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Females are about 21 to 22 inches tall and weigh about 55 to 65 pounds 25 to 29 kilograms. The golden retriever has a water-repellent coat that is wavy or flat and gold to cream in color. One of the most attractive features of this breed is the feathering on the neck, legs, thighs, underside and tail. The dog's head is strong and broad. The ears are not very large, but they sit high on the head and hang just below the jaw line. The chest is deep, and the body is well balanced. Golden retrievers live about 10 to 13 years. Personality: The golden retriever is even-tempered, intelligent and affectionate. Golden retrievers are playful, yet gentle with children, and they tend to get along well with other pets and strangers. These dogs are eager to please, which probably explains why they respond so well to obedience training and are such popular service dogs. They also like to work, whether it involves hunting birds or fetching their guardian's slippers. .Golden retrievers are not often barkers, and they lack guard instincts, so do not count on them to make good watchdogs. However, some golden retrievers will let you know when strangers are approaching. Living With: This breed likes to be active. Remember, golden retrievers are bird dogs at heart, so they love a good game of fetch or a swim. If exercise is provided daily, golden retrievers can adapt to any type of home, even if it is a city apartment. Golden retrievers are considered average shedders. Brushing about once weekly will keep the coat looking nice. History: In , the golden retriever was the second most popular AKC breed. This ranking is no surprise, because the dog has many qualities that make for a perfect family pet. The golden retriever's roots are in the fields and waterways of Great Britain, however. The golden retriever was bred to be a bird dog, particularly for hunting water fowl, and the breed resulted from crossing a number of other breeds thought to include spaniels, setters, and the Newfoundland but not the Newfoundland we know today , and perhaps even a bloodhound. The combination created a hardy, strong swimming dog that could withstand cold water, track wounded game and deal with crippled birds. Today, golden retrievers are not only good bird dogs and family pets; they also are popular as service dogs for the blind and disabled, and as search and rescue dogs and contraband detection dogs. Few dogs can claim this breed's versatility. Related Pet Care Articles. Although a playful pup sounds endearing, consider how many games of fetch or tag you want to play each day, and whether you have kids or other dogs who can stand in as playmates for the dog. The Golden is slow to mature and retains the silly, playful personality of a puppy until three to four years of age, which can be both delightful and annoying. Many keep their puppyish traits into old age. Originally bred for the physically demanding job of retrieving ducks and other fowl for hunters, the Golden needs daily exercise : a walk or jog, free time in the yard, a run at the beach or lake Goldens love water , or a game of fetch. And like other intelligent breeds who were bred to work, they need to have a job to do, such as retrieving the paper, waking up family members, or competing in dog sports. A tired Golden is a well-behaved Golden. As well as giving your Golden Retriever physical and mental exercise , you should also be prepared to include him in your family activities. Golden Retriever Highlights Golden Retrievers shed a lot, especially during spring and fall. Brushing their coat daily helps remove loose hair, preventing it from spreading on your clothes and around your home. Living with a Golden means embracing their shedding. Golden Retrievers are active and require minutes of vigorous exercise every day. They enjoy obedience training, agility classes, and other dog activities that provide both physical and mental stimulation. While they are gentle and reliable around children, Golden Retrievers are large and exuberant, which might accidentally knock over small kids. Goldens have hearty appetites and can become overweight if overfed. Manage treats, measure their daily food portions, and feed them regular meals instead of leaving food out all day. Due to their popularity, some breeders prioritize profit over the well-being of the dogs. To ensure a healthy pup, avoid irresponsible breeders, puppy mills, or pet stores. Look for reputable breeders who test their breeding dogs for genetic diseases and focus on good temperaments. Golden Retriever History For many years, there was a legend that Golden Retrievers were descended from Russian sheepdogs bought from a circus. In fact, the breed was developed in Scotland, at the highland estate of Sir Dudley Majoribanks, later known as Lord Tweedmouth. Tweedmouth, like many gentry of his day, bred animals of all kinds, trying to perfect different breeds. He also wanted the dog to be loyal and even-tempered in the home. Tweedmouth kept mostly the yellow puppies to continue his breeding program, and gave others away to friends and relatives. The American Kennel Club recognized the breed in .Today, the Golden Retriever is the second most popular breed in the U. Golden Retriever Size Males are 23 to 24 inches tall and weigh 65 to 75 pounds. Females are generally .Golden Retrievers usually reach their full height by one year of age, and their mature weight by two. Golden Retriever Personality A sweet, calm nature is the hallmark of the breed. The Golden was bred to work with people, and is eager to please his owner. Though hard-wired with a good disposition, like all dogs the Golden must be well-raised and well-trained to make the most of his heritage. Socialization helps ensure that your Golden puppy grows up to be a well-rounded dog. Health clearances prove that a dog has been tested for and cleared of a particular condition. You can confirm health clearances by checking the OFA web site offa. Some dogs show pain and lameness on one or both rear legs, but you may not notice any signs of discomfort in a dog with hip dysplasia. As the dog ages, arthritis can develop. Dogs with hip dysplasia should not be bred. Elbow Dysplasia: This is a heritable condition common to large-breed dogs. This can lead to painful lameness. Your vet may recommend surgery to correct the problem or medication to control the pain. Cataracts: As in humans, canine cataracts are characterized by cloudy spots on the eye lens that can grow over time. Cataracts can usually be surgically removed with good results. Early in the disease, dogs become night-blind. As the disease progresses, they lose their daytime vision as well. Many dogs adapt to limited or complete vision loss very well, as long as their surroundings remain the same. Subvalvular Aortic Stenosis: This heart problem is caused by a narrow connection between the left ventricle out-flow and the aorta. It can cause fainting and even sudden death. Your vet can detect it and prescribe the proper treatment. Osteochondrosis Dissecans OCD : This orthopedic condition, caused by improper growth of cartilage in the joints, usually occurs in the elbows, but it has been seen in the shoulders as well. It causes a painful stiffening of the joint, to the point that the dog is unable to bend his elbow. It can be detected in dogs as early as four to nine months of age. Allergies: Golden Retrievers can be allergic to a variety of substances, ranging from food to pollen. If your Golden is licking his paws or rubbing his face a great deal, have him checked by your vet. The main symptom is excessive bleeding after an injury or surgery. Other symptoms include nosebleeds, bleeding gums, or bleeding in the stomach or intestines. There is no cure, and a blood transfusion from the blood of normal dogs is currently the only treatment. Research is underway for new treatments, including medication. A vet can test your dog for the condition. Dogs with this condition should not be bred. Bloat occurs when the stomach is distended with gas or air and then twists. The dog is unable to belch or vomit to rid himself of the excess air in his stomach, and blood flow to the heart is impeded. Blood pressure drops and the dog goes into shock. Without immediate medical attention, the dog can die. Suspect bloat if your dog has a distended abdomen, is drooling excessively, and retching without throwing up. He also may be restless, depressed, lethargic, and weak with a rapid heart rate. If you notice these symptoms, get your dog to the vet as soon as possible. Epilepsy : Epilepsy is a brain disorder that causes periodic seizures and convulsions. Your vet will need to know how severe the seizures are and how often they occur to determine what medication to prescribe, if any. Hemangiosarcoma : This is a very dangerous form of cancer that originates in the lining of blood vessels and spleen. It most commonly occurs in middle-age and elderly dogs. Golden Retriever Care Golden Retrievers are built for action and love outdoor romps. If you like to hike or jog, your Golden will be happy to join you. Slacking on the activity, however, could lead to behavior problems. These dogs grow very rapidly between the age of four and seven months, making them susceptible to bone disorders. Normal play on grass is fine, and so are puppy agility classes. Golden Retriever Feeding Recommended daily amount: 2 to 3 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. NOTE: How much your adult dog eats depends on his size, age, build, metabolism, and activity level. It almost goes without saying that a highly active dog will need more than a couch potato dog. Keep your Golden in good shape by measuring his food and feeding him twice a day rather than leaving food out all the time. First, look down at him. You should be able to see a waist. Then place your hands on his back, thumbs along the spine, with the fingers spread downward. You should be able to feel but not see his ribs without having to press hard. They do well on a high-quality, low-calorie diet that keeps them from growing too fast. For more on feeding your Golden, see our guidelines for buying the right food , feeding your puppy , and feeding your adult dog. Some coats are wavy, some are straight. The fur feathers on the back of the front legs and underbody, with heavier feathering on the chest, back of the thighs, and tail. Golden Retrievers come in all shades of gold, from light to dark gold. Golden Retrievers shed moderately in the winter and summer, and heavily in the spring and fall. Daily brushing is recommended to prevent tangling, and once a week is the bare minimum. Your Golden will also need a bath at least once a month, often more frequently, to keep him looking and smelling clean. Daily brushing is even better if you want to prevent gum disease and bad breath. Short, neatly trimmed nails keep the feet in good condition. Dog toenails have blood vessels in them, and if you cut too far you can cause bleeding — and your dog may not cooperate the next time he sees the nail clippers come out. Fold-over ears create a warm, dark environment for bacteria or fungus to grow in, and breeds that have them — such as the Golden — are prone to ear infections. His ears should be checked weekly for redness or a bad odor, which can indicate an infection. Check them every time he gets wet, too. Handle his paws frequently — dogs are touchy about their feet — and look inside his mouth. As you groom, check for sores, rashes, or signs of infection such as redness, tenderness, or inflammation on the skin, in the nose, mouth, and eyes, and on the feet. Eyes should be clear, with no redness or discharge. Your careful weekly exam will help you spot potential health problems early. As with every breed, you should always teach children how to approach and touch dogs, and always supervise any interactions between dogs and young children to prevent any biting or ear or tail pulling on the part of either party. No dog, no matter how friendly, should ever be left unsupervised with a child. He enjoys the companionship of other dogs , and with proper introductions and training, can be trusted with cats, rabbits, and other animals. Golden Retriever Rescue Groups Goldens are often purchased without any clear understanding of what goes into owning one. There are many Goldens in need of adoption and or fostering. There are a number of rescues that we have not listed. Golden Retriever Club of America, Inc. Reputable breeders are committed to breeding healthy, well-socialized puppies that will make great companions. They will screen their breeding stock for health problems, socialize their puppies from a young age, and provide you with lifetime support. On the other hand, backyard breeders are more interested in making a profit than in producing healthy, well-adjusted dogs. They may not screen their breeding stock for health problems, and they may not socialize their puppies properly. As a result, puppies from backyard breeders are more likely to have both health and behavioral issues. More Info For You. Join them outside for playtime to help them burn off their endless puppy-like energy. Ideal Environment Golden Retrievers adapt easily and can thrive just as well on a sprawling farm as in a congested city, so long as there are plenty of opportunities for exercise and mental stimulation. Remember, they have a natural instinct to retrieve, so offer them many positive outlets for that behavior. Back to Top Golden Retriever Health Golden Retrievers have a life expectancy of 10 to 12 years, but the Golden Retriever lifespan can vary greatly depending on many variables, such as weight, fitness level, and illness. Some dogs can live to 14 without issue, while others can develop health problems well before that. The best thing you can do is follow preventative health protocols and know what those potential health problems are, so you can recognize and treat the signs quickly. Cancer: The biggest health issue for Goldens is cancer. According to a study conducted by the Golden Retriever Club of America, cancer was identified as a cause of death in .If your pup has cancer, your vet can help you determine the best course of action to treat your pup. Ear Infections: Those adorable floppy ears? They can trap moisture, creating a breeding ground for bacteria and yeast. Clean those cute ears regularly with a non-irritating solution like Epi-Otic to prevent ear infections. If your pup develops a skin infection, contact your veterinarian. Hip Dysplasia: Roughly 8. Check with your veterinarian for the best treatment options if your Golden suffers from this condition. Heart Conditions: They are also prone to certain heart conditions, like subaortic stenosis , which is a narrowing of the area just below the aortic valve the valve where blood leaves the heart and travels to the rest of the body. This can sometimes be detected as an audible murmur during a veterinarian exam. Your veterinarian will determine the best treatment. Marjoribanks selectively bred different dog breeds to create an energetic pup who could retrieve objects from the water and on land. He eventually developed a retriever with speed, agility and loyalty. Goldens began arriving in the United States in the early s and gained recognition from the AKC in .Now, many organizations are dedicated to the breed, such as the Golden Retriever Club of America. So, where is the best place to find Golden Retriever puppies today? When selecting a breeder, make sure they screen their dogs for health and temperament issues. You can also reach out to Golden Retriever rescues to adopt a Golden, or keep an eye out for the breed at your local animal shelter. Are Golden Retrievers Labradors? Goldens were originally bred in Scotland, while Labradors were bred in Newfoundland. Are Golden Retrievers aggressive? However, there can be exceptions if they were poorly socialized or abused by a previous owner. Like any dog, they can be territorial over food or high-value toys. What are the different types of Golden Retrievers? All Golden Retrievers are simply Golden Retrievers, and variations in color and body composition are results of breeding for specific traits. As mentioned above, dogs who are bred for field work might be redder and leaner than those bred for the show ring, but beyond that there is little difference in types. What are the most common Golden Retriever mixes? These are the most popular names among Chewy customers who have Goldens. For more name inspiration, check out our dog name guide. Sure, they need a lot of exercise, attention, and daily brushing to be at their happiest and give them the best chance of living well into their senior years. Female Names. Golden Retriever Personality and Traits Posted on June 22, by Galen Kauffman Share: Golden retrievers consistently rank within the top ten most popular dog breeds for a good reason! These dogs have become a hallmark of American families, along with white picket fences and warm apple pies. Goldens have a wide reputation for being affectionate, gentle, and intelligent pets. There are an estimated , breed-registered golden retrievers in America alone! Are you thinking about adding a golden retriever to your family? Wondering what to expect from the golden retriever personality? Keep reading to learn more about these beautiful, loyal dogs and their lovable characteristics! In general, golden retrievers are very sweet, friendly dogs. These are the common characteristics found in the golden retriever breed, but your dog will be unique! Golden Temperament The golden retriever temperament is generally very friendly, relaxed, and even-keeled. Goldens are eager to please and easily entertained. Golden retrievers are not an aggressive breed. Although they can be police dogs or personal security dogs, they are not the best breed for providing physical protection. Golden retrievers are very loyal but not strongly defensive. Goldens are often trained as therapy dogs and support animals because they have sweet, gentle personalities! Many goldens work with first responders to comfort victims of traumatic events. Because they are patient and tolerant, golden retrievers are great dogs to keep around children and people with disabilities. Minimal Barking When you own any kind of dog, some barking is inevitable, but barking will vary between breeds. Golden retrievers will bark, but they are not a breed prone to incessant barking. If you have a golden retriever, your dog will not likely wake you up by barking at night. High Energy Levels Golden retrievers are not a lazy breed. Golden retrievers are incredibly intelligent, so engaging with them mentally and physically every day is essential. You will need to exercise your golden daily by going for walks and playing with toys. Goldens also enjoy playing with mind puzzles and treat games! If they do not have a healthy outlet for excess energy, golden retrievers can be destructive or annoying to their owners. Unless you can commit to exercising your dog every hours, golden retrievers will not make good apartment pets. Easy Trainability Put all that high energy to good use! Golden Retrievers can be easy to train. When they are adequately trained, golden retrievers can be incredibly hard-working dogs. They are frequently trained to be service and support dogs. Because they are one of the most intelligent dog breeds, golden retrievers are relatively easy to train. Like most dogs, golden retrievers will see the best training results if they are trained from a young age. Your golden may have specific motivations, but this breed is relatively easy to encourage with treats, affection, and playtime. Sometimes babies and young children can be stressful for dogs, pulling their hair, grabbing their ears, and shouting their names. Not all dogs are up to the task of babysitting, but golden retrievers make excellent family pets. Kids and golden retrievers will enjoy playing outside together for hours. Their high energy and intelligence make them the perfect companions for playing fetch and tug-of-war! Teach children how to approach a dog with kindness. Any dog can react negatively when they are feeling stressed and overwhelmed. Cooperative Companions Because of their easygoing and friendly demeanor, golden retrievers are also well-behaved around other family pets. They are not likely to display aggression towards other dogs in the home and are not prone to tormenting housecats. Golden retrievers may actually benefit from the company of other animals. Having another dog or even a cat! Goldens are usually very easy to take into public spaces as well. They are obedient when walking on the leash and quite friendly towards strangers. Of course, every dog is unique! If your dog displays aggression or unease around other dogs in public, practice safe dog-walking habits and avoid dog parks. Golden Retriever Breed History The history and breeding of golden retrievers play a lot into their modern-day personalities. Golden retrievers originated in Scotland in the mid to late 19th century, making them a relatively new breed! The natural landscape of Scotland is wet in many places, and hunters had trouble retrieving wildfowl from dense marshy areas. Standard hunting dogs at the time were not very well equipped for finding and returning wild game. Thus, the hunting dogs were bred with tweed water spaniels to make them more adept in marshlands. Although water spaniels have wavy black coats, some of the puppies were born with distinct yellow coats. These dogs became known as golden retrievers! Today, their lovable personalities have made them one of the most adored dog breeds in America. Physical Characteristics Golden retriever characteristics are easily recognizable. Goldens are medium-to-large-sized dogs with distinct wavy coats and floppy, triangular ears. Golden retrievers can be cream-colored, light golden, or dark golden. Because their lips are quite relaxed, they can have some tendency to drool. They love to show affection with big, sloppy kisses! Strong Sense of Smell Golden retrievers have incredibly keen senses of smell. Historically, they would use their strong noses to locate game in the marshy hunting grounds of Scotland. Today, they are sometimes trained as drug-detection and travel security dogs. Golden retrievers love to play games of hide-and-seek with treats. These dogs have slick, water-shedding coats inherited from their water spaniel ancestors. Their double-layered fur keeps water from penetrating down to bare skin! Golden Retriever Care Tips Golden retrievers are a friendly, easygoing breed, but they do require some special treatment from their owners. Many people know that these dogs eat ravenously, drink a lot of water, and require special coat care , but their unique personalities deserve attention too. Here are a few essential takeaways for taking care of your golden pal. Exercise Your Dog Often Golden retrievers are an active, extroverted breed. They do not deal well with feeling cooped indoors for hours at a time. Invest in Early Training Golden retrievers are an intelligent breed, but their energy can be misdirected if untrained. Consistent, early training will keep your dog from destroying your house and annoying your family. Keep treats nearby to reward your dog for obedient behavior! They love to travel , explore, and learn new things. Make sure your dog can find space when needed, and teach children how to interact appropriately with pets. Golden Opportunity The golden retriever personality is legendary for a reason. This breed is affectionate, loyal, intelligent, and endlessly friendly. Are you determined to adopt after reading this golden retriever guide? All of our puppies have certified genetics and are sourced from local, loving breeders. Ready to meet your new best friend? Check out our available puppies! Galen has been connecting quality Golden Retriever breeders with loving families since and is the founder of My Golden Retriever Puppies. He and his wife have four children and love spending time together, traveling lived oversees for 4 years , enjoying the outdoors and connecting Golden families. Be the first to know when we have new puppies! All Rights Reserved. Aside from forcing you to get more active, having a canine friend can reduce stress for people of all ages. For starters, vaccinations start at weeks old and should be spaced out every two weeks. Golden retrievers have a reputation for being some of the best dog breeds for families. Are you looking to bring home a golden retriever puppy? Read on for an in-depth golden retriever guide to prepare you for your new best friend for life. Are Golden Retrievers Good Dogs? Of course, all dogs are the best boys and girls and deserve all the belly rubs in the world! However, when people ask if a golden retriever is a good dog, they want to know if the breed is a good fit for them. Some dogs also require extensive maintenance and can be too much for a beginner dog handler. For people wanting to make sure a golden is good for their lifestyle, the quick answer is yes. Golden retrievers are an all-around versatile breed for all kinds of people and are the best dogs you could ask for. Golden retrievers are amazing with kids and make for great family dogs. Goldens are a gentle bunch, and their intelligence and patience are often under-appreciated. They can handle household noise and curious toddlers with the patience of a saint. As a breed, they are well known for their loving, patient, gentle, and fun-loving nature. This is largely a result of upbringing and conditioning, as any dog can become aggressive if mistreated. If you want a friendly golden retriever, do your part and give them the love and care they need. Golden Retrievers Are Affectionate Goldens are affectionate and are sure to get along with any dog or person they meet. This is why you often see them excelling as therapy, comfort, and emotional support dogs. Golden Retrievers Have Wonderful Personalities There is nothing to not like about the personalities of this breed. They love to have fun, but they also like going with the flow. Given their history as hunting dogs, golden retrievers are curious and will go often go exploring if you let them. They also have plenty of courage and work ethic, making them great working dogs. Golden retrievers will always want to greet strangers and sneak a chance at some playtime. This makes them a poor choice to defend your home, as they might befriend the intruder instead. If you want a guard dog, a golden retriever may fall short of its responsibilities. They Can Be