within consolidated larger consortia and were included in the current analysis to account for confounding effects that might have arisen from the owners' choice of individual practice to attend. The veterinary groups included in the current study were assigned a code during analysis to ensure anonymity and included practices that were distributed throughout the UK. Insurance status was categorised as insured or not insured as recorded by the final available EPR. The list of unique animal identification numbers for all dogs under veterinary care in was randomly ordered and the clinical records of a randomly selected subset of animals were reviewed manually in detail to extract the most definitive diagnoses recorded for all disorders that existed during [ 34 ]. Elective e. No distinction was made between pre-existing and incident disorder presentations. Disorders described within the clinical notes using presenting sign terms e. The extracted diagnosis terms were mapped to a dual hierarchy of diagnostic precision for analysis: specific-level precision and grouped-level precision as previously described [ 34 ]. Briefly, specific-level precision terms described the original extracted terms at the maximal diagnostic precision recorded within the clinical notes e. Grouped-level precision terms mapped the original diagnosis terms to a general level of diagnostic precision e. The sex-neuter status, age, adult bodyweight and insurance status for English Bulldogs and dogs that are not English Bulldogs under veterinary care during were described. One-year period prevalence values were reported separately for English Bulldogs and dogs that are not English Bulldogs to describe the probability of diagnosis at least once during .The final combined list of common disorders included the 30 most common disorders in English Bulldogs and the 30 most common disorders in dogs that are not English Bulldogs. Categorical data were summarized with number percent and continuous variables were summarised using median, interquartile range IQR and range. Multivariable modelling using binary logistic regression was used to report the odds of each disorder in English Bulldogs compared with dogs that are not English Bulldogs. A separate model was created for each specific-level and grouped-level disorder. Information theory was applied to generate a list of confounding variables that was consistently included alongside the breed variable in each model [ 36 , 37 ]. Confounding describes the mixing together of the effects from two or more variables on an outcome such as disorder occurrence [ 38 ]. Breed was an a priori variable of interest and was therefore included in all models. Results The study population of , dogs under veterinary care during in the UK included 8, English Bulldogs 0. Data completeness were breed .Descriptive results were reported on 2, English Bulldogs and 22, dogs that are not English Bulldogs Table 1. The median age of English Bulldogs 2. The median adult bodyweight of English Bulldogs .Consequently, understanding the development of conformation-related disease within the breed, and accurately documenting the disease burden and predispositions within the current breed population [ 6 ] are key to assessing and, if possible, redressing some of the main health issues in English Bulldogs. This evidence supports calls for urgent action to redefine the English Bulldog away from its current extreme conformation and instead to move the breed rapidly towards a moderate conformation on welfare grounds. The results of the current study support the study hypothesis that English Bulldogs show more predispositions than protections among common disorders overall. In line with prior evidence of frequent health issues in the breed [ 10 ], these current results support the previous assessments of poor health in English Bulldog populations dating back over a hundred years. More recently, Kennel Club surveys of English Bulldog mortality in and respectively reported median and mean ages of death of just over six years [ 48 , 49 ]. Analysis of mortality data from primary-care veterinary clinical records reported a median longevity of 7. Supporting a shorter lifespan overall in English Bulldogs, the current study reports the median age of English Bulldogs surveyed in 2. This could be partly explained by a population that skews towards young animals because of a growing popularity of the breed, as seen in steadily increasing Kennel Club registration figures over the last decade [ 21 ] and reported in primary-care veterinary practice [ 50 ]. However, given that only 9. Likewise, the disease predispositions reported in the current study for English Bulldogs show striking parallels to those previously attributed to the breed. For example, the disorder with the highest predisposition in the current study of English Bulldogs in was skin fold dermatitis, which was also the most frequently reported disease for Bulldogs in the BSAVA survey [ 20 ]. Similarly, the predisposition of the English Bulldog to prolapsed nictitating membrane gland and to entropion was recognised by veterinary ophthalmologists in [ 51 ]; these conditions were respectively the second and seventh highest disease predispositions in the current study of English Bulldogs in .Mandibular prognathism was the third highest predisposition of English Bulldogs in .Thus, the leading predispositions for disease in English Bulldogs, as determined by the current analysis of data, broadly correspond to disorders that have been long associated with the breed. This provides strong evidence supporting the validity of previous qualitative assessments of breed-related disease in English Bulldogs, but also revives the perennial question of why, since these diseases have been repeatedly documented as impairing Bulldog health for over a century, the breed nevertheless remains so commonly affected by these problems. In assessing which predispositions and protections to disease particularly differentiate English Bulldogs from the remaining general canine population, it is helpful to focus particularly on ultra-predispositions by breed: i. At the specific disorder level of analysis, the English Bulldog population in the current study showed ultra-predispositions to nine recorded disorders. Of these, four concerned diseases of the skin skin fold dermatitis, interdigital cyst, demodicosis and pododermatitis. These various dermatological conditions were necessarily differentiated by the different descriptors used by the originating primary care clinicians. When processing the data, each disorder was recorded once to the greatest possible level of clinical precision. However, these descriptors will inevitably potentially refer to similar or overlapping pathologies, and the certainty of the clinical diagnoses will not necessarily have been equally rigorous or precise in all cases. Therefore, it may be more justified to consider these linked and overlapping conditions at the grouped-level of skin disorders, where .These findings confirm that English Bulldogs carry substantially increased risk of skin disease compared with other dogs. While not all skin disease is directly related to exaggerated conformation, skin fold dermatitis, which by definition only occurs in folded skin, was the specific-level disorder to which English Bulldogs were most predisposed and showed a dramatically increased odds ratio of .Three ophthalmic conditions featured among the nine ultra-predispositions in English Bulldogs at the specific level of disorder: prolapsed nictitating membrane gland, keratoconjunctivitis sicca and entropion. A predisposition of English Bulldogs to entropion in-turned eyelids has been reported for over a hundred years [ 51 ]. This finding was confirmed by the current study, where 3. Entropion, like skin fold dermatitis, is commonly seen in brachycephalic breeds and is generally attributed to the excess facial skin that results from a foreshortened facial structure; hence, it is usually considered a conformation related disease [ 55 , 56 ]. Both prolapsed nictitating membrane gland and keratoconjunctivitis sicca were also reported in the current study as ultra-predispositions in English Bulldogs. A diagnosis of prolapsed nictitating membrane gland was .Yet, despite the greatly elevated odds ratio of prolapsed nictitating membrane gland in English Bulldogs, the 5. It may also reflect under-recording of prolapsed nictitating membrane gland in primary care clinical records. Consequently, dogs might be treated for this condition before sale or without the knowledge of primary care practices, potentially resulting in under-recording or under-diagnosis of this disorder in this study. Moreover, although several aetiopathological pathways are proposed for keratoconjunctivitis sicca, one possible cause is following the surgical treatment of a prolapsed nictitating membrane gland, particularly if the tissue is excised rather than replaced because the nictitating membrane gland contains secretory cells that contribute to lacrimal production [ 58 , 59 ]. Therefore, the ultra-predisposition to keratoconjunctivitis sicca noted in the current study may also reflect previous sub-optimal surgical treatment of prolapsed nictitating membrane gland. Thus, the ultra-predisposition of English Bulldogs to these two disorders in this study may be causally linked; further investigation of this association would inform future recommendations for the treatment of prolapsed nictitating membrane gland. The predisposition of English Bulldogs to BOAS is well documented [ 14 , 60 ], and is of sufficient clinical concern that The Kennel Club and the University of Cambridge have jointly launched a Respiratory Function Grading Scheme to facilitate selective breeding away from this condition in English Bulldogs and other brachycephalic breeds [ 61 ]. In the current study, despite a striking odds ratio of .While it is possible that this reflects biological difference between surveyed populations in different studies, it is much more likely that this discrepancy is chiefly due to normalisation of the condition in primary care practice [ 63 ]. Mandibular prognathism constitutes a different type of ultra-predisposition in the English Bulldog population surveyed and raises the thorny question of why a conformation that would be considered a serious health issue in one dog breed can be actively selected as a desirable trait in another. Although mandibular prognathism was the third highest predisposition recorded in the current study, with .English Bulldogs showed predispositions for .In comparison, French Bulldogs showed predispositions for .These results provide strong evidence supporting substantially poorer overall health in English Bulldogs and French Bulldogs compared to Labrador Retrievers and Staffordshire Bull Terriers. Although dogs had long been divided into loosely-recognised types, the concept of clearly differentiated and strictly delineated breeds was an invention of the Victorian era [ 2 ]. In consequence, the modern breeds that we know today can be ranked along a spectrum from mild to extreme conformational exaggeration, ranging from canine-typical mild conformational exaggeration to canine-divergent severe conformational exaggeration [ 13 , 14 ]. The combined proportion of predispositions and protections to disease within a breed could be used as a measure of overall health divergence between that breed and the mainstream canine population. Using this measure, English Bulldogs showed health divergence from other dogs for .French Bulldogs showed a similarly high level of health divergence, differing in .In comparison, Labrador Retrievers differed from other dogs for .The two Bulldog breeds with extreme brachycephaly thus both showed notably higher predispositions to disease as well as more disease divergence from other dogs than either Labrador Retrievers or Staffordshire Bull Terriers, although predispositions were relatively higher among English Bulldogs and protections among French Bulldogs. In contrast, neither Labrador Retrievers nor Staffordshire Bull Terriers showed any ultra-predispositions to disease at all, with their highest predispositions being an odds ratio of 2. Overall, therefore, these measures of disease predispositions, divergences and ultra-predispositions seen in English Bulldogs reveal a worrying story of a breed with more disease predispositions than other dogs, which differs widely from other dogs in their patterns of disease and is characterised by several ultra-predispositions to disease. With many of these ultra-predispositions to disease in the English Bulldog being linked to their characteristic extreme physical features, these results broadly confirm an unchanging link between exaggerated conformation and disease first flagged as a concern over a century ago [ 3 ]. All breeds, by definition, are different in some ways from the average for the canine population and therefore are likely to show some breed predispositions to, and protections from, disease [ 6 , 8 ]. It is also surprising that a breed with a high prevalence of many other descriptors for skin disease has an apparent protection for pruritus: perhaps this descriptor was subsumed within other more clinically precise descriptors, such as dermatitis or atopic dermatitis, and hence appears artefactually low. It may be that the recorded protection for periodontal disease and dental disorder is linked to the normalisation phenomena described above, but this conclusion is speculative. Other apparent protections for heart murmur and lipoma may indicate true disease protections in the breed, which could be explored in future studies. Over recent years, The Kennel Club has made concerted efforts to alleviate drivers for extreme conformation from the show-ring. Moreover, The Kennel Club breed standard for the English Bulldog has undergone iterative revisions over recent decades, intended to modify its wording to encourage the selection of dogs towards less extreme conformation [ 8 ]. Given that only a third of UK dogs are estimated to be registered with The Kennel Club [ 21 ]; and that even among this registered subset only a very small proportion are specifically bred for the show-ring [ 75 ], the impact of these measures on the general population of English Bulldogs is likely to be minimal. Although show-ring practices have undoubtedly had a profound historical influence in determining the shape of the modern English Bulldog [ 3 ], and most dogs described as English Bulldogs today will ultimately be descended from dogs bred for the show-ring in the past, it is easy to overstate the current significance of the show world and Kennel Club breed standard among English Bulldog breeders. While breed standard modifications are to be welcomed, they directly drive change only in the show population, and even then only if judges abide by them [ 76 ]. The show Bulldog community argues that its enthusiasts now discourage ultra-extreme conformation and that judges are instructed not to award prizes to dogs with obvious physical compromise. Further research is needed to investigate the social factors and local subcultures that drive and differentiate these breeding priorities, and how best to encourage behavioural change in each group. The current study had some limitations in addition to those previously reported for the application of primary care veterinary data for canine research [ 39 , 77 ]. This study relied on the breed identifications recorded on veterinary practice databases. The English Bulldogs in the current study included dogs registered with The Kennel Club as well those that are not. The study dogs are therefore likely to show a range of conformations, ranging from ultra-extreme to relatively moderate, that are consistent with our current acceptance of what constitutes an English Bulldog. Disorder risk for English Bulldogs was compared against all remaining dogs that were not English Bulldogs. Given that .This may have led to a masking effect for disorders linked to the brachycephalic conformation in the current study and suggests that the true levels of predisposition to disorders linked to brachycephaly in the English Bulldog could be much higher than reported here. Future work could include prospective cohort studies that compare disorder predisposition between English Bulldogs with moderate conformation and English Bulldogs with extreme conformation to evaluate potential welfare gains from conformational change within the breed. Repeating the current study design at defined intervals could also monitor real-world changes in the health of the English Bulldog over time following efforts by UK national groups such as the Brachycephalic Working Group [ 27 ]. Conclusions In providing further evidence that English Bulldogs experience unusually high levels of disease and show multiple predispositions and ultra-predispositions to disease, much of which is intrinsically related to their conformation, this study broadly confirms long-standing assertions that the health and welfare of English Bulldog is heavily compromised. Yet, despite extensive evidence and wide dissemination of the health issues and their serious negative welfare impacts for these dogs, it seems that many prospective owners are still not discouraged from English Bulldog ownership [ 41 , 42 ].

Originally the kennel was started by June and Norm MacLeod. June started with her first Golden Retriever in .Her first dog was a male named "Reid's Goldrange Blonde Bomber" who did well in the show and obedience rings. His stud fees helped to pay for her years at University. After graduation June and Norm welcomed several Goldens Retrievers and four children into their home. As breeders of Golden Retrievers in Ontario under this kennel name since and with registered puppies under this name since , in June and Norm MacLeod decided it was time to pass the reins to their daughter Holly MacLeod. Together with her husband and two children they are now carrying on the lines and legacy of Setherwood Golden Retrievers. Holly was born into a house of Golden Retrievers and has over 40 years of experience in her own right. Norm and June continue to be involved in the breeding, selection and in sharing years of wisdom as Setherwood now carries on as second generation family passion, and with an ongoing legacy of beautiful, healthy, Golden Retrievers. A Quality Breeder Our Golden Retrievers are all registered, and always bred from stock with certified clearances for hips. We also test every parents elbows, eyes and heart. All pups are vet checked and receive shots prior to heading to their new homes. Photo Gallery Show More sign up For Updates Be the first to hear about new Golden Retriever puppies, family reunion days, and receive occasional fun photos from Setherwood. We have a waiting list for upcoming litters so please reach out to discuss your interest in a Setherwood Golden Retriever or to ask any questions. We would love to hear from you. Setherwood Golden Retrievers. To ensure the safety of our readers and the right fit for a new pet, we work hard to make sure only the most trusted breeders are featured on the site. We have a dedicated team that works hard and has done extensive research that involves checking both the breeder and their dogs, to verify that the breeders featured on our site are highly reputable and trustworthy. Feedback on Google and Facebook is also taken into consideration before they are listed as a breeder to have the highest standards possible. We hope that this gives you a little more information about how we list breeders on our site. After extensive research, we came to the conclusion that there are lots of Golden Retriever breeders available in various localities in Canada. We want to make sure that only the best of the best Golden Retriever breeders are included on our list, so we went ahead and did our own research. We talked to a lot of Golden Retriever owners to get their thoughts. You can be confident that no backyard breeders or puppy mills not included on our list. Sandra pink is the owner of this breeding business and she is a member Canadian Kennel Club. All their puppies are raised in a loving home environment where they get plenty of early neurological stimulation and socialization with other animals and humans. This means that your new puppy will be well-adjusted to loud noises and new environments. The main aim of this breeder is to provide a puppy that will be a well-socialized, energetic and healthy addition to your family. At In the pink Golden Retrievers, they take great pride in their breeding program. All of the dogs in their breeding program have been carefully chosen for their ability to produce healthy offspring. They health test all of their breeding dogs and puppies for hereditary health issues such as hip and elbow dysplasia, post retinal atrophy, and subaortic stenosis. This allows us to ensure that every puppy they produce is healthy and has the best chance for long and happy life. Golden Retriever Breeder Info:. Litter Release Date: July .He will most likely have blond feathering later on once it grows in as his adult coat comes in. He has a robust and striking headpiece, with a solid masculine physique. I have rated him as a moderate to moderate plus energy level range. He was nice to work with under the hand during his temperament testing and photo shoot for both myself and Gavin who helped me with this project. However if your last Golden was a retriever nut, this could be a welcomed change for your home. Male 3 — Available for a forever home as of August 21, .Our puppies are all well started with crate training when they leave us as we feed them individually in crates from the age of 5 weeks. He will be CKC registered and come with a three year written health guarantee. Make arrangements with us to meet this outgoing and happy fellow soon! She enjoys company very much, and is just as devoted to all of the Goldnote Team Members as she is to me. She is a great house dog and companion to us here. We are expecting the same traits from her puppies as she posses herself. Mosley is a fun loving boy, he enjoys meeting everyone in turn with his happy face and bright and cheerful disposition. His striking good looks will catch your eye, but you will remember his welcome to you more! Thank you for visiting our site! We are a family of 4 and we are located in a rural community just outside of Hamilton Ontario. We got our first Golden Retriever, a male we named Hudson, in and he truly changed our lives. It was then that we decided we wanted to learn all we could about this breed! We moved out of the city and into the country in with a plan to expand our Golden family. We wanted to have lots of room for the dogs to roam and explore on the property. We show our dogs ourselves in conformation shows and we are active members of the CKC. All of our dogs have completed their health clearances including eyes, heart, hips, elbows as well as other genetic testing. This is done to ensure the best possible health of the pups. Our dogs are raised in our home and are a huge part of our family. As you are doing your due diligence in finding the right breeder, we as well are very particular in deciding the homes that we place our puppies in. A puppy is a lifetime commitment and we do our best to place them in homes that will treat them as loved and cherished family members. We have a small group of Golden Breeder friends to whom we have a great deal of respect for and draw our knowledge from. Thank you for your interest in Glanbrook Goldens! Not house trained not fixed. Puppies will come with health record. Mom and Dad are on-site. Well acclimated to children and other animals. They have been vet checked, had their first vaccinations and have.Mother is a purebred Golden Retriever who is very friendly and love swimming. Father is a.Ready to go with 1st shots and.Are you ready to add a bundle of joy to your family? Look no further than our exquisite litter of Golden Retriever puppies! These lovable.Please text is if your interested in meeting them 2 puppies left. They've been raised around.Puppies are 10 weeks old. Got first vaccine shot and dewormed 2 times. Very playful and well.Call or text only. Friendly playful well tempered and seriously good.Mom and Dad are both purebred golden retrievers. Puppies were born august 9th, Thank you for your understanding! Ready to go! Both blonde and white coat available. Damn is English Cream, fully health tested including DNA thyroid, hips and elbows, echo cardiogram and.These pups are F1b and will be roughly lbs full grown. They will be vet checked, dewormed, and have first shots before they are.We have a sweet litter of Pure Tiny Yorkies Born on July 15th, consisting of 4 healthy babies 2 girls and .Catharines This is Simba! Simba has lots of energy, loves going for walks, can play fetch for eternity but is also always cuddled up by my side. It breaks my heart to have to give him away as I love him so much.The hook hangs down from the metal plate in the back and is about 2. Puppies will be ready to go home September 7th! We have amazing training and care for our pups. We have raised everything.There is still a black female at this time. I am a certified breeder and have yearly inspections on my dogs and the facility they are.We like to have a fun theme with our litters. Emma and Ch Jengars brave at heart have.Catharines Purebred golden retriever puppies for sale. They have been raised with other dogs around them and a cat! Your more than welcome to come meet them! We are located in welland. Pups have been vet.Ready to go the end of November early December. Puppies will come with First shots Dewormed Microchipped 2 year congenital health guarantee Both.Cinder has so much potential for someone looking for a sports prospect. Awesome swimmer already! Also super sweet and snuggly. She is going to be on the smaller side.Both parents live on site, and are well tempered, affectionate, easy to train dogs. The puppies are socialized with children, cats, There are 3 boys and 5 girls Both parents are healthy purebred goldens These puppies will be ready for their new homes on.Catharines This adorable litter of well socialized puppies is ready to be picked for their forever homes. Will be dewormed, vet checked and have their first set of shots at 6 weeks and will.Catharines We have two beautiful male puppies looking for their forever homes! They are currently 7 weeks old, so contact me if you would like to reserve one today! Pups will be dewormed and vet checked. They are currently 7 weeks old and growing well! Momma Lucy is a CKC registered retriever, our much loved family pet and best companion. Easy to hang hardware included. Handcrafted in the USA. Patented warp-resistant construction with solid matboard backing Shipping by seller.