Mischievous This one should be obvious for anyone scrolling social media. Goldens have a penchant for tomfoolery and mischief, which can often be hilarious. Golden retriever puppies are particularly notorious for this. Part of this stems from their natural curiosity but also their relaxed and loving nature. While temperament is often a genetic arch-type and can differ from dog to dog, most of it is solid. This is a huge factor for families with multiple dogs or a cat. They May Have Trouble Behaving in Public Because goldens are so friendly, they sometimes have trouble behaving in public. Their temperament naturally pulls them toward new potential friends. You can work on these through socialization and by going slow. Take them to less crowded or busy places first, and work your way up until they get the hang of it. Keep an eye out for body language and physical contact. As we said, some of this comes built in, but you also have to work on it. There are two major things you need to do. If you want to ensure your golden has that loveable personality, start socializing them at a young age. Training is a must, and golden retrievers are usually eager to please. It also helps to get a puppy from a reputable breeder, not from any pet store or puppy mill. At My Golden Retriever Puppies , we breed and raise our puppies with the love and attention they deserve. Golden Retriever Traits Aside from personality and temperament, goldens have great traits. These include their trainability, intelligence, and energy levels. It also includes behaviors to watch out for, like chewing. For a quick dive, keep reading. Golden Retrievers Are Smart Golden retrievers are much more intelligent than people give them credit for. A great example is how the police love using them as sniffers and tracking dogs. As long as you put in the work, your golden will be able to flex its stuff. This has a lot to do with their intelligence and obedient and loving personality. Golden Retrievers Need Exercise Despite being pretty flexible with their energy levels, Goldens still need to exercise. Examples of this include frequent zoomies around the house or getting into messes. They Can Be Chewers Goldens can be chewers, and this stems from adolescence. Teething golden puppies will chew anything they can get their hands on. A great way to handle this is training and exercise. Goldens need stimulation. Playing tug of war or fetch is a great way to address that bad chewing habit. They are cute and smart, easy to train and grow up to be fantastic family dogs. Visit us today to bring the newest addition to your family home. A golden retriever is happy, loyal, affectionate, non-aggressive, and almost always friendly. They get along with almost everyone, including kids, strangers, and other animals. Do Golden Retrievers Bark a lot? For example, your puppy may boop things with their nose or use their paws to communicate. Are Golden Retrievers Well Behaved? Golden retrievers are some of the most well-behaved dogs out there. Galen has been connecting quality Golden Retriever breeders with loving families since and is the founder of My Golden Retriever Puppies. He and his wife have four children and love spending time together, traveling lived oversees for 4 years , enjoying the outdoors and connecting Golden families. Be the first to know when we have new puppies! All Rights Reserved. They are simultaneously wonderful family pets—thanks to their friendly, tolerant attitude—and capable, intelligent working dogs. These sturdy, medium-sized dogs grow to about 55—75 pounds and typically live to be about 10—12 years old. Outgoing, trustworthy, eager-to-please, and easy-to-train, they are especially popular with families with young children. Goldens often maintain their fun-loving puppy attitudes and signature smile into adulthood. Part of the sporting dog group, golden retrievers are active dogs that require at least an hour of daily exercise. They live up to their name; they love retrieving just about anything thrown for them. This makes them excellent hunting companions and skilled service dogs. They love to eat, run, spend time with their owners, and even participate in obedience and agility events. Their coloring ranges from light golden to cream, and dark golden to golden, and their physique can vary from broad and dense to leaner and more sporty. According to AKC standards,goldens move with a smooth, powerful gait, and the feathery tail is carried, as breed fanciers say, with a "merry action. Thanks to their breeding as hunting and waterfowl-retrieving dogs in the Scottish Highlands,their outer coat is dense and repels water. They also have a thick undercoat. Their coats can vary in texture from wavy to straight. Heavy feathering appears on their chest, the backs of their legs, and tail. Temperament In general, golden retrievers are outgoing, playful, and gentle. They are also friendly, intelligent, and devoted. As they get older, most golden retrievers become docile and calm. Bred to be working retrievers, goldens have a lot of energy and require a lot of activity. They are best suited for owners with an active lifestyle and they thrive in a home where someone is around during the day to spend time with them. They don't do well when left at home on their own; they love their humans too much. Their happy demeanor often draws attention from other people when you are out and about—goldens get along well with strangers and other dogs. While they are not considered good guard dogs—they'd be more likely to show an intruder where the treats are than send the intruder running—golden retrievers are excellent service dogs thanks to their loyalty, intelligence, and stable temperament. They see themselves as part of the family and need to be treated as such. Luckily, goldens are not bothered by noise, commotion, and activity, making them very tolerant of children. Golden retrievers also take a "the more the merrier" approach to having other pets in the home. With proper introductions and training, goldens can be trusted with other dogs, cats, rabbits, and other animals. A golden retriever would do well reigning over a large fenced-in yard , so if you don't have a lot of outdoor space or you live in an apartment, make sure you get your golden outside regularly. A lot," Steen says. Owners should get used to having a fair amount of dog hair on clothing and furniture around the home. They have a thick, water-repellant double coat that sheds moderately in the winter and summer, and heavily in the spring and fall. However, if you brush your golden daily, you can prevent tangling and remove some dead hair before it covers everything in sight. Baths can also help and are recommended about once a month, but make sure the golden is fully dry before brushing begins. Golden retrievers will also need their nails trimmed about once or twice a month. A good indicator of when they need to be trimmed is when you can hear them clicking on the floor. Teeth should also be brushed at least two or three times a week. Ear checks are important as well; goldens have fold-over ears, which create an environment that encourages bacteria and fungus to grow. Look for redness or a bad odor and simply wipe out the outer ear with a cotton ball dampened with gentle, pH-balanced ear cleaner to help prevent infections. Exercise is an essential part of a golden retriever's day. At least one hour a day of rigorous activity is necessary, even if that happens over several different outings or play times throughout the day. Goldens can be taken on long runs , bike rides, hikes, and swims. They also enjoy hunting trips, field trials, and other canine sports like agility, obedience, and tracking. A golden that doesn't get enough exercise is likely to exhibit undesirable behaviors like digging and chewing. Mental challenges, such as learning tricks and playing with puzzle toys, are also appealing to goldens, but should never replace physical activity. Take it easy with exercise in a golden retriever's first two years of life, as their growth plates are still forming. Don't go for long, strenuous runs or hikes until the dog is fully grown, and always opt for grass over concrete. Early socialization and puppy training classes are important with golden retrievers. Puppies should be exposed to a wide variety of people, places, and situations to help them become well-adjusted in their young life. When it comes to feeding time , owners need to help golden retrievers manage their intake; they have a tendency to become overweight. Food should be measured out and given twice a day rather than leaving food out all the time. Dog treats should be given in moderation. If you're unsure whether your golden retriever is overweight, give him the eye test and the hands-on test. First, look down at him. You should be able to see a waist. Then place your hands on his back, thumbs along the spine, with the fingers spread downward. You should be able to feel but not see his ribs without having to press hard. If you can't, he likely needs less food and more exercise. Chat with your vet about the best course of action. According to Steen, they are a generally healthy breed, but goldens are at a slightly increased risk of hip dysplasia and cancer when compared to other dogs. Other health conditions, although not particularly common, include elbow dysplasia, cataracts , progressive retinal atrophy —or gradual deterioration of the retina—hypothyroidism, gastric dilatation-volvulus otherwise known as bloat , and allergies. Golden retrievers should also have their ears checked often and teeth brushed regularly for optimum health. History Dudley Marjoribanks, the first Lord of Tweedmouth, developed golden retrievers in the mid-to-late s. Although at one time a rumor indicated that golden retrievers descended from Russian sheep dogs, they were, in fact, bred in the Scottish Highlands. Marjoribanks bred the dogs for more than 50 years to create an ideal gundog—he was an avid hunter of waterfowl. Tweedmouth wanted a dog suited to the rainy climate and rugged terrain of the area, so he crossed his "yellow retriever" with a breed that is now extinct, the Tweed water spaniel. He also wanted the dog to be even-tempered in the home. A golden retriever was first shown at the British dog show in .The Kennel Club in England officially recognized the golden retriever as a distinct breed in .At that time, they were classified as "retriever — yellow or golden. Fun Facts Considered one of the most beloved dog breeds, golden retrievers gained popularity with American families in the s when President Gerald Ford had a golden named Liberty. Tucker Budzyn is currently the most recognized golden retriever on the Internet, with more than 3 million followers across YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook. Golden retrievers are regulars on big and little screens. Golden retrievers love tennis balls. Just ask this 6-year-old golden named Finley , who is the Guinness World Record holder for carrying the most tennis balls in his mouth at a time. He can hold six! Was this page helpful? Pin it Pin on Pinterest Golden Retrievers are considered to be some of the most lovable and gentlest types of dogs in the world. Because of this, they are a popular breed for many homeowners to add to their family. However, while these bundles of joy are a great addition to the family, they come with a few needs, especially if you plan to get Golden Retriever puppies. It is believed that Tweedmouth bought a yellow-coated retriever from a litter of mainly black retrievers. He then bred the retriever with a Tweed Water Spaniel which eventually produced four yellow puppies. Eventually, the breed came to have the characteristic it is known for today, such as a bright yellow cup and long wavy coat. Golden Retriever puppies will eventually grow to be very large dogs, although how big depends on their gender. Males will grow to be anywhere near 23 to 23 inches tall and weigh about 60 to 75 lbs. Females will grow to be about 22 inches tall and weigh about lbs. Puppies will usually reach their full height and weight after a year. Types of Golden Retrievers Believe it or not, there are three different types of Golden Retrievers which range based on fur color and breed type. Fur can range from golden, light golden, and dark golden. The three types this breed comes in include American, Canadian, and English. So, how do you tell the difference between the types? An American Golden Retriever will look like your average Golden Retriever with a thin body and golden to dark golden coat. On the other hand, a Canadian Golden Retriever will have a thinner coat compared to the American version, although they will usually have the same fur color. An English Golden Retriever is a bit stockier compared to the other two and their coat tends to be very light in color. They are Affectionate These dogs are considered to be one of the most affectionate types in the world. They are very calm and enjoy sitting and being around people. They are also very patient and will gently play around with you because they want to be around you. These dogs also enjoy cuddling. They are Eager to Please Golden Retrievers want to be your best friend, and because of this, they will almost anything to please you. This can range from bringing you things to trying to be around you often. This makes them the perfect breed to consider if you want a faithful companion. They are Gentle While they might be big dogs, Golden Retrievers are very gentle, even when playing. Because of this, they are perfect to keep around children. They are Playful Golden Retrievers are very happy dogs and love to play. For those who want a dog to stay active with them, this breed is ideal to consider because of this. However, despite being playful, they also know when to stop because they want to please you. When they see that you are upset or sense they are causing pain , they will stop and calm down. Keep in mind though that this might be a little harder for puppies to understand as they are happy to play. The older the dog gets, the more relaxed they become. Food for Golden Retriever Puppies Golden Retriever puppies have a strict diet that needs to be followed so they stay healthy and grow. While there are some pre-made food products you can buy for them, you can also add some other healthy food options like vegetables for dogs to their meals. Carrots While carrots should be given in moderation due to their sugar content, they have many benefits. This includes keeping their teeth clean, improving their digestive system, and are high in Vitamin A which helps their immune system. When giving carrots to a puppy Golden Retriever, you should ideally grate them or cook them and mash them up. Green Beans Green beans can be given to dogs raw, cooked, or steamed. However, they need to be plain and without any type of seasonings. Sweet Potatoes Dogs tend to love sweet potatoes which is good as they are filled with fiber and can help their digestive system stay healthy. They also contain beta-carotene which is a rich antioxidant which helps to improve their skin. You can mash this small fruit up or give it to your dog whole. Bananas Bananas contain Vitamin K and potassium which can help with skin issues your dog might be having. However, keep in mind that they should only be given occasionally as they are high in fiber which can result in diarrhea. Pumpkin Pumpkins are a healthy sweet treat to give your retriever puppy thanks to its fiber content, high water content, and impressive levels of antioxidants. This supplement can also help to reduce inflammation in their body and keep their coat shiny. Check the Fillers Many dog foods contain fillers, used to cut down production costs, like corn and rice flour. Some fillers are used to provide extra volume and vitamins. This means that your dog might be getting some benefits from eating it, they are also eating fillers and other animal by-products which are generally not good for them. This can help to prevent them from getting medical conditions such as arthritis. While calcium is important, too much of it can also lead to problems like kidney disease and even some types of cancer. Retriever puppies usually need to eat about three times per day to ensure they get enough vitamins and nutrients for their body. Keep in mind that because these dogs love to eat, it could end up leading to obesity. This could end up causing health problems down the road, such as heart disease and painful joints. Below are some important things to consider. By doing so, it can make your training a bit easier. Some things to start teaching your puppy are potty training, basic commands like sit , and stopping leash tugging. These might take some time to do, but they are very simple. After doing so, let them sniff the treat and then bring the treat up over their head. This will cause them to sit down. Keep doing this process until your puppy is able to do it without needing the treat. When they indicate they need to go outside to use the bathroom, reward them. Eventually, they will learn the right behavior to use because of this. Make Sure to Stop Leash Tugging Most Golden Retriever puppies do not like leashes and will tend to pull in their leash to try to get out of them. If not stopped, this can lead to it making it difficult for you to walk your dog down the road. To help with this, you can use a harness and fixed-length leash. The harness will wrap around the front section of their body which will let them walk around, but help you to maintain control over where they go. A fixed-length leash will also help to keep your puppy in one place as it will only give them a certain distance they can go. When they start to pull on the leash, they will only be able to go as far as you have set the length to be. Eventually, they will get tired of the strain on their body when trying to pull away which can stop leash tugging. Many dog trainers also recommend tiring your dog out before they walk. This can include letting them play and run around for a few minutes. This can help them to stay calm when walking which can result in less leash tugging. Golden Retrievers are considered bird dogs, so they need to move around and stay active to get their energy out and to stay happy. You can let them run around in a dog park or take them for a swim, something which they tend to love doing. This can help to keep their coat smooth and healthy while removing any dirt or particles from their fur. On the other hand, you could also take your puppy to a groomer who will bathe your dog and give them a haircut. However, this might be a little expensive. Be Sure to Brush Them In addition to giving them baths and haircuts, you also need to make sure to brush them daily. This will help to remove excess fur and any other particles that might be in their coat. Otherwise, they will get very itchy and could end up shedding even more on furniture and floors. Carefully Consider Spaying and Neutering Your Puppy Golden Retrievers will have a little more issues when it comes to spaying and neutering. In fact, some vets have found that neutering Golden Retrievers could end up causing them to have joint pain or even cancer down the road. Because of this, some vets recommend that you consider using other means of preventing breeding. Because of this, they could end up chewing electrical cords, getting caught in window cords, or sniff household cleaners which could contain harmful chemicals. Give Them Things to Chew These dogs love to chew, something which many pet owners are surprised to find. You could also consider giving them a puzzle toy which can help to keep their brain active and healthy. However, how do you know which breeder is best to buy from? You can tell by keeping a few things in mind. One to look for is a contract that they will write up. This will tell of important things both the breeder and the buyer need to know. This way, you can tell that they are serious about the work and intend to provide you with healthy puppies. You should also make sure that the breeder has health certifications. Another thing to consider is the history of the breeder. Do many recommend them? Do they have years of experience? You should also consider looking at Golden Retriever puppies for adoption who might be at your local animal shelter. Adoption can also help to provide these puppies with a happy home rather than have to stay in a depressing kennel. Golden Retriever puppies are great dogs to have, but they have certain needs that need to be followed. For instance, they require plenty of exercise and a healthy diet. However, this will help them to stay healthy and give you many years together of fun adventures. This is one of the finest family dogs in the world: cheerful, demonstrative, trustworthy with everyone, and forgiving of any mistakes made by inexperienced owners. Give this breed two brisk walks each day, play fetch games, and take him out for a good run once a week, and he is adaptable to almost any lifestyle. Friendly with everyone strangers, children, dogs, cats, smaller pets , his bark is welcoming rather than protective. You must control his tendency to chew on objects and to mouth your hands -- provide a box filled with toys so he can carry things around in his mouth. A Golden Retriever remains enthusiastically puppy-like for many years, so early obedience training is required to instill calmness and good manners. Eager to please and wonderfully responsive, he is nonetheless distracted by exciting sights and sounds, so you must be both patient and persistent. The mind and heart of a Golden is sweet and gentle, but his body is robust -- until he's taught not to pull on the leash, you'll need good biceps to walk him. If you want a dog who.Is large, athletic, and natural-looking Has a pretty feathered coat Has a cheerful, tail-wagging nature Is steady-tempered and dependable with everyone Is peaceful with other animals Is eager to please and very responsive to training A Golden Retriever may be right for you. If you don't want to deal with.Providing a goodly amount of exercise Exuberant jumping, especially when young Mouthiness -- chewing on things, carrying things around Regular brushing and combing to avoid mats and tangles Heavy shedding Concerns about a multitude of serious health problems A Golden Retriever may not be right for you. With an adult dog, you can easily see what you're getting, and plenty of adult Golden Retrievers have already proven themselves not to have negative characteristics. If you want a puppy, you can avoid some negative traits by choosing the right breeder and the right puppy. Keep in mind that the inheritance of temperament is less predictable than the inheritance of physical traits such as size or shedding. Temperament and behavior are also shaped by raising and training. Books by Michele Welton "Respect Training for Puppies" or "Respect Training for Adult Dogs" is a step by step guide to help you bring out the best in your pup so you can enjoy a calm and well-behaved dog, no matter what his age. Get your book today. A healthy dog is a happy dog, so buy your copy today. High energy when young. Young Golden Retrievers up to two or three years old romp and jump with vigor. They don't mean any harm but things can go flying — including people who are not steady on their feet. If you have toddlers, or if you or anyone who lives with you is infirm, consider adopting an adult Golden Retriever from a rescue group. Adults have a wonderfully settled temperament and you can specifically look for a calm one. Providing enough exercise and mental stimulation. Golden Retrievers were developed to be hunting dogs, which mean they are athletic and smart dogs. They need regular opportunities to vent their energy and do interesting things. You can't just let them in and out of the back yard and think that qualifies! They will become bored — which they may express by becoming rambunctious and destructive. You can control your Golden Retriever's bounciness AND keep him mentally stimulated by enrolling him in ongoing agility classes an obstacle course for dogs. Also follow the training program in my book Teach Your Dog English Words , which includes lots of fun exercises for your Golden. Shedding and doggy odor. Golden Retrievers are heavy shedders — you need to be okay with this reality. You'll find a lot of hair on your clothing and furniture. Golden Retrievers also have a noticeable doggy odor and produce a lot of dander. Not the breed for anyone with any type of allergies! Some Golden Retrievers have a medium-length coat that's not difficult to groom, while others have a heavier coat with lots of feathering. These latter dogs need regular grooming to comb out tangles before they become painful mats. Goldens also need occasional clippering and scissoring, especially around their "bathroom parts" in order for those to remain sanitary. Serious health problems. Unfortunately, the Golden Retriever has lots and lots of potential health problems. Many Goldens do live to 12 or 13 years old, but they're not necessarily healthy during those years; chronic health issues can really take their toll. Many other Goldens are lost at age 6 or 7 or 8, to crippling joint and bone diseases, heart disease, epilepsy, or cancer. Golden Retrievers should not be fed a kibble diet, as this can cause or worsen skin disorders and allergies, which are all too common. I recommend feeding a homemade diet of real meat and vegetables and absolutely no grain. Read more about Golden Retriever Health. An expert researcher and author of 15 books about dogs, she loves helping people choose, train, and care for their dogs. To help you train and care for your dog Dog training videos. Sometimes it's easier to train your puppy or adult dog when you can see the correct training techniques in action. The problem is that most dog training videos on the internet are worthless, because they use the wrong training method. I recommend these dog training videos that are based on respect and leadership. Respect Training For Puppies: 30 seconds to a calm, polite, well-behaved puppy. For puppies 2 to 18 months old. Your puppy will learn the 21 skills that all family dogs need to know. If your dog is over 18 months, you'll want Respect Training For Adult Dogs: 30 seconds to a calm, polite, well-behaved dog. Again your dog will learn the 21 skills that all family dogs need to know. Teach Your Dog English Words is a unique Vocabulary and Respect Training Program that will teach your adult dog to listen to you and do what you say. Related posts you might enjoy.