Breeders VS. The sad truth is that many pet store purchased pups actually come from puppy mills. Basically, there is zero authenticity with pet stores. When it comes to adopting any animal from a pet store, there is an increased risk of unforeseen health or genetic problems. You also cultivate a life-long relationship with the breeder, meaning support is available to you anytime you may need it. With My Golden Retriever Puppies , you have the option to come and visit both the puppy and the breeder in person! Golden Retrievers are an adaptable breed, meaning they are better at adapting to seasonal changes and various types of climate than certain other breeds. Goldens sport a double-coat, which ensures that these sweet pups are able to tolerate slightly colder temperatures than their friends from other breeds. Your pup deserves better than that, which is why here at My Golden Retriever Puppies , we ensure high-quality care is taken of your pet at all times. We even have all types of golden retrievers for sale! At My Golden Retriever Puppies, we pride ourselves on our golden retriever price being fair and affordable for high quality puppies. Location Information for Tulsa Customers Our home office is located in Ohio, but we understand that long-distance travel can be inconvenient. If you prefer to meet a breeder in person, they may be able to offer private visits at their home. Of course! Here at My Golden Retriever Puppies , we value family and authenticity, which is why we always guarantee our pups through our 2-year genetic health guarantee. Like adopting a Golden Retriever from a pet store, there is an increased risk when adopting a pup from a rescue center or shelter as well. For example, pups purchased through a shelter or rescue center are far less likely to come with the kinds of health guarantees and reassurances that a breeder can provide. What type of Golden Retrievers are sold in Tulsa? We have some good news! Ready to make your Golden Retriever dreams come true? Take a look at our convenient list of available puppies. How do I know which breeders to trust in Tulsa? Our independent network of trusted breeders have already been pre-screened and verified, so that you can focus on what really matters: choosing your dream puppy. Be the first to know when we have new puppies! All Rights Reserved. Not all training packages may be available at our Dog Training Elite Tulsa location, please reference our pricing page for complete information on services offered. Puppies are capable of learning basic commands. Smart Golden Retriever puppies do great with early training. Complete Golden Retriever puppy training typically takes a few months. Dog Training Elite Tulsa offers specialized in-home training. Working with a Golden Retriever puppy and the owner directly in the home prevents puppies from being distracted and allows dog trainers to create personalized training plans for individual puppies, as well as address any unique needs or issues. Once a puppy has completed in-home training, Dog Training Elite Tulsa offers puppy group classes for further training. Beginning Golden Retriever training in the home also helps owners bond with their pup so when the dog trainer leaves, no progress is lost. Training can be great mental stimulation, so a great exercise for Golden Retrievers as they get older is progressing their training. Once your puppy has mastered sitting, for example, train them to maintain the position until released. Once your puppy is a bit older, explore other sports and activities. This includes developing conditioned or automatic reflexes to commands. In its simplest form after proper conditioning , when the owner says "sit," the dog automatically sits without thinking about it. Our unique techniques ensure our program is a success no matter what behavior we encounter. Empowering Owners We empower owners to train so their dog knows who to obey at all times. Personalized We deal with problem behaviors on a personal basis. Environment Specific We train wherever issues tend to arise i. Supportive We support owners in the off-hours when training is "not in session". Involved We work with all members of the household. Satisfaction Ratings Our high client satisfaction rating sets us apart from competitors. True to their name, Golden Retrievers love retrieving things! Golden Retriever Specific Tips Weight Management Golden Retrievers can easily become overweight so owners will need to help manage their food intake. Golden Retriever Specific Tips Make it a Family Affair If you have adopted a Golden Retriever puppy to become part of a family, make sure all kids and adults are on the same page with training and all practice basic tricks with the family dog. Dog Training Elite Tulsa has developed training programs for puppies and adult dogs alike based on positive reinforcement. German Shepherd training with our in-home option is entirely possible. Read on to learn more about the Dog Training Elite Tulsa training method. Golden Retriever training can help you establish routines and learn how to be consistent about enforcing them. All Sizes. All Ages. The Dog Training Elite Difference Dog Training Elite Tulsa uses modern training methods focused on positive reinforcement and bonding between dog and dog owner. Dog Training Elite Tulsa never resorts to the use of punishment to help dogs unlearn bad behavior. The difference becomes clear when comparing a dog that is trained out of anxiety and intimidation vs a dog who truly desires to please from the inside out. The Dog Training Elite Tulsa training theory is mostly based around classical conditioning, also known as the Pavlovian method or respondent conditioning. In its simplest form after proper conditioning , when an owner says "sit," their dog automatically sits without thinking about it. Through a combination of commands and an electronic collar, dogs learn to follow commands at once. Other dog trainers use harsh static collars or spray collars which have been shown to be less effective. Ready to turn your Golden Retriever puppy into a loyal and loving companion? Find a trainer near you today! We help your dog become a valued companion and beloved member of the family. Read what our customers have to say and then give us a call! Best dog trainers ever. I have worked with several other trainers. David and Kristin are by far the best.

Hypoallergenic refers to something that is less likely to trigger an allergic reaction. The American Kennel Club list the Poodle as one of 19 breeds that they consider to be hypoallergenic. By combining the Labrador with the Poodle, the creator of the Labradoodle — Wally Conron — hoped to create a hybrid dog that would inherit the IQ of both parents as well as the low-shedding genes of the Poodle. No dog is really hypoallergenic, but some dogs are definitely better for allergies. Intelligent, Highly Trainable The Labrador and the Poodle are considered to be one of the most intelligent dogs in the world. The Poodle is ranked at number two. Just two places further down the list is the Labrador Retriever. Most Labradoodle owners attest to the fact that their dogs are relatively easy to train and quick to learn new commands and tricks. Labradoodles like Labradors are quite easy to train. They love their little snacks so you might see better behaviour when doggy-treats are around! Friendly And Sociable Labradoodles tend to be friendly, outgoing and sociable dogs. You may want to consider puppy manners classes and puppy training. Labradoodles like to be around their pet parents and other members of the family. Labradoodles are very social dogs! They like to be near you. They love people and animals! They are also very sensitive. Family Pets Labradoodles can make loved family pets. Labradoodles are robust enough to enjoy some playtime with their family members. Their energy levels mean they can make excellent companions for dog owners who are looking for a dog that can go on regular runs, robust hikes and long walks. Alfie revealed that they got Oreo to excel in a family setting. So far Oreo is great, we did a lot of research beforehand and Labradoodles are known to be great family pets. Most will! Copper and Lily both love kids. Therefore you can usually access a list of breeder who have committed to achieving this breed standard and upholding the code of ethics. However, some pet parents may not have the ability, energy or time to provide sufficient exercise for their Labradoodles. These hybrid dogs will need a regular outlet to stretch their legs or keep their minds active. Simone described Bram in a very unique way. Yes they certainly are [energetic]! They are real bouncing balls. Wag Walking recommend around 60 minutes of exercise a day for a Labradoodle. However, proving that every Labradoodle could be slightly different, Sonja tells a different story with Semmy. Semmy is not very active, I would say less than is usual. If we do not take her out she is okay with sleeping all day. Often it is the case that if the owner of the pet likes to live an active lifestyle your dog will be raised in this environment and thus like an active life as well! Expensive Labradoodles are usually put in the bracket of a designer breed. This is the first indication that Labradoodle puppies can be quite expensive. It depends on the breeder, the color and size range of the Labradoodle as well as other factors. Sonja kindly gave us an insight into the average price of a Labradoodle based upon her experience of purchasing Semmy. Labradoodles are not the most affordable dogs. Sonja makes a good point as Labradoodles can cost more than just the initial price of purchasing your puppy. Could Still Shed Labradoodles are considered a hypoallergenic cross breed given the influence of the Poodle genes. Even if you adopt a Labradoodle dog that turns out to be a low shedder, dog salvia and urine can still trigger allergies. They can also bring in allergens from outside the home such as pollen. Labradoodles need to brushed on a daily basis to prevent their coats from becoming matted or tangled. By grooming your Labradoodle, you can prevent potential infections. Labradoodles will usually require a trim every three months or so. While you may be able to give your dog a haircut, most Labradoodle owners will prefer to use the services of a professional. Jackie provided us with her grooming regime for Mango and Savanna. Labradoodles need regular grooming. Daily or at least every other day combing and brushing if their coat is longer to maintain a mat free coat. Getting mats wet makes them worse. Mango and Savanna are groomed regularly about every 6 weeks; bath, blow-dry, trim or cut, nails, sanitary cut. Because they are therapy dogs at the hospital they do get more baths than normal. Jackie gave a rough guide on the coast of grooming for Labradoodles. The cost of dryer, shears, scissors, clippers, combs, grooming table can be recouped in just a matter of a few groomings. It can take anywhere from hours to groom a labradoodle properly. They require regular brushing to prevent matting, as well as regular groomings. They are also prone to ear infections because of their floppy ears, so they require regular ear cleaning. Hip Dysplasia Labradoodles are a cross breed and mixed dogs are usually considered healthier than purebred dogs. Having said that, Labradoodles are still prone to some health problems. This includes hip dysplasia. The American Kennel Club offer an explanation of hip dysplasia on their website. Hip dysplasia is a common skeletal condition, often seen in large or giant breed dogs, although it can occur in smaller breeds, as well. To understand how the condition works, owners first must understand the basic anatomy of the hip joint. The hip joint functions as a ball and socket. In dogs with hip dysplasia, the ball and socket do not fit or develop properly, and they rub and grind instead of sliding smoothly. This results in deterioration over time and an eventual loss of function of the joint itself. Food Intolerances Labradoodles, just like any other purebred or mix breed, can suffer with food intolerances. Remember, every Labradoodle is likely to differ a little. If you suspect your Labradoodle could have a sensitivity to a certain type of food, we recommend taking a dog allergy test. We have also noticed that Labradoodles with a lighter coloured coat are more vulnerable and can become allergic to certain types of foods. Anything Else To Consider? We recommend that you do lots of research on the breed, speaking to current Labradoodle owners, getting in contact with a number of different breeders with your questions as well as reaching out to other people who have purchased a Labradoodle pup from the breeder. Just remember that no dog is hypoallergenic in spite of claims made by breeders. Just like any other type of dog, this popular mix can come with their perks and their challenges. Labradoodles will usually be low-shedding dogs that can excel in a family setting. These hypoallergenic dogs can have high energy levels so you should be prepared to exercise your Labradoodle regularly. Reptiles 15 Labradoodle Pros And Cons! Labradoodles are a relatively new breed of dog. They are a cross between a Labrador Retriever and a standard poodle. Labradoodles were first bred to take care of shedding for people with allergies. They are classed as hypoallergenic. They are also often used as guide dogs and support dogs. A Little Bit About Labradoodles The first Labradoodle was born in although it was not until many years later in that Wally Conron crossed a Lab Retriever and a standard poodle to create what we know as the Labradoodle. The breed became very popular when people realised that it was hypoallergenic. Labradoodles are also easy to train. In fact, the first litter produced a pup which was named Sultan and became a guide dog for a lady in Hawaii. He lived with her for 10 years. Looking at the parents of the Labradoodle we see that this dog is smart and friendly. He is moderately active and comes with a coat which can be either shaggy or curly, or a combination of both. We are now going to look at Labradoodles pros and cons. They are great for first time owners as well as families. You will find that these dogs seem to wag there tails all the time and look genuinely happy to see their owners. Great news if you are excessively house proud or allergic to dog hair. Although you still need to groom the Labradoodle it takes less time than other breeds and only needs to be trimmed a few times during the year. If a labradoodle could spend the whole day playing with people, he will be in heaven. They may get a little boisterous around smaller kids so care must be taken in these situations. You do need the right motivation which usually takes the form of treats or walks. House training and kennel training are easy for them to learn as are things like sitting and staying. As with any dog it is important to start training at an early age and to reinforce things daily. Even adult Labradoodles can be taught new tricks. They love nothing more than contact with their family. With exercise and care there is no reason why they cannot live to 15 years or even longer. This is another reason why they make great family dogs as they can grow up with the kids. Any healthcare issues can be sorted out with the right care and attention. This makes them great for assisting disabled people by bringing things to them. This also makes them valuable hunting dogs. To qualify for the recognition there needs to be at least four generations of lineage. Although they are very protective of their families, they are also very social creatures and love to meet new people and you ill more likely find them wagging their tails instead of chasing them away. For this reason, it is important to start training at an early age and to be constant in this. If not, the pooch will happily take your place on the sofa or bed and be reluctant to give it up. Sometimes older dogs will be reluctant to change their ways and simply ignore a command to sit still. This also helps them to run of some of that steam. Destructive behaviour may include chewing your favourite shoes or slippers or even the furniture. For this reason, it is important to have a safe place to leave them when you go out. They will get bored and destroy your home if they are left unsupervised inside. This also means that if the dog is left on his own, he may bark quite a lot. They do not like to be left alone so if you are at work all day, then this breed may not be the best for you. They shed far less than the Labrador. However, this minimal amount of shedding is often outweighed by their ability to be used as guide dogs. They may also suffer from hip dysplasia. Occasionally they may have food allergies. If the dog you plan on buying is AKC registered, you will pay top dollar. Is the Labradoodle for you? These are classed as large dogs and they can be boisterous around small kids although they love playing games and will happily fetch balls and sticks. They are not suitable for apartments and need exercise every day otherwise they will get bored and become destructive. Yards need to be fenced so that they do not run off and explore on their own. Generally, Labradoodles are healthy dogs although some suffer from ear and eye infections. All pups should be tested for hip dysplasia before buying them. Medical records from both parents should be available to see. If not, it is unwise to buy the pup. These are great family dogs, but they prefer their families to be active. A sedentary family will not suit this character and the pooch will become bored. Most of the time the Labradoodle will be a quiet dog but if he does not get his own way or is left alone, he may resort to barking. If you want a guard dog, then this breed is not for you. While he will let you know if he thinks you are bothering his family, he typically enjoys meeting people and will greet them with a wagging tail rather than a bark. Labradoodles Pros and Cons: Final thoughts Labradoodles are a delightful breed of designer dog, affectionate and friendly as well as attentive. They love a family who plays with them, takes them for long walks and allows them to be with them as much as possible. Labradoodles are not suitable for apartments or even small houses as they grow large and need space to run around in. Neither are they suitable for older people unless the dog is old as well and unlikely to jump up and knock them down. Puppies are full of energy and need to be exercised every day. They are easy to train although this should be constant and regular. Although the price of Labradoodles is costly particularly if you want one who is AKC registered, the average pooch will live for anything up to 15 years. If they are taken care of and receive correct nutrition and medical inspections, there is no reason why they should not be a part of the family for many long years. Related posts:. Labradoodle health issues Owning a Labradoodle pros and cons As Labradoodle dogs are gaining popularity among dog owners, more and more people wonder what are the pros and cons of owning a Lab Poodle Mix dog. Labradoodle is a hybrid between two well known dog breeds Poodle and Labrador Retriever and Labradoodle puppies inherit some of the genetics from the Poodle and some from Labrador dogs, resulting in some advantages as well as some challenges that are presented below. What are the pros of owning a Labradoodle? One of the reasons why this hybrid dog was created was to add the hypoallergenic and low shedding poodle's coat to the winning personality of Labrador Retriever thus creating a dog that doesn't shed as much as Labrador and at the same time has the best qualities from both of these breeds. Labradoodles are very versatile in sizes because Poodles come in three different sizes and the size of Labradoodle dog depends on which Poodle type was bred into the mix. If it's a Standard Poodle, the puppies will grow to be on the large side, while Miniature Poodle and Labrador Mix puppies are smaller in size and are more suitable as apartment dogs than Standard size Labradoodles. Although all Labradoodles are active dogs that have a lot of energy, smaller Labradoodles may be more comfortable living in smaller space than larger Labradoodles. Overall, Labradoodles are more suitable for a life in a house with a large fenced yard where the energetic dog can run and play during the day to let off some steam. One of the cons to owning a Labradoodle is that this dog requires a lot of exercise every day. At least a couple of hours are necessary to spend walking, playing and providing the dog with physical and mental stimulation. Labradoodles really enjoy toys that they can chew on or fetch. Swimming is other activity that most Labradoodles really enjoy. Labradoodles are not ideal dogs for people who don't like to walk for hours every day with their active pet. Lab Poodles that don't receive sufficient exercise may start developing various undesirable behavior problems out of boredom and that is another reason why this dog is not for everyone. How trainable are Labradoodles? One of the most valued qualities in Labradoodle dogs is their ability to learn. Highly intelligent Lab Poodle Mix dogs are eager to please their owners and enjoy being training, especially when the training process is reward-based. The Labradoodle pro is that this dog has an endless capacity for learning and can be trained to a high standard. Because Labradoodles are easily trainable, this hybrid dog is suitable even for people who are new dog owners. After reading a couple of books on dog training even someone who has never trained a dog before can get good results with training a Labradoodle dog which is another positive quality of Lab Poodle mix dogs. Are Labradoodles easy to groom? That depends on the coat texture of your unique Labradoodle. Some Labradoodles are easier to groom and need a few good coat brushing sessions each week, while others may need more extensive grooming especially with more challenging coat textures that resemble the Poodle's coat. Overall Labradoodles shed significantly less than Labrador Retrievers and that is yet another pro for choosing this dog. People with pet allergies may find that Labradoodles don't trigger their allergic reaction when around the dog since Labradoodles produce less pet allergens than many other dog breeds. But each case is different and for someone with severe pet allergies even a Labradoodle may not be a suitable dog. Always spend some time with the dog prior to making a final commitment to be sure that your pet allergies aren't triggered by a Labradoodle dog. A larger dog such as the Labradoodle can be expensive to acquire and to maintain, which is a con. Labradoodle puppies can be costly, health care of the dog, getting all the necessary vaccinations, professional training and grooming, plus dog food and supplies can add up to a small fortune. Labradoodles are not for people with limited means - this dog can be expensive not only in terms of money, but taking good care of the dog and spending the time that this demanding dog requires every day is something that anyone who is considering this dog should think about prior to getting a Labradoodle puppy home. Are Labradoodles good family dogs? One of the reasons why Labradoodles are so popular is their happy and friendly temperament that fits most family situations. Lab Poodle Mix dog makes a great family pet because Labradoodles are intelligent, easily trainable, tend to have fewer health issues than purebred dogs and they love being around older kids that they can play with. Families with very young children may need to wait until kids get older as keeping a pet such as the Labradoodle often requires more time and effort than a family with young children can afford to spend on a dog. What are the cons to owning a Labradoodle dog? Labradoodles tend to be large in size and not suitable for city living or for an apartment living. Labradoodle needs lots of space to exercise and to live comfortably. Other disadvantages to owning a Labradoodle is the high maintenance cost. Labradoodles need a lot of exercise and not all people can keep up with this energetic pet, which is also a con. There are some health issues that Labradoodles are prone to and potential owners need to be aware of. Pros of Having a Labradoodle Labradoodles are hypoallergenic since they don't shed much. Lab Poodles are excellent dogs for family setups, thanks to a family friendly temperament they have. Lab Poodle mix dogs are very intelligent and easy to train. Labradoodle dogs are playful and sociable. Labradoodles are generally healthy dogs. Cons of Having a Labradoodle Labradoodle crossbreeds tend to be big dogs and need lots of space to exercise. Lab-Poodle mix dogs are high-energy and need frequent exercise. Lab Poodles are susceptible to several health issues you need to consider. Labradoodle dogs are expensive to buy. Labradoodles are associated with relatively high costs of maintenance. Labradoodle health problems Labradoodles have hybrid robustness, giving them the advantage of enjoying better health than their parent breeds. However, Labradoodles still get affected by some common diseases that affect all dogs. What are Labradoodle health issues? Some of the health problems Labradoodles experience include ear infections that can be avoided with proper ear care. Other diseases that affect Labradoodle dogs include: Epilepsy: Brings seizures to your dog, it being a neurological disease. Allergies: Usually caused by interaction with outside materials that they are unfamiliar with. Joint problems: the likes of hip, knees and elbow dysplasia. Von Willebrand's disease: A hereditary disease that bars frequent protein clotting of the blood. Progressive Retinal Atrophy: results in the degeneration of the two sides retina leading to the continuous diminishing of vision and eventually blindness. Sebaceous Adenitis: Though rare, this disease affects the dog's skin and hair follicles leading to hair loss. It mainly affects standard Labradoodle. Diabetes Mellitus: This leads to the scarcity of insulin in the dog's body. Hypothyroidism: This leads to loss of dog's fur, weight gain, laziness, and cold intolerance. The life-threatening Von Willebrand's disease Take your Labradoodle to the veterinary clinic for frequent checkups. Veterinarians may be able to diagnose your Lab Poodle Mix dog's present and future health by conducting DNA tests, X-rays and blood tests. Labradoodles Are Low-Allergen Dogs One of the reasons Labradors and Poodles were originally crossbred was to create a low-shedding dog that could suit people with dog fur allergies. Labradors are high shedding dogs , while Poodles are non-shedders. But Labradoodles may not be completely non-shedding as the Poodle, at least not the F1 hybrid Labradoodle. Whichever way, though, your Labradoodle will be a lower-allergen dog compared to their Labrador parent. The coat has a wooly texture with loose and easy-to-brush spiraling hairs. Dogs with this type of coat are non-shedding. It has a soft texture and can appear in a spiraling curly or straight wavy look. Labradoodle fleece coats shed lightly and are easier to brush. The Hair Coat: It is found in Labradoodles that inherit more gene variance for coat type from their Labrador parent. It is common in first-generation Labradoodles. The coat shedding is higher than the other two coat types but lower than in Labrador coats. The same is true of Labradoodles, thanks primarily to the variety of coat colors in their Poodle parent. Possible Labradoodle coat colors include: Black: Solid black without any markings. Chalk: White that has a chalky-white look when compared to pure white. Caramel: The color of caramel, a shade between rich gold and deep red. Chocolate: A dark and rich chocolate color. Red: A solid and even rich red that should be evenly distributed from the hair roots. Silver: Can be a light bluish-gray or a dark charcoal shade. Blue: A dark or average smoky blue. Lavender: A smoky lavender-chocolate color that tends toward lilac or pink color. Labradoodles Are Good Service Dogs Apart from creating a hypoallergenic dog, a second reason for the original Labrador Poodle mix was to create a breed with the temperament of a service dog. That explains why Labradoodles are rated good service dogs. Labradoodles Are Easier To Predict Than Other Mixed Breeds One of the cons attributed to mixed breed dogs is that they are hard to predict because, unlike purebreds, they do not have an established standard for physical and temperamental characteristics. Although the AKC does not yet recognize Labradoodles, prospective owners can make reference to the breed standard established by the Australian Labradoodle Association for an idea of what to expect of their pet. Labradoodle Cons Despite the advantages of the Labradoodle explained above, these dogs can also have a few disadvantages. Knowing about the Labradoodle cons will help you determine if the Labrador Poodle mix is meant for you. This has not only seen them become frequent family pets in US homes, but their popularity has also led to an inflated price. Also, most breeders include an additional State Sales Tax value above their usual pricing. It is possible to find low-priced Labradoodles on online listing websites like puppyfinder. However, while it was possible to find plenty of info on the Labradoodle breeding process from breeder websites, this was not always the case with the online listing website. Related: Mixed Breed Dogs vs. Purebreds: Who Is More Expensive? Labradoodles Have High Coat Grooming Needs Because they inherit part of the curly hair of the Poodle and the shedding fur of the Labrador, Labradoodles have high grooming needs. If your Labradoodle comes in a curly coat, daily brushing is essential to keep the hairs from matting. Fleece coats should also be brushed daily and are easier to comb than curly coats. Hair coats can be managed with alternate days of brushing to keep the coats sheen and remove loose hairs. While proper care through nutrition, exercise, and regular vet visits is vital to keep your pet healthy, susceptibility to certain diseases can be inherited from parents. This is also true for crossbreeds like Labradoodles. Labradors are prone to diseases such as: Hip and elbow dysplasia Eye diseases like progressive retinal atrophy Exercise-induced collapse EIC. Conclusion Origins of Mini Labradoodles A captivating blend of the ever-popular Labrador Retriever and the intelligent Miniature Poodle, the Mini Labradoodle has emerged as a designer dog breed that effortlessly steals the spotlight. Let's embark on a journey to discover the roots of this charming crossbreed, explore the reasons behind its creation, and unveil the magic that sets them apart from other breeds. Origin of the breed The captivating story of the Mini Labradoodle began in the s when breeders sought to combine the best qualities of the affectionate Labrador Retriever and the allergy-friendly Miniature Poodle. This remarkable union was initially driven by a desire to create a service dog with hypoallergenic traits, perfect for those with allergies. Little did they know, this crossbreeding would lead to the birth of a canine superstar. From the Labrador Retriever, it gained its gentle temperament, loyalty, and eagerness to please. Meanwhile, the Miniature Poodle bestowed upon it exceptional intelligence, a low-shedding coat, and a touch of elegance. This harmonious blend of traits positioned the Mini Labradoodle as a versatile companion, winning hearts and homes around the world. Their unrivaled combination of charm, intellect, and hypoallergenic features quickly elevated them to designer dog breed status. Today, they continue to reign as one of the most adored and sought-after crossbreeds, enchanting dog lovers with their irresistible allure. With an array of remarkable traits inherited from their parent breeds, these charming canines offer a host of benefits that make them truly stand out in the canine kingdom. Affectionate and friendly temperament One of the most enchanting qualities of Mini Labradoodles is their affectionate and friendly nature. These little bundles of joy are known to form strong bonds with their families, making them loving and loyal companions. Their amiable disposition also means they're wonderful with children, other pets, and even strangers, spreading their warmth and love wherever they go. Their innate curiosity and problem-solving abilities make them a delight to teach, as they quickly pick up commands and tricks. This winning combination of brains and brawn makes them not only excellent companions but also versatile working dogs, adept at tasks such as therapy, assistance, and even search and rescue. Thanks to their Poodle lineage, these lovable canines are blessed with a hypoallergenic and low-shedding coat, ensuring a minimal impact on allergy sufferers and reducing the need for constant cleanups. This advantage makes them an ideal choice for families in search of a low-allergen furry friend. These resourceful pooches can comfortably adjust to various living situations, making them suitable for both city apartments and sprawling country homes. As long as they receive adequate exercise and companionship, these pint-sized wonders can thrive in any environment, providing their families with unwavering love and support. RELATED: 7 Reasons why you should get a Doodle Good with children and other pets Mini Labradoodles are renowned for their sociable and gentle demeanor, making them a popular choice for families with young children or other pets. Their patient and tolerant nature ensures they can comfortably coexist with other furry friends, and their playful spirit makes them wonderful playmates for kids of all ages. With a Mini Labradoodle by your side, your home will be filled with laughter, love, and boundless joy. However, these drawbacks are easily manageable with a bit of dedication and care, ensuring that you and your Mini Labradoodle can enjoy a harmonious life together. Moderate grooming requirements One of the few trade-offs of owning a Mini Labradoodle is their need for regular grooming. Their luscious curls, while visually stunning, require consistent brushing and trimming to keep them looking their best and prevent matting. Fear not, though, as with a grooming routine in place and a trusty brush in hand, you'll have no trouble maintaining your furry friend's fabulous coat. While this may be seen as a drawback, it can also be a delightful surprise, as each Mini Labradoodle offers a unique combination of characteristics that make them truly one-of-a-kind. Celebrate your pup's individuality and embrace the magic of their distinctive charm. Exercise and mental stimulation needs Though smaller in stature, Mini Labradoodles are no less energetic and intelligent than their larger counterparts. To keep them happy and healthy, they require regular exercise and mental stimulation. Engaging in activities such as walks, playtime, or canine sports can help channel their energy and keep their minds sharp. Remember, a well-exercised and mentally stimulated Mini Labradoodle is a content and well-behaved companion, ready to shower you with love and devotion. By carefully selecting a reputable breeder and assessing your lifestyle and needs, you can ensure a seamless transition to a life filled with the love and joy that only a Mini Labradoodle can bring. Selecting a reputable breeder To find your dream Mini Labradoodle, it's essential to choose a breeder who prioritizes the health and well-being of their puppies. Reputable breeders will gladly answer your questions, provide health guarantees and give you all the resources you need on Mini Labradoodles. Look for honest testimonials, stories, photos, and reviews that tell you that you have found your perfect breeder. By working closely with a responsible breeder, you can ensure that your Mini Labradoodle arrives home happy, healthy, and ready to embark on a lifetime of companionship. Reflect on factors such as your living situation, work schedule, and activity levels to determine if the Mini Labradoodle's energetic nature, grooming requirements, and social needs are a good fit for you. By taking the time to evaluate your circumstances, you'll create a harmonious environment where your Mini Labradoodle can thrive, and your bond can flourish. With their endearing qualities and the few manageable challenges they present, Mini Labradoodles prove to be a delightfully unique and rewarding addition to any family. By carefully weighing the pros and cons, and thoughtfully considering your lifestyle and needs, you can make an informed decision about whether a Mini Labradoodle is the perfect four-legged companion for you. Remember, the key to a blissful life with your Mini Labradoodle lies in understanding their needs and embracing the joy and love they have to offer. So, if you've decided that a Mini Labradoodle is the ultimate furry friend for you, prepare yourself for a whirlwind of snuggles, laughter, and unyielding devotion. Welcome to the magical realm of Mini Labradoodles, where every day is an adventure filled with love, loyalty, and boundless canine charm. Elena R. About The Author Elena is a leading expert in the field of dog behavior, care, and training, with over a decade of experience in writing about dogs. As a published writer and lifelong dog enthusiast, Elena currently shares her home with three beloved canine companions. She is dedicated to staying up to date on the latest advancements in dog care and training, ensuring that her articles provide readers with accurate and valuable insights. With her extensive knowledge and passion for all things canine, Elena's contributions to the Premier Pups community offer both expertise and authority on a wide range of dog-related topics. They never seem to age, which means they hold on to their cute puppy looks forever and ever, and you can never slow them down, not even in their teen years. Table of Contents History of Maltipoo Size.Read More Poodle Mixes An Introduction To Doodles Poodle mixes, or doodles as some endearingly call them, are crossbreeds between a purebred Poodle and another purebred dog from a different breed. To give a few examples, Goldendoodles, Cavapoos, and Poochons are all Poodles mixes. They have a Poodle parent and.While Mini Labradoodles are delightful companions, they do have a few minor drawbacks, such as moderate grooming requirements, slight variations in appearance and traits, and exercise and mental stimulation needs. Is a Mini Labradoodle a good pet? Mini Labradoodles are affectionate, intelligent, and adaptable, making them excellent pets for families, singles, and seniors alike. Are Mini Labradoodles high maintenance? They do require regular grooming and exercise, but with a consistent routine and dedication, they can be managed quite easily. Can Mini Labradoodles be left alone? Like any dog, Mini Labradoodles can be left alone for short periods, but they thrive on companionship and may become anxious if left alone for extended periods. Are boy or girl Labradoodles better? Both male and female Labradoodles have their unique qualities, and the choice depends on personal preference and individual circumstances. Is a Labradoodle a good first dog? Yes, their friendly nature, intelligence, and trainability make them suitable for first-time dog owners. Are Mini Labradoodles hard to train? No, Mini Labradoodles are intelligent and eager to please, making them relatively easy to train. How big will a Mini Labradoodle get? Mini Labradoodles typically weigh between 15 to 30 pounds and stand 14 to 17 inches tall at the shoulder. How long will a Mini Labradoodle live? With proper care, Mini Labradoodles have an average lifespan of 12 to 15 years. Are Mini Labradoodles aggressive? Mini Labradoodles are generally not aggressive, as they inherit friendly and gentle temperaments from their parent breeds. Are Mini Labradoodles well-behaved? Yes, with proper training and socialization, Mini Labradoodles are known to be well-behaved and adaptable companions. Do Mini Labradoodles have anxiety? Mini Labradoodles, like any dog, can experience anxiety, but proper socialization, training, and a stable home environment can help prevent or manage anxiety issues. What is the temperament of a Mini Labradoodle? Mini Labradoodles have a friendly, affectionate, and intelligent temperament, making them excellent companions for various households. Smaller dogs come from a cross with a miniature poodle instead. As with the other cross-breeding efforts with poodles and retrievers, the goal with this effort was to create a hypoallergenic dog that could provide support and guidance to those in need. Efforts to create this designer hybrid spread rapidly in the s as the need for canine help rose all over the world. It would be when Wally Conron, an Australian breeder, would cross a standard poodle with a Labrador retriever to create them. One of the first puppies from that initial litter was named Sultan, who would become a guide dog for a woman in Hawaii and offer 10 years of service. Although there are many benefits to consider with the labradoodle, Conron says that he regrets being the initiator of the designer breeding process. Instead of breeding away issues, the surge in popularity for these pups created more of them instead. There are several pros and cons of owning a labradoodle that are worth considering if you are thinking about adding a new family member soon. List of the Pros of Owning a Labradoodle 1. Labradoodles have an excellent temperament. Labradoodles have one of the best temperaments that you can find in any type of dog, whether it is a full breed or a cross. These highly intelligent pups are perfect for families who are thinking about a pet for the first time because they can relate to your overall situation. Although they do prefer to feel like they are the ones in charge, a labradoodle is usually easy to train if you have patience and persistence. That tail wagging when the dog sees you is usually all it takes for you to fall in love with that smiling face. These dogs enjoy their social nature. It is a lot of fun to be the pet parent of a labradoodle because their personalities are exceptionally social. These pups love to be around people at all times. If they could spend their entire day playing with you, then it would be a moment of perfection. There are fewer shedding issues with labradoodles. Their coats need to be trimmed a few times per year, and then a grooming sessions per week is usually satisfactory. Labradoodles are generally healthy dogs. Although there are some genetic concerns to think about with labradoodles, their health is generally excellent. If you give your dog enough exercise and provide proper care throughout their life, then the average lifespan can be up to 15 years with this designer hybrid. The smaller pups tend to go to the longer end of the spectrum compared to the medium or larger versions you can find with this cross-breed. That means your family can grow up with the dog, creating a lifetime of memories for them and lots of love for you to enjoy. There is arguably no other designer hybrid or pure-bred dog out there right now that is as eager to please as the labradoodle. Once you establish some boundaries, it is a wonderful experience. There are three coat options from which to choose. As with the other retriever and poodle hybrids that are possible today, the labradoodle gives you three different coat options from which to choose. The straight coat is similar to what you will find with Labradors, while the curly coat is closer to that of the standard poodle. It is the wavy coat, sometimes referred to as fleece, that tends to be the most popular. Dogs with straight coats tend to shed the most, while the curly coats shed the least. There are several different colors options from which to choose with the coats as well, ranging from black and chocolate to red, gold, or white. There are multicolored labradoodles sometimes as well. There is a breed standard to follow. Labradoodles may not be a fully recognized breed by the major kennel club associations in North America, but there are two organizations in Australia that do offer this certification. The dogs must qualify as a multigeneration Australian labradoodle with evidence of at least four generations of lineage where only other dogs with the same history are present. Then the breed standard must be followed as well to qualify for certification. This advantage applies to pups of any size, although the recognition may not be useful anywhere outside of the APAC region. Labradoodles are generally easy to train. Labradoodles are highly intelligent dogs who are easy to train when you can find the right motivation for the pup you have at home. Many of them are motivated by food, play, or a walk, so there are useful tools available that can help you to modify unwanted behaviors. List of the Cons of Owning a Labradoodle 1. Labradoodles automatically assume that they are at the head of the pack. Labradoodles picture themselves as being the alpha in their pack. You may see a lot of resistance to verbal commands, demands to have your food, or efforts to take your favorite chair or your spot in bed during the early days of your relationship. Labradoodles are very protective of their pack. If you want a pup who will guard your premises while you are away, then a different option is usually necessary. They are not the ideal choice as a guard dog since their eventual goal is to meet new people to encourage a game of fetch or chase. Some labradoodles shed more than others. Although labradoodles are more hypoallergenic than Labradors, most of them are not as beneficial to those with allergies when compared to the standard poodle. The goal is to find a happy medium where the reactions are tolerable when you look at the guiding and service benefits that the dog provides. Fewer shedding problems do not equate to less allergies all of the time. Labradoodles tend to be high-energy dogs who need regular exercise. You will need to provide your new dog with lots of opportunities to exercise right from the start. They like to have long walks, even as a puppy. Adult dogs may need to go more than a mile before they even get warmed up to the experience. Chewing furniture, shoes, and anything else they can find is a common trait. They need the exercise for their mental physical health, so you might want to look for a different option if your family is more laid back. There are several health issues for you to consider with labradoodles. All dogs have some type of health issue that they will need to manage at some point in their life. Labradoodles face issues with their eyes, get ear infections easily, can have food allergies, and may suffer from hip or elbow dysplasia. Testing can determine some of these issues before finalizing your transaction, so ask the breeder about the results from their veterinarian exams. You can request that your vet examine the pup before taking them home too. The non-shedding coats come from a back-breeding mix. The cost of a labradoodle can be expensive. You would think that a designer hybrid dog would be less expensive than a pure-bred option, but you will be shocked by the pricing of labradoodles in most markets. When you look at the Cobberdog website, you will see that the breeders call them the pure-breed labradoodle. Some of those who work on this MDBA-recognized breed were dogged by animal abuse allegations when raising labradoodles, so they went over to this other option as a way to restore their legacy. Despite the claim of originality, Cobberdogs have their own DNA sequence in the words of the breeders. The marketing is subtle, but important to review. Conclusion of the Pros and Cons of Owning a Labradoodle Labradoodles are high-energy dogs who are affectionate, loyal, and love a good adventure. If you are unable to do so, then you will eventually see unwanted behaviors develop, like chewing or barking. The variety that is available within this designer cross does make it possible for almost anyone to enjoy the company of a labradoodle in some way. Miniature versions of these dogs tend to be about 20 pounds at most, but you must still meet the exercise requirements. These dogs are friendly, but they also need to live in a somewhat specific environment.