What is a Sable French Bulldog? Sable Frenchies have sporadic black hair or black tips spread throughout their heads and bodies. Unlike spots or patches, the black hair on these Frenchies is distributed evenly and mixed with fawn fur, giving them a unique look. Locus refers to the location on the DNA. The A locus can have four alleles, and each allele results in particular coat colors. These alleles are a, at, aw, and ay. Of these, the ay gives the French bulldog Sable color. Are Sable Frenchies rare? Breeders still have not completely understood their genetic makeup, and most of the time, producing Sable Frenchies is a shot in the dark. Save Big On Dog Essentials! Welcome to our pack! Sable French Bulldog physical appearance Besides the coat and coat color, a Sable Frenchie is in every way similar to a regular Frenchie. They have petite, athletic bodies, flat muzzle, traditional bulldog jowls, and signature bat-like ears. Sable French Bulldog coat colors The most distinguishing feature of a Sable-colored French Bulldog is his striking coat. Sable Frenchies have a fawn or reddish fawn base coat littered with black hair. These black hairs are denser at the dorsal area top of the back, neck, and head. Some say fawn French Bulldogs have a black mask, but we also have the black mask Sable French bulldog. Let us help you distinguish between Sable and fawn next. So, what is the difference between fawn and Sable? Sable Sable is yellowish or reddish tan. Fawn is also yellowish or reddish tan. Sable Frenchies have black-tipped hair. Sable Frenchies have denser black hair on dorsal areas and mask. Fawn Frenchies have denser black hair only on the mask. Sable Frenchies are rare. You need to register them as fawns. Fawn Frenchies are AKC-recognized. A French bulldog Sable fawn color denotes that the Frenchie is both Sable and fawn, which is always the case. Blue Sable vs blue fawn French Bulldog The only significant difference between blue fawn and blue Sable French bulldog is the presence of dark-tipped hair. Blue Sable Blue Sable Frenchies have a fawn base coat. Blue fawn Frenchies also have a fawn base coat. Blue Sable Frenchies have blue-tipped hair. Blue Sable Frenchies have denser blue hair on dorsal areas and mask. Blue Fawn Frenchies have denser blue hair only on the mask. Blue Sable Frenchies are very rare. Blue Fawn Frenchies are not as rare as blue Sable Frenchies. The merle gene can also give Frenchies congenital disorders like blindness and deafness. Their coat is white with patches of fawn and blue tips throughout their body. Their coat has three colors with blue sabling, meaning they need to express the tri-color, dilution, and sabling genes simultaneously. The only difference between fawn and Sable is the presence of dark-tipped hair. The presence of all three genes gives this Frenchie a fascinating look. Lilac Sable French Bulldog Lilac or Isabella is a rare coat color that results from dilution of the chocolate color. These Frenchies can also have black-tipped hair, making them lilac Sable French Bulldogs. Red Sable French Bulldog Fawn comes in various hues, one of which is reddish fawn. Red fawn Sable French Bulldog Red fawn is another way to describe the color we mentioned earlier. A red fawn Sable Frenchie is simply a fawn Sable Frenchie with an orange tinge on their coat. Chocolate Sable French Bulldog Chocolate Frenchies can have any color coat, but their nose, eye rims, paw pads, and lips are brown instead of black. Sable tri French Bulldog A Sable tri Frenchie has three colors on his coat in addition to the black-tipped hair. This gene gives them blue eyes and splotches of faded color on their coat. Me Lilac sable French Bulldogs vs. While other color variations such as brindle, fawn, and pied are more common, Lilac Sable Frenchies have become increasingly popular in recent years due to their unique and striking appearance. Lilac sable French Bulldogs are almost the same as lilac fawn Frenchies. So, they have a light fawn coat color with an ashy or silver shine and their mask is also a lighter grey, but these puppies have black fur growing evenly all over their bodies, especially on their back. This gives their coat a bit of a darker shade rather than being ashy. One of the things that make Lilac Sable French Bulldogs unique is their rarity. They are a relatively new color variation and are not as commonly seen as other color variations. This exclusivity can make them particularly desirable to those who are looking for a dog that stands out from the crowd. In addition to their unique coloration, Lilac Sable French Bulldogs have the same endearing and affectionate personality traits as other Frenchies. They are known for being playful, loving, and loyal companions, making them an excellent choice for families, couples, and individuals alike. These small and affectionate dogs make wonderful companions and have many benefits for their owners. Frenchies have a lovable personality Frenchies are known for their affectionate and playful nature. They are loyal companions and love nothing more than spending time with their owners. French Bulldogs are easy to groom French Bulldogs have a short, smooth coat that requires minimal grooming. Frenchies are adaptable Frenchies are adaptable dogs that can adjust to a variety of living situations. They get along well with children and other pets, making them a great choice for families. Additionally, the demand for Lilac Sable French Bulldogs may be higher than other color variations, which can drive up the price. While the price of a Lilac Sable Frenchie may be steep, the joy and love they bring to your life are priceless. They truly are a unique and wonderful addition to any family. Here are three tips to help you find a reputable Frenchie breeder: 1. Do your research Before choosing a breeder, do your research and learn as much as you can about the breed. Look for information about health issues and genetic testing that should be performed on breeding dogs, as well as any red flags, to watch out for when choosing a breeder. Ask for references A reputable breeder will be happy to provide you with references from satisfied customers. Contact these references and ask about their experience with the breeder, including the health and temperament of their dog. Ask about health testing Reputable breeders will perform health tests on their breeding dogs to ensure that they are free from genetic diseases or health issues that could be passed down to their puppies. Ask the breeder about the health testing they perform and what steps they take to ensure the health and well-being of their dogs and puppies. By following these tips, you can find a breeder that prioritizes the health and well-being of their dogs and puppies and that is committed to ethical breeding practices. TomKings Kennel in a nutshell: why choose us? We are committed to responsible breeding practices and prioritize the health and well-being of our dogs. We perform genetic testing and health checks on our breeding dogs to ensure that our puppies are healthy and free from genetic diseases. We also provide proper care, nutrition, and medical attention to our dogs and puppies, which can help prevent behavioral issues in the future. Over the past 10 years, we received numerous positive reviews and testimonials from satisfied customers. You can meet Tomkings Frenchie owners in our closed Facebook group and for references. Our expert team has a deep understanding of the French Bulldog breed and is knowledgeable about its unique traits and characteristics. We can provide valuable advice and guidance to new owners, which can help ensure that the dog is well-cared for and happy in its new home. We have a variety of beautiful puppies available for purchase, making it easy to find the perfect Frenchie for your family. Overall, Tomkings Kennel is an excellent choice for anyone looking to add a French Bulldog to their family. With a commitment to responsible breeding practices, a reputation for excellence, and a deep knowledge of the breed, Tomkings Kennel is a breeder that you can trust to provide you with a healthy and happy French Bulldog puppy. When it comes to the colors of Frenchies, there are several options. The rarest or hardest-to-find colors will cost more than colors like white or black. Breed Overview Small to medium 11 — 12 inches Weight: 20 — 28 pounds for males, pounds for females Lifespan: 10 — 12 years Colors: Fawn, fawn and white, fawn brindle, brindle, brindle and white, cream, white and brindle, white and fawn Suitable for: Families looking for a playful, easy-to-groom lapdogs that does not require a lot of space. Temperament: Easygoing, sociable, gentle, friendly, playful, affectionate You might wonder what sets a Sable French Bulldog apart from the other colors. Well, we have the answer and more below. Dogs that are harder to train will require a bit more patience and practice. Proper exercise, nutrition, and hygiene also play an important role in the lifespan of your pet. More social dogs have a tendency to run up to strangers for pets and scratches, while less social dogs shy away and are more cautious, even potentially aggressive. When the inhumane sport was outlawed in , people began breeding smaller versions of the dog. Dogs deemed to have flaws, for example, if they were too small or had ears that stood up on end, were sent to France. The Sable Frenchie is a color variant of the familiar French Bulldog. They look like regular fawn Frenchies until you take a closer look at them. Sable Frenchies have sporadic black hairs and tips that are spread evenly and mixed with fawn fur, unlike a patch or a spot. Because breeding a Sable French Bulldog is challenging, their popularity has increased, and so has their price tag. The price will vary depending on the breeder you get them from. Image Credit: Firn, Shutterstock 3. Instead of black-tipped hair, they have blue-tipped hair with a blue mask. The French Bulldog, regardless of its color, is a wonderful pet. They are playful, affectionate, and well-behaved with children. They also have various health problems that can be difficult to deal with and costly to treat. These are very striking dogs which are fairly rare. Click on pictures to enlarge and to view full images. Eve is a lighter fawn color but is still a dark sable. Click on pictures to enlarge and to view full images of Eve. Darla is a darling girl who could pass for a light sable or a fawn. Like this time of year, Autumn is beautiful. She is a dark red fawn sable girl. Click on pictures to enlarge and to view full images of Autumn. Crow is simply adorable. He is a dark red fawn sable boy. Click on pictures to enlarge and to view full images of Crow. Colt is a cute little dark red sable boy. Click on pictures to enlarge and to view full images of Colt. Ruger is a stunning dark red sable boy! Click on pictures to enlarge and to view full images of Ruger. Shade is a gorgeous sable boy who will look very much like his pretty mother, Eve. He is such a sweet and content boy who loves to snuggle. Click on pictures to enlarge and to view full images of Shade. Her name is Fiona, and she may be stubborn like an Ogre by not being very cooperative for her pictures, but she is a sweet and shy little princess! Fiona is a beautiful dark sable girl. Click on pictures to enlarge and to view full images of Fiona. Check out some of our other puppies.

Our adoption fees vary. Each biography will specifically list the adoption fee. Those interested in meeting the dog can come out to our meet and greet event. We no longer do application approval onsite. Anyone adopting has been previously approved and set up to meet prior to the event. She has been an absolutely lovely pup around kids of all sizes and ages, dogs, and cats as well! She will make her future forever home so lucky. Below is a report from her foster. She adapted right away to our routine. We get up around and let the dogs out to do their business. She gets breakfast around AM and is a great eater. She then plays in the yard for a few hours before taking a long nap on the couch. She has dinner around PM and then goes outside one more time before bed. She has not had an accident in our home since we have had her. Mrs Maisel loves to play but is respectful when other dogs need a break from go go go energy. She is calm when meeting members of the household and when on walks and responds very well to a no command. She would also do well in a home with runners and hikers, her tongue hangs out of her mouth after a good long play or activity session. Mrs Maisel is an option for a home who has had prior experience with dogs, especially those who have prior experience with larger breed dogs. If there are children in the home, they should be over the age of 8 and knock-over proof as Mrs Maisel can get excited and play bowling alley with little ones. We have answers. Am I limited to choosing local Boxer puppies, or can I look elsewhere? You can look wherever you like! One of the great things about our network is that ALL the businesses and breeders we work with know all about Boxer San Jose puppy travel. So no matter where you live or where the breeder is located, they can put your puppy on a plane to your nearest major airport. How does your screening process for breeders work? You can take a look at those standards in our Breeder Pledge. They cover all aspects of animal breeding and care - breeder knowledge, ethical standards, cleanliness, legal compliance, and more. Why is Uptown Puppies different from other dog breeding networks? At Uptown, we carefully examine and screen all of the applicants to our network - and we only work with the very best out there. What is a puppy mill like for dogs? A puppy mill is like a factory, churning out as many puppies as possible for maximum profit. A Boxer for sale San Jose bought from a puppy mill could have expensive medical conditions and behavioural problems. Are there any Boxer puppies available for me to buy right now? Where do Boxer dogs come from? The origins of the Boxer breed lie in the late s. They were bred from a mix of dogs, including the Bulldog and the German Bullenbeisser. They were first imported into American around , and they quickly became popular. What should I expect from the average Boxer? But as friendly as they are, Boxers also make effective guard dogs. How does the Uptown Puppies process actually work? We get applications from some of the best Boxer breeders from all over America, and we only admit the very best to our network. You can take a look through our list of approved businesses, browsing through Boxer puppies San Jose and upcoming litters. The process is quick, efficient, and stress free. How big a breed are Boxers? It's usual for a male boxer to be around 25 inches and to weigh between 65 to 80 pounds. Females tend to be between 21 to 25 inches, and generally weigh from 50 to 65 pounds.

Our Mission To rescue and re-home Retrievers and find new, loving homes for them. We have positioned Fetchin' Retrievers Rescue to partner with veterinarians, dog trainers, groomers, and other rescue groups as a resource for these professionals and organizations if they encounter dogs in need. Your contribution will help us whether you foster, adopt, donate, or volunteer! Fetchin' Retrievers Rescue will take the very young to the very old, the very sick to the unwanted. Every dog is an individual and will be placed in a home that meets their needs and where their individuality can thrive. Andy's foster - to - adopt success story written by his forever family: "Early in , we started the process to find our Golden Retriever girl a companion and adopt a rescue dog in need of a good home. We submitted an application to FRR and subsequently had a virtual home visit. We were impressed by the thoroughness of both, as it gave us confidence that FFR clearly had the best interest of their animals in mind. While the timing was less than ideal due to some upcoming summer plans, we agreed to foster one of the pups for as long as three weeks. Two days later, a tiny black male pup with a spotted white chest was delivered to our home. He looked like he is wearing a tuxedo. He came with the name, Andy. He was a world-class cuddler who immediately began to work his way into our hearts. Our golden retriever soon welcomed him into our home as well. Within a couple of weeks, it became apparent that this foster puppy was going to be adopted as a member of our family. It also became apparent that Andy was the perfect name for him. It just fit, not only in his cute appearance but also in his behavior and antics. Andy was one of a number of puppies that we have brought into our home over the years, and we have always been sticklers about health, wellness and neutering. So, it was great to see that FFR also insisted on this same level of care and attention. Andy is now 6 months old. He has adapted well to our home and lifestyle. He has even traveled with us to our Idaho home for three months. He is still all puppy: filled with the energy, entertaining antics, and occasional mischief that make puppies fun. He and our golden retriever are now fast friends, so our efforts to find her a companion have been richly rewarded. He has a desire to please, and he has learned basic commands and to walk well on leash and to heel faster than any dog we have had. Foster-to-adopt worked really well for our family. Thanks to FFR and all their dedicated staff for helping us bring Andy into our home. Click here for more information. Walk for the Dogs with ResQWalk! Whether you walk, run, or have another activity you enjoy that is less than 14 miles per hour, you can participate. To start, download the ResQwalk app on your mobile device, sign up, and then select Fetchin' Retrievers Rescue as your rescue of choice. Then start the app at the beginning of your walk, run, or activity. Throughout the year, we will receive donations based on participation levels. Changing the lives of Golden Retrievers and the people who love them. Adoption Policy Thank you for your interest and caring to adopt! The first step in the adoption process is to complete the online adoption application link below. The next step is the in-home visit. This non-refundable donation helps to offset the costs associated with making our dogs ready to meet adopters, including providing veterinary care, boarding, and other needs. After your application is received, one of our volunteers will contact you. It may take days to be contacted, as we receive many applications and volunteers are spread across many duties. The volunteer will schedule a home visit with you. Before submitting your application, please know that our current inventory of dogs is low and the level of applications continues at robust levels. The application and home visit are held open for 2 years. Please carefully review this eligibility information prior to submitting your adoption application: GRCGLARescue does not adopt dogs to homes with children under 7 years old unless we know that a particular dog has a solid, positive history living successfully with kids of a similar age to those in the potential adopter's home. As a rescue we receive very few dogs that meet this criterion. Finding a dog who is going to be safe with your kids will likely make your adoption process longer. This policy is for the safety and well-being of your families and our dogs. If you're patient and have realistic expectations about adoption, we'll be very happy to work with you. Because we do require pre-adoption screening and post-adoption follow-up, we cannot support adoptions outside of this service area. If you have any question about whether your city is part of our service area, please email us at info grcglarescue. GRCGLARescue does not adopt dogs to rental applicants without written proof that the landlord will permit a dog the size of a Golden Retriever in their rental abode. This proof can be a copy of the lease having a clause allowing such a dog, or a separate written document of landlord approval and must be provided to one of our volunteers prior to a home visit being scheduled. Additionally, we will require written proof of any additional pet security deposit required by the landlord being paid. Unfortunately, most applicants will not get a dog from us. The more flexible you are about your ideal dog the better your chances become. We recognize that you may be working with other rescues, as well as breeders, and visiting animal shelters too. All dogs are spayed or neutered, vaccinated, microchipped and vet-checked prior to adoption.

Puppy pads Create a Schedule German Shepherd pups would do well with a schedule. Dogs live with a routine, and they are easy to train by having one. For this reason, make a schedule of the things you need to do regularly. Eventually, your pup will learn the routine events and will make itself adept at them. It will help you prepare for your pet, especially in the first few days of living together. As you allow your pet to adjust, do your best to create a stress-free environment for it. Always supervise it as it familiarizes itself with its new home. Still, it would be best to prepare yourself for loud noises when your pet is asleep. Moderate Training German Shepherds are highly trainable. It simply means they respond well, especially to positive reinforcement. Squeaky Toys Out of all toys, your pet will love the squeaky ones. For this reason, prepare for a lot of loud squeaks every time your pet is active. Thus, in picking your pet, you may want to consider getting it from the best. Tells you any health problems A good breeder will tell you any significant health problems in any of the dogs he or she bred. Asks more questions than you A good breeder would ask for more items from you than you would for him or her. Not in a hurry to send off A good breeder is not in a hurry to send the puppies off and get your money. He or she will even show you other breeders and veterinarians caring for their dogs. Requires expectations on both sides A good breeder will create a contract that offers not only what he or she expects from you. More than that, he or she will also show what you can expect from him or her. Sends puppies properly A good breeder will never send a puppy in a compartment and without any responsible person to go with it. Works only with one or two breeds A good breeder works only with a single or a couple of species. Shows breeding experience A good breeder shows her dogs in recognized confirmation shows. He or she will also join his or her breed in other breed-related performance events. Other states. Apart from recurring costs such as dog food, toys, and grooming essentials, a great chunk of your finances must go to routine veterinary care and pet insurance. Annual check-ups should be done on adult German Shepherds to check their physical condition and ensure they are healthy dogs. This involves listening to the heart and checking the ears and eyes. The typical lifespan of a GSD is 7 to 10 years. Other Potential Expenses Owning a dog is already comparable to parenthood. German Shepherds, much like any other dog breed, have other needs that go beyond food, water, and shelter. Your dog will be watched over, fed, and socialized with other dogs. Grooming Services: For your GSD to have a well-maintained coat and appearance, you should take them to a professional grooming salon. They will be cleaned, trimmed, and pampered as they deserve. Emergency Treatment: Dogs grow up so fast. As your German Shepherd puppy gets older, they are more prone to health issues like hip dysplasia. Sudden injuries can also happen that will require immediate medical attention and treatment. This will allow them to join various dog shows and other competitions. Places to Find German Shepherd Puppies for Sale and Adoption Once you plan everything out financially, you are ready to find places where you can buy your German Shepherd puppy. Cheap German Shepherd dogs can be bought from puppy mills or a backyard breeder. Buying from responsible breeders is the best option to get healthy puppies that will grow up to be strong adult dogs. To help on your quest, here is a list of breeders certified by the American Kennel Club that offer high-quality German Shepherd puppies: Vom Ragnar German Shepherds — This is a small kennel located in Illinois dedicated to breeding show-quality German Shepherds with sound temperament and the best condition because they have their puppies undergo health testing. This breeder strives to match their GSD pups to the most suited families. Mittelwest German Shepherds — As a well-renowned breeder, the owner ensures that they only produce show-quality German Shepherd puppies that can serve as show dogs, guard dogs, K-9, and much more. They also import and ship their dogs worldwide. West Coast German Shepherds — If you are located in California, this breeder can offer you a health-tested German Shepherd puppy coming from the best bloodlines. Buying the cheapest puppies online seems tempting, especially if you are on a budget, but you might spend more in the future due to medical expenses. To easily distinguish a responsible breeder from a puppy mill or backyard breeder, check out our puppy buying guide. Are you considering adopting a German Shepherd instead of buying from a breeder? If you are, this list can help you find the perfect GSD pup for you: German Shepherd Rescue and Adoptions — Based in North Carolina, this non-profit organization was established to protect and promote the German Shepherd breed. German Shepherd Rescue of Orange County — This volunteer organization is all about placing unwanted, neglected, and abused German Shepherds into permanent, loving homes. Applicants are encouraged to meet up with their chosen dog prior to adoption. Matching their rescue dogs to a suitable owner is their top priority, along with the restoration of their health. For more chances of finding your lifelong companion, check out this list of the 10 best German Shepherd rescues. You can surely find one in your location! Adoption is the cheapest alternative to getting a German Shepherd Dog, and this is more suggested than buying from backyard breeders. Buy high-quality items. You will spend more on replacing them rather than having good products that can last for a longer time. Purchase supplies in bulk. When buying food or treats for your pup, make sure to stock up by buying them in bulk. This can save you a lot of money than buying small bags of kibble or cans of wet food. Keep your dog in excellent shape. To avoid expensive veterinary bills, keep your German Shepherd puppy fit and healthy. Do this by feeding them high-quality dog food equipped with the right nutrients. Groom your GSD at home. Instead of going to a professional groomer, learn to groom your German Shepherd puppy at home. All you need to do is buy the basic grooming tools and research how to groom your dog effectively. Plan your finances accordingly so no one will have to suffer in the long run. They are highly intelligent and loyal dogs that will protect you at all costs. Buying one from a reputable breeder is worth the hefty purchase price than purchasing from backyard breeders or puppy mills. On another note, you can adopt from a local rescue organization, but make sure to ask about any current health conditions that the dog may have. Aside from the financial aspect, make sure you are prepared for the full responsibility of being a German Shepherd puppy owner. Now you know how much German Shepherds cost, are you ready to own one? Share your thoughts in the comments below. My passion for animals started at a very young age as I grow up on a farm with several horses, cows, cats, chickens, and dogs on our property. Leave a Comment. For the complete list please see our main page page. Why Use Dog Breeders? There are many reasons why people decide not to adopt a dog from a shelter or rescue and instead go to a breeder. Other people may be looking for something more specific, such as a puppy that is bred with the intention of being trained to become a service animal for someone in need. Yet others may want to buy a dog from a breeder as a way of supporting the humane treatment of animals. When it comes to purebred dogs you should always expect to pay more than what you would pay for a mixed breed or rescue dog. A purebred dog will have a better chance of growing up to be healthy and may have fewer behavior problems than a dog who is mixed with unknown breeds. Some questions you might want to ask include: How long have you been breeding German Shepherds? Do you have any health guarantees for your puppies? What genetic tests have you had done on your dogs? What is the average price of your puppies, and what factors affect the price? When meeting with a breeder, be sure to ask lots of questions and inspect the facilities where the puppies are being raised. The puppies should be clean and well-socialized, and the parents should be friendly and healthy. Finding a reputable breeder is an important part of finding a healthy, well-adjusted German Shepherd puppy for your family. Visit Your North Carolina German Shepherd Breeder in Person Before you bring home a German Shepherd puppy, we highly recommend that you visit the breeder in person to see where and how the puppy was raised. This will give you a much better idea of what type of temperament to expect from your dog and whether or not it will be a good fit for your family. Also ask plenty of questions about the breeding process, genetic health tests performed on parents, and overall care provided to dogs involved in the breeding. Visiting your breeder in person will also give you a better idea of their personality which can help you determine if they are the right kind of breeder for your family. This will give you a better idea of the quality of puppies they produce and how well they take care of their dogs. References can be a valuable tool when determining whether or not a breeder is right for you and your family. References are a must when looking for a German Shepherd breeder in North Carolina. This will give you a clear indication of the quality of puppies that breeder provides and how satisfied their past customers have been. Meeting past customers is a valuable way to determine whether or not a breeder is right for you and your family. Make sure to ask your North Carolina German Shepherd Breeder plenty of questions about their policies, breeding practices, and overall care of dogs before purchasing a puppy from them. This is important because the breeder will need to get regular health checks on the parents and puppies. A good relationship with a veterinarian is an important part of being a responsible breeder. You should also ask your North Carolina German Shepherd Breeder for copies of all health certificates and genetic tests that have been performed on the parents. This will give you peace of mind that your puppy is healthy and has a clean bill of health. If it sounds too good to be true, then it probably is. Sadly, not all breeders care for their dogs and puppies the way they should be cared for. They will also be able to provide documentation that proves the puppies have been health checked by a veterinarian. Responsible breeders will always take the time to answer any questions you have about their puppies. The American Kennel Club AKC is a not-for-profit organization that is dedicated to upholding high standards in the breeding and showing of purebred dogs. If your breeder is registered with the AKC, it means they are committed to following these high standards. A good way to determine whether or not a breeder is responsible is by checking to see if they are registered with the AKC. Here are a few things you should do: Set up a crate and put a bed inside of it. Buy a few toys and treats to keep your puppy entertained. Schedule an appointment with your veterinarian. They will need to get checked out and begin their vaccinations. Start training your puppy as soon as possible. It will make life much easier for both of you in the long run. Potty Training your New German Shepherd Puppy One of the most important things to do when you bring home a new puppy is to start potty training them. Here are a few tips: Take your puppy out every hour, on the hour. Reward them with treats and praise when they go potty in the right spot. Simply clean it up and continue to take them out regularly. By potty training your puppy, you will be saving yourself a lot of headaches down the road. Most of the time, a wire dog crate with a foldable metal frame will do just fine. However, keep in mind that every dog is different and some might require a plastic or wood kennel instead. 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. If a breeder tries to tell you that his puppies are healthy because their parents never had any issues — do not believe him! It is impossible to diagnose e. Where can you find cheap German Shepherd Dogs? The question is — do you want to purchase a dog with questionable health and temperament? These dogs often are not purebred German Shepherd puppies, but are mixed with e. Labradors, Pitbulls or Golden Retrievers. If you end up with a dog with genetically based health conditions however, be prepared to spend a multiple of the original purchase price on vet costs! Temperament and behavior While a lot of good manners can be taught through consistent training, temperament is genetic to a certain level. When you buy an extra cheap German Shepherd puppy, you not only get a dog with questionable health, but also with unpredictable temperament! Even aggression can be genetic and can be passed on from the mom and dad to the offspring. You can save yourself a lot of time, nerves and money spent on future behavioral training by getting a well-bred and more expensive dog. What is the most expensive type of German Shepherd? Like in many dog breeds, certain rare German Shepherd colors are much more expensive than the most common colors and patterns. It is much more important that your puppy has a sound temperament and fits in well with your family and lifestyle than that he has a certain rare look. These dogs are mutts German Shepherds mixed with Miniature Poodles, Shelties or other smaller breeds. Once more, be certain to not decide on your future dog based on looks alone. A stable temperament and good health is much more integral than a certain size or weight. Working lines vs show lines The German Shepherd was originally bred as a working dog. Since his original use as a shepherd dog however, he has filled many different roles — from guarding properties over being used in the show ring to participating in Schutzhund and IPO trails. Depending on which lines your German Shepherd Dog comes from, the prices can vary a lot! Show line German Shepherds are the dogs that are bred for conformation shows. These are the type of dogs you should decide on if you would like a shepherd puppy as a pet and companion animal. If you are interested in using your German Shepherd as a protection dog and to participate in IPO trials, you should pick one from working lines. There are a lot of highly successful working line breeders both in North America and Europe. For this price, you get an absolutely flawless dog with extensive skills and perfect obedience. Some US dog owners interested in Schutzhund choose to import a puppy from old European working lines. While this might sound insanely high for a pet dog owner, for Schutzhund enthusiasts it is a typical price for a pedigreed German Shepherd pup. How much does it cost a month to own a German Shepherd? This will cover the basics: high-quality food and regular vet checks. Some German Shepherd owners spend considerably more money. Professional grooming is necessary for many German Shepherd owners, as these dogs shed heavily. This breeds tends to exhibit several behavioral issues that can be difficult to fix for first-time dog owners, including: Separation anxiety.

Imagine you could come home to a lovable, dedicated, companion for life! If you knew what to look for when buying a German Shepherd puppy, you could find your next best friend. Before you buy your new best friend, read this information so you know what to look for in buying a healthy, quality German Shepherd puppy. I group them into major categories. Will you show him in conformation? Do you want to work with him in Schutzhund or herding? Or do you want a confident and alert companion? Know exactly what you want from your puppy. These dogs are the least costly since they have a trait that prevents them from winning in conformation competitions. These flaws rarely matter to most pet owners. And many minor faults like flat withers or slightly smaller offset ears will probably go unnoticed by most owners. The vast majority of GSDs are family pets. These dogs make great pets as long as they have sound temperaments! They breed some dogs for certain traits that are highly desirable but considered a fault. For example, long-coat or plush-coat GSDs. Show-quality dogs have good temperament and health. You usually buy them for their breed standard qualities that make them able to compete in confirmation or show events. A show-quality dog may cost significantly more if they have the traits desirable to win at a show. This group comes from Championship show lines with a long history of winning. If you plan on showing your Shepherd this is the quality you want. Beware of any breeder who claims they only raise competition-quality dogs. Even the best breeders produce many pet-quality dogs and if a breeder says they only breed perfect dogs, this is a red flag to not buy from them. The GSD is a herding breed, and the working-quality dogs excel at working trials such as scent competitions and Schutzhund. Other work includes climbing and jumping competitions or searching and tracking. They need mental stimulation to keep them occupied and take a lot of time to handle properly. These dogs are better with experienced handlers since you use them for high drive working and competition. They require hours and years of training and preparation for you to have total control during competition. We base this decision on preference. With the correct upbringing and training, both sexes are loyal companions and good with children. They may grow into more dominant dogs, so a confident handler is more desirable. Males may hike their back legs to mark their territory. This can occur on any object — chairs, walls, couches or even your leg. I suggest an extra bout of socialization during this stage, especially with other well-behaved dogs. So they may be better for the first-time owner. Unspayed females come into season every 6 months, so they must receive monitoring and watch to avoid unwanted pregnancies. Their season time can vary from as little as every 4 months to every 9 months. They can attract males to your property and on walks that will harass them if not spayed. Certain breeders and organizations will deal only in a certain coat length and color. The standard coat length is a short coat with double layers. Guard hairs on the top cover a softer underlayer of hair that provides warmth and protection. But there are many coat lengths available depending on your liking. Look online at the different GSD coat lengths to get an idea of what type of fur you want your dog to have. The longer the fur the more grooming involved. The color you choose is a matter of individual taste. Keep in mind the color of many Shepherds alters from their puppyhood to around 2 years of age. Your dog may become lighter or darker. Perhaps they will lose some of their markings as the color fades into the adult pattern. The best way to know what color and patterns your dog grows into is to see the parents of the litter. If the father is unavailable, then ask for photos. Why should you care where your dog comes from if you only want him as a pet companion? You want to get a dog that will live a long and healthy life from a source that has quality puppies. These tips will help you make the best decision on what type of pup fits in your life. Newspaper and Internet Classified Ads Newspaper and internet ads are in abundance. Many backyard breeders hide behind ads online or in local papers. But some breeders who use newspapers and classified ads are reputable and knowledgeable. The problem is you need to visit them to find out, and this can take time to sift through them all. Try the following more reputable suggestions to save yourself time. Dog Care Professionals Ask dog professionals for recommendations. Check with your local veterinarian, groomer, and boarding kennel personnel if they know reputable breeders in town. These professionals are good sources of quality leads. Use the same caution that you will for a classified ad. Verify their suggestions. Many of these organizations regularly receive puppies they need to re-home. While you might not know the full pedigree of the dog, purebred GSDs find themselves in shelters and rescues from no fault of their own. These organizations are a good resource for your first pup. Before adopting, find out as much information as you can. Was the puppy exposed to children? Did he live with other dogs or cats? A well-organized shelter or rescue helps you choose a German Shepherd match for your lifestyle. Start with looking online for GSD rescues and local shelters. Dog Clubs Dog clubs are local and national. These groups put you into contact with registered breeders through their own programs. They can give you the name of the GSD club contact closest to you for breed contacts. Dog clubs also have dog shows open to the public. This is a good time to watch the breed in action and to ask around for quality breeders. While using a dog club to connect you with a reputable breeder is not the only choice, it is one of the more reliable. If you are using a breeder to choose your German Shepherd puppy, this section will help you know the good from the bad. Use these tips to stay safe. Are selling overpriced or under-priced dogs. Lie to you and say you can make money off your new puppy by breeding them, despite them having flaws. Tells you that the GSD is a dog for everyone, with no disadvantages. Breeds multiple types of dogs and claims to be an expert on them all. If a breeder lets their mothers get pregnant more than once a year, this affects the quality of the puppies, so ask how many litters the mother has. These breeders selling unhealthy puppies also will refuse to take bag their dogs if you need to return them for any reason and have no contracts. They have healthy puppies and will answer your questions and have you make multiple visits. Openly show you where the mother and pups spend their time, including their garden or yard. Tells you the up and downs of owning the breed. Have all pedigree and vet paperwork on hand for your review. Specializes in breeding only GSDs source. They openly share this information with you. They have screened their dogs for health issues and can confirm this with documentation which they proudly give you a copy. Healthy mothers are given rest from breeding, and a reputable breeder gives their mothers time off from reproduction. Ask if your breeder if they are willing to take back their dogs if you cannot keep them, as this is standard for a quality breeder with a good reputation. Make sure your breeder has a written contract with detailed information and health guarantees. These are expected for safe breeding practices. How to Buy a German Shepherd Puppy Following this guide gives you the best chance of buying a German Shepherd puppy that suits your lifestyle. Know what you want from your GSD and where to find quality dogs. Learn what to look for when buying a German Shepherd puppy to stay safe from a sick pup and a bad breeder. German Shepherds have their own unique set of challenges. They are a large, active, and intelligent breed that requires an understanding owner who is willing to train their GSD using positive techniques. Devote yourself to their overall health to see the best results and help give you and your dog a lifetime of happiness. Remember, your pup will need mental stimulation to keep their brain active , a gentle exercise program , and need daily love and affection. Buying a German Shepherd puppy is a choice for your whole life that will bring you many years of joy and excitement! Found this helpful? Share it! She has a Bachelor of Science degree, with Honors, and has been training dogs for over a decade. Related Posts. Are you at home to devote time and training to their growth? What open space environment is your home? German Shepherds are on the no dog list in apartment buildings. Do you have a family with other pets? Also, a good breeder will ask you why do you want this particular breed? The breeder should be concerned that a German Shepherd puppy is being placed within the best living environment. Here are some insights to help you bring home the perfect German Shepherd puppy: Types of German Shepherd Puppies Pure-bred German Shepherd puppies are available in a variety of colors and built. The typical description is light brown and black. Black: Rare and beautiful. Their coloring is either all black or a deep dark bluish hair tint. Panda: their coloring consists of black, white, and tan. This is their natural coloring, not contributed to being a mixed breed. Sable: A unique coloring of this breed consists of light black, grey, tan, or gold. As puppies, the Sable German Shepherd puppies are fully tan. As they age, fur begins to develop stronger natural colors. White: No, this German Shepherd breed is not due to albino coloring. Though rate, white is their natural coloring. This German Shepherd puppy will be smaller in size, whether male or female. The reason for this question is that German Shepherds are intelligent and engaging breeds. They can be trained to thrive in any situation and climate. Their ability to cope in any situation is amazing. German Shepherds make great companions, protective family pets, and they are hard workers. Knowing how to choose a German Shepherd puppy, you are wondering what things you should look for. In other words, you are looking to see if it has a good temperament. German Shephard puppies demand and exhibit affection rather aggressively. Parental Traits If you are choosing a puppy from a kennel or a breeder, inquire about its parental background. You want to know if both parents were healthy and friendly. Carefully Examine the Puppy You want to look again for a puppy that is active and healthy. To choose the best German Shepherd puppy, you must become an amateur canine detective and examine the puppy closely. Here are things to look for: A German Shepherd puppy should not look thin. Instead, they should look full-bodied. Their eyes should appear bright and clear. Also, you must invade their personal space by examining their butt area to make sure it is clean. Their nose should be clean and not runny. Their teeth and gums look healthy. Their hair coat should not have bald spots and should not be matted. Your German Shepherd puppy should be free from odors. Pick a puppy that has a good gait, and their tail is up and actively wagging. All puppies need their mothers when they are very young. A German Shepherd puppy can be purchased when they are between the ages of eight and twelve weeks old. If you decide on an older puppy, just make sure that it has retained its socialization skills with both people and other animals. Make sure that the puppy has gotten all its vaccinations and deworming medication. However, within 48 hours of purchase, take your German Shepherd puppy to your vet for a complete exam. The Kennel or Breeder Environment Whether you are purchasing your German Shepherd puppy from a kennel or a private seller, look at the conditions of both. How does the kennel look to you? Both kennels and private breeder yards should be clean, and all puppies should have clean water. Please do not buy a German Shepherd puppy from a breeder where the conditions are unclean. How Instinctive Are You? Many potential dog-owners state that they knew that this was the one when they first saw their puppy. We all have instincts; therefore, you will know what the right buying environment is when you look at the puppies. If you get a feeling that something is not right, leave and find a different breeder. When you purchase your German Shepherd puppy and bring that bundle of joy home, you want to feel confident that you have made the best decision. After all, the relationship with your German Shepherd puppy can last easily for up to thirteen years. Male vs. Female German Shepherd There are many people who only choose a German Shepherd puppy because of their gender or appearance. What is most important in purchasing any puppy is their physical and mental stability. Gender and looks should never be a deciding factor when choosing a dog that will live in your family for the next 12 years or more. Please perform thorough breeder research so that you can choose the right German Shepherd puppy that will fit into your living lifestyle for years to come. Do you want to select a female puppy for future breeding? If not, both your male and female German Shepherd puppy should be spayed and neutered. Female German Shepherds are found to have a sweeter temperament than their male counterparts. Male German Shepherds are more territorial. They also are a little more stubborn and proud. Male German Shepherds are generally larger than their female counterparts. The male can grow to a height range of up to 26 inches. Meanwhile, the female can grow to a height of up to 24 inches tall. Their weight will range from a full-bodied 75 to 95 pounds. When you are trying to decide whether to purchase a male vs. They make excellent watchdogs. Socialize Therefore, if you are going to be around other individuals each day, your German Shepherd puppy must be trained to accept people outside their family unit. Introduce your German Shepherd puppy to strangers so that they will feel comfortable in front of people. By introducing them to strangers, will help them stay calm. They do not like to be left alone for too long. Because they were originally bred for herding, German Shepherds have high energy and thus require physical and mental stimulation. Make sure you have the time and patience to own a German Shepherd puppy. In patiently taking time with their active habits, it will work out to your benefit. They become loyal and loving breeds, especially when raised in a family setting. Remember the TV show Dog Whisperer? The host always referred to a dog requiring a pack leader. German Shepherds must learn that you are the pack leader. If not, they will take the dominant lead, and this is not good. They must be trained and actively exercised to be happy. German Shepherds love to explore and investigate everything. If you live in an area where there are porcupines, lookout. Young German Shepherd puppies will probably come home with quills all over their body. Well, you would be wrong. A German Shepherd puppy will want to correct this wrong and approach another porcupine! Grooming a German Shepherd puppy is simple and easy. Yes, they do shed year-round, so brush them occasionally. But mostly keep their nails trimmed, their teeth and ears cleaned. Dog breeders believe that to help your new German Shepherd puppy adjust from a litter to your new home, they should be crate trained. They need to feel safe and comfortable. Crate training is a learning experience for a German Shepherd puppy, but it eventually helps them get used to a family who perhaps must go off to work every day. Further Reading. Of course, you have already read a lot of books with advice on how to choose the right puppy of a German Shepherd, east European, as well as a Newfoundland, Rottweiler, Spaniel, or Spitz puppy. You understand what is the fundamental difference between these breeds and why a Retriever puppy will never become a VIP bodyguard, and a black terrier will hardly ever pass for a draft husky. Why Opting For a German Shepherd Puppy Is a Good Choice The German Shepherd is prone to learning from a very young to deep old age, while many other breeds cannot boast of this, even if their appearance is more perfect than that of a German Shepherd. The most well-known characteristics that a German Shepherd owns are: pronounced protective and guarding instinct; the ability to make independent decisions, and active actions, and at the same time be completely submissive to the owner; sociability, playfulness, and curiosity; lack of aggression signs towards others and deep affection for the owner; a willingness to happily take on tasks, learn, and remain completely fearless when faced with unfamiliar surroundings or unforeseen difficulties; In addition, the Shepherd dog is calmly confident and features strong nerves, combativeness, and assertiveness which are the main qualities of a good service dog. Perhaps, due to this set of breed characteristics, few larger and more ferocious breeds can compete with a GS, both for guarding the house and as a personal protector. It is not recommended to take puppies under 4 weeks old from their mother. This applies not only to GSs but other breeds. At the age of one month, the baby has already been given all the necessary vaccinations. However, only a person who can devote a lot of time to raising a puppy can afford to take a Shepherd at such a young age. In addition to 6 meals a day, and socialization, the new owner will need to complete 1, different tasks, which require, above all, a lot of time. If there is no time, it is worth finding a puppy aged 4 to 6 months. And it is advisable to take such a teenager from a nursery that focuses on breeding German Shepherds and not all the breeds at once. It happens that a puppy stays in the nursery because the money deposit was given for it but, for some reason, people could not pick up the reserved puppy. If the grown-up German Shepherd puppy constantly lived in an aviary and was deprived of close contact with people and the outside world, owners who have not previously dealt with this breed should not choose such a youngster. These young dogs are for experienced cinologysts. Lack of socialization can be corrected but it cannot be fully eliminated. Testing for the Puppy and Its Future Owner You may already know how to choose a purebred German Shepherd by external signs under the age of 3 months. Simple tests will help you choose a puppy with the desired character. Visit the breeder at a predetermined time when the puppies do not sleep or, conversely, are not hungry. You are taking a future friend for life, and enthusiastic emotions with such a choice are inappropriate. When buying a new friend, inspect the litter meticulously. Pay attention to the following: eyes do not water; traces of diarrhea under the tails are not observed; wet noses are without purulent crusts; legs are straight and strong; fur is clean, reminding of the plush; on the skin under the coat, there are no signs of peeling and scabs; all puppies are active and well-fed; the body is elastic and strong to the touch; the puppy has a pleasant dog smell; the mother is not exhausted; bowls and bedding are clean; there is enough heat and light. Of course, the owner of the dog mother has already taken her to the next room. Those who paid attention to the unusual sound are yours. Throw carefully, of course a tennis ball at the puppies. Those who were not afraid and did not try to escape are yours. Those who, having scouted the situation, did not begin to whine , pressing themselves onto the floor, but hurried towards the bedding are yours. Pay attention to those who have shown interest in a new object. The best are those who took and dragged it. Keys and money are the dirtiest household items. This testing method was used 20 years ago. Today, it is dangerous for the health of puppies! Invite those who dragged the rubber duck to pull a piece of fabric. If the baby dog willingly starts the fight, not letting the cloth go when you pull it towards you, they are good boys or girls. Turn the puppy you like on its back and hold it with an open palm for a few seconds. A clear alpha leader is easy to identify by its non-calming behavior for seconds, and even trying to bite you in this position. It may not be your choice! You will get too many problems associated with the puppy, or it will never be possible to completely subdue it. The puppy that squealed, pulled back its paw, and did not lose its interest in you is yours. The one who barks trying to drive brothers and sisters away from the bowl is not for you. The one who gives up its place at the feeder is also not yours. Yours is the one who, regardless of the obstacles, has taken its place and calmly devours food, without moving from its point, snapping, and running around the bowl. Now, you have at best 2 or 3 puppies left in front of you. You need to select the fat-footed one who will try to get out through the opening without panic and squealing. The tests are simple, but they will allow you to select a good puppy and raise a real working German Shepherd from it without unnecessary costs and nerves. Talk to the breeder. Such puppies are sold at a more reasonable price, but the puppy card for them is mandatory to be filled out as well. If you are given puppies for free, in the absence of their mother, there is a reason to seriously consider whether it is a Shepherd dog at all, even if their mother has pedigree documents. This is not a dog of one owner! The versatility and flexibility of this breed are proven by the fact that GSs accept a new family and a new environment without any problems. The main thing for it is to have its own business — to serve a human! Of course, parting with the former owner seriously affects the condition of the dog, but it will not have a destructive effect on its psyche. And the sooner you engage the German Shepherd in work, the more chances you will have to become a new God for it. If the German Shepherd was properly brought up and grew up surrounded by people, it has working characteristics in good conditions, and the reputation of its previous owner is beyond all questions, such a dog will be quite useful to your family. Finding out the previous story and background of an adult GS why it is refused, what the complaints about its behavior are, and other prompting questions is a must! The reason may be the saddest and most trivial — the previous owner died, and relatives are not able to either support or care for the dog. David W. I admire German Shepherds. They are magnificent dogs! I have been dealing with dogs, namely German Shepherds, throughout my life. I have been working part-time as a dog trainer and instructor for about 5 years, dealing mainly with German Shepherds. So I know a bit about these animals. Therefore, I decided to share my knowledge and experience about this fantastic breed. If you need help with advice and care tips or want to know more about German Shepherd dogs, welcome to this blog. This guide will help you learn how to select the best German Shepherd puppy to add to your family. Is a German Shepherd right for me? This is the first question you should ask yourself before you even consider bringing home a new German Shepherd puppy. You need to evaluate your personal and family lifestyle by asking yourself the following questions: Where do you live? German Shepherds are often on the restricted breed list for apartments. Do you spend much of your time at home, or do you have an active work and social life? Are you willing to spend more time at home on the weekends and evenings during puppyhood, even if it means missing social events? Do you love traveling a lot? If so, will you take your puppy with you? If not, do you have someone or someplace you trust to watch your dog when you travel? Is your whole family excited about the idea of a new German Shepherd puppy? Are you already active or willing to become more active? Do you have time in your schedule to devote to training? Knowing the answers to those questions will help get you a couple of steps closer to deciding whether or not a German Shepherd is the right choice for you. Important things to know about German Shepherds: German Shepherd dogs are sometimes affectionately known as German shedders. German Shepherds shed all year long , however, they blow their coats twice a year during which time they will shed exponentially more. When considering getting this breed, you should be comfortable having a dog that sheds. Trimming their nails , cleaning their ears, brushing their teeth, and brushing their coat regularly is sufficient. Of course, during the shedding seasons more frequent brushing will be needed. German Shepherds were originally developed for herding sheep. Accordingly, they have the desire to work and respond best to proper training from a young age, and an active lifestyle. German Shepherds are known to be clingy, so be prepared to have a shadow following you around the house and maybe even in the restroom. German Shepherds are good with kids and are great family dogs. However, they