The effect is producing a sociable and friendly pet for everyone. Their dog breeding program started in , where the grandmother showed Scottish and Manchester Terriers. Right now, they are breeding fawn and black pugs that abide by the AKC standards. All their pups are raised indoors, so they are friendly to people. They are sociable and capable of joining dog shows. In fact, the majority of their pugs are still joining dog shows in Oregon, Idaho, Washington, and Northwest America. As a reputable pug dog club, they train all their dogs before adoption. They have different pug breed available for you to choose from. Some of these are black pugs and fawn. As a member of the American Kennel Club, all pugs evaluated are of the highest quality. They are sociable and friendly to people. All pets are vaccinated, spayed, and groomed. All pugs are litter box trained as well. Hoskins Pugs have been breeding quality AKC registered pugs for around fifteen years. Their pride pugs are one of the best in Washington and Oregon. Visit their website to get more information about them. C Pride Pugs prioritizes the quality of Chinese pugs they are selling in Washington. All their pups abide by the AKC standards, so you can expect they are vaccinated, spayed, and inserted with microchips for easy tracing. All their pug breeds stay in a family-like place, this is to make them sociable to children. You can have them as your best friend since they have good social skills. These pups are as sociable as poodles, so having them as part of the family is great. It helps them give early medical treatment for any diseases on their dogs. If you want to know more about them and their programs, visit their website. You can also call their office for inquiries. Why Is My Dog Shaking? Dogs are known for their loyalty and companionship, but when they start shaking, it can be a cause for concern for pet owners. Shaking in dogs can be a sign of various issues, from dog anxiety and dog fear to dog medical conditions. In this blog post, we will explore the common causes of a dog shaking and what pet owners can do to identify and treat the problem. We will also offer tips for preventing dog shaking and ensuring.By doing regular grooming at home, you can help your dog look its best between visits to the groomer. You also get to bond more closely and build stronger trust with your dog. Routine grooming sessions will keep your dog clean and feeling fresh, but it will also.Their personality is lively, their nature fun-loving, and their disposition affectionate. As even-tempered, sweet, and playful dogs, Pugs make wonderful playmates for kids of all ages and lovely companion pets for couples, singles, and seniors. These little joy bringers love to cuddle and are generous with their Pug love. When it comes to their family, Pugs attach like magnets. They are known to happily shadow their humans in every activity and are just as happy lazing on the couch all day as they are going for a long evening stroll around the neighborhood.

For more information, go to www. Target does not represent or warrant that this information is accurate or complete. On occasion, manufacturers may modify their items and update their labels. We recommend that you do not rely solely on the information presented. If you have a specific question about this item, you may consult the item's label, contact the manufacturer directly or call Target Guest Services at .Description This two-room design puppy whelping box from PawHut provides a comfortable environment for a new mother dog, who can experience anxiety after having her babies. When the first two weeks have passed, it's important to allow her to have her own space, and this separated design ensures she gets what she needs, featuring a removable door for open access. With dual-sided construction, the mama can have the comfort of airflow while the puppies have a wind-resistant space. Report incorrect product info. Estimated ship dimensions: .This item must be returned within 90 days of the date it was purchased in store, shipped, delivered by a Shipt shopper, or made ready for pickup. See the return policy for complete information. Ask a question. Designing to protect puppies during birth whelping , it keeps them safely contained, protects them from the cold, and ensures they aren't crushed by their mother. What's the point of a whelping box? A whelping box or whelping bed is a secure zone for your dog to give birth. It is a safe and ideal place for your pregnant dog to give birth. From reusable plastic whelping boxes to cardboard options, there are lots to choose from. You will also need to keep the box warm, so it's advised to choose bedding materials that are soft, warm, have good traction, and are easily cleaned and disinfected. Avoid hay, straw or shavings that can cause eye and skin irritations. Where is the best place to put a whelping box? In order to keep your newborn puppies safe, place your whelping box in a room that is isolated from other dogs. You might want to consider closing a door or gate to keep other inquisitive pups away. Alternatively, an ex-pen around the whelping box will provide an extra layer of safety. Take a look at some of the best whelping boxes to buy now.The whelping insert can also be easily dismantled, making the box great for their next stage of life. Simply pop the whelping box in the recycling when finished to avoid any cross contamination. It also comes with coated wooden puppy rails to stop the young pups being squashed by their mother. Complete with water-resistant cardboard liner, this whelping box from Amazon comes in three different sizes and stops cross-contamination between litters. Choose from three sizes to find the right one for your breed. It might be more of an investment, but it also comes with an added puppy playpen to let the new dogs grow and play safely. Watch Next. A whelping box is a safe, enclosed space where a dog can give birth and care for her puppies. The box typically has high sides to prevent the puppies from accidentally falling out, and it is often lined with soft bedding material to keep the puppies warm and comfortable. The box may also include a heat lamp to provide additional warmth, and it may be equipped with a door that can be opened or closed for easy, safe access, and to regulate the temperature inside. A whelping box should be large enough for the mother to move around comfortably, but small enough to retain body heat and provide a feeling of security. It should be used from the time your dog goes into labor until the puppies are weaned. Once the puppies are weaned, they can be moved to a puppy pen or dog crate. By the way, a whelping box should also have puppy rails. Puppy rails, also known as pig rails, are secured inside the whelping box quite low around the perimeter of the box. This is a crucial safety feature, as it helps prevent the puppies from being crushed against the wall of the box How Does A Whelping Box Help? A dog whelping box is an essential piece of equipment for any dog owner who is expecting a litter of puppies, as it helps to ensure the health and safety of both the mother and her offspring. A whelping box provides a safe, warm environment for your dog to have her puppies. This helps keep the mama calm during the labor and keep stress levels to a minimum while caring for the pups in a safe space. If you have other pets in the house, a whelping box ensures that they do not disturb or hurt the puppies. Using a whelping box also reduces the risk of the puppies becoming injured or lost. A DIY whelping box is an easy and affordable way to provide a safe space for your dog to have her puppies. Building a whelping box is a simple project that anyone can do. There are quite a few different ways to do that — most of them being very simple, quick, and inexpensive. Choose a bin that is large enough for your dog to move around comfortably, but small enough to retain body heat. If the sides are very high, drill or cut holes in the sides of the bin for ventilation. Finally, line the bottom of the bin with appropriate materials to absorb any mess. And there you have it, a cheap DIY whelping box! Find a sturdy cardboard box that is large enough for your dog to move around in. Cut holes in the sides of the box for ventilation. You should also cut an appropriate sized opening for the mama and puppies to get out of the box comfortably. Line the bottom of the box with comfy and cushy materials that absorb any mess. Cardboard is very porous and it can get flimsy rather quickly. However, you may want to opt for something sturdier and less porous instead. Bring Out The Kiddie Pool You can build a whelping box out of many different materials, but one of the cheapest and easiest options is to use a kiddie pool. To create a kiddie pool whelping box, simply clean the pool thoroughly, secure the puppy rails you can use pool noodles for this , and line it with towels or blankets. Place the pool in a quiet, draft-free room in your home and make sure that it is big enough for your dog to move around comfortably. But, a sturdy wood whelping box can be used over and over again, making it well worth your time. Of course, you should carefully consider which type of wood you use. For instance, the popular plywood is actually very porous, making it harder to clean. It also traps in dirt and bacteria, which could lead to infections and illnesses. Start by measuring your mama dog and the area where you want to place the whelping box and cut the wood to size. Be sure to make the opening large enough for your dog to comfortably enter and exit. In addition to that, you should also attach low rails inside the box. But why PVC? PVC is a strong, durable material that can withstand a lot of wear and tear. And if it does get dirty, a quick wipe-down is all it takes to clean it. In addition, PVC is lightweight and easy to assemble, making it ideal for use in a whelping box. Many whelping boxes available for purchase are made from PVC materials thanks to all of their amazing qualities. But, as you may know, ready made PVC whelping boxes can be quite pricey. However, PVC pipes make excellent pig rails for that added safety and security. Obviously, you want to make the DIY whelping box as comfortable as possible for the mama and the pups. Some breeders also use heat lamps to keep the whelping box warm. Even though some people opt for newspaper or wood shavings, we recommend you avoid them. Another popular choice is using old bedding or towels. They may get trapped or accidentally crushed by the mother. However, if you manage to secure the blankets and towels in place, they should be safe to use. In addition to that, you can also opt for a specially designed crate pad that stays in place, provides warmth, and is safe for the puppies. Line the bottom of the box with absorbent material and change it often. Wash bedding in hot water and disinfect surfaces regularly. The bedding should be dry at all times, so whenever an accident happens, be sure to change the bedding as soon as possible. Where you place the box is just as important as the box itself. It should be in a quiet area away from the main traffic flow of your home, and out of direct sunlight. You should also keep it far away from potential hazards like open stairways or fireplaces. The whelping box should also be large enough to accommodate the mother dog and all of her puppies comfortably. The temperature in the area should be comfortable — not too hot and not too cold. If necessary you may have to get an additional heating pad or a heating lamp to keep the puppies warm. To build a basic DIY whelping box, you will need either a kiddie pool, cardboard box, or a storage bin. You should also stock up on bedding material like blankets, towels, or crate pads. Next, line the bottom of the box with your chosen bedding material. This will help to keep the puppies warm and dry. Finally, place the box in a quiet, private area where your dog can feel safe and secure. By following these simple steps, you can easily create a cozy space for your dog to welcome her new puppies into the world. PVC tubes are often used to create puppy rails, a. As we mentioned earlier, a dog whelping box should be big enough for the mama and pups to comfortably move around. Yet, it should be snug enough so that it retains body heat. The general recommendation is that a whelping box should be one foot longer than your mama dog. Only measure your dog stretched out, as the mama has to be able to move and stretch comfortably around the box while caring for the puppies. By the way, you can also get some hints from websites that sell different dog whelping boxes. Just take a quick peek at what sizes they offer! It provides a safe, warm environment for the mama and her pups, and helps to contain the mess. Building a DIY whelping box is a simple project that anyone can do. Do you have any tips for building a DIY whelping box? Share them in the comments below! Here are some ideas for your small dog. Cardboard Box One of the least expensive whelping boxes is simply a cardboard box. Make sure it is big enough that your dog can stretch out in it. The nice thing about a cardboard box is that, once you no longer need the whelping box, you can simply throw it away. To make a whelping box out of cardboard, use these easy instructions: Find a box that your dog can comfortably lie down and stretch out in but not much larger than that. The sides should be at least to inches high. You want the sides to be too high for the puppies to climb over, but not so high your dog can't get over it when she wants a break. Smaller breed dogs will be fine with 12 inches, whereas larger breeds will need 24 inches. Cut a "door" into the side of the box for your dog to move in and out of the box. The width of the doorway should be about twice her body's width, and the edge should be high enough to keep puppies in but not so high she hits her belly on it. You will want to use some sort of covering on the cardboard to keep it from getting wet and to make cleaning it easy. You could line it with duct tape, plastic sheeting, tarps, or plastic drop cloths made for painting. Then cover whatever material you use with newspaper or old towels to make the flooring soft and comfortable. Plastic Storage Bin A plastic storage bin can also be used as a whelping box. You want to use the under-the-bed storage type so that the sides will be short enough for the mother dog to easily get in and out. If you decide to go this route, fold old towels on the bottom to ensure there is no chance that your dog will slip when she is moving around. Be aware that depending on the size of your pups, they may be able to get over the sides of the bin as they get bigger. In that case, you can extend the sides of the bin with cardboard. Ideas that will work for bigger dogs, such as Labrador Retrievers and Rottweiler dogs , include: Appliance Boxes If you have a mid-sized breed, you may still be able to find a cardboard box. Check with appliance stores and home improvement stores that carry items that would require bigger boxes. If you can't find one, you still have some inexpensive alternatives. The downside to using these boxes is once the puppies get large enough, they will be able to get over the sides, which they wouldn't with a traditional whelping box with sides at least inches high. Kiddie Pool A hard-sided plastic kiddie pool usually costs less than twenty dollars, and you can get them in several sizes. They are also easy to clean. These pools will last for several litters of puppies. However, just as with appliance boxes, the problem with the kiddie pool is that the sides may not be high enough to keep the puppies in as they get bigger. There are newer types of kiddie pools made just for dogs that have higher sides. Another option for larger dog breeds is to use a water trough , which has higher sides. They're much more expensive but very sturdy and can be reused for whelping, as well as an outdoor pool or bathing area for your dogs. To make a whelping box out of a kiddie pool, find a pool size where your dog can lay out comfortably with some extra room for the puppies. You can line it with a round whelping pad, old towels, newspaper, or even covers made specifically for kiddie pools used for whelping. An excellent safety precaution is adding a PVC pipe frame that serves as puppy rails to keep the mom from rolling over and crushing a newborn pup against the sides. Just be sure the puppies can't get stuck under or between the pipes. To keep puppies from getting out of the pool when they get larger, you can run x-pens or playpen panels around the outside of the pool. Make sure you leave a doorway for the mom to come and go! Whelping Box Plans If you want to build your own cheap whelping box but prefer a different style, you can find simple whelping box plans on the Internet. Here are some to get you started: Are you InTheKnow? Sign up for our newsletter featuring all the latest stories and products we love. Invalid email I agree to receive email communications from LoveToKnow. You can adjust the size for your own breed of dog. The plans are for a very sturdy box that is easy to clean and take apart for storage while standing up to a lot of usage. Supplies needed include two 4-foot by 8-foot plywood sheets, four 2-by-4s for the pig rails, polyurethane, and hardware, such as steel three-corner braces, tee nuts, and cap screws. You'll also need a table saw, drill press, router, screwdriver, and drill with several bits. While the website includes detailed plans and instructions, if you're not accustomed to working with tools and lumber, you may want to hire a contractor to build this box for you. How to Build a Whelping Box with Puppy Rails The PetPlace website provides a very detailed set of step-by-step instructions on how to build a whelping box using plywood, wood strips, vinyl flooring, hinges, and corner braces. You'll also need to be handy in order to build this box, as tools required are a circular saw and drill. The floor is optional, and the instructions allow for removing it to create a bottomless box. The puppy rails are made from the wood strips, although you could also improvise and make a set of puppy rails using PVC pipes and connectors. Building a Whelping Box Another excellent set of plans for a whelping box built with plywood and hardware is found in this YouTube video. The box described in this video has the puppy rails built into the sides as well as two shelf areas in the back for supplies and can be placed on cheap vinyl flooring tiles for easy cleanup. The box was made for a labradoodle , but you can adjust the dimensions of the plans shown in the video for your own dog's size. Cheap Whelping Boxes for Sale If you're not mechanically inclined and balk at the idea of building anything with tools and lumber, you can purchase a box. There are plenty of options if you're on a strict budget. Check with local seller websites such as Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace to see if anyone is selling a box. You can also look on eBay. If you know of any breeders in your area, you could try contacting them to see if they might have a box they want to sell or possibly even rent out to you. It's made of plastic and comes with one whelping pad and PVC puppy rails. If you plan ahead, you can check out the websites of some major manufacturers of high-quality whelping boxes to see if they have sales. Easy to Improvise There are a number of less expensive, homemade whelping box ideas that will work for dogs of all sizes. You can improvise to create suitable whelping boxes that won't break your budget without too much trouble. Just spend some time looking at whelping boxes so you know how they are made and pick the most comfortable and safest style for you, your dog, and her pups.