need proper socialization and training at a young age so they can learn how to behave around both kids and adults. German Shepherds require a lot of mental stimulation and have high energy levels, especially as a puppy. As much as I love Allie, she was more than a handful as a puppy. I have seen instances where people underestimate the time, energy, and training a German Shepherd puppy requires and get overwhelmed after bringing their puppy home. These people end up giving up their puppies. It breaks my heart to know these awesome dogs are given up because of a lack of knowledge when selecting a breed of dog. Although they are a handful if you are willing to put in the effort they are in my opinion one of the best breeds of dog to own. German Shepherds are too smart for their own good. They learn things scary fast and sometimes get themselves into trouble because of how smart they are. They learn your routine and habits, and they also learn when and how they can get away with mischief. German Shepherds are incredibly loyal and become very connected to their owners and family. German Shepherds are typically loving and affectionate. From the second I met Allie she greeted me with a wet tongue to the face. That is still her favorite greeting she will kiss anyone that will allow her to get close enough. German Shepherds need training. They need to know that you are the leader and in charge. If not, they will quickly take over the role of being in charge and that is where problems arise. A bored, untrained, not active German Shepherd can become one of the stories you sometimes hear on the news about a GSD being aggressive. In most of those cases, the problem was with the owners and not the dog breed as a whole. Adoption or Breeder? First, you need to decide if you are going to adopt a German Shepherd puppy or buy one from a breeder. Here are some of the benefits of adopting: Rescue puppies are often already sociable, at least partially trained, and loving dogs. Therefore, you will save a lot of time on house training your new puppy. Older puppies or dogs are likely to be calmer than a younger puppy. You are saving the life of a dog that might not have otherwise found a home. The cost of adopting is typically much cheaper than buying a puppy from a breeder. If you decide to get a German Shepherd puppy from a breeder, here are a few things that can help you identify a good, ethical German Shepherd breeder: Ethical breeders care about the health and wellbeing of the puppy and are not just in the business for money. Ethical breeders always make sure that only healthy dogs breed together and follow a strict breeding program where they ensure that breeding and puppy spaces are clean. They should also have papers showing the age of the parent and the family tree of the puppy. Ethical breeders will happily show you around their entire setup; they should have nothing to hide. Ethical breeders will happily answer as many questions as you have to ask. You want to select one that will be compatible with you and your family. Consider the following when picking a puppy from the litter: Choose a puppy that is sociable around you and other puppies. Pick a puppy that walks confidently with its head high and tail up and wagging. Choose a puppy that has clear eyes, ears , and teeth, walks evenly, and appears clean. Basically, choose a puppy that looks healthy. Look at the personalities of the puppies. Choose a welcoming puppy that wants to greet you as opposed to one that retreats or appears shy. Ask to interact with each puppy one by one after seeing them with their littermates. That way you can get a better sense of how the puppy responds to you without distractions. If possible, visit the litter at least three times before making a final decision, this will allow you to determine the personalities of each of those little fluff balls, and see which would best fit into your family. How old should a German Shepherd puppy be when you take it home? Any puppy should be at least 8 weeks old before being separated from their mother. By this timeline, their sensory organs will have also developed fully which will help you to spot any deformities or medical issues. Be wary of any breeder that will allow you to take your puppy home before 8 weeks old. How do you puppy proof for German Shepherds? German Shepherds are naturally active and tend to explore the world with their mouths, especially during their adolescent period. So, before you can bring your new puppy home, there are a few things you can do to puppy-proof your house: Get rid of any poisonous plants or put them out of reach of your new puppy. Cover electrical cords with cable wraps or PVC pipes. Buy a new laundry basket that has a lid, no holes, and is tall. Make sure both your kitchen and bathroom trash cans have lids. Your new puppy will dig around for anything to bite, like chicken bones, diapers, used hygienic products, or even a disposable razor. If possible, you should buy new trash cans that only open when a button is pressed. Store all the chemicals in secured cabinets or even better on high shelves. German Shepherd puppies have strong teeth and can open plastic containers by biting through even the toughest of plastic! Put away any small items or toys that are small enough for your puppy to swallow. Think of small kid toys like Legos or dollhouse furniture that could be dangerous for a curious puppy. Find a safe spot for your shoes. Whether in a closed closet or in the laundry room behind a closed door. I remember losing a pair of brand-new shoes because I forgot to put them away and Allie thought chewing them was a fun idea. Bringing home a new German Shepherd puppy The period of bringing a new German Shepherd puppy home and introducing them to your home and family takes time and above all, patience. If possible, plan to take off work for at least a few days after bringing your puppy home. I picked up Allie on a Saturday, and then took most of the following week off to spend time getting her adjusted to her new home. Remember, your new puppy has been taken from the only family it knew, and you are now their new family. That first week home was a good week of bonding with Allie. It helped her feel comfortable with her new life and allowed me to really get to know my new beautiful energy filled puppy. The best tip for a smooth transition when bringing your German Shepherd puppy home is to begin crate training and potty training as soon as possible. As a breed prone to separation anxiety , you want to give your GSD a zone to feel safe, comfortable, and content to be on their own. While the initial steps of crate training can be time-consuming, it can make the difference between a dog that is a joy to own, and one that can never be left on their own — so, be the dog parent your pooch deserves and put the time in! New German Shepherd puppy checklist and things to buy It is important that your new puppy feels welcomed into their new home. Some items are ok to be left with your puppy, and other items are more dangerous or will be destroyed. This checklist will help you to know what to buy when getting a puppy. New German Shepherd Puppy Checklist. Final thoughts Where do I start? The first thing that you have to do before you can pick out the best puppy, is to pick out the best breeder. This may come easily, as you may already have a breeder in mind that you trust and who has a good reputation. But chances are that you will have to do your research. And there is also a good chance that you may need to travel some distance to the right breeder. Even if the breeder is several states away, consider making the trip. Getting a new GSD puppy is a significant life commitment. The effort and time that you invest now in going about this properly will pay off for years to come. Here are some important things to look for in a breeder once you locate one that you are interested in pursuing. Call the breeder and have a conversation The first thing to do is call the breeder and have a conversation. A quality German Shepherd breeder will actually require this. They will not permit someone to just show up and purchase one of their dogs and take it home. They will ask you questions such as: Why do you want a GSD puppy? This will aid them in helping you choose. Where do you live, in an apartment or in a home? They will want to ensure that the puppy will not be in a cramped space. Do you have a yard, and is it fenced-in? They will want to make sure that the puppy will have adequate room to exercise as it grows. Do you have children in your home? They will want to make sure that you understand the importance of socialization and training to keep your family safe. Do you have other pets in your home? They will want to make sure that you know how to properly introduce the puppy to other animals, and whether any other pets you have may actually be a danger to the puppy. What type of work do you do, does it require you to be away from home for long periods of time? Because GSDs do not do well alone, they will want to make sure that you have adequate time to devote to your dog. Are you financially prepared to take on a GSD? While this may be a bit of a personal question, it is important to know that you are financially able to care for a GSD. They are expensive to care for, and it is fair for a breeder to ask this question. If a breeder does not ask you some form of these questions, then perhaps think twice. It may be an indication that they are more interested in profit than raising a quality puppy that they care will go to a quality home. Questions for you to ask the breeder: How many different types of dogs do you raise? Can you provide me with a pedigree of all of your puppies? A pedigree is essentially a family tree for your puppy. A good breeder should have a detailed pedigree for any dog they sell. Beware of any breeder that wants to charge for this or says that they will provide it at a later date. Do you have references? They should provide you with several without thinking twice. All reputable breeders will offer this guarantee in the form of a written contract. Do you breed your females more than once a year? Female GSDs should not be bred more than one time per year. This allows for adequate recovery time and maintains good health. Can you provide me with a detailed medical history for your puppies? Health screenings are essential for puppies, and a reputable breeder should be able to provide proof of these. Can you explain any potential health issues for GSD which may come up later in life? A knowledgable breeder should be able to clearly explain conditions like hip dysplasia and other health issues more common in GSDs than other dogs. If the answer to any of these questions comes up as unsatisfactory, move on. It is simply not worth the risk of pursuing the breeder any further. Unfortunately, there are far too many unethical breeders who take a lot of shortcuts which results in dogs prone to both health and behavioral issues. Why is this? You should never take home a puppy that is less than 8 weeks old. More than half of the states in the U. And out of those states, only 3 permit a puppy to be offered for sale under the age of 8 weeks. The reason for these laws is primarily so that puppies are properly weaned from their mothers and able to eat on their own. In addition to weaning, puppies need to be initially socialized by their mothers as well as their siblings. So a puppy will be taught that these things are bad during these 8 weeks. If you remove a puppy from the litter too early, they may not learn these lessons and develop behavioral problems as they get older. Much like a spoiled child that never learns, often times the source of an ill-behaved puppy can be traced to a lack of discipline at a young age. So to ensure that you have a healthy puppy, that is also sold in accordance with state laws and regulations, understand that it must be 8 weeks old see link above for exceptions — regardless of state law exceptions, waiting 8 weeks is good practice. Decide whether you want to male or female You may have a personal preference for either a female or a male German Shepherd puppy. It is important however to not necessarily just go with your gut on this one. Take a moment and understand some general differences between the two genders. I will explore this issue more in-depth in another post, but here are some important general points to consider. Territorial: Males are naturally more territorial than females. This may give them more of a tendency to wander off in an effort to broaden their territory. Very possessive: Male GSDs are generally more possessive than females. They may be possessive over food and bones, toys, and you! Dominance: Male German Shepherds tend to be more dominant than females. This may result in more of a proclivity towards aggressive bullying behaviors to make sure that it is understood that they are the boss. Dominance requires training to keep it in check. Singular bonding: Male GSDs tend to bond more closely with one person rather than a group of people like a family. Territorial: Females are therefore more welcoming and less territorial than males. They are also less likely to wander off as they have no desire to expand their territory. Dominance: Females display less dominant behaviors than males. Non-singular bonding: Females are more likely to bond with a number of people in a family rather than an individual person. So, how do I choose between the two? This question comes down to the purpose for which you want a German Shepherd. If you are looking for a dog to have trained in protection and are looking primarily for a four-legged security system for your home, then a male is a good choice. However, if your primary interest is to just have a family pet that socializes well with others, then a female is probably right for you. Testing the puppy There is no better way to determine whether or not a specific puppy is the right one for you than to actually get hands-on and doing some investigating. However, even before you begin any interactions with a puppy, make sure that you are testing the correct one. Never try and force any interaction, begin with puppies that are naturally drawn to you. Just like with people, you cannot force a match and expect fruitful results. So be patient and make sure at very least that the puppy is not aversive toward you before you being. The tests: Clap your hands: Does it run away or does it come? A more timid dog may, however, be apprehensive to approach. Make eye contact: When the puppy is looked at, does it stare back at you? If the puppy looks directly at you, it is showing confidence. Vocally call the puppy over to you: Does it come to you right away? If it does how not, however, this could show a behavioral issue or hearing problem, or it could be an indication of another illness as well. Pet the puppy: How does it respond to your touch? However, if it meets your touches with biting or growling, then this is likely an indication of an uneven or bad temperament. It will not just grow out of this, it will have to be trained out of it. Bring a ball with you to test with the puppy: Roll the ball and see what the puppy does. Does it follow it and then bring it to you? Or does it take it away for itself. A more dominant puppy will just take the ball and keep it for itself, reluctant to give it back to you. On the other hand, a more independent puppy may show no interest at all. And one that is submissive may actually be frightened. If you are looking for a very sociable puppy, look for the one that brings the ball right back to you to play some more. The puppy that brings it right back is also an ideal candidate for training in retrieving and other exercises. An even-tempered puppy will show interest in and play with the toy, but it will also allow you to participate and take the toy back without showing you any aggression. Roll the puppy over: Once the puppy comes over to you, gently roll it onto its back and hold it in place. Do not be forceful but be firm. See how the puppy reacts. Is it resisting, or is it just relaxing? A puppy with a more dominant personality will take the path of most resistance, and it may growl or attempt to bite at you. And the even-tempered puppy is the one that may resist for a short time but then submit to what you are doing. Pick up the puppy: Physically pick up the puppy by gently holding it underneath its chest with an open hand. Lift it up high, even above the height of your head and hold it there. What does the puppy do? Does it struggle, or does it stay relaxed? A puppy that struggles may be fearful or dominant. On the other hand, a puppy that stays absolutely relaxed is displaying confidence in itself and trust in you. Hold on to a paw and press it gently: This is somewhat similar to holding it on its back. If there is a response to be had, it will happen immediately. Resistance or pulling the paw away may show dominance and temperament towards aggression. The even-tempered puppy will be you curious as to what you are doing. It may investigate a little and might even lick you. Make an unexpected noise: Whether it is banging a pot and pan together or just yelling, create an unexpected noise. See what the puppy does, does it show fear, interest, or aggression? A fearful puppy may run away or even whimper. While an aggressive-tempered puppy may actually growl and try to bite you. An even-tempered puppy will simply look surprised, and may even want to investigate a little bit further. Meet the parents A lot of breeders will have both the father sire and the mother bitch of the puppies on site. However, some of them will only have the mother because sometimes the father is on loan as a stud from a different breeder. But the mother for sure should be on site, and you should get an idea of what she is like. In the case of my last German Shepherd, I was able to meet both parents. His mother was very kind and sociable and eager to be petted. While on the other hand, his father was clearly dominant, and not a dog to be messed with. Because of my prior experience and knowledge, my GSD turned out exactly as I thought he would — fairly sociable yet wildly protective of me. This was all right because I knew what to expect and I was able to train my dog properly to take the edge off of some of his more dominance behaviors. However, my choice was an informed decision based on years of experience. If you are new to owning a German Shepherd, this may not be an ideal combination. I would recommend for a new German Shepherd owner to consider making sure that both parents are more docile, and possibly even lean towards acquiring a female for your first German Shepherd. Visit the puppy on more than one occasion Just like people, puppies have their on days and their off days. You will not be able to get a very accurate picture of how your puppy will be on one short visit. In fact, with my last dog, I visited him at least 4 times and stayed for at least 30 minutes with him each time prior to taking him home. A good breeder will have no issue with you doing this, and in fact, will prefer it. They want their dogs to be well-matched with their new owners, so this is common practice. The puppy should become accustomed to the people it will soon be spending its entire life with. So the more familiarity that you build now in this phase, the easier that puppy will transition to home life with you and your family. All of these steps are positive reinforcement for your new puppy and will build familiarity and a bond even before you arrive home. Also, bring a small blanket or clothing item and ask the breeder to leave it with the puppy. This will allow your puppy to become familiar with the scent of you and your home. Making for a better transition. So by default, this knowledge enables the breeder to be very good at placing the proper puppies with the proper personalities. Remember to stay focused and not lose sight of your primary objective, which is to select the right puppy for you and your family. If you take the time and care to do your research and ask the right questions, you will come together with the right puppy for you. But remember, this is just the beginning of a major life commitment. So take this step of choosing the right GSD puppy seriously, and you will have laid the foundation for a loving and rewarding relationship for years to come. One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a German Shepherd puppy is what their personality and temperament are like. German Shepherds are just like people. They each have their own personalities, and some are able to get along with other dogs better than others. In fact, how your German Shepherd puppy interacts with other dogs and people will mostly come down to their individual personality. This will mean that your German Shepherd puppy will need less training, and a lot of your interactions with one another will come more naturally. The best puppy for your home may not be the biggest, prettiest dog in the litter! How to get started Before you can worry about choosing the best German Shepherd puppy for your home, you will need to find a breeder. You will need to opt for a German Shepherd breeder who has a good reputation. So you will need to do your research to find the right breeder for your needs. You may even need to travel a fair way to find the perfect breeder. Even if your German Shepherd breeder is located several states away, it will be worth the trip. If you put in the right amount of time and effort now, it should pay dividends throughout the next few years. Here are a few handy tips to help you find the right breeder to buy a German Shepherd puppy from. Talk to your German Shepherd breeder One of the first things you should do is to give the German Shepherd breeder a call. You may be surprised to learn that quality breeders will actually require this to ensure that the puppy is going to a good home. They may not be as interested in the health of the puppy and their new home as they should be, and are more concerned about making a profit from their dogs. The breeder will want to ensure that you have the right space to accommodate your German Shepherd puppy. Have you got any kids? Training your new puppy and giving them the right amount of socialization will be essential for keeping your family safe. Do you have a fenced outdoor space? Your puppy will need to have a good amount of room so they can run around and play. They will need regular exercise to stay fit and healthy. Why do you want a German Shepherd? The breeder will want to know what purpose you want a German Shepherd puppy for. It could be as a pet, for added protection, or to show competitively. Do you have any other pets? This will be an important factor as you will need to know how to introduce your new puppy to other animals. It will also be crucial to know if you have any other pets which could pose a danger to the puppy. What do you do for a living? If you have to work away for long periods of time so that your puppy is left alone for large portions of the day, the breeder will want to know this. Can you afford the financial responsibility of this puppy? Dogs are a financial commitment. This may seem like too much of a personal question, however, it will be important to establish that you can properly care for your new dog. Questions you can ask your breeder There are far too many unethical breeders around. Some irresponsible breeders will take shortcuts when it comes to breeding, which will leave you with dogs who have behavioral and health issues. Do you raise other breeds of dog? This can show you whether they have been bred from healthy dogs. Have you got any references? A good quality breeder should be able to give you these easily enough. Have you got a pedigree for the puppies? This is essentially a family tree of the puppies. A good quality breeder should be able to produce the proper lineage of your new puppy when asked. If the breeder attempts to charge you for this, or says they will give it to you another time, be very wary. Every breeder worth their salt will give you this guarantee as a written contract. How often do you breed your females in a single year? This will allow them to properly recover from giving birth, and help to maintain great health. Have you got a detailed medical history for the puppies? A reputable breeder should be able to give you proof of any health screenings that their puppies have had. This is essential for healthy dogs. Could you explain to me if German Shepherds have any health issues they may suffer from as adults? Puppies should never be taken home if they are less than 8 weeks old. In fact, more than half of the states in America have laws to prevent this from happening. There are several laws which dictate how old a puppy needs to be before it can be adopted or sold. There are only 3 which actually allow puppies to be sold under 8 weeks old: D. These laws are in place for a reason. This is to ensure that all puppies have been properly weaned from their mothers and that they are able to eat without help. Puppies will also need to have been properly socialized before they can leave