boxer puppies baltimore maryland - Names for your toys Playing the Name That Toy game: This game for German Shepherds begins with only one toy if your puppy or dog is new to the game. As you play with the toy and toss it for retrieval, begin to name the toy as your dog picks up the item. You can name the toy whatever you want, but remember to always use the same name. When your puppy learns the name of one toy reliably, give the next toy a name. You can even begin to introduce new toys that you bring home with their name almost immediately when your puppy catches onto the Name That Toy game! I like to use my laundry basket and a small pile of towels. Use your treats to lure your puppy through, around, over, and under your homemade obstacle course to burn off their energy. As your puppy learns the routine, you can increase the speed to use up even more of those puppy zoomies! Even adult German Shepherds love this game, especially on a rainy or snowy day. Over time, increase the number of obstacles you create on your course, always keeping in mind your environment and staying safe with your dog. Fun Games to Play With Your German Shepherd These fun activities are also considered brain games, also known as mind games, for your German Shepherd because they challenge him to think and make mental connections. Just enjoy playing games with your German Shepherd and see where the fun takes you! These games to play with a German Shepherd also have many benefits, like: reducing boredom decreasing unwanted behaviors and keeping them busy giving you a chance to bond with your best friend and are perfect for a rainy or snowy day Every German Shepherd owner should play a few of these brain games a week, preferably at least once daily! Some puppies can even strain their necks and backs with a vigorous game of Tug-of-War. And, even my adult German Shepherd who weighs almost 90 pounds has suffered a neck pull when someone played a rough game of tug with her. Playing these common games too frequently, especially with a puppy, could tear cartilage, damage their tendons, and cause microscopic tears in the muscle which take longer to heal. Furthermore, even if you have a full-grown adult German Shepherd, the quick starts and stops of chasing a toy to Fetch place immense strain on their joints and may damage them over time. Limit your games of Fetch and Tug-of-War games to a couple of times a week, preferably for no more than minutes. Besides… Who needs a regular game when you have these awesome games to keep your German Shepherd busy? What games can I play with my German Shepherd? And these fun German Shepherd games will leave your dog begging for more! Pick several activities off the list and try them a few times a week. Which one of these fun German Shepherd Dog games will give your pet a grin a mile wide? Start with the lowest stars, especially if your dog is new to brain games or you have a puppy. Game Level of Difficulty 1 — 5 Fun Factor 1- 5. Playing Fetch Most German Shepherds love to play fetch. Trust me! The activities involved in this game are simple and effective. When you are playing fetch, you are throwing an object for your dog to chase and bring it back. GSDs naturally enjoy chasing! Playing this game allows your dog to satisfy its urge to hunt. You could use a tennis ball, light frisbee, stick, or toy to play fetch. Choose an object that travels farther to make it a great game. German Shepherds can do this for hours without getting bored! This keeps your GSD entertained and active. Reward your GSD whenever they come running to you with the object. This fun game causes your dog to spend a great amount of energy in a little time. Of Course, that means your GSD gets great physical exercise too. However, make sure to use a soft object because hard ones can damage their teeth and jaws. Furthermore, avoid quick starts and stops of chasing an object. It may cause strains on their joints. So limit playing this game daily. Learn more about the game by watching the following video: 2. Ring Stack Ahem! You must have patience to play this great game with your German Shepherd. Ring Stack is your best bet if you are looking for a game with a lot of mental stimulation. When your dog becomes bored, it is better to play a mind game. First, you must find a set of rings and a stick. Make sure to use a ring stacking toy safe for your GSD. A wooden and dye-free ring stacking toy is the best option. Your dog should know how to fetch and retrieve to play this game. It is better to start this game with only a few rings. You have to guide your dog to pick a ring first. Next, you direct them toward the ring stacker to put the ring onto it. Give your GSD a treat again. Moreover, ring stack is extra challenging, and you can play it indoors. Cool, right? Your German Shepherd will take a few weeks to understand this game. Check out the following video to find out more: 3. Agility Training Does your German Shepherd need some serious exercise to release its energy? If yes, agility training is one of the best games for GSDs to relieve their liveliness. Wait till you hear how awesome this game is! Cannot find an agility training course in your area? Do not worry! You can do this at home too. Set up your agility course by using tables, chairs, towels, poles, and a few toys. You must guide your GSD to walk through, jump over, or duck under these objects. So many exercises! After a while, you should change the agility course style and guide your dog again. This game has a variety of fun activities. It is a terrific way to keep your GSD entertained, happy, and healthy. Check out the following video to learn more about the game: 4. Alright, let the dog do obstacle training. It is an effective and fun way to make your GSD coordinate with you. Both you and your dog can enjoy this game. Now that you know about agility training, it is easier to understand how this works. You have to organize an obstacle course to play this game. The obstacles can be anything. For example, you can use chairs, wheelbarrows, pieces of wood, or piles of clothes. You can also create an indoor obstacle course if it is a bad weather day. Keep the obstacles between you and your German Shepherd. Call your dog toward you. Make sure to treat your dog to lure them through the obstacles. Make it more difficult when your dog succeeds in the first few rounds. Then, after a while, increase the number of obstacles. This game works well for both adult GSDs and puppies. Treasure Hunt If you are looking for the easiest games for German Shepherds, treasure hunt is the best choice. It is one of the mentally challenging and fun activities. Then, you have to hide them in some places. First of all, get your German Shepherd to sit and wait. Then let your dog watch the process. To begin with, hide the treats somewhere accessible for your dog to find. Next, give a command and encourage them to find it. This game is super easy for your GSD because they have a great nose. Remember to treat your dog once they have found the treat. Most dogs love this! Once your dog understands the game, keep the treats somewhere more difficult. Believe me! This game will entertain both you and your German Shepherd. Of course, your dog is going to love it! Well, your German shepherd is an intelligent dog. So they can bring you toys if you teach them. The name game is a fun way of teaching your dog about the names of the toys. It is also one of the great mind games for German Shepherds. Now give them the toy saying the name of it. Moreover, give them a treat whenever your dog takes the toy. Finally, when your dog learns the name of one toy, begin to name the next toy. Fun fact: After playing this game over a few days, your dog will be able to know the names of many toys. After a while, put the toy on the floor and ask your dog to pick it up. Your German Shepherd will do it. Now you can ask your dog to bring any toy in a single order! You are face to face with your dog throughout the game. To play Tug of War, you only need a rope with knots. First, let your dog grab one end of the rope with its teeth. Then you have to hold the other end. All you have to do is drag the rope. Of course, your dog will work harder to keep the string. When playing this game, you can give commands like take, stop, or release. Playing tug teaches your GSD to obey commands. However, this game does not involve treats. Remember, you should have great strength to play this game. Also, make sure to leave the rope and leave immediately if your dog starts biting or snapping. Watch the following video to learn about Tug of war: 8. Just like kids. You must ensure your dog obeys commands such as sit and wait before playing hide and seek. In the beginning, there should be two people to play this game. First, ask the other person to give your dog the sit and wait command. Then you can go and hide. Start by hiding in a place that is easier to find. Remember to praise your dog when they find you. After a while, make the game harder. Once your German Shepherd learns to obey the sit and wait commands. Then you can play the game with your dog alone. This game is entertaining and teaches your dog to use its senses. More importantly, it instructs your dog to be patient and obedient. Just the way you want your German Shepherd to be, right? Check out this excellent video of playing hide and seek: 9. This game is super easy and involves mental stimulation. All you need is three cups and yummy treats. To begin with, have your dog sit and wait near the cups. Place treats under one cup and leave the other two empty. First, let your dog know which cup the treats are in. After a while, shuffle the three cups. Then, let your German Shepherd try again. You have to ask your GSD to find what cup the treat is under. Give your dog a treat for each guess in the first few rounds. In the following rounds, stop giving treats if your dog guesses the wrong cup. But, it takes a few games for the dog to understand this. Your German Shepherd will learn soon. You can add more cups to make this brain game harder. This cup game will keep your dog entertained and mind excited! The following are some of the games Brain Training For Dogs includes. Target train. They are also very intelligent and need lots of mental stimulation. Many German shepherds are involved in dog sports, work in law enforcement, for the military, and other agencies. However, many more are simply family pets of those that love the breed. Playing games also fulfills another requirement of German shepherd ownership, which is spending lots of time with the dog. German shepherds require lots of socialization and companionship. As a herding dog, they were bred for their loyalty and ability to protect a herd. This characteristic causes them to form a strong bond with their owner and they do best spending time with their family. Some games that German shepherds love, will burn off some energy, and as a bonus give their brain a zap of dopamine are: 1. Fetch Although basic, German shepherds have a high prey drive and most love to play fetch. Playing fetch is also great because it burns off a lot of pent up energy. You can kick up fetch a notch by alternating toys or only using favorite toys. Try throwing a treat stuffed toy, Frisbee, plastic stick, and toys that bounce and tumble like Westpaw Zogoflex and Kongs. Hide and Seek Like the name implies, you hide a toy and your dog finds it. German Shepherds have scent receptors so they are naturally adept at this game. It is especially good for dogs that can no longer engage in high impact activities. For those that can, reward the dog by throwing the toy then hide it again. Urban Agility Urban agility is a noncompetitive fun sport that can accommodate nearly all dogs. You simply set up an obstacle course and balancing equipment in the yard and train your dog to weave, jump, balance, and more. There are urban agility trainers, books, articles, and YouTube videos to give you ideas on what your dog might enjoy. Tug Teach your dog to tug which means, tugging enthusiastically, releasing the tug toy, and bringing the tug back after you release it. Tug should be fun and exciting for both owner and dog and it can be used as a training tool, to burn off energy, as a reward, or just for fun. There is a huge variety of tugs on the market so no doubt there is a tug for all dogs. Search and Rescue This game reinforces the stay command and also challenges your dog. This game works well with more than one person who can help restrain the dog or when multiple hide. Nosework Teach your dog to find objects, food, or scents using essential oils. As your dog gains more confidence, you hide the scents in more challenging locations. You can learn more at the National Association for Canine Scent Work and there are books and videos available on the subject. This game is super rewarding because it is very mentally challenging. Pick Up Time You can teach your dog to pick up nearly any toy and drop it into any basket or box. This game is also useful for teaching your dog to pick up their own toys or other objects on command. Relatively easy to learn, this game is immediately rewarding and can continuously switch up as you teach your dog to pick up and put away new things. Have fun with these game ideas and be sure to share with your family and friends. Aug 14, Share German Shepherd Dogs GSDs are highly intelligent and athletic dogs, and they need to be both mentally and physically stimulated to stay happy and healthy. This can be achieved through regular, directed interaction with your pooch through training and games or, even better, a combination of both. While training is an essential aspect of raising a well-behaved and healthy German Shepherd, games are also vital to their overall health. From physical, athletic activities to mind games for German Shepherds, there are so many to choose from to keep your GSD stimulated. Read on for 12 of our favorite games to play with your German Shepherd! The 12 Best Games for German Shepherds 1. Frisbee Image Credit: kscholl, Pixabay Another classic game for playing outdoors, frisbee takes fetch to another level. Begin by throwing the disc short distances at first and getting your GSD to bring it back to you, and then gradually increase the distance. You can also roll the frisbee vertically on the ground for them to chase. Fetch Fetch is a classic game to play with any dog, but there is a huge variety of ways to play it. Simply throwing a ball or stick and getting your GSD to bring it back is not as easy as it seems, so it is a great opportunity for training. For younger dogs, you may need to use a treat or reward to get your dog to release the ball, and this can take practice. For large and athletic dogs like GSDs, try to use a toy that travels farther for a more extreme version of this game. Puzzle Games German Shepherds are highly intelligent animals, so mind games are important for them too. There are a ton of puzzle toys on the market, most of which involve hiding treats in closed compartments for your pooch to find. Your GSD will need to figure out how to open the various compartments to access the treat, and you can increase the difficulty as they progress. Begin on the easiest level and move up from there. The game can be played indoors or outdoors, so it is great for any living situation or age of dog. Once they catch on to the game, you can make the hiding spots more widespread and difficult. Hide and Seek Hide and seek is not only fun for kids, but it can also be an exciting game to include your GSD in! In the beginning, you may need two people, but once your GSD learns the game, you can play it just with your pooch. Begin by hiding in easy places, and give your pooch plenty of praise when they find you. Gradually find harder places to hide. This game is not only fun but will also teach your pooch patience and obedience. Even though these classes are generally worth it, you can do it at home too. By simply using common items in your home like chairs, boxes, towels, and toys, you can set up your own agility course and teach your GSD to walk through it. However, if done properly, the game will not make your dog aggressive and can be a great method for training. The game should be initiated by you only, and the toy available to your dog only during the game. Also, any skin contact, biting, or nipping ends the game straight away, and you must walk away with the toy immediately. Ring Stacking For advanced, intelligent dogs that have mastered other puzzle games, ring stacking is a great new challenge. Your dog will need to have mastered basic commands in order for them to play, and even then, it may take a while to master. Magic Cups Magic cups is a fun game to play indoors when the weather is bad. All you need are three plastic cups and a treat or a small handful of kibble. While this game is not physical in any way, it is a great way to stimulate your GSD mentally. Place the three cups upside down with treats hidden underneath one. Let your dog see which one has the treats. Once they find the treat, shuffle the cups and let your dog try again. Once your pooch gets the hang of it, you can make the game harder by not letting your dog see you shuffle the cups or by simply adding more cups into the mix. You can train your GSD to bring you individual toys on command, providing great mental stimulation for your pooch. Begin with just one toy, and toss it for your dog to retrieve while vocalizing the name of the toy. Once your dog learns the name reliably, you can add other toys into the mix. Soccer All dogs love balls, and German Shepherds are no different. Soccer is great because it uses large balls that your pooch cannot run away with and stimulates their hunting and tracking skills. You can play the game with your pooch in mid-field trying to get the ball from you or put them in front of the goalposts and teach them to stop the ball without biting it! Soccer is great exercise and an excellent training method for your GSD. Once they get this basic routine down, you can make it more challenging by making them stop mid-run or throwing the toy and making them wait for your command before running to fetch it. Final Thoughts Some games are great for exercising your German Shepherd, while others are ideal for mental stimulation. Some are great for both! Hide the treats in various locations for your dog to search and find. Remember to start out easy. You may need to place a few treats in obvious areas, like right in the open. After a few rounds of play, your GSD will use their nose to race ahead of you and find those little hidden treasures! Mental Exercise with Puzzle Toys Puzzle toys are great stimulation for puppies and seniors! Luckily, my German Shepherd went through vigorous and fun! Bubble Chase and Pop These bubbles are for eating! Do you have an energetic German Shepherd and a kid? Because both kids and dogs love this game! Have your kids or yourself blow bubbles for your dog to chase and pop while they burn off their pent-up energy outside! Instead… Treat your pup to these dog-safe peanut butter-flavored bubbles! Use Nature as an Obstacle Course Get creative outdoors. What better way to keep your German Shepherd active, fit, and mentally happy than by strapping on a small backpack and taking them to a new place to hike and explore? There are endless interesting scents your dog will smell and the varying terrain provides your German Shepherd a way to tap into their skills and increase their mental stimulation. Mother nature provides all you need for this obstacle course. Large fallen log? Have your dog walk or hop over it! Big puddle? Pile of leaves? Get ready to rumble! And they will still will enjoy the new hike with you! Do you think your German Shepherd knows every command possible? Well, think again! German Shepherds are very intelligent and eager to please their owners. This makes them prime candidates for even more mentally stimulating training. There are endless commands and tricks to teach your German Shepherd who will enjoy every minute of these challenging mental exercises with you. Sounds good, right? Provide your puppy the opportunity to play with other vaccinated puppies and dogs that you know are happy and safe around other dogs. I suggest simply sitting on a bench in an area that allows you and your German Shepherd to observe from a distance the world passing you by… literally. When they look back to you after watching another dog or object, give them a tasty treat for behaving nicely. Spice it up, then! Are you and your dog stuck in the same exercise rut? Why not switch it up and enjoy a different exorcise together? German Shepherds generally love to swim, jog, and run with their owners. Especially those that are high drive and stuck indoors most of the day. Use a training program like Couch to 5k to start off easy with your dog and work up to longer distances. Try to run on softer surfaces mostly stay away from concrete and asphalt to avoid any bone and joint damage. Too hot outside to run and jog? Do a search for ponds, creeks, or lakes nearby where you can take your dog for a walk in the evenings as the sun goes down. Always, always watch your dog around water, especially puppies since many overestimate their swimming abilities and could get hurt. Why not try one of these exercises for your German Shepherd to brighten up their day? To make this mentally stimulating enrichment box, find a larger cardboard box, some smaller boxes of various sizes, empty toilet rolls, and old newspaper or brown packing paper. Place a few treats in the toilet rolls, inside the smaller boxes, or wrap them in the newspaper and brown packing paper. Now, fill up the big box with these treat treasures! Look: You may have a mess of shredded paper and chewed boxes to clean up. Provide the Right Chew Toys Have you heard of yak milk chews? Chewing is a totally natural behavior for your dog and even has many benefits. When your dog chews for an extended period of time, it has a calming effect on the brain. Stress levels are lowered, and your dog experiences a sense of calmness. While your dog chews, it releases special endorphins, which give their brain a relaxing feeling. Looking for a tasty chew treat that takes your German Shepherd hours of chewing and naturally cleans off tartar and plaque buildup? Give your dog a Himalayan Yak Milk Dog Chew to help them release those feel-good endorphins while supporting their dental health and engaging in mental exercise. Or find the right chew toys for German Shepherds for fun and play. Try a flirt pole to entice their minds and bodies to move! Do you have an energetic German Shepherd but not a lot of space to let them run free? Enter the tail-teaser flirt pole! Simply move the attached toy around the ground for your dog to chase and catch. Instead, move the fluffy toy along the ground like a rabbit for them to hunt and chase. Why not give them a job? Why not teach your German Shepherd a job they can do at home to help you out and give them some needed mental stimulation? If your dog knows the basic training commands, then step it up a notch and give them a dog job at home. You could: Teach them to close doors Carry your mail inside. Puppies German Shepherd puppies are incredibly playful. So how do you play with a German Shepherd puppy? This article will examine the best way to play and entertain your German Shepherd puppy, providing example games to play and activities to do. The best way to play with a German Shepherd puppy is through short bursts of low-impact physical activity. This will keep their growing bones and joints safe from injury and malformation. Additionally, play games that sharpen their motors skills and hone their natural abilities. All dogs have a maximum tolerance for exercise, and playtime counts towards that limit. Most will play for as long as you allow them. Thus, you need to pay attention and keep them from overexertion, especially during activities that involve plenty of physical movement. In general, young dogs should have two sessions of exercise per day where each session is about 5 minutes per month of age. So, a German Shepherd puppy of around 2 months old should only get 10 minutes of playtime twice a day while a 6-month-old pup can tolerate two minute sessions. By the time your GSD is a year old, they should be able to tolerate hour-long sessions of play or exercise. Keep in mind, however, that these are general guidelines. You need to keep an eye on your dog and determine their own tolerance to avoid serious consequences like overheating and overexertion. Like children, individual dogs have different preferences. Use play as a means to strengthen their motor skills, nurture their sense of curiosity, and build their confidence. The best toys for young German Shepherds are interactive ones that stimulate their senses. Especially exciting are treat dispensers and squeaky toys while teething toys provide tons of comfort. They also love balls that they can grasp and chase after. They also love playing with people and other animals. Doing this often will help prove each of these commands and ensure they will obey no matter the situation. Have fun with the Obedience Shuffle by randomly asking for each command and rewarding your dog every time they obey. Make it increasingly difficult for them by adding distractions in between. Hide-and-Seek Hide-and-Seek is an excellent game to play with your German Shepherd puppy because it requires some concentration, sniffing, and running. It also primes them to think of you as the best reward. To play this, ask your dog to stay while you hide. Release them from their stay position and respond with excitement and praises when they find you. Hide in easy-to-find spots at first and find more difficult hiding places as your pup picks up on the object of the game. You can start by keeping your pup in a down position as they watch you hide the treats. When they understand the point of the game, you can make it more challenging by keeping them in another room and letting them in only when all the treats are hidden. It also requires very little space and involves more concentration and nose work. To play the shell game, take 3 cups and some treats, and sit across from your dog. Place the cups upside down on the floor and keep a treat under only one. Shuffle the cups before arranging them in a row. Turn over the first one your pup touches. If they get the right one, let them have the treat. If not, re-shuffle the cups and play again. Find-and-Retrieve Find-and-Retrieve is not just a game of obedience and concentration. This game involves teaching your dog the proper names of things, finding those things on command, and handing them over to you. To play this game, start by teaching your dog the name of one toy. Then, make the game more difficult by asking them to retrieve the ball from other places. Here are other things you can do to interact with your puppy, strengthen your bond, and help them to develop physically, mentally, and emotionally: Walking Walking can be a good way for your GSD pup to learn more about the world outside of your home. Allow young pups to walk at their own pace and try not to be too harsh on the lead. Let them stop to sniff and interact with whatever they might find interesting. This will form a huge part of their socialization. German Shepherds typically like water if they are exposed to it and learn how fun it can be. Swimming is also an excellent way to have fun with your growing dog since it is easy on the bones and joints. Being in water will also help strengthen muscles for even better skeletal development. Puzzle Toys Puzzle toys for dogs are not only excellent for mental stimulation but also for independent play. Depending on the toy, it could also help prime your German Shepherd for nose work, combat boredom, and control their impulses. They can compete in these companion sports as early as 6 months old or you can simply join local clubs to engage in these activities for fun. This helps avoid issues like hip and elbow dysplasia in the future. Until your German Shepherd has developed into adulthood, you should generally avoid activities that involve plenty of jumping. Staircases and other steep angles are safe enough for regular use but not as a means to exercise. Additionally, when running or walking, opt for turf and soil rather than concrete. Final Thoughts Discovering the best ways to play with your German Shepherd puppy will help you develop a strong bond and learn to communicate with one another. These games will also help stimulate their intellect and develop a love for learning. Learning how to discipline your GSD puppy correctly will teach them to respect your leadership and stay on their best behavior. 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. Some owners have large yards and several family members that can help keep the dog busy, but it can be a struggle to keep finding something to do if there are only one or two people in your household. If this sounds like your situation, keep reading while we list several activities you can do with your German Shepherd to keep it happy and well behaved. Fetch Frisbee, ball, throwing toy Plenty of room Fetch is the most basic dog game that almost everyone knows. To play this game, all you need is a Frisbee, ball, or any toy that you can throw so your dog can chase it and bring it back. Balls and Frisbees work well because you can get a good distance with them, which will keep the dog more active. These toys can cause your dog to expend a large amount of energy in a short amount of time without you needing to put in a lot of effort. There are even accessories you can purchase to help you throw the ball further with less effort. The downside to this game is that you need a lot of room for the dog to run. To play this game, you only require a piece of rope with knots in it so you and the dog can get a grip. Many commercial ropes will work perfectly, and there are many varieties available, so you can find one that is comfortable to use. To play, let the dog grab one end with its teeth, and you take the other. It will also help your dog expend energy quickly, especially if you are in good health, and can make the dog work harder to keep the rope. It only requires a fraction of the space fetch does, but it does require considerable strength to play against a full-grown German Shepherd for more than a few minutes. Obstacle Training Obstacles Plenty of room Obstacle training can be a lot of fun for you and your dog. It will help your pet burn off excess energy quickly and sharpen your skills as a trainer. To play obstacle training, you will need plenty of room to set up obstacles. The obstacles can be anything, but we recommend starting with something simple like a piece of wood or a chair. Put the obstacle between you and the dog and call it toward you. If it jumps the barrier, give it a treat and try again. The downside to obstacle training is that it will go a lot easier for someone with experience training, and it can take up a lot of room in your yard if there are several obstacles. Wrestling Strength As strange as it may seem, wrestling is one of the best ways to bond with your German Shepherd because few other activities cause you to be in such close proximity with your attention focused on each other. The dog will climb all over you to try to get the ball, and you can flip your pup over gently to get the belly which will get it all riled up. It has a long pole that you hold. Attached to the pole is a long string that has a toy tied at the end. The toy usually squeaks, and you use it almost like a fishing pole to dangle the toy in front of the dog to get it to chase it. Our dogs get a lot of enjoyment from the Flirt Pole , and the only downside is that the dog chews them, so you will need to replace them every few weeks. Mind Games for German Shepherds 6. To get started, hide a treat in plain sight, then let your dog see you hide another behind a wall. Try a few more easy hides, and when your dog starts to catch on, you can make them a little more difficult. The easiest way to play this game is to wait until your dog is out of sight and then call them but quickly run and hide before they get there. When the dog arrives, they will be confused and begin to search for you and will usually continue looking until they find you. As the dog catches on, they will begin to check past hiding spots first, so you will need to be clever. Call your dog over and watch as they turn them over looking for the treat. As they get more skilled, they will find the treat faster, so you can add even more cups. Ring Stack Ring stacking toy If you have children or know someone that does, there is a good chance that you are familiar with the ring stacking toys for babies. You can also use these toys with your German Shepherd and learn to stack the rings in the right order with a little patience. The best way to play is to start with only a few rings and add more as your dog catches on. After some time, put the item on the floor and instruct your dog to fetch it. After several months, you will be amazed at how many items your dog knows by name. Some are extremely easy and only require the dog to step on a lever, while others are quite complex, requiring multiple steps to unlock the treat. It burns off excess energy extremely fast and helps keep your dog in top shape. The other games are all fun, but they take longer and require a bigger commitment of your time. Luckily, you can play as many games as you want, so you can play fetch every day and do some wrestling on your days off work. We hope you have enjoyed reading over this list and found the answers you need. If we have helped you keep your dog entertained, please share these eleven best games to play with your German Shepherd on Facebook and Twitter. A Canadian expat, Nicole now lives on a lush forest property with her Kiwi husband and new baby daughter in New Zealand. She has a strong love for all animals of all shapes and sizes and particularly loves a good interspecies friendship and wants to share her animal knowledge and other experts' knowledge with pet lovers across the globe.Read more Advertisement. The following list combines some exciting and quite fun games to add to your routine. Flirt Pole German Shepherds love to chase, so give them plenty of opportunities to do that with one simple dog training tool — the flirt pole. The flirt pole offers an element of never-ending fun to German shepherd dogs, who naturally have a high prey drive. It gives your dog physical and mental exercise, teaches coordination and impulse control, and is the perfect way to burn off extra energy. Use positive reinforcement to reward your dog with healthy treats whenever they catch the toy. Allow them to use their energy to tug on the toy, but make sure they drop it as soon as you ask them to, or you might find yourself replacing the tool every few days. Allow your dog to calm down fully before starting the process again. Also, ensure you keep switching the direction you wave the flirt pole to offer enhanced mental stimulation. Luckily, you can enjoy this fun indoor cup game with your German shepherd. Magic cups help increase the brain activity of puppies and adult dogs by stimulating their hunting and seeking skills and also works their curious mind. How to play: Place three plastic cups upside down. When they nose the cup or paw it — or, in the case of the overexcited pups, knock it over — give them the treat as a reward. Repeat the process while having your dog sit nearby, but this time shuffle the cups. You can even make the game harder by having your dog wait outside the room or by increasing the number of cups to give your dog plenty of mental stimulation. Fetch German Shepherd dogs delight in fun and frolic. It does that by stimulating thinking, enhancing mood, and offering anxiety relief. It also reduces behavior problems. Another great thing? You can play fetch with a huge variety of toys , and most dogs absolutely adore a game of fetch. However, if you have a pup, you may want to roll the toy closer to the ground. Doing so will help avoid stressing their joints, preventing long-term damage to their bones and joints. How to play: Take a frisbee or a ball. Basically, any toy that can be tossed at a huge distance will work. If your dog is new to the concept, it may take some time and lots of treats! Reward your dog with a treat every time they come back with the toy, and increase the distance of the throw bit by bit. Take breaks when you think your dog is getting tired to allow it to relax and calm itself down. Muffin Tin Game Muffin tin games are one of the best canine enrichment games. They give your German shepherd dog a safe, fun way to use their excess energy and help improve their problem-solving skills. How to play: To get your dog acquainted with the game, allow them to eat their favorite treats from the muffin tins. Now, you can conceal treats in the holes of muffin tins, then cover each hole with a muffin wrap. Your dog must learn to remove the muffin wrapper to access the treat. Then, have your dog move the tennis balls to get the treats. It can also help your pet burn off excess energy, preventing obesity and keeping them fit. It also increases endurance and strengthens their bones and joints without special training! You can play obstacle training with puppies and can also use it to entertain your fully-grown German Shepherd on a rainy day. How to play: Place a few safe objects like a pile of clothes, curtain rod, or laundry basket around the floor in a small part of the room to form your obstacle course. Once your dog gets familiar with the routine, you can place more hurdles along the way. Ring Stack Got a wee babe at home? Then, chances are, you already have a ring-stacking toy on hand. Did you know you could use it to play with your friend too? How to play: Set up your ring stacker and direct your dog towards it with the ring. Now, command your dog to drop the ring near the ring stacker stick. Repeat a couple of times. Chances are, your dog will likely drop the ring on the ring stack stick, albeit unknowingly. Cheer it on and give it a big treat for positive reinforcement. Start with a single ring, then add more as you go till your dog gets the hang of it. With time and a little encouragement, your dog can stack the rings in the order of their size! Puzzle Games Puzzle games are a great alternative to muffin tin games. It entices German Shepherds of all shapes and sizes to use their minds and bodies! It comes in levels, so you can choose one that best complements your pooch. Start with level 1, and increase the difficulty levels as your dog learns the ins and outs of it. Now, instruct your dog to find the treats. Your dog will have to learn to open the various compartments in the food dispensing toys to access the goodies. It keeps your German shepherd dog active and mentally strong; it also strengthens the bond between humans and dogs and can be played with young puppies and full-grown adults. Start with one toy and add more as you go to keep your dog entertained for longer. As they go to fetch it, give the toy a name. Make sure the name is easy to understand, so your dog can easily pick up the concept. When your dog picks the right toy twice in a row, give them a treat. And, when it shows signs of learning its name, you can take things to the next level by introducing other toys to the game. Tug of War Tug of war is a great game to play with your four-legged friend. It promotes impulse control and taps into the natural drives of the German Shepherd. This indoor agility game requires lots of energy and can challenge your dog, especially when it comes to maintaining its grip on the rope. You can indulge in these fun activities with adult German shepherd dogs and puppies that have stopped teething. How to play: Get a rope and tie lots of knots on it for grip. You can choose whichever rope variety works for you. Make your dog grab one end of the knotted rope in between its teeth. Thus, you are advised to play this game for only a couple of sessions per week, ranging from minutes. It can help you train your dog — without the use of treats. Sherlock Bones German Shepherds are known for their tracking and sniffing abilities. With this game, you can put their sense of smell to the test and give them the mental stimulation to last an entire day. In this article, we presented some of the best games to play with your German Shepherd, giving you the perfect opportunity to bond with your pup. So, which German Shepherd dog game are you most excited to try with your pup? Let us know in the comments below. Our content does not provide veterinary advice and, thus, should not be substituted for expert veterinary guidance.