their mothers. Their mothers and siblings can help to socialize the puppy properly. Most of the behavioral problems in adult dogs can be traced back to this lack of discipline and not having been socialized properly. To make sure that you have a healthy puppy, you will need to choose a puppy that is being sold in accordance with the laws of their state. This will mean buying a puppy that is at least 8 weeks old, if not older. Even if you happen to find a puppy in D. Male or female puppy Perhaps you already have a preference for the gender of your puppy. You will need to understand that the two genders actually have distinct differences. Here are a few things for you to consider to help you make a fully informed choice. Female German Shepherds 1. Physical appearance Typically, female German Shepherds will be much smaller than males. They will also have a less muscular stature. Dominance A female dog will display less behavioral dominance than a male dog will. Family bonding Female German Shepherds are more likely to bond with the whole family rather than a single individual. Territorial A female German Shepherd will be much less territorial than a male dog will be. Male German Shepherds Male dogs will tend to be much larger than females. They are also more muscular. Dominance Males will display a lot more dominance than females. Single person bonding A male German Shepherd is more likely to bond very closely with a single person instead of a whole family. Territorial A male German Shepherd is more likely to be territorial. This means they could be more likely to wander off in an attempt to expand their home turf. Possessive These males tend to be on the more possessive side than their female counterparts. This could be over their food, their favorite toys, or even you. It will be important to give them correct training to teach them not to be aggressive towards you. They should be able to socialize better with others, too. But the best way to find out if your prospective puppy will be the right fit for your home is to do some proactive investigating. This can also be a great indicator of their future behavior, too. You should never force the interaction. If the puppy is reluctant to come near you and interact with you, then you will be better off choosing a different pup. Tests for your German shepherd puppy 1. Eye contact When you look directly at your puppy, does it look back at you? If your puppy stares back at you, this is showing confidence. If your puppy avoids eye contact then it may be anxious, scared, or have a vision issue. Clapping your hands This can indicate how social your puppy is. If it comes towards you and tries to interact with you, this is a great sign. This shows that the dog is eager to socialize with people. Call out to the puppy Do they come towards you at the sound of your voice? This is a fantastic sign. Pet the dog It will be important to note how the puppy interacts with your physical touch. If the puppy is affectionate and loving, this will be another great sign. If they bite or growl at you, this will likely be an indication of a bad temperament. The dog will have to be trained out of this. Play ball Bring a ball with you when you meet your puppy. Roll this towards the dog and see how the puppy interacts with it. Does the puppy follow the ball? Bring it back to you? Or does the dog keep the ball for itself? Puppies that are more dominant will keep the ball for themselves. They will also be reluctant to give the toy back to you. A more submissive puppy is likely to be frightened of the ball coming towards them. A more independent dog will likely show very little interest, if they show any at all. Puppies with an even temperament will show some interest in the ball, will play with it, but will also be willing for you to play a part of the game without showing any aggression. Searching for a more sociable dog? Keep an eye out for the puppy that brings the ball right back to you and asks you to play more. This puppy will be a fantastic candidate for training as well as other exercises. Roll the puppy When the puppy has come over to you, you can try to gently roll them onto their back, then hold them in place. Watch how the puppy reacts to you. Do they relax under your touch, or do they resist you? A dominant puppy will be more likely to resist you. It could even try to bite you or growl at you. An even-tempered puppy will resist at first, but will submit to you after a short time. Pick up your puppy You can physically pick up the puppy by gently holding it under its chest with an open hand. Lift the puppy up, and see what it does. Does the puppy stay relaxed or does it struggle? A struggling dog is likely to be dominant or scared. A puppy that stays perfectly relaxed is showing that it trusts you and that it is confident. This is a similar test to holding the puppy on its back. Chances are the puppy will react immediately. Any resistance or trying to pull their paw away from you could be a sign of an aggressive temperament or dominance. A puppy that accepts your actions will show a more submissive temperament. They could even lick you! Create an unexpected noise This could just be a sudden shout or banging some pots and pans. The important factor will be watching how the puppy reacts to a sudden noise. Do they show interest? Are they scared? Aggressive puppies could try and bite you and growl at you. Visit the puppy parents Most breeders will have both puppy parents in the same place. Some of them may only have the mother with the puppies because the father was on loan from a stud or a different breeder. Either way, the mother of your puppy should be with them when you pay the dogs a visit. If one of the parents appears aggressive, this could show you that you need to do some more training with your new puppy. A dog that displays more dominant tendencies will need proper training to take the edge off these behaviors. Choosing a female German Shepherd will also be a good choice. Puppies will have their off days, just like humans do. It will be important to visit your new puppy a few times and spend at least 30 minutes with them so that you can see what they will be like. They will likely prefer it to someone who only pays their puppy one visit before collecting them! This is a good indicator that the breeder wants their dogs to be matched with the right owners. If there are other people in your household who will be living with the German shepherd puppy, such as kids or a partner, you will need to bring them along, too. Your new puppy will need to get accustomed to the people it will be spending time with. It will be much easier to transition your puppy to living in your home. You should also bring some treats along for your new puppy each time you visit. These are all positive reinforcements that can allow your new puppy to get used to you and encourage them to bond with you. It will also be a good idea to bring something with you that you can leave behind for the puppy. This could be a new toy or a blanket that smells like you. This will allow the puppy to get used to your smell, which can also make the transition easier. They will also be very well acquainted with the mother of the puppies and have knowledge of the father. So your breeder should be able to help you choose the right puppy for your needs, and match the right personality to you. In summary So there you have it! Choosing the right German Shepherd puppy for your needs is certainly more challenging than it first appears. The most important goal is to choose the right dog that will fit in well with you and your family. As long as you do the proper research beforehand, you should be able to find the right dog for your home. Remember to ask the right questions when you find your breeder to make sure that they are a good person to buy a dog from. Be sure to visit your new puppy several times before you bring them home. As long as you take this responsibility seriously, you will have laid the perfect foundation for a fruitful relationship with your new puppy. May not even be aware of the breed standard. Breeds to any convenient dog. Strives towards the ideal. Often helps to define it. Does not need to promote establishment; sells to brokers, pet shops, etc. Often rescues only to attain more stock. Rarely attends shows or trials. Shows and trials to objectively test breeding stock. Often judges, provides seminars, writes articles, and willingly mentors serious Hobby Breeders. Knowledge Often pretends to know some. May share false or incomplete information. Studies continuously. Impacts the breed for many decades with knowledge of dogs over many generations. All pups sold have full breeding rights. Yes, and diligently follows up on progeny. Keeps up with health and temperament issues affecting the breeding and provides in-depth guarantees No need to; mostly supplies brokers and pet shops. Meets minimum standards as required by state law. May refuse to acknowledge most problems. Maintains a solid support system — accepts full responsibility for every puppy produced. Performs health testing for all breeding stock for genetic diseases affecting the particular breed. No interest, may offer papers as proof of quality. Papers alone are not proof of quality. No interest. May provide undocumented paperwork for appearances sake. Is unfamiliar with health testing usually statements of good health are stated to impress consumers. Intensive testing always a priority. Often initiates club sponsored seminars and clinics. Maintains records on all dogs in gene pool including progeny. Often supplies brokers and pet shops, records unavailable. Dogs and puppies are often auctioned off in lots, records unavailable. Focuses mostly on current dogs, no records or knowledge of genes. Attempts to continuously track every puppy produced. Bases entire breeding program on extensive gene pool data. Clean environment always maintained Minimum standards vary greatly in cleanliness. Minimum standards maintained for state inspections. Conditions may vary greatly depending on available income, usually makeshift accommodations. Clean, healthy and mentally stimulating environment. Expected longevity with any particular breed Will continue as long as the sales are coming. Depends on popularity of specific breeds. Unrealistic expectations — easily disillusioned. On a mission-plans to stay for the long haul. Health guarantee provided No, it cuts into profits. No health guarantee beyond proof of first set of vaccines, if that. Not qualified to give advice if a problem arises. Offers written guarantee and is available to answer questions to new owners. Good knowledge of history in dogs. Extensive knowledge of health history, offers replacements to owners of genetically affected dogs. Ability to meet the parents of the litter If available, may be in poor physical condition. If available, dogs are not used to contact with people. May or may not be well loved and cared for companions, often unwilling to show entire litter or parents to buyer. Shows friendly mother and entire litter in clean environment; stud dog too, if in residence. Helps buyer choose appropriate puppy. Can explain how breeding was planned to emphasize specific qualities and can speak at length about how puppies compare. What you can expect after purchase Nothing, may not be able to contact at all. No concern for dog after sale is final. Available for questions, and wants to keep in touch. Will take back dog or puppy at any time. After purchase will help with training and grooming, available for all questions and knows the answers. Price Priced according to market, but is marked up from original source for profit. Mid-range to move puppies quickly. High end of mid-range. Price will not reflect all that is invested. Use only physically sound, mature dogs of stable temperament for breeding. These characteristics are rarely, if ever, determined before the age of two for females. Continue to educate themselves regarding genetic diseases pertinent to the breed including, hip and elbow dysplasia. Documentation of hip and elbow screenings should be available to prospective puppy buyers. Apply the same high standards to outside bitches sent to their stud dogs as they apply to their own breeding stock. Temperament testing of a litter before puppies are offered for sale is encouraged. Take appropriate steps to have each puppy examined by a licensed veterinarian for general health prior to placement. Each puppy should be vaccinated and de-wormed by a veterinarian. Endeavor to gain personal knowledge of the temperament and health of every dog they breed, or to which they breed, in order to gather information on which to base future breeding decisions. They share this information fully and honestly with other breeders and with prospective buyers. Sell breeding prospects to knowledgeable, ethical and experienced persons or are willing to help educate and guide novices. Do not engage in misleading or untrue advertising and do not use GSDCA membership as a marketing tool. Do not sell, supply, donate or surrender any dog for which they are responsible to a pet shop, catalogue house, wholesale dealer in dogs, Humane Society or to a laboratory. They should have reasonable assurance that each individual receiving a dog will provide a home with appropriate shelter, restraint, control and responsible care. Encourage puppy buyers to go to puppy obedience classes to help their puppies to become better canine good citizens. The achievement of a Canine Good Citizen certificate should be encouraged. Since homeowners insurance and local laws vary greatly, a refusal to let you visit the kennels may not, in and of itself, be a bad sign. You should ask for and receive a satisfactory explanation. The puppies are not social or look sickly. How to read those ads. A few more things to look out for. Anyone can buy a puppy from a champion, but it does not mean that they have any other interest in the breed but to bank on the name and make money. Having a Champion in a pedigree is like having a billionaire relative. AKC registration does not guarantee quality. AKC papers are much like the title of a car; papers are issued to the junked Chevy on blocks in your yard just as easily as they are on a brand new, shiny Jaguar. AKC does not control breeding, approve litters, or guarantee temperaments. AKC Registration is automatic if you buy from a reputable breeder — they will provide all necessary paperwork when you buy a puppy. There are several groups that are registering dogs, even mixed breeds, for a fee. This registration means nothing, and is of no value to you. Are there too many defects for the animal to be bred? Shop with care. Rarely will a good breeder have the luck to own both dogs for the perfect litter. There are some good and very reasonable reasons to have both parents on site. However, you need to ask the right questions and understand why this is true. They might be, they might not. Are they too big to be cute anymore? Need more money? Is there a problem? Usually because there are more on the way. Be very wary of this one. Will a Breeder Ask Me Questions? Conscientious breeders want the best available home for their puppies. This determines the amount of time you will have available for your new addition. There are very important items that should be supplied by the breeder. Breeders will typically give you the following items: A signed pedigree A current Health Record; including de-wormings and vaccinations. American Kennel Club registration papers or application Sales contract. The type of contract varies and must be mutually agreeable to the breeder and buyer. Much depends on what you expect from the puppy show, pet, or performance. Feeding schedule including the type and amount of food. Copy of OFA certification of sire and dam, if available.

More than twice as many Labs were registered than any other breed making it a likely leader for many years to come. In a recent article, a licensed professional counselor for more than twenty-five years, explained how owning a Lab can help produce healthier, happier, more well adjusted children. Here is an excerpt from her article: Having a dog helps teach responsibility to children. Caring for the dog will teach children that their pet is dependent on them for food and exercise and love. Dogs require a lot of care; they need to be fed, walked, played with and trained. Children come to understand that dogs have to learn discipline in order to be pleasant around the family and others. Children come to appreciate discipline by observing how important it is in their dog. Having a dog teaches children patience, commitment and selflessness. Caring for a dog takes a great deal of responsibility. Children learn to be less focused on themselves and more patient with others. Responsibility is a key factor in leadership development in children, and one of the best ways of learning responsibility is in the home with the family dog. Being responsible for a dog teaches children valuable life lessons. The lessons that children learn from having a dog are priceless and may just help in being successful in life and in a career. Be sure to read the rest of her seven part article, Ten Reasons to Own a Dog. At Twin Lakes Kennel, we have been breeding and training world class Labrador retrievers for more than thirty-five years. Our second-to-none Puppy Guarantee makes buying a pure-bred Labrador retriever one of the wisest decisions you will ever make. Read the personal testimonials from prominent Lab owners from around the country. And visit our Puppy Page or call Woody or Judi for up-to-date puppy information at .Between and , the population of the town grew .Current town growth is a result of these such developments, which primarily attract high-income families relocating from Baltimore, Wilmington, Philadelphia, New Jersey, and New York City Nickname: Diamond Town of the Diamond State Our world class Labrador Retrievers puppies for sale! Our Latest Happy Clients! Become A Happy Client! Cedar Creek Labradors started breeding in ! Our love for the breed expanded in to be able to share our own personal hunting Labs. We are focused on producing quality AKC Labrador puppies with health, sound structure, looks, temperament and trainability as a priority. We are located in Delaware and own both English and American Labradors. Our goal is to continue improving the Labrador breed within the AKC Standards starting with the improvement our own puppies during each specially paired breeding! We help in matching each potential family with the best suited puppy by suggesting upcoming parents with temperaments and pedigrees to match their individual needs. Please Find us on Facebook! In we added French Bulldogs to our program! Many years with a huge love for the breed I couldn't withhold any longer! Such a great decision as their comical personalities have melted our hearts! Our puppies page contains information on upcoming litters, pictures, availability and placing deposits! Take a look at our Available page to see Dogs, Older puppies or Rescues Currently available along with information on our Boarding rates and Training. We are now working with a finance company if you need help with your payment we can email an application! Visitors are not permitted within all areas and must sanitize upon entering our property. We have to use precautions to keep our young puppies safe. All visitors are by appointment only to allow us family time as well as individualized time with any other visitors. We also must prepare by putting our dogs up in advance. Our dogs and puppies are all on NuVet Plus Vitamins. We highly recommend this product! We can not express enough how important it is to continue the use of this product! After seeing the results of NuVet and NuJoint on our personal dogs we hope to have all puppy buyers continue to use this product and it is required in order to participate in our 26 month puppy guarantee!

Life Span Did You Know? Chi-Poos are compact and energetic little dogs that love their families. They tend to be energetic and playful, and love nothing more than being around their favorite humans. Although the Chi-Poo is not recognized by the American Kennel Club, they are recognized by other notable canine organizations. A Chi-Poo tends to be sweet, loving, and affectionate with their families. They tend to get along well with children, other dogs, and other pets. They can be initially wary of strangers and strange dogs. But, as long as they have been well-socialized, they tend to warm up quickly. Chi-Poos are fantastic watchdogs because they will alert you to things, people, noises, etc. Because of this, they can be prone to barking a lot. If you start to train your dog to stop barking early on, you can keep this from becoming a nuisance behavior. Chi-Poos are highly adaptable dogs. They do well in apartments as well as larger homes with or without yards. These little dogs do well in most climates. As with any dog breed, they are sensitive to heat. Due to their small size, they may also need to bundle up with some winter dog products to stay warm while out on walks when the temperatures drop. Because these little dogs bond closely with their families and crave attention from them, they do not like to be left alone for long periods of time. This also means they can be prone to developing separation anxiety. So, you will want to make sure you socialize your dog and spend some time making sure they can be comfortable when you are not around. Potential health concerns to be aware of in a Chi-Poo include glaucoma , luxating patella , hypoglycemia, and overactive tear glands. As a small dog breed, the Chi-Poo is more prone to developing painful dental diseases later in life. Gum disease in dogs is one of the most common health issues and has serious consequences. Chi-Poos are highly intelligent dogs that are eager to please and pick up on things quickly. Inconsistent training can make them stubborn. But, as long as training is kept consistent and focused on positive reward and praise, they are a good fit for owners of all experience levels. Puppy training classes are still an option. Aside from the training, there are several other benefits of puppy training classes. If they take more after their Chihuahua parent, they will shed a little year-round, require weekly brushing, and need the occasional bath. If they inherit the Poodle coat, they may not shed, but they will need a lot more grooming. Daily brushing is required to remove tangles and prevent mats from forming. In addition, professionally grooming and clipping are needed every weeks. If you are visiting a dog groomer regularly, they may be able to help out with some things, but you will still need to do maintenance at home between visits. Nail trims once or twice a month are usually enough to keep them from growing too long and causing issues. Weekly ear checks with careful cleanings as needed can help prevent ear infections. Dental diseases can be prevented later in life with consistent dental care. Daily brushing or use of an enzyme toothpaste in addition to cleanings at the vet as needed are ideal. Although a Chi-Poo will be energetic when they play, they are small dogs and will tire themselves out quickly. Usually, daily walks plus some playtime are enough to keep this little dog happy and healthy. Because they thrive being around you, they may be up for more activity if you are. Just make sure you keep an eye on them to make sure they are not overexerting themselves trying to keep up and be prepared to potentially have to rest or carry them. A fully-grown Chi-Poo usually averages inches tall and pounds in weight. Chi-Poos generally live for years on average. This mix is usually called a Chi-Poo. Other nicknames include Choodle, Poochi, Chipoodle, and Poohuahua. Featured Chi-Poo Article. We have placed thousands of Chihuahuas and Chihuahua mixes in approved homes since .CRT requires an application, vet check, reference check and home visit for each adopter. Please come see us or help support our organization at these events! Most in Need Become a Best Friend. Some of our dogs need a best friend. These would be ones that are forever fosters, on medications, hard to adopt, have special needs, extra funds needed, etc. Once you donate any amount as a best friend your name will be listed on their profile page as a donor. Chihuahuas of the Month Meet Chihuahuas of the Month. This is not a lot of money to adopt when you consider all the expenses we put towards our dogs. Most of our dogs come to us with medical issues or have not been spayed or neutered. We take care of all of the medical needs of our dogs before we make our dogs available to be adopted. We are always in need of volunteers. Please reach out to us or fill out a volunteer application. We would not be able to function as an organization without the generosity of our donors. We often get dogs that are victims of hoarders and have had no vet care their entire lives. Here are the links to our dogs up for adoption: Southwest , Southeast , Midwest Read about our success stories here read about Coco : Successful adoptions. Facebook — DFW.