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boxer puppies baltimore maryland - Mixed Breeds By Meg Marrs 11 min read March 13, 70 Comments K9 of Mine is reader-supported, which means we may earn a small commission through products purchased using links on this page. The German shepherd breed is generally considered one of the most intelligent, dedicated, loyal, and family orientated companions available in the doggy world. Throwing in a mix to this breed just strengthens and enhances these naturally appealing traits. Golden Shepherd German Shepherd x Golden Retriever Mix The golden shepherd is a golden-haired beauty that will definitely win your heart with those soulful eyes. This golden retriever and German shepherd mix is an affectionate sweetheart who thrives on one-on-one interaction with her owners and especially adores the tiny human variety. This makes the golden shepherd the perfect family-with-kids choice. Both retriever and shepherd parents love to eat, so make sure you keep this marvelous mix at a healthy weight. The best of both doggie worlds are all rolled up into this one adorable and energetic bundle of joy. This pug and shepherd breed is an extremely loyal companion, loves his human family, exhibits impressive intelligence, and serves as an alert guard dog. Labrashepherd German Shepherd x Labrador Mix The Labrashepherd also known as a Sheprador is a calm, loving and even-tempered animal with a touch of the shyness from the German shepherd parent shining through when he is presented with new situations. Labrador retrievers have a kind and happy demeanor which definitely shines through in this canine cross. This German shepherd Labrador retriever mix is gloriously beautiful and loves a good play session in the park. Siberian Shepherd or Gerberian Shepsky German Shepherd x Siberian Husky Mix A post shared by German Shepherd Husky Mixes germanshepherdhuskymixes This exquisitely handsome boy is a German shepherd husky mix that will have you falling over your feet when he looks at you with that one baby blue. Love at first sight for sure. And the bonus? He loves you just as fiercely. Make sure these energized pups have plenty of exercise, puzzle toys, and activities to provide mental stimulation. Shollie German Shepherd x Collie Mix A unique combination of the collie and German shepherd gives us this gorgeous designer breed. She is amazingly even-tempered temperament, very eager to learn, and easily trained through basic obedience training. Be prepared to groom the German shepherd collie mix every day though, as those locks are relatively high maintenance. Shepweiler or Rottweiler Shepherd German Shepherd x Rottweiler Mix Shepweilers are immensely protective of their owners, family, and surroundings and make excellent guard dogs. Well-muscled, protective dogs who can always be found at your side? Sounds good to me! The German shepherd poodle mix needs your constant companionship and will follow wherever you may lead. The poodle breed genes are relatively dominant in this dog, resulting in the somewhat curly fur coat. What a striking and intimidating doggo. This breed is a cross between a domesticated German shepherd and a genuine wolf. Please keep in mind that these animals are illegal to own in certain areas, so please research carefully to avoid any heartbreak should you not be able to keep him legally. Designer breeders for a cross as unique as this one can be challenging to come by. With a sensitive temperament and above average hearing, you have a guard dog of indisputable qualities. These dogs are natural hunters, so it will be wise to keep him separate from other small pets like cats, rabbits, and hamsters. He is super-friendly but an excellent protector. He does, however, require intensive training, as he loves a challenge and can often be considered a little stubborn. This dog is an interesting mix of German shepherd and the Alaskan malamute. This is one amazingly beautiful animal. They possess the best of both breeds in strength, loyalty, friendliness, and trainability. And such a cutie to boot! Almost like having a teenager in the house, these shepherd-type dogs will test your patience and push the boundaries, so training is vital. These shepherd pit sweeties are sure to appreciate a game of fetch with their favorite human! Innocence aside, the German shepherd pit bull mix is a powerful animal with a high energy level and training is thus non-negotiable. German shepherd pit bulls need a firm, strong, but loving owner and handler. New Shep German Shepherd x Newfoundland Mix A post shared by Sadie Sanderson resolutedogtraining This breed is an interesting mix of the Newfoundland and German shepherd, forming a giant powder-puff who loves water! Well, space of course! This is a giant dog and needs plenty of room to run off all that excess energy. This behemoth is a loyal, loving, and protective, yet intimidating watchdog, probably due to its sheer size. But be honest — what a cutie pie! But beware, do not leave this puppy to his own devices — you might not particularly like the end results! He craves constant attention and will happily be your permanent side-kick. These canine cuties would benefit from an active family. There you go German shepherd lovers and fans. Please leave a comment on what you think the best German shepherd mixed breed out there is, or share your own cross-breed companion that we might have missed! And, if you have your own GSD or GSD-mix at home, make sure to check out our guide to the best dog toys for german shepherds as well as our piece on the best dog food for german shepherds too! What are the specific guidelines for adopting a German Shepherd mix? Good breeders will only sell to a family with a yard and German shepherd experience, as German shepherd mixes need plenty of space for these dogs to run around freely to get exercise. German shepherd mixes as well as purebred German shepherds should also be owner primarily by those who have experience with the breed, as German shepherds are naturally prone to anxiety and need an experienced, confident handler. The breeder should meet our breeder checklist, have been in business for several years, and their puppies should be well socialized. How much does it cost to adopt a German shepherd mix? Are there any health issues associated with German shepherd mixes? If a German shepherd mix is not from a good breeder, then there may be health problems. German shepherds are prone to a number of different genetic health conditions. The most common health concerns include hip, elbow, and joint dysplasia, cancer, epilepsy, hip dysplasia, narcolepsy, and eye problems. Are German shepherd mixes active? While canine crosses can take on any combination of traits from either of their pooch parents, German shepherds require plenty of daily exercise. GSDs have a high activity level and need to be kept busy mentally and physically. Not all German shepherd mixes will need vigorous exercise per day, but you should have the capacity to take on an active furry friend just in case. What is a German Shepherd mix? A German shepherd mix is a breed resulting from the combination of the German shepherd with other popular dog breeds. These dogs are medium to large in size, and can vary in appearance based on what breeds they inherit traits from. German shepherd mixes do not always look entirely like the German shepherd, as they could also take after their other dog breed parents. How should you train a German shepherd mix? The best way to approach training a German shepherd mix is to provide lots of training sessions focused on positive reinforcement. These pups can be fairly sensitive and eager to please. Thankfully, most GSD mixes are super smart and can master just about any trick with a little time and practice. Some of the best German shepherd mixes around. Which one was your favorite? Have you ever met any of these cuties in real life? Let us know in the comments below! Like it? Share it! They are known for their beauty, intelligence, and athleticism. Hard working and easily trainable, they can easily fill many roles. When mixed with other breeds, some of their best traits and strengths are often passed along. For example, a mixed shepherd might require a little less exercise than a highly driven working German shepherd or will be a little more mellow yet playful pet while retaining some of the awesome traits of the German shepherd dog. All these breeds have lots of energy and love to have a job and are also very playful. No doubt this mix is the life of the party and enjoys a good time. Would probably be equally happy living on a ranch or with a family as long as she got plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. This dog is absolutely not a couch potato but must get plenty of daily exercise and attention. They love activity and need to be busy. Both these breeds also require lots of grooming and will shed year round. Loving, loyal, and active, they are a delight to own. Both are intelligent and regal. Both need socialization and lots of love but make wonderful family pets. Some other qualities both breeds have in common are that they are both loyal and very trainable and love to play games. Both breeds are quick and agile and love to do a job. Both breeds are protective and very loyal to their family. German Shepherd and Rottweiler - Shepweiller jin. This mix will require lots of socialization, training and strong leadership but with that, will grow into an amazing, loyal companion that will also be gorgeous to look at. German Shepherd and Hound - Shephound zmiksowanykodi Hounds love to use their noses, as do German shepherds. This mix would excel at scent work or barn sports but also make a great pet. Both hounds and shepherds are smart and active dogs so this mix would also be up for lots of fun adventures. German Shepherd Mixed With Floofyness - Shepfloofer Another fluffy unknown mix that just goes to show how versatile and adorable German shepherd mixes can be. Both require lots of grooming, human companionship, love, and a strong pack leader. This mix appears very smart and curious, a strong trait in the German shepherd breed. This one is tall and lanky with the markings of a German Shepherd. German Shepherd and Mastiff — Mastiff Shepherd andrea. Since both breeds can be leery of strangers, this powerful mix would require lots of socialization. It would also need lots of training due to its size but could grow up to be a very loyal and loving family pet. German Shepherd mixed with red puppy - Shepfox This cinnamon spice mix is simply adorable and has many qualities of the German shepherd and looks a little like a fox. German Shepherd Mix growing up-look at those sheppy ears! When placed atop the head of a mixed breed, they take on a life of their own and add a lot of character. German Shepherd and Great Pyrenees — Germanees The Great Pyrenees is also a working dog known for its calm demeanor but protective nature. This mix would create a naturally yet protective watch dog that would be completely devoted to its family. German Shepherd and Weimaraner - Weimshepherd Both German shepherds and weimaraners enjoy lots of exercise and are very active. They love to run and play and then relax as the center of attention of their family. Both are smart, trainable, and love pleasing their owners. German Shepherd and Adorableness - Shepcutie harrythemixedblood This mix is super adorable and loves the outdoors. The keen facial expression gives a hint that both breeds are smart and curious. A DNA test would be so much fun. Both can be trained to do many jobs, including search and rescue and obedience, and competition. This mix would be smart, strong, playful, and have a lot of endurance. The perfect dog for an active family or for a serious job. German Shepherd and Pug - Shug This curious combo is just adorable. Pugs are playful and funny so certainly a pug shepherd would be, too. Pugs are also known to be very loving and very adaptable so this mix would probably fit in just about anywhere. Both can be aloof with strangers but very loving with their family. German Shepherd and Lab - German Sheprador samsarasworld Labradors and German shepherds both make active, family companions. Both breeds enjoy the outdoors, playing, and are up for all sorts of adventures. German Shepherd and Poodle — Shepherdoodle einsteinbeard A combo of two of the smartest breeds, the German shepherd mixed with a poodle is a dog genius. This mix is known to be outgoing and full of fun. Protective, fierce, brave, loyal, active, smart, and eager to work are just a few of the adjectives that describe them. This mix needs lots of exercise and activities to thrive but if a busy working dog is what you need, this mix might be perfect. German Shepherd and Doberman — Doberman Shepherd Another powerful and smart combo, the German Shepherd and Doberman Pinscher are noble in the dog world and very protective of their family. Fun and playful, this mix loves their humans but takes their job of guardian very seriously. German Shepherd and Springer Spaniel — Spanierd bandittheaus Springer spaniels are super loveable but they are also mighty hunters. Mixed with a German Shepherd, you have a dog that lives to please its owner and loves the great outdoors as well as being a snuggle buddy content to watch some television from the comfy couch. Super cute yet rugged, both breeds are herding dogs. Both breeds are known for their intelligence, ability to train, love of agility, athleticism, and playful natures. We hope you enjoyed some of these amazing mixed breed dogs. Please feel free to pass this along to your family and friends. The coat will be dense with length that can vary. They are a joy to have at home because the Germanees are sweet-natured and kind dogs. Both parents, the Belgian Malinois and German Shepherd, are very similar dogs. Imagine a slightly smaller but more energetic German Shepherd and you have the Belgian Malinois. These are high maintenance dogs that require a ton of physical and mental activity on a daily basis. This cross is not recommended for your typical family. They require serious work. As for physical appearance, these dogs can vary. Both parents have high energy, so you can expect nothing less from the Weimshepherd. They are quick, athletic and powerful dogs. Make sure to introduce training as early as possible for this mutt. Providing them with the a proper outlet is the only way to raise a happy and healthy Boxer Shepherd. Thanks to the Springer Spaniel side, these dogs get along with kids of all ages, other dogs and even cats. In fact, the more the better! But if you can handle this, the Spanierd is an excellent German Shepherd mix for any family! Because of the size of the Great Dane, the Dane Shepherd is fairly large, making them excellent watchdogs and an amazing companion. Depending on the lineage, these dogs can have a short or medium coat. Chances are the Dane Shepherd will have a double coat, so except to deal with heavy shedding during spring and fall. Just the massive size of these dogs can scare away potential intruders. Both parent breeds are large, and so is the Airedale Shepherd. The overall body shape resembles a German Shepherd, but they retain the muzzle and ears of the Airedale Terrier. These dogs are inevitably courageous dogs that play well with children. Despite their large size, they make fantastic family dogs, companions, watchdogs and more. Socialization is a must, while obedience training can be fairly easy. Sep 12, Share German Shepherds are widely known for their intimidating and dominant appearance just as much as they are for their loving, loyal, and protective demeanor. The popularity and desirable qualities in the German Shepherd make it a great breed for mixing with other dogs, as the result is often a pup that pulls the best characteristics from each parent breed. German Shepherd and Golden Retriever Mix: The Golden Shepherd Image Credit: Juliena, Shutterstock Perhaps one of the most popular German Shepherd hybrids, this mixed breed is known for its fun-loving and positive personality as well as its loyal, protective, and obedient nature. These dogs are excellent with children and are happy to be around all of their owners. They can inherit a slight distrust of strangers from their German Shepherd parents or general friendliness toward all from their Golden Retriever parents, but for the most part, they are welcoming and sweet-natured. You get a dog that will love and spread joy but also snap into a protective mode in an instant. These dogs are also excellent with children, and they thrive on human interaction. What more could you ask for in a pooch? German Shepherd and Husky Mix: The Siberian Shepherd Image Credit: jnorris2, Shutterstock Also known as the Gerberian Shepsky , this hybrid is strikingly beautiful with a powerful stance and a fearless will to protect and serve their owners. They are very intelligent, so they will pick up on commands, rules, and tricks easily. However, they can also inherit some willfulness from their Husky parent, and this may make training rather difficult for you. Not much! They are highly intelligent and just as easy to train as a purebred German Shepherd. German Shepherd and Rottweiler Mix: The Shepweiler A post shared by EV goevgo The protective nature, loyalty, and power of both parent breeds makes this hybrid one of the greatest options for a guard dog for you and your family. These pups will be loving and are usually very affectionate toward their families and familiar humans, but they are alert and always on the lookout for potential threats. The Shepweiler is best suited for property owners with large yards that are good for exercise and exploration, as this is a very curious and investigative breed. The Shepadoodle is extremely intelligent, and their loyalty and willingness to please make them one of the easiest breeds to housebreak and train. Coloration varies in these dogs as does their likelihood of being hypoallergenic, but they almost always have the adorable, curly hair associated with the Poodle. This is another breed on our list that thrives on human interaction and is happiest when spending time with their owners. Both parent breeds are highly alert and watchful, so this hybrid will make an excellent guard dog. Training can be difficult, but they make up for this with their cuteness and their willingness to protect you and your family. Enter the Sheppit! These dogs are alert and have a very strong will to protect you, your family, and your home. Despite their desire to stand between you and any threat, these dogs are abundantly friendly toward strangers they perceive as friendly. They tend not to get along with other dogs, and that could be because they desire all the undivided attention you could possibly give. The Sheppit is highly affectionate, patient with children, and thrives on human interaction. The Saint Shepherd is a massive dog that can weigh up to around pounds, and if you have the space, these dogs will bring a lot of liveliness and joy to your home. Given their size and the agility and alertness they inherit from their German Shepherd parents, these pups make excellent guard dogs. Looking to travel with your German Shepherd mix? Their temperament can vary as well, but these are generally highly intelligent dogs that are extremely loyal, protective, and hardworking. They are intelligent and learn quickly. However, they also can be willful and a bit stubborn, making training somewhat difficult. They can vary in coloration and can also inherit the ridge of hair on their back after which one of their parent breeds is named. Meet the German Chow. They owe their loyalty and willingness to protect to both parent breeds, so above all else this dog will make a wonderful guard dog. They are alert, intelligent, and entirely fearless. They tend to be distrustful of strangers, but in your home, they will only exhibit sheer friendliness and even affection. Their intelligence and independence do tend to make them willful and stubborn, but once trained, they will be superbly obedient. Consider this pup co-dependent, and assume they never want to be left alone. They are usually good with children but do best in homes without young kids. This is an affectionate and emotionally needy breed that is abundantly friendly toward family and even strangers. These are also extremely active pups that need over an hour of exercise every day. Given their coat density which they inherit from the Malamute, they fare best in moderate to cold climates and can easily overheat in warmer weather. These dogs are extremely affectionate, and their calm nature makes them an excellent choice for families of all sizes, including those with young children. They are moderately playful and only require an average amount of exercise each day. These dogs are intelligent and easy to train, which makes them suitable for new owners. There are breeders out there who have mixed the large and powerful German Shepherd with the small and unassuming Chihuahua. The result is a small-to-medium-sized pooch that can be very territorial and even aggressive. Their distrust of strangers is usually very high and can be problematic at times. Training should be done by experienced dog owners only, as this breed is often stubborn and willful. For the right owner, these dogs make excellent guard dogs and affectionate pets. German Shepherd and Beagle Mix A post shared by Samu samukutyus The Shepherd Beagle mix is another medium-sized hybrid on our list, and they range from around pounds. These pups inherit a strong sense of loyalty from both parent breeds but can get some stubbornness and willfulness from their Beagle ancestors. This breed is great with kids and has enough energy and love to go around in large families. If so, the Shepherdane may be perfect for you! These pups are large and brawny, often weighing in around pounds. They can appear intimidating, are very alert, and will quickly step between you and any perceived threat in a heartbeat. These dogs are playful and can even be goofy at times. They are good with children and families of any size, they are affectionate, and they love human interaction. German Shepherd and Bulldog Mix A post shared by Manny manuelthedevonshiredog These medium-sized pups have a bit of a spunky attitude and will generally be a bit calmer and somewhat less active than most others on our list. The parent breeds are both hardworking and protective dogs, so this mixed breed will be loyal and will go out of its way to ward off any threats. These are moderately affectionate breeds that are great with kids. These dogs are confident, fearless, and protective, so they make excellent guard dogs. They are usually friendly toward strangers and other dogs, but given their tendency to exhibit some dominance, they need to be socialized early on. Their size varies quite a bit, but usually, they will be about medium-sized and fairly muscular. German Shepherd Cross Breeds: Conclusion The German Shepherd is known all over the world as one of the most loyal and protective dogs available. They are very intelligent and highly alert, so they make very good guard dogs. Dog Breeds 10 Energetic German Shepherd Mixes Your Active Family Will Adore Super smart, totally handsome, and ready to take on any task or trick you toss their way, these German shepherd hybrid breeds are great dogs for active people. By Tracey L. Kelley After loving 19 cats, 11 dogs, and a canary, Tracey married someone allergic to all those creatures. Thankfully, she receives oodles of animal goodness sharing stories on Daily Paws! When not traveling, teaching yoga, or doing voiceover projects, she's an editorial strategist and developer for print, digital, and multimedia platforms. Daily Paws' Editorial Guidelines Updated on February 