The Advantages of Running with Your Golden Retriever Going for a run with your dog can provide you with several advantages. Golden Retriever and owner taking a rest after a long run! Reduce Your Stress Levels People who routinely run with their pets report reduced stress and improved mental health management. Daily exercise also reduces stress in dogs particularly if they are alone at home the whole day. Cardiovascular Fitness Exercising regularly is essential for maintaining the health of your heart and lungs. Running is an excellent cardiovascular workout for both you and your furry companion. Improved Productivity and Motivation Dogs and exercise have been shown to raise the level of joyful hormones and chemicals in our brains. When you combine the two, your feeling of purpose and motivation will rise. Keep a Healthy Weight Running with your dog will keep you both in good physical shape. Maintaining a healthy body weight requires regular exercise. Originally, Golden Retrievers were bred as working dogs. Their heritage extends back more than years when they served hunters in the Scottish Highlands to collect fallen game. When they produced the Golden Retriever, they made sure to create a strong breed with plenty of stamina. A Golden Retriever playing in the backyard. Although most modern Golden Retrievers are not expected to accomplish such difficult activities, they are biologically wired to go the distance. Their passion for fetching items and sprinting makes them excellent running partners, and their outgoing personality makes for more pleasurable runs. They work well for both short jogs and extended runs, and the duration that they can run will depend on elements like breeding history, age, fitness, and general well-being. This question, like humans, does not have a set answer. The limit of a Golden Retriever will vary depending on a variety of circumstances. Older Retrievers, for instance, cannot run as far or as long as young dogs. The Golden Retriever is running fast as he can. Likewise, an overweight dog will not run as far as an optimally weighted dog. Given that the average marathon distance is roughly 26 miles 42 kilometers , most Golden Retrievers can complete such distances with some training. Take a pause when your dog begins to lag and pant heavily. Age is a crucial aspect that determines how effectively dogs run. Golden Retriever puppies are unable to run vast distances or for lengthy periods of time. This, however, changes as your dog ages and increases its stamina. A beautiful Golden Retriever with a bandana on his neck stands outdoors. Taking your puppy for long walks can put a lot of strain on its developing bones and paws, and running at a young age might potentially lead to joint problems such as hip dysplasia. Golden Retrievers are often ready for longer runs between the ages of 12 and 18 months. When your Golden Retriever reaches adulthood, you may take him on longer walks without worry. Begin With Walking Your Golden Retriever Before you take your Golden Retriever running, check whether they are comfortable walking on a leash beside you with a slack leash. Running with an untrained dog is unpleasant, so begin by laying a solid training foundation. A Golden Retriever walks with its owner. In leash training, use a lot of food and positive reinforcement. Begin by practicing in your yard, a quiet park, or a public location with no distractions. Dogs require training to improve their attention span, and success which means more treats will help them stay focused. Make training sessions enjoyable by including spurts of play like a game of fetch. After all, retrieving is what a Golden Retriever does! It is ideal to socialize Golden Retriever puppies as early as possible to wear a collar and leash. This greatly simplifies leash training. Also, socialize with other pets, strangers, and vehicles, as these are all things they may face when running with you. When leash training your puppy, use consistency and discipline. Train them to walk on either your left or right side at all times. Train command words or phrases that are plain and simple, and use hand signals whenever you can. Adhere to a training schedule that you and your dog can complete together. Begin training at a slow speed and aim for a 2 to 3-mile run 3 to 4 times a week. The dog owner brings her Golden Retriever to the park. After two weeks of training, you should observe your dog becoming more fit. Increase the length or duration of your runs. After about a week, add another weekend run. No matter how determined you are to run, remember to take rest periods that are essential for both you and your dog. Keep gradually increasing the length of the runs, and their endurance and stamina will progressively improve, and before you know it, your dog will be training for a marathon with you! If you like a fast-paced run, your dog may need to run more quickly to keep up with your fitness requirements. Here are a few tips to help your dog keep up. A Golden Retriever takes a lot of training and a healthy diet to run so fast! With plenty of training, gradually prepare your pet for extended runs. Increase your speed and endurance training gradually. Motivate your dog by using positive reinforcement and appropriate orders. Give your dog a nutritious and healthy diet. When called upon, a balanced diet guarantees that your dog is fit for high endurance runs. If your pet is overweight, you can assist them to lose some weight. While you must use caution with your Golden Retriever when running long distances, there are several aspects to consider as your dog ages. A Golden Retriever looking a touch sad. It is critical that you understand that, while these dogs have a lot of energy and strength, your dog may not be able to just go out and run for extended distances. Begin slowly and gradually increase the distance. Because the muscles and tendons of the dog require time to develop, you should let your dog get stronger. Older dogs are more likely to have minor hip dysplasia, and running can worsen the condition and cause greater discomfort. If your dog gets tired quickly, this is a symptom that he is becoming older. Obesity is another problem that concerns Golden Retrievers, and running too long distances with your dog might be detrimental if he is overweight. Therefore, before you actually take him on lengthy runs, make sure he sheds some weight by regulating his food and exercising. Losing lb might help your Golden Retriever prepare for long-distance runs. Final Thoughts Golden Retrievers are happy-go-lucky, active dogs that will cheerfully play fetch with you. They certainly make wonderful running partners but as always, start slow and work your way up to a quicker pace and longer distances. Have fun! My wife and I love playing with our active miniature Labradoodle Max. We want all Oodle puppies to be healthy and happy, have lots of fun and be part of the family. Load More. Yes, Golden Retrievers can run with you! Running is a great form of exercise for this high-energy breed. But, before you start running with your Golden Retriever, you need to ensure they are the right age, and of good health. Not all dogs are built for running, but, Golden Retrievers are! This breed has certain characteristics that make them great at running right along with you, no matter the distance. Sporting Breed Part of the sporting breed of dogs , Golden Retrievers are naturally athletic, active and strong, and require regular invigorating exercise, such as running. Their well-balanced, athletic body and muscular legs make Golden Retrievers perfect for running, plus they love to run! Bred To Retrieve Golden Retrievers were first developed in Scotland to assist hunters by retrieving fallen game on both land and water. Hunters required a dog to be obedient, have plenty of stamina, and be able to handle any terrain, which included lakes and streams. The result was a dog that was capable of working alongside hunters, with the physical ability to run, hike and swim for most of the day. The retrieval instincts of a Golden Retriever, make them great at running, and their strength and stamina make them great running partners. This characteristic makes them easier to handle than other dogs. They are extremely loyal, which means they will stay by your side while running rather than venture off. This is of course once they have been trained. Easy To Train Because of their willingness to please you, along with their love of food, Golden Retrievers are easy to train. High-quality treats along with plenty of praise will make training your Golden to run with you a much easier task. Love The Outdoors Golden Retrievers love the outdoors, and they were designed to handle rugged conditions. Their double coats protect them from the elements and their webbed feet make them excellent swimmers. They are happy to take part in any activity with you. Swimming is what they love the most, but they are quite content to run or jog along with you. You can start running with your Golden Retriever once they have reached their full maturity at 18 to 24 months of age. This ensures that your Golden Retriever has fully grown and that their growth plates are closed. If you run with your Golden before they are finished growing, there is a potential for long-term damage and soft tissue injuries. Soft surfaces like grass or forest trails are much better for your Golden Retriever. First, you need to take these factors into consideration: 1. Age The age of your Golden Retriever is a crucial factor that will influence how far and how fast he can run. As mentioned earlier, you can safely take your Golden Retriever running once they are fully grown, which is around months. What About Puppies? Golden Retriever puppies are super energetic, but, vigorous exercise like running is too damaging to their growing bodies. You can safely take your puppy for short walks, a good rule of thumb is 5 minutes of exercise, twice a day for each month of age. So, if your puppy is 3 months old, 15 minutes of exercise twice a day is sufficient. As long as your senior Golden Retriever is still active and healthy, he can accommodate you on runs. Only take your senior on shorter runs, and watch out for any signs of tiredness, and overheating. Golden Retrievers are prone to many health issues, including hip and elbow dysplasia. Golden Retrievers who have hip or elbow dysplasia, will find running difficult and painful. A low-impact activity such as swimming is the best form of exercise for these dogs. Running might seem like a great idea for your Golden to lose some weight. However, overweight Golden Retrievers should not be taken on long-distance or intense runs. It is always best to start your overweight Golden Retriever on slower and shorter runs. Long-distance running, and fast runs are much too strenuous and can cause health issues, such as trouble breathing and exhaustion. Always consult your vet to ensure your Golden Retriever gets a clean bill of health, and that he can accompany you on regular runs. Physical stamina takes time to build up. Just as humans build up their stamina with daily exercise, so do our dogs. Start off slow by adding small stretches of running into your daily walks, then gradually increase the amount of running. This will allow your Golden to build up his endurance. Ensure that your Golden can walk properly while on a leash. The last thing you want is to run with a leash attached to your Golden Retriever that is pulling you in all directions. Or, biting and jumping up at the leash. Walking a Golden Retriever that is untrained on a leash is frustrating, but, running at faster speeds can be dangerous. Weather Extreme temperatures are not only uncomfortable for your Golden Retriever, but they can be very dangerous as well. Golden Retrievers do prefer cooler temperatures and enjoy running in the snow. But, because of their long fur, they tend to get snowballs stuck on their legs and between their paws, which is very uncomfortable for them. Sidewalks in the winter are also covered with chemical ice melts that can burn their paw pads, and cause them to lift their paws. Boots or paw wax are important to keep their paws safe. Running during hot temperatures should be avoided, as Golden Retrievers quickly overheat. Longer runs on these types of surfaces are not advisable, as they can be uncomfortable and cause pain for your Golden Retriever. Golden Retrievers can reach speeds up to 30 to 35 miles per hour, which is faster than a human being. That is of course taking into consideration their age, health, and fitness level. Anyone who has played a game of fetch, or has witnessed their Golden do the zoomies, knows just how fast these dogs can be. While sprinting at top speeds can be accomplished, Golden Retrievers are much better at running slowly for longer periods. Just for fun here is a comparison of the fastest dog, and fastest human to that of a Golden Retriever: Golden Retriever Top Speed: mph. Greyhound Fastest Dog Breed : 45 mph. So, a healthy and fit Golden Retriever is a faster sprinter than a human being. Golden Retrievers that are fit and healthy are capable of running about 5 miles comfortably. Once they build up their endurance, they can run up to 10 miles. This distance, however, will vary based on the individual dog. Age, health, the weather and physical stamina all play a role in how far your Golden Retriever can run with you. Keep in mind that running long distances should only be reserved for healthy adult Golden Retrievers. Young puppies need to finish growing before they partake in a high-impact exercise like running. I like to say that my Golden Retriever has attention deficit disorder! Obviously, this is problematic when running! If this sounds like your Golden, rest assured you can train them to be focused and stay by your side while running. Master walking on a leash first before trying to run. A shorter leash gives you better control and keeps your Golden close to you. You may wish to use a hands-free leash instead. Collar or Harness. Both you and your dog will need to stay hydrated. Poop Bags. Always clean up after your dog. Dog Boots or Paw Wax. Start Off Slow Start your Golden Retriever off slowly by incorporating some short jogs into your daily walks. Walk a stretch then pick up the pace by jogging for a couple of minutes, then walk again. Monitor your dog for any signs of fatigue and over-exertion. If your dog shows any signs of distress, stop running and take a break. Here are some more helpful tips to get you started on running with your dog: Final Thoughts Overall, Golden Retrievers can make great running partners! They are athletic, strong, and always eager to partake in any activity with their favourite human. They are fast sprinters but are capable of running long distances with you. However, it is important to consider their age, health, physical stamina and weather conditions before letting them join you on an extended run. You also need to be aware of the potential health issues that could arise from running long distances with your Golden Retriever. With the proper precautions, running can be a great form of exercise that both you and your Golden Retriever can enjoy! Do you run with your Golden Retriever? Let us know in the comments below, plus any tips and advice you may have. I would love to hear from you! Jenny I am the proud owner of a Golden Retriever named Ellie. She keeps me busy, and when she is resting, you can find me working on my blog. She is always close by though. I live in Stirling, ON Canada with my husband, and we both enjoy the never a dull moment life with our Ellie. Spread the love. Running with your Golden retriever not only improves your health, but also that of your dog. Goldens love to run and you will not find a better running partner anywhere. But before starting to run with your pup, it is essential to consider their age and physical conditioning. The rest of this article will discuss what you need to know when running with your golden retriever. This article may contain affiliate links and loyalgoldens may earn a commission if a purchase is made. Unlock your goldens natural intelligence and see just how quickly problem behaviors disappear. This is the best at home dog training I've ever used! The short answer to this question is — yes. The characteristics of the golden retriever breed make them unique and well adapted to running. They are high energy pets, bred to run and retrieve stuff from different environments like water, tall grasses, and fields. The retrieval characteristic, in particular, makes them ideal candidates for jogging and running partners. Moreover, inheritable traits such as a well-balanced body, deep chest, long and muscled legs make the golden retriever breed perfect for running. Their constant desire to please also makes them easier to handle compared to most breeds. In addition, the increased physical activity will do your golden good both in terms of their health and overall happiness. Golden retrievers were initially bred as work dogs. Their history dates back to more than years ago when they were human companions in hunting for food and searching for targets. They were used to retrieve fallen game for hunters in the Scottish Highlands. So when they bred the golden retriever, they made sure to create a sturdy breed with lots of stamina. They needed a dog that could travel through a mountainous landscape littered with ponds, streams, and lakes—a physically demanding task. The result was a dog that could easily run long distances, hike, and swim for the better part of the day. Golden retrievers are more than happy to swim and run around in fields all day hunting for birds. While most family golden retrievers are not required to perform such hard tasks, they are still genetically tailored to go the distance. Their love for retrieving things and running makes them ideal running partners. Their warm and social personalities also make for more enjoyable runs. They are equally good on short jogs as they are on longer runs. Now you might be wondering, how fast can your golden retriever run? However, the running speed is an individual characteristic that can vary from one dog to another. Rest assured, with plenty of regular training, your golden retriever could run a marathon with you. Considering your ordinary marathon is about 26 miles 42 kilometers , most golden retrievers can cover such distances with a bit of training. When your dog starts lagging and panting excessively, take a break. Age is a significant factor that influences how well dogs run. Golden retriever puppies, for example, cannot run long distances and for extended periods. That, however, changes as your dog gets older and gains more stamina. Taking your puppy for extended runs can significantly stress their developing bones and paws. Running at an early age may also cause joint disorders such as hip dysplasia. Golden retrievers are generally ready for longer runs when they are about months old. When your golden retriever reaches maturity, you can take your pooch for runs without cause for concern. Training Your Golden Retriever Puppy for Runs Discover how to train your Golden Retriever by playing games : 21 games to play with your Golden that will make them smarter and better behaved! While it might not be possible to take your golden retriever pup for long runs, you can begin training it for future runs. Some of the valuable lessons that your puppy should get include: Exposure to Distractions and Noises While on runs, your golden retriever is likely to encounter numerous distractions and loud noises. Such experiences can alarm your pet, lead to nervousness, and cause erratic behavior changes. It is good to expose your pup to various noises before reaching a running age to avoid such erratic behavior. Socialization It is essential to regularly take your puppy outdoors to familiarize themselves with the outside world. That way, nothing will surprise your golden retriever when you finally begin going for runs. Recall Commands When you are out with your dog, it is essential to let it off the leash. But to safely do so, you need to recall your dog from time to time when they get distracted. Training your dog at an early age and establishing recall commands can be crucial when you begin going for jogs. Brain Training for Dogs is a great way to meet these requirements and get your puppy ready to run with you. This works great with adult dogs too! If you are new to running with a golden retriever, you probably might be wondering how best to synchronize your running speeds. If you prefer a fast-paced run, you might want your dog to run faster to keep up with your exercise needs. To do that you need to do the following: Prepare your pet for long runs gradually with plenty of training. Gradually increase speed and endurance training. Use encouragement and right commands to encourage your pooch. Provide a healthy and nutritious diet for your dog. A healthy diet ensures that your dog is fit for high endurance runs when called upon. If your pet is suffering from obesity, help them cut down their weight. Give your dog a treat for every single success. Treats help encourage your dog to do better. Like all living beings, old age significantly affects how well we can perform physical activity. Would you recommend a marathon to a year-old person without considering their overall health? Probably not. The same applies to golden retrievers. You need to keep monitoring their health and should probably stay away from long, intense runs. If you want to begin going for runs with an older golden retriever, you should gradually introduce them to your running routines. A slow pace is recommended in the introduction phase. The gradual introduction also helps your golden retriever gain the needed strength for runs and jogs. As your pooch begins to grow older, there are several factors that you need to take into consideration. With old age, muscles start to weaken, and it might not be able to perform lengthy runs and jogs as you used to. For instance, if your golden is more wiped out after a run than they used to be, it may be time to dial it back a bit. It will be up to you to know by carefully watching their reactions and behavior. With a very elderly dog, you should consider keeping physical activity to a minimum. Always Consult a Vet You also need to take your golden retriever for regular check-ups to your favorite vet. Regular check-ups ensure that your dog does not have any problems with their joints, bones, and stamina. A common condition among older dogs is hip dysplasia. The condition causes considerable pain and suffering to your pooch. If not addressed, it can get aggravated by intense jogs and runs. You should also talk to your vet about getting your pet some supplements to improve its joints. Some golden retrievers may start to slow down when they hit their 8th birthday, while others can stay active at their 12th birthday and beyond. It is important to note that retrievers are breeds that love to please. If you ask too much from them in old age, they might overwork themselves and hurt their health. Continuously monitor your dog, and if they seem to be getting shortness of breath, aches, and pains, then it might be time to take a rest. Older golden retrievers might still enjoy taking walks and swimming but avoid making them jump hedges or dragging them on the run for an hour straight. Taking an Obese Golden Retriever for a Run If your golden retriever is overweight, starting-off with an intense run or running long distances is not advisable. An overweight dog can experience a variety of health issues while on fast and long runs. A common issue you might observe is breathing problems. You should make sure your dog attains a healthy body to weight ratio as advised by the vet. Start-off with jogs or low intensity runs to help your furry friend lose weight before going for regular runs in the park. Pets that put on more weight due to their genes need special care. They need to eat a healthy diet and stay active. These two pillars of weight management will help you keep your golden retriever healthy and happy. You should also consider asking your vet to prepare a diet plan for your pet. Being pulled along while running is not fun. Distractions may become a problem when you start going for longer runs. To deal with the challenge, always carry treats. That way, you can go back to enjoying your run without too much hassle. A leash allows you to have full control of your pet in the course of the run. You might even want to consider a hands free leash like this one on amazon. At this point, golden retrievers may get agitated and often become destructive. They begin digging, chewing on stuff, and running around uncontrollably. Some even try to escape from their homes. Running with your golden retriever is a great way to release their pent up energy! Going on runs in public spaces is, however, quite a different story. So before going on that run, here are some factors that you need to consider: Select a running space that has limited disturbance such as noises, strangers, and other animals. Where possible, use an open yard or a wide road. Get your dog accustomed to a collar for their first couple of runs. Or better yet, instead of a collar use a comfortable harness like this popular one on amazon. Make sure your pet is in good health condition. If possible, consult your vet for an expert opinion on their fitness levels. Socialization and early obedience training are a must before going on a run. Take a beautiful trail run with Kicker the Golden Retriever Tips to Enjoy a Run With Your Golden Retriever Now that you know you can go for a run with your golden retriever, here are a few tips on how to make your run or jog enjoyable: Always start by getting warmed up. Warmed up muscles have a higher energy production rate that increases muscle reflexes and reduces the time needed for muscle contraction. A proper warm-up should begin with gentle exercise. Be mindful of weather conditions when planning your jog or run. Dogs generally do not handle hot and humid conditions well. Remember to carry water when going for long runs and allow your golden retriever to quench their thirst regularly. When your golden retriever starts panting excessively and lagging, take a break. Slotting-in frequent breaks in your run or jog help recharge your body. Your dog also needs to recharge, and this could make runs more enjoyable for both of you. Every once in a while, let your golden retriever off the leash in safe open spaces. Also, have a reliable way of recalling your pooch. Always cool down after a run. A cool-down is an essential part of a workout. It allows both the breathing and heart rate of the pooch, as well as your own, to return to normal. It also helps promote a sense of relaxation and well-being. A cool-down routine after a jog should involve a brisk walk for minutes that gradually transitions into a stroll. A great way to end the walk is by doing a few stretches while letting your golden roll around in the grass! Running With a Golden Retriever — Conclusion Golden retrievers are excellent running and jogging partners provided you give them plenty of proper training before you start your regular runs. They can potentially run long distances, but you should not expect them to achieve this immediately. While they are undoubtedly good runners, unlike humans, they have little concept of their limit until they reach it. Remember to consider things like the weight and age of your dog before going for a run. You also need your vet to check the health of your pet and the proper diet regime. In the article, I discuss what distinguishes a medium dog from a large one, the size limitations of Golden Retrievers, and what factors affect growth. But what about the amount of roadwork once you get going? How much should a Golden Retriever run? Healthy adult Golden Retrievers should be exercised 60 to minutes per day, which can include running. Start slowly and take one, preferably two, days off from running per week to allow your dog to recover. So, yes, Golden Retrievers are well adapted to covering a wide range of running needs. In that case, your Golden Retriever will be happy to keep pace with you. Suppose you prefer slower, longer runs. No worries, the Golden Retriever is equally up to the task provided you worked up to longer distances slowly — more on that later. Runners World ranked the Golden Retriever as one of the best dogs for running in their article. In the article, The Best Types of Dogs for Runners , author Brian Dalek turned to some dog professionals to help determine the best dogs for running. Dog trainer JT Clough; Bryan Barrera, an experienced dog runner; Karen London, a certified animal behaviorist; and the American Kennel Club were consulted to list the best canine running partners. According to Runners World, the Golden Retriever, along with its cousin the Labrador Retriever, not only made the list of best dogs for runners but received the notable distinction of being the best dog for both short, brisk, and long slow runs. So, there it is. The Golden Retriever is an excellent running companion for short or long distances. Regardless of how much you run, the Golden Retriever is the dog for the job. It is imperative, however, to work up to longer distances and faster paces. Later in the article, I will provide some formal guidelines and resources on how to ease into running with your Golden Retriever, including some distance guidelines. So, Golden Retrievers are well adapted to running short or long distances. But that is a time requirement. As a whole, a healthy adult Golden Retriever can run 3 to 12 miles regularly and even work up to running a marathon .So, there you have it. Golden Retriever can run long distances. For most runners, a Golden Retriever can comfortably accompany them on a five or k run 3 to 6 miles after some conditioning. Running that mileage 4 or 5 times per week is not problematic for most Goldens, provided they have been given time to adapt and become conditioned. The fact that Golden Retrievers can comfortably run longer distances should not be all that surprising, considering Golden Retrievers require 60 to minutes of exercise per day. For example, suppose you run a minute mile fast jog. That pace is slow trot or quick walk for most Golden Retrievers and should pose no issues after a conditioning period. A minute mile would translate to 3 miles in 30 minutes, 6 miles in an hour, and 12 miles in two hours. Hardly unreasonable for a fit Golden Retriever. Still, an unconditioned Golden may find 6 miles too much, never mind 12, so you must build your dog up to longer distances gradually. Golden Retrievers were bred to run and do fieldwork for hours on end. Therefore, the breed is efficient runners distance-wise. So, just how fast can a Golden Retriever run? Golden Retrievers can reach top speeds of 35 mph for short bursts. The breed can run at a sustained pace for more extended periods at about 12 mph. Contrast that with Usain Bolt, who briefly reached a speed of .As a result, a Golden Retriever will have little difficulty keeping pace with most recreational runners. So, Golden Retrievers can run fast at top speeds. Very fast. Faster than meter world record holder Usain Bolt source. Obviously, like distance, the pace needs to be increased gradually over time. However, keeping pace with most runners should pose no issues for a conditioned Golden Retriever. Consider a 6-minute mile, which is a very fast pace. For example, a 6-minute mile translates to a sustained speed of 10 mph, whereas 12 mph is slightly less than a 5-minute mile. While a Golden Retriever could maintain that pace, it would not be recommended due to its potential for being too much. However, we run with our dogs for fun and the health benefits running provides. Safety is priority one, and our dogs matter most. So, save the high speeds and pace for your lone competitive aspirations if you must go fast and hard. However, for the vast majority of recreational runners — be it leisurely running for health, training for a 5 Km or 10 Km run, or even a marathon, your Golden Retriever can run fast enough to accommodate your pace. But runners still need to be mindful when it becomes too much. When running becomes too much for your Golden Retriever is discussed next. Healthy adult Golden Retrievers are well suited to running short and long distances. However, sometimes distance is not the only issue. Running distance can be impacted by certain things, which can turn a seemingly routine run into too much for your Golden Retriever. Signs that your Golden Retriever has run too much include excessive panting, lagging behind, and looking exhausted. Pad abrasions, limping, or soreness are also signs that it is too much running. Other factors that may limit how far your dog can run are weather, weight, running pace, and lack of conditioning. So, the key takeaway is to keep in mind that running distance depends on many factors. Pad Abrasions Dogs run barefoot, and their pads can wear off. Soreness According to Dr. Lee suggests swimming — something Golden Retrievers are bred for and love to do. Hot weather Dr. Running plus hot weather is a recipe for heatstroke, and the farther the run on hot days, the greater risk of it being too much for your dog. Lee confirms that Golden Retrievers make great running partners but cautions runners to take things slow. If your dog is panting excessively, dragging behind, or looking tired even on a cool day , take it easy. Humans can modify their dress to accommodate the weather. Our dogs do not. Veterinarian Joe Whalen suggests sticking to shorter runs of 3 to 5 miles in the winter source. Weight Obese or overweight Golden Retrievers should not run. The extra pudge adds stress to joints, something we Golden Retriever owners need to be cautious of when exercising our dogs. Pace As discussed earlier, Golden Retrievers can run very fast. However, the quicker your dog has to run, the harder it becomes. So setting a reasonable pace for your dog is your job. Can a Golden Retriever Run a Marathon While running is a recreational activity many people love, many runners do not aspire to run a marathon. Most of us are content to stick to 5 or 10 K runs. However, some runners enjoy longer distances, which begs the question: can a Golden Retriever run a marathon? Golden Retrievers can run a marathon given adequate time to build their conditioning. However, Golden Retrievers can be prone to joint issues and dysplasias, so consult your vet before starting. Provided there are no health issues, start slow and build distance slowly by adding 0. While some may be concerned that running a marathon with your dog is too much, it is more common than many think. However, successfully running a marathon with a dog largely depends on the breed of the dog. Fortunately, as we learned earlier, Golden Retrievers belong to the sporting group of dogs, a highly energetic breed and well suited to running. Consider Bella — a four-year-old Labrador Retriever, and her owner Elizabeth spotlighted in an article by Runners World in .Since being adopted, Bella and her owner have completed 18 half marathons and two full marathons. A lab is not a Golden Retriever, but they are genetic cousins and belong to the same group of dogs, with both possessing a penchant for high activity and running. Hold up. Please take a few minutes to check it out. Elizabeth proceeded slowly with Bella. First, she got the all-clear from her vet, who suggested she wait until one year before Bella starts running remember those joint issues for retrievers. Elizabeth and Bella follow a structured plan when training for a marathon, with their roadwork now ranging between 30 to 45 miles weekly. Going slow with the right dog breed is echoed by Bob Halpenny, an avid long-distance runner with years of experience running with dogs. All bodies take time to build up for distance running. To start running with your Golden Retriever, begin by warming up and end with a cool down. Keep the runs short to start, letting the dog set a comfortable pace. Bring 2 to 3 times the water you drink for your dog. When starting, let your dog walk if it wants and explore. Always watch your Golden Retriever, regardless of the distance being run, to see how the dog adapts. Only when your dog has easily adjusted to a certain distance is it safe to increase mileage. While running, listen to your dog for signs of labored breathing or excessive panting. If you hear anything concerning, stop immediately or walk until the dog recovers. One of the best ways to begin a running program is to alternate walking with running. It eases the dog into running for longer distances while allowing you to assess how your Golden Retriever handles the increased mileage. Brian, a running enthusiast, and director of content operations at Runners World recommends starting at 2 to 3 miles per run, 3 or 4 days per week. If your Golden Retriever adapts easily to that extra distance or time, increase the pace a bit or add an extra run to the week. After a month or so at that base mileage, Brian recommends increasing it to four or five days a week. Brian stresses that most dog trainers strongly recommend at least one, preferably two, rest days per week. Some of these tips may have been discussed earlier, but they are so important that it bears repeating. Heck, with proper training and time, they can even run marathons. Dos Do consult your vet before starting a running program to ensure your Golden Retriever is healthy to run. Do teach your dog to walk politely on the leash. Leash pulling will tire you more quickly. Running should be enjoyable for both of you. Signs include paw abrasions, limping, soreness, difficulty getting up, and excessive panting or lagging behind you during a run. Do warm-ups and cool-downs. Start workouts by walking before running at a leisurely pace. Finish with a walk as a cool down. Do examine your dog after each run, and especially the paws for signs of abrasions. Clean the paws to remove dirt and debris, especially in the wintertime. Use a paw cream check out my Must-Have Dog Gear at the end of the post for some great paw cream. Joints need to be fully fused first. Instead, walk the dog until it reaches a healthy weight. Instead, stick to grass where available. Joint health is essential to a long and healthy running career. However, Golden Retrievers still need daily exercise, so walk times per week on designated rest days. If your Golden Retriever loves to run, then you not only have an activity that you both can enjoy for years but one that will keep both of you healthy as well. You should pretty much be set now to run with your Golden Retriever, and you have all the helpful information your need to get you on your way. You know to check with your vet first. Now all you need to do is get your running gear on, put a leash on your Golden Retriever, and head out the door. Happy running! Benefits of Running with Your Golden Retriever There are a number of benefits you and your dog will enjoy by going running together: Lower stress levels. People that regularly run with their dogs experience less stress and manage their mental health better. Daily exercise also lowers stress levels in dogs. Especially if they stay home alone all day. Cardiovascular health. Regular exercise is important for keeping your heart and respiratory system healthy. Running is a great cardiovascular exercise for you and your best friend. Increased sense of productivity and motivation. There are two things that are proven to increase the levels of happy hormones and chemicals in our brain: dogs and exercise. Put the two together and feel your sense of purpose and motivation soar. Maintain a healthy weight. Going running with your dog will help you both stay in the best physical shape. Regular exercise is key to maintaining healthy body weight. JT Clough is a professional dog trainer who specializes in running with dogs. They consider Golden Retrievers one of the best dog breeds to run with. Golden Retrievers were bred in Scotland over years ago as working dogs. They were used by hunters for retrieving fallen game, like ducks and pheasants, from dense vegetation and water. Dogs were required to spend days hiking, swimming, and running with their owners. Therefore, Golden Retrievers have high energy levels and are built to run. With a deep chest and long, muscular legs, they are athletic dogs with strength and stamina. They are very eager to please, and this, together with their strong instinct to retrieve, make training Golden Retrievers to run alongside you a breeze. They can be trained to run with you off-leash. Golden Retrievers require at least minutes of rigorous exercise per day. This prevents pent-up energy and boredom that will cause them to dig up the garden, chew stuff, and jump all over the furniture. A daily run that incorporates a game of fetch is enough exercise for these dogs. When to Start Running with Golden Retrievers You should wait until your Golden Retriever is around 18 months old before you start running with them. Before this age, their bones and muscles are still growing and developing. The growth plates on the bones cannot handle the impact and stress of the long runs. Intense running at a young age can lead to joint problems, like hip dysplasia later in life. You can spend the first year and a half with your Goldie leash training them and getting them used to walking along at your side. Building a solid foundation of obedience training will guarantee that your puppy will grow into a great running partner. Golden Retrievers are Marathon Runners What better motivation could there be when running a marathon than having your best friend at your side the whole way? Golden Retrievers are able to run marathon distances! That is provided that they train for it in the same way you do. Dogs can injure themselves if they are not in the right physical condition. If you want your dog to run long distances with you, you will need to start by running shorter distances and increasing the length as their stamina improves. This is especially important if they are older or overweight. Start By Walking Your Golden Retriever Before taking your Golden Retriever running with you, consider if they are good at going for a walk on a leash beside you, with a slack leash. Running with a dog that is not leash trained is not fun, so start by building a strong training foundation. Use lots of treats and positive affirmation in leash training. Start off by training in the garden or in a quiet park or public space without any distractions. Dogs need training to develop their attention span. High-value rewards will help to keep their focus. Make training sessions fun and incorporate bursts of play. It is best to socialize Golden Retriever puppies to wearing a collar and leash from as young as possible. This makes leash training much easier. Also, socialize them well with other animals, strangers, and cars — all the things they will encounter when they go running with you. When you leash train your puppy, approach it with structure and consistency. Teach them to always walk on either your left or right side. Training your Golden Retriever to Run with You Just like humans, dogs need to gradually increase their fitness so that they do not sustain injuries. Follow a training program that you and your dog can do together. Start training at a comfortable pace and aim to go for a 2 to 3 mile run 3 to 4 times weekly. Once you have been training for two weeks, you should notice your dog getting fitter. Increase the distance or time of your runs. After a week or so, add in another run on the weekend. Remember to take rest days, no matter how motivated you are feeling to run. They are important for you and your dog. Continue in this way, slowly increasing the distance of the runs. Their stamina and endurance will gradually increase, and soon your dog will be training for a marathon with you! Because they are so eager to please you, they can easily overexert themselves when running or playing. Older Retrievers cannot run as far or as fast as when they were younger. Watch your dog closely. If they are more tired, out of breath. When dogs get very elderly, they may still want to come walking or running with you, but it is best not to do too much physical activity. Golden Retrievers generally start to feel their age at around 8 years old. However, this varies, and some Goldies still run around at 12 years of age. Take them to the vet for regular check-ups and give them supplements for their joints and bones. Check out our recommended products page to see our picks for the best equipment for your Golden Retriever! While anyone can go for a general run with their Golden Retriever without much equipment, it may make this time spent with your dog more enjoyable for both of you if you have some quality equipment. Leashes If you regularly go running with your dog, it helps to have the proper equipment. The ultimate goal is running with your Golden Retriever off-leash, but until you work up to this, you will need a proper hands-free, anti-pull leash. These are designed as a belt you wear around your waist. The leash is elasticated, like a bungee cord, and attaches to the front of the belt. Some hands-free leash belts even have zippered pockets for treats. Collars and Harnesses When leash training your Golden Retriever puppy, using a collar is most effective, as there is maximum contact with the dog, allowing for communication between them and the owner. However, once they are leash trained, it is more comfortable for your dog to wear a harness. Harnesses do not restrict their movement and have handles, so you can help your dog over obstacles or difficult terrain when they need. Other Useful Gear To keep your dog safe, comfortable and happy while they accompany you on long-distance runs, consider some of the following items: Collapsible water bowl. If you go running where there is no fresh water for your dog to drink, you can carry along a compact, silicone water bowl to take out whenever your dog needs a drink. You can just fill it up from your water bottle. Reflective harness for running. If you go running early in the morning or at dusk, you and your dog both need to wear reflective gear. Reflective harnesses for dogs are available Training treats in a pouch. Rewards are essential to take on walks and runs with your dog. It will help speed up leash training by maintaining their focus. It is useful to get a waist-bag for treats if your hands-free leash does not have pockets. Bags for poop. This is important not only in urban areas but on hiking trails too. Your fellow runners will thank you. Conclusion Golden Retrievers make great running partners. However, it is important to remain safe and prepare your dog for the distance you plan to run. Before you go, just be sure to remember the following three tips to ensure your dogs safety. You should wait until your Golden Retriever is at least a year to 18 months old before you take them running with you. Before this, their bones and muscles are still growing and cannot handle the stress of running long distances. With proper training, Golden Retrievers can run a marathon! Older dogs cannot run as far or as fast. Always keep an eye on them and check how they are doing. If they pant excessively or are exhausted after a run, it may be time to dial it back. Now you are ready to start running with your Golden Retriever and building your health and relationship together. Be sure you are getting them the nutrients they need for their runs, and enjoy your new routine. He and his wife have three children who are always keeping Brady entertained. They love spending time together, traveling, and meeting other dog families. Recent Posts. Read the full disclosure here. Anyone who takes their golden retriever running with them will tell you that this is one the best things they have experienced as pet parents. Maybe you are wondering if your golden retriever will love this idea, but that should be the least of your worries. In fact, you will be the one playing catch-up because this is what golden retrievers were bred to do. That said, both you and your dog will definitely need a few items to make your running activities better and more exciting. Having A Running Buddy Running alone is fine, but doing so with a partner is even more beneficial. It will also be easier to hold yourself accountable. Partners are great motivators as well, plus you can have conversations along the way that will make the running more enjoyable. But there are a number of factors that may stop a human partner from joining you on your next run. It could be work, family stuff, social engagements, and so on. Your dog, on the other hand, will always be available and ready to serve as your running buddy. Even better, golden retrievers love to go outside and will be happy the entire time you will be running. Make your golden retriever a running partner and let me know how it goes. Protection Not all road running is safe. Some areas are insecure and others potentially dangerous, especially for women. Sexual attacks against women while running are real and not uncommon. The same applies to trail running. Sometimes it too can be risky. You could be attacked by a wild animal or violent individuals. However, you can have them accompany you on your usual daily runs, during nighttime running, and to less risky areas where they can easily protect you in case of threatening encounters. Improved Mental Health Running triggers the release of happy hormones, specifically endorphins, and serotonin into your body. Their role is to promote pleasurable feelings such as happiness and love. This explains why your mood gets better when you go on a run with your golden retriever. Running also increases blood circulation to the brain, specifically to the parts that deal with stress and control your mood. The change that occurs thereafter leads to an improved mood and better reaction to stressful situations. In the end, you will be able to lower your stress levels, anxiety, and depression. Even your golden will experience these kinds of outcomes and this will make both of you happier. Better Heart Health Nothing comes as close to taking good care of your heart as running. Those consistent runs with your dog will see your heart reach its highest performance and maintain it as you grow older. You may not know this but your heart is the most significant muscle in your body. Running strengthens it the same way it strengthens other muscles such as hamstrings, calves, glutes, and so on. Your cholesterol level and blood pressure will also decrease if you run with your dog several times a week. In fact, you will decrease your risk for heart diseases and blood clots by a huge margin. But your retriever will be right there, staring at you with those big, sad eyes and this will guilt trip you. You will eventually give in and, the next thing you know, both of you are out there having fun on a run and loving it. Increased Productivity A short run with your canine friend is often enough to shake off those moods that are hindering your productivity. Productivity actually has very strong ties to your mental health. Remember the happy hormones I told you about earlier: Endorphins and serotonin? When released into your brain, they will also calm you down and eventually put you in a productive state of mind. Running alone may raise the level of happy hormones, but if you want to see even greater results, let your dog accompany you. Your golden will increase your motivation to run and eventually get you into a positive mindset. Weight Loss And Maintenance Losing weight or maintaining it takes willpower and lots of effort. Goldens need regular exercise to stay fit and healthy and so do you. You could sign up for a running event or activity that allows participants to train together with their dogs. Do this as often as you can. Those consistent runs will help both of you burn enough calories and stay in good shape. Moderation It is not uncommon to see those new to running pushing themselves too hard and overdoing it. You will want to be competitive, even with yourself, which is not a bad thing, but it would be great to know the risks as well. For example, when you run too much, you could easily expose yourself to injuries that might prevent you from ever running again. But this is less likely to happen if you run alongside your golden retriever. No responsible pet parent will be happy to push their dog too hard and watch them suffer after the run. Most of us buy gear that makes the running experience better and more beneficial. It could be running shoes, shorts, gloves, hats, tights or a jacket, a fancy water bottle, sports watch, earbuds, armband phone case, a GPS watch—you name it. Well, your running buddy golden retriever deserves such treatment, too. In fact, caring for your golden retriever is not even negotiable. Here are some recommendations to get you started. A Great Leash For Running I know the ultimate wish for most of us is to run with our dogs while they are off the leash, but this may not be possible if they lack proper off-leash training or local laws forbid it. In those cases, you will have to get the best leash for running. Most of them come complete with a harness, a waist belt for you, and a tether that connects the leash to you, meaning the leash is hands-free. A quick search will yield lots of options. Excessive ball throwing and catching. Fast-paced walks. Walking on hot days. Running a puppy alongside a bike. Dogs and puppies should not be exercised immediately before or after eating, as this can cause problems such as bloating. How to Exercise A Golden Retriever Puppy Providing puppies with the opportunity to exercise is a very important aspect of their healthy life. Not only does exercise have multiple health benefits, but it also gives them a good opportunity to socialize and bond with their owner. Check the temperature outside to avoid overheating. Make sure they wear a proper collar and tag. Make sure they are comfortable with their collar and leash. During Eeercise One way to help your puppy get exercise is by having them on a leash with you and following these tips: Walk at a normal pace. Stop to rest if your puppy keeps sitting down and continue when they get back up. Avoid over-exercising. You can also allow your puppy to exercise without a leash. Allow your pet to run freely in a safe environment, such as a backyard or designated dog park. Having them off the leash is a good way for them to regulate their own pace and exercise they want but do watch for: Watch out for signs of fatigue, including panting, slowing their pace, and lagging behind you. Watch for overheating signs such as excessive panting, drooling, vomiting or agitation. Keep your puppy hydrated. Signs that your dog is overheating and what you can do to help After exercise After your puppy has finished his exercise, make sure to offer them plenty of fresh, clean water and allow them to rest. After they have calmed down and rested, you can offer them a healthy treat or feed them. Exercise For Your Puppy In addition to giving your puppy short, daily walks, here are some other options of exercise that your pup will enjoy. Swimming Swimming is a great exercise for all dogs as it helps strengthen and tone muscles. Get your puppy familiar with water first after they are 3 months old. Fetch Golden Retrievers are meant for retrieving, so a good game of fetch will come naturally to them. Just make sure to watch for any signs of tiring. Dog toys that move There is a wide variety of interactive toys for puppies that are highly stimulating and can help with exercise. Play with other dogs Having your puppy be around other dogs is a good way to give them an exercise buddy while they work on important social skills. Whist Golden Retrievers instinctively know how to retrieve, they need to be trained from a very young age to catch. Signs Your Puppy is Getting Too Much Exercise Exercise keeps joints limber, promotes good range of motion, maintains muscle mass, and can help prevent injury. But too much of it can actually cause injury. Watch out for signs of over-exercise like sore muscles, behavioral changes, and joint injury. Sore Muscles Sore muscles are a sign that your pup is getting too much exercise. Refusing or struggling to go up and down the stairs. Refusing to eat because it hurts to lower down. If you notice signs of soreness, give them time to rest and lower the amount of exercise they are getting. Continuing to exercise, at this point, can lead to injury. Behavioral changes If your puppy usually enjoys going for walks with you but starts to shy away from walking or whimpers when you begin the walk, this is showing you that something is not right. Inconsistent conditioning can lead to changes in behavior as well as injury. If there is a joint injury, your puppy will begin to limp or favor one leg over the other. Another sign that is said to be a sign of joint injury is if you notice your dog putting its head down while walking on the good leg but lifting its head when walking on the bad leg. Heat sickness Heat exhaustion is a concern during the warmer months. Younger dogs have difficulty regulating body temperatures, so too much exercise can cause them to overheat. Signs of heat exhaustion are excessive panting, disinterest in eating, and drooling. Stopping suddenly can also scrape the bottom of the paws, causing the outer layer of the pad to wear off. It is good not to drag your dog while they are leashed, instead, be patient with them and listen to their cues. Golden Retrievers are popular dogs for outdoor activities. That is why we feature them here at Outdoor Dog Fun with these articles:.