10, Noble, confident, loyal, and gentle are just a few ways to describe wonderful German shepherds. Whether they're courageous K-9s or making unlikely friendships with other creatures, German shepherds continue to be one of the most popular dogs in the U. In fact, they consistently rank in the top five favorite breeds , and there are many reasons why. Individuals and families alike appreciate qualities such as: Ease of early socializing and positive reinforcement training Abundant energy, which makes them perfect canine companions for active people These characteristics also make them top choices for crossbreeding. But before you set your pet-loving sights on a particular German shepherd mix, keep a few key things in mind. He says it should take months to research and vet a breeder. Make sure to keep the health of both pup's parents in mind, too. For example, the American Kennel Club indicates German shepherds usually live 12—14 years and while relatively healthy, still might have issues with elbow and hip dysplasia and bloat. Although there's no guarantee a mixed breed puppy will have all the most desirable traits from both dog parents we only need to look into our own family trees for that confirmation! Who you callin' mutt, mister? What type of fur your shepadoodle might have is a total toss-up, though—curly, shaggy, wiry, who knows? However, the golden retriever's consistently sweet nature and ability to get along with just about everyone means your golden shepherd will likely be a smart, devoted, and energetic family dog. Keep in mind both breeds also have double coats, so the chance for ' blowing coat ' is percent! Stock up on grooming supplies! Labrador retrievers are eager to have jobs to do, just like German shepherds, and love being outdoors, so you'll be able to train your sheprador to do just about anything! Good-natured, easy-going, and lovable, this pup is bound to be a special companion. Affectionate, quick-footed, able to learn cues in an instant, plus a double-dose of inherited herding skills? This means you'll have a trusted and dedicated mixed breed guardian for family and livestock alike. Collies also have gorgeous coats that need regular brushing , so your shollie might, too. More often than not, the attentive and faithful characteristics of the collie and the German shepherd shine in their offspring, so if you're hoping for a beloved children's pet pal, she might be it. But which corgi will you choose: the Cardigan Welsh with a long tail! When paired with a shepherd, both breeds are lively and bright. Working group border collies frequently earn top marks in agility and trick-performing competitions , so with a few shepherd genes sprinkled in, you'll be astounded at how much your new dog wants to do and learn! He's a great running and hiking buddy, too. Here's a bundle of cuddliness for sure! Beagles are prized for being terrific with kids , so this loving addition to your family might share a few German shepherd traits, too, such as steadfastness, an eagerness to run and play, and the ability to respond well to consistent training. Try scent work with them—they're a natural at it! If you want just one beloved pet with deep brown eyes! Was this page helpful? The Boxer German Shepherd mix is smart and energetic. They are easy to train but the excess energy can cause them to lose focus during the training session. This hybrid is better suited for pet owners with experience. To German Shepherd Boxer mix needs daily exercise to keep them healthy, both physically and mentally. Try to go for at least a long walk every day. A home with a yard where they can run around is best for this breed. Learn more about the German Shepherd Boxer Mix. Also known as the Gerberian Shepsky, this dog is athletic, well-built, and of medium size. A Husky German Shepherd mix has a thick double coat that must be groomed often. Brushing twice a week is enough to keep it sleek and tangle-free. Owners should be prepared to deal with a lot of shedding during molting season. A Husky Shepherd puppy is easy to find, thanks to its popularity. But make sure you deal with a reputable breeder. Ask a lot of questions and insist on a health screening before taking one home. A German Shepherd Husky mix is healthier than its parent breeds, but owners should still watch out for signs of the elbow and hip dysplasia, bloating, and degenerative eye conditions. Learn more about the German Shepherd Husky Mix. Also known as a Corman Shepherd, this is a sweet, loving, and playful dog. A German Shepherd Corgi mix dog will sometimes try to assert its dominance. This dog is generally healthy but you still need to watch out for some common Corgi German Shepherd health issues like bloat, joint dysplasia, slipped disc, and obesity. Learn more about the Corgi German Shepherd Mix. The hybrid is also known as a Shepadoodle in some quarters. They were bred and trained as military dogs by the United States Army in the s. The Poodle German Shepherd mix requires regular exercise and a lot of physical and mental stimulation to avoid obesity. Long walks or regular play dates at the dog park are good for them. An adult German Shepherd Poodle mix should eat three to four cups of high-quality dry dog food a day. This breed is prone to gastric sensitivity so owners should pick the right brand for them. Learn more about the Poodle German Shepherd Mix. A Bull Mastiff German Shepherd mix is powerful but rare. As the offspring of two large dogs, you should expect the height of a Bull Mastiff German Shepherd mix to fall between cm and its weight to be around 36kg. The German Shepherd Bull Mastiff mix breed is renowned for its fur that ranges in color from red, black to silver and sandy tones. Owners should be prepared for a lot of shedding though. Expect this hybrid pet to be energetic, affectionate, playful, and intelligent. The German Shepherd Beagle mix is a good family dog, but they have to be socialized early and properly to curb any aggressive or possessive streaks. A Beagle German Shepherd mix is typically medium-sized, muscular, and strong. They have a dense, medium length coat that needs regular brushing to remove loose hair and prevent tangles. Their teeth should also be brushed twice a week and their nails clipped every two weeks. A German Shepherd Beagle mixed breed might have hanging ears that are prone to infection so owners should check them every week for moisture. This dog is also susceptible to hip and elbow dysplasia, bloat, epilepsy and eye conditions like glaucoma. Learn more about the German Shepherd Beagle Mix. The Labrador German Shepherd mix is even-tempered, playful, and loyal to family members, but cautious and wary against strangers. A German Shepherd Labrador mix puppy needs a lot of space to exercise and play in. Crate training and socialization at an early age is recommended. A German Shepherd Labrador mix is full of energy and needs at least two hours of exercise a day, followed by mentally stimulating play. A lack of activity can cause depression and destructive behavior to appear. Learn more about the German Shepherd Lab Mix. However, brushing up on the parent breeds will shed light on how to care for this hybrid. Due to its small size, a Chihuahua German Shepherd mix is a good pet for those living in small homes or the confined spaces of apartments. This crossbreed is prone to aggression and should undergo training and socialization while still young. The German Shepherd Chihuahua mix needs a lot of physical activity. They also want to be around their family and tend to engage in destructive behavior when left alone for a long time. A Chow Chow German Shepherd mix is an adorable looking dog with a long muzzle, black facial accents and a mane-like coat. The grooming of a Chow Chow German Shepherd entails daily brushing to minimize the effects of shedding. The ears should also be wiped down once a week and the teeth brushed three times a week. The German Shepherd Chow Chow mix loves human attention. They easily get bored and could suffer from separation anxiety. When this happens, they might engage in destructive activities. Experienced dog owners will find this crossbreed smart and easy to train. The Border Collie German Shepherd mix is very affectionate and loves to snuggle with their human. They love to have fun and to play with you. But responsible owners should still be on the lookout for symptoms of epilepsy and hip dysplasia. The Collie Shepherd mixed breed is one of the most energetic dogs around. These dogs can reach an average height of inches tall and weigh between lbs. Owners should expect a German Shepherd Australian Shepherd mix to have thick, waterproof coats that need to be combed weekly to keep it free from tangles. Make sure their nails are also clipped to prevent painful splitting or cracking. A German Shepherd Dachshund mixed breed is extremely rare. The lack of information about this breed can be offset by studying the parent breeds. A Dachshund German Shepherd mix requires a special diet with fish oil and chondroitin and glucosamine supplements. This will hopefully lower the risk of elbow and hip dysplasia in this breed. The Pug German Shepherd mix is chubby, stocky, and intelligent. They greet strangers cheerfully and have a great rapport with children. German Shepherd Pug mix pets are generally strong and healthy. This German Shepherd crossbreed excels in obedience training and housetraining. But this dog will need a firm owner who knows how to deal with strong-willed pets. This is not a common hybrid so information about them is rare. Learning more about the parent breeds will provide you with insight on how to manage this dog. With such attractive parents, the Cocker Spaniel German Shepherd mix will likely be handsome as well and have a lush, wavy fur. The German Shepherd Cocker Spaniel mix will thrive with an attentive owner who can provide the dog with the right physical and mental stimulation. Finding this specific German Shepherd mixed breed puppy will be difficult. You can look for reliable hybrid breeders near you. Shelters and rescue centers might also have crossbreed puppies for adoption. Expect the American Bulldog German Shepherd mix to have a medium to large frame and be as powerful as the parent breeds. This hybrid is about inches tall and weighs anywhere between lbs. The German Shepherd Bulldog mix is loving, sweet, and gentle to its family members but wary around strangers. This dog will thrive when they have a job to do. But you can infer a lot about this crossbreed by studying the parent breeds. A Cane Corso German Shepherd mix breed is likely to be a massive dog. When it comes to German Shepherd Cane Corso health issues, the dog will probably be healthier than the parent breed. But owners should still be careful of problems like hip dysplasia and bloat. With both parents bred as guard dogs, a German Shepherd Cane Corso mix will also exhibit loyal and protective traits. There are very few details available for this dog but reading about the parent breeds will give prospective owners ideas on how to raise this hybrid. But the wrinkles on the face and shoulders are pure Shar Pei. Expect a German Shepherd mixed with a Shar Pei to be susceptible to the health issues that also plague the parental pair, like elbow and hip dysplasia, cataracts, demodectic mange, epilepsy, and bloat. The Shar Pei German Shepherd mix canine is intelligent, loyal, affectionate to its owners but reserved among strangers. They will bark at anything they think is suspicious and are willing to guard and defend their family. This is a very strong-willed dog so training them can be challenging. They will need an experienced owner who can be firm with them. This mixed breed is also called an Akita Shepherd and a Shepkita. The Akita German Shepherd mix pet needs to be fed lots of animal-based fats and protein for energy. The fats will boost their immune system and keep their fur sleek and their skin healthy. German Shepherd Akita mix puppies might look cute and lovable but they can be stubborn and temperamental. They need to be trained and socialized to learn good behavior and curb some aggressive tendencies. German Shepherd Akita mix needs to be brushed daily. Invest in a good shedding rake to remove any loose hair. Do not shave your dog during summer or winter. Their coats actually insulate them from the sun and from the cold. Studying about the parent breeds will give you more ideas about this hybrid. A Blue Heeler German Shepherd mix is alert, intelligent, loyal, and protective. They make great guard dogs and could also be a good choice for family pet. A German Shepherd Blue Heeler mix has a lot of energy to burn and loves physical activities. You can also try rescue organizations or your local shelter. An English Bulldog German Shepherd mix is brave, loyal, confident, and trainable. This is a low maintenance crossbreed that just needs brushing once a week. But those with heavier coats will be shedding seasonally. German Shepherd English Bulldog mix could inherit their parents susceptibility to particular diseases, like joint dysplasia, bloat, degenerative myelopathy, and breathing problems. A Golden Retriever German Shepherd mix is very affectionate, playful and easy-going. German Shepherd Golden Retriever mix health issues are not as severe as the parent breeds. This breed is a shedder so invest in a good vacuum and several doggy brushes. They should be given a bath once a month but their coats have to be brushed daily. This will keep their skin and hair healthy and prevent tangles. German Shepherd Golden Retriever mix is a hearty eater. Make sure to add lots of fruits, vegetables, and fish oil. Give them supplements for bone development. A Great Pyrenees German Shepherd mix is a strong, quiet, intelligent, brave, and serious dog. They have a strong protective instinct that makes them capable guard dogs. The German Shepherd Great Pyrenees mix thrives in cold weather. They can survive in temperate climates but their thick coats mean they easily get hot. The German Shepherd Rhodesian Ridgeback history is a short one as the breed is not very popular. Expect the Rhodesian Ridgeback German Shepherd mix to have a quiet, laidback temperament. The German Shepherd Rhodesian Ridgeback mix needs an experienced owner who can be firm and provide lots of positive reinforcement. This is an uncommon crossbreed so information about it is rare. They have a large frame, a long muzzle, almond-shaped eyes, and pointed ears with some feathering. Four cups of high-quality dry dog food per day are ideal. They shed all year and require daily brushing to prevent matted hair. Their nails also grow fast so they have to be clipped twice a month. But this dog has a calm, loving, and affectionate personality towards its human family. Early training and socialization will teach them discipline and will curb their unruliness. Finding a Pitbull German Shepherd mix is easy as there are numerous breeders raising them. This breed has sensitive skin so a bath once a month is perfect for them. You should also brush their coat once a week using a hard bristled brush. Learn more about the German Shepherd Pitbull Mix. The French Bulldog German Shepherd mix is a very loyal, loving, and intelligent pet who loves to be snuggled and spoiled. But they can also be protective of their family and aloof towards strangers. A German Shepherd French Bulldog mixed breed puppy needs to be potty trained and crate trained right away. Their training and socialization should be consistent, with lots of positive reinforcement. A German Shepherd French Bulldog mix might develop serious health conditions, just like its parent breed. This hybrid is prone to brachycephalic syndrome, a chronic breathing issue. They are also susceptible to dysplasia, bloat, and degenerative myelopathy. Studying the two parent breeds will give the owner an approximation of how this dog will behave. The Catahoula German Shepherd mix is very playful and zealous. They can start chewing items and generally exhibit destructive behavior. A German Shepherd Catahoula mix requires daily exercise and mental stimulation. These dogs will do well in homes with a big yard. They need a lot of space to play and burn energy. The dog is a cross between a German Shepherd and a Shih Tzu. But reading about the two parent breeds will be helpful in figuring out how to care for this dog. A Shih Tzu German Shepherd mix will likely have an outgoing, affectionate, and happy disposition. They will likely be very loyal and will follow you around everywhere. Shih Tzus are infamously stubborn when it comes to housetraining, a trait that might be passed on to the German Shepherd Shih Tzu mix. They will need to be housetrained and undergo obedience training and socialization early. Try looking at your local rescue shelter for this hybrid. Novice dog owners will find this strong-willed and energetic mixed breed difficult to handle. The Doberman German Shepherd mix is a large dog. They can reach an average height of inches and could weigh anywhere from lbs. Grooming a German Shepherd Doberman mix is fairly easy. They have short and sleek coats that will require regular brushing. Some shedding is to be expected as well. Owners will have to start training and socializing this crossbreed as young as possible. Learn more about the Doberman German Shepherd Mix. While the parent breeds are popular, cross-breeding them is rare. The Newfoundland German Shepherd mix is likely to have a calm and stoic disposition. They will also be extremely loyal and protective of their family, but not to an extreme degree. A German Shepherd Newfoundland mix breed could be prone to allergies and elbow and hip dysplasia, problems that are associated with large dogs and the parent breeds. Their food bowl needs to be full of the best food you can find. Puppy pups should get food that meets their requirements, so take a look at the best puppy food brands. Food for older hairy companions needs to have below-average calories and adequate protein levels. These formulas can be found in the best senior dry dog food brands. A regular checkup with your vet can help you find the best option. 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. Because of their fierce loyalty and athletic nature, they make perfect guard dogs. At the same time, they are great human companions that love children and other people. Mixing a German Shepherd with another dog can create a breed that is unique and have many other strong suits that the German Shepherd may not have on its own. The 16 Popular German Shepherd Mixes 1. This is the perfect dog if you are looking for a super family and lovable dog that is also intelligent, obedient, and great for activities. Golden Shepherds love having a lot of one-on-one time with their owners and get along great with children. At the same time, these dogs are ready to go on an adventure, whether it be hunting, tracking, or just walking through the woods. You can get an athletic, cute, and intelligent breed by mixing a Pug with a German Shepherd, which is called a Shug. Although a Shug may sound like an odd idea, this breed is very unique and intelligent. Both Pugs and German Shepherds alike are known to be intelligent and natural guard dogs. Combining them both creates a super adorable, intelligent, and alert pup. This is easily one of the cutest dogs around. One way that the Chow Shepherd takes after the Chow is that you can often spot these dogs with their tongues hanging out. Expect for the dog to lick you quite a bit! Labrashepherds are incredibly intelligent and love new situations. At the same time, these dogs are loving, calm, and do well in family situations. This dog is highly protective and loyal. They also have a lot of muscles and are likely to scare away any intruders just from their appearance and bark. It is a combination of a German Shepherd and a Collie. This dog has a long coat and a very graceful appearance. The coat, though attractive, will require frequent grooming, but it may be worth it for those looking for a gorgeous dog. As for their temperament, Shollies are very even tempered and easily trained. They may not be as playful as some other breeds, but this dog is very kind. Plus, the Siberian Shepherd will be a very hard worker, all while loving to play with you. This dog is a mix of a German Shepherd and an Alaskan Malamute. Its coat is incredibly beautiful. Not to mention, the personality is loyal, friendly, and strong, matched with easy trainability. This is a great dog for you if you have young children and go swimming a lot. This dog is highly trainable, loyal, and gentle, making it a gentle giant for families. These dogs are incredibly loyal and hardworking. This dog is a ball of energy since both Corgis and German Shepherds are known for their high exercise requirements. With the right training, these dogs can be super fun to play with. Being a mix between a German Shepherd and a Pitbull, you absolutely must be a firm but loving owner to raise this dog right. With the right hand, this dog can be an incredibly loyal pet that is always there to protect you. This dog is great within the family because it has a lot of tolerance to irritability and has high amounts of patience, making it the perfect dog if you have young children in your home. Still, these dogs are very patient and loving. These dogs are incredibly friendly and loving, but they will push your boundaries too. Expect the dog to be very willful and in need of serious training. This dog will be very big, requiring a whole lot of space to live and play. So long as you provide this dog a lot of room, it will be very loving, loyal, and protective over your home. This dog is a cross between a regular German Shepherd and an actual Wolf. These dogs are not legal in many areas and can be incredibly sensitive. These dogs are loved because they make great guard dogs, are highly intelligent, and fit in perfect with most families. They have specifically been bred since the s for their working purposes. These dogs have an incredible sense of smell, which is why German Shepherds are often used for finding bombs and drugs. German Shepherds are also suspicious and want to protect themselves and their owners. These traits are matched with high levels of intelligence, allowing them to figure out ways to alert you or complete the task at hand. At the same time, German Shepherds are very lovable and loyal. This dog is known to protect their owners when needed, but they love attention and affection when they know there is no danger. Because of these traits, German Shepherds are great dogs for active singles or families. Because German Shepherds are so great, you may be wondering what the benefits are for mixing it with another breed. German Shepherd mixes have some of the best traits of the German Shepherd and whatever dog it is mixed with, creating a dog perfect for you. For example, Shugs, which are German Shepherds mixed with Pugs, tend to be highly intelligent and much less suspicious than traditional German Shepherds. This may be the perfect dog for you if you want an intelligent and alert dog that is a bit less intimidating. You may also want to get a German Shepherd mix for their appearance. Mixing a German Shepherd with something fluffy or more traditionally cute can create super unique and attractive. Final Thoughts As you can see, there are many lovable, intelligent, and cute German Shepherd mixes out there. Although there are many other German Shepherd mixes available, the 16 we looked at tend to be the most popular. We hope you enjoyed looking at these super cute and unique breeds. Ollie, originally from the USA, holds his master's degree in wildlife biology and moved to Australia to pursue his career and passion but has found a new love for working online and writing about animals of all types.