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Perhaps it's time to adopt a pet! Amid the ongoing COVID pandemic, many shelters are still working to find forever homes for dozens of cats, dogs and other adorable critters coming through. There are thousands of dogs, cats and other animals of all ages and sizes without a home in Texas — and many of them are located not too far from you. In the search for your new companion, consider starting at a local adoption center like Texas Animal Society, where Peaches the cat is waiting patiently. If you aren't sure if you have time to take care of a pet year round, many shelters also offer opportunities to foster pets until they are placed. Here at Patch, with a little help from our friends at Petfinder, we create a list each week of all the pets recently put up for adoption in your area. If you're a dog person, meet Hershey and Peanut, a Chihuahua mix up for adoption. If cats are more your thing, there are several great cats available, too. Click on any listing for more information, or to start the adoption process. Please report any errors or other feedback to content patch. Ranger is sure a doll, he is eager to meet everyone, just a friendly, tail-wagging, outgoing fellow. Ranger loves his squeak toys and snoozing on the couch. He loves to run and play with his sisters and his big canine brother Tank. Oh but watch out, if shoes go missing, it's likely Ranger will be your top suspect. Ranger is just all the great things about puppies, fun, entertaining, playful, and eager to gain your attention and love. With those beautiful eyes and lanky legs, we wonder if Weimaraner is in his DNA. Ranger has a wonderful demeaner and we are sure you will love his friendly personality. We are sure he would be great with kids and fine with cats with the correct introductions. If you are looking for a wonderful pup to spoil, Ranger will make the best companion to enjoy life's adventures. These processing fees are determined by the form of payment adopters decide to use. By helping with this minimal cost this allows us to save more animals. Because we often do not have access to medical records at the time that we are listing for dogs for adoption, there are sometimes discrepancies between what is posted on their profile and what might be listed on a dog's medical records. Once we receive your application, one of our adoption application processors will contact you, review our adoption process with you, and answer any additional questions you may have. If you do not receive a confirmation email, that means we did NOT receive your application. Considering Ranger - Texas for adoption?

It was so obvious that this puppy was blue and it was the only one in the litter. It was already sold and so was I. I then met Dawn Malcolm as I was looking for a traditional colored show type stud male. Dawn shared with me that she has a solid blue male and had a strong love for the livers and blues too. That was 12 years ago and our friendship is still very strong. I am glad we joined the Yahoo email group as I met some great people who were as interested in sharing in the goals I have set forth expanding the blue gene pool. With the help of many friends I incorporated various GSD with the blue gene to start my own lines. Over the years all have proven to be a valuable asset not only because of their color but because of their various personalities, health and structure. Some needed physical traits improved, others needed tweaking in the personality department to be what I feel is an ideal companion bred GSD which is what most average families need. She is a blue brindle born here. Many of my others carry the blue gene. Tanzietu - is Tanzies blue fawn daughter, her father is Miner so she carries long coat and can carry liver from her father. She is a puppy and will be included in the program as she matures. How did blue get into the GSD gene pool? The color has been apart of the original gene pool from the start. The puppies born of a blue GSD that are expressing the color blue themselves are born a very striking shade of blue. Shades of blue Blue is a dilution of black. It is lighter than black, and in some cases, it is very apparent that they are still blue as adults. The puppies are born a very pretty shade of blue and many of them turn to almost like a steel gray black as adults. Others are a lighter shade of blue. None the less the gene responsible for blue in the GSD is the D gene. Again, blue is a dilution of black. Therefore blue GSD are unable to produce any black on the dog. Every where traditionally seen black is, is blue with the dog has the D gene. Including the nose leather, eye rims, lips, and paw pads will all be a dark shade of blue and not black. When puppies are young their eyes appear to be very brilliant blue as all puppies are born with blue eyes but they do change over to a light yellow wolf eye or even to an amber orange eye as they mature. Is your GSD blue or carry blue? Feel free to send me a picture of your puppy or dog you feel may be blue. Keep in mind blue is the color, the patterns can be solid, sable, saddle, with and without other patterns panda, brindle, white spotting ect.Do you want to know for sure if your GSD is blue or carries blue? There are several color testing companies out there and we have used a few different companies our selves. The most recent company we have used is Embark. Not only does it test for all colors, it screens for several genetic diseases all in one test. We will be using this on many of our dogs in the next year. Thank you Embark for creating such a valuable tool for breeding. Scroll through the albums and if you do not find what you are looking for please send me a message. Keep in mind you do not have to have a facebook page to see this page. This recessive gene dilutes any black pigment on the dog including coat color, nose leather, foot pads, toe nails, lips, etc. It also affects their eye color. Blue pups have a beautiful light gray coat as babies, as they age however is usually darkens up quite a bit, the ones that darken up are called "steel" blues. To the untrained eye, they can be mistaken for regular blacks. There is also "Powder" blues, they tend to lighten up in color and always stay a very noticeable gray color. Powder blues are not seen very often. A blue pup with sable markings We have a couple blues and a few dogs who carry the blue gene. We choose these dogs first and foremost because their temperament, structure and health aligns with the goals of our breeding program. A beautiful unique color is just icing on the cake of an already exceptional dog. Our non-traditional color lines have some of the highest hip ratings in the US! We have produced non-traditional colored GSDs that compete in obedience, agility, nose work, etc. I personally love the non-traditional colored German Shepherds. These colors are been in the breed since the beginning and our foundation girl Rose just happened to be a blue! In fact, the German Shepherd comes in quite a few different colors, but one of the rarest in the Blue German Shepherd. With the same temperament and characteristics of the standard German Shepherd, this breed is a relatively new addition to the GSD family. History Of The Blue German Shepherd The German Shepherd was originally bred to be a herding dog, but over the years they have shown themselves to be wonderful working dogs and have taken on roles such as guide dogs, search and rescue dogs, watchdogs, guard dogs, police and military dogs and even just companion dogs! There are a number of different color variations of the German Shepherd. The Blue German Shepherd is one of the rarest variations and it is difficult to know when they first appeared. This is also the same for the liver colored German Shepherd. However, others say that the blue is caused by a gene mutation and it should have been bred out over time. They were first discovered by Von Stephanitz who spotted the German Shepherd at a dog show and decided that this breed was the perfect standard for a working dog. Horand was the first breed standard for the German Shepherd breed and was bred alongside dogs with a similar appearance to give German Shepherd litters. They are thought to have first appeared in the United States in and were recognized by the AKC in .Therefore, these dogs carry the same characteristics and temperament. However, they are much more rare and are therefore a lot more expensive. You should always make sure you are buying from a reputable breeder. Blue German Shepherd puppies are normally born in litter sizes of between 1 and 15 puppies. Unfortunately, it can be difficult to find a breeder as many breeders choose to breed the more standard and more popular black and tan GSD. These dogs have a domed shape head with a long, square muzzle. They have erect ears and long necks, which sit low when running or prowling. They are a very strong breed and often are said to resemble their wolf ancestors. Coat German Shepherds will have one of two coats — a medium coat or long coat. They are both double coats, having a more dense guard layer with a softer undercoat which helps to keep them warm when they are out as working dogs. These dogs are known to shed so they may not be the pup for those with allergies. However, a proper grooming routine, which we will go into more detail about below, will help to reduce the amount that these dogs shed. That being said, the appearance of these coats actually makes them look more gray or black than blue. Remember, the coat color of the GSD does not change their temperament or personality, which we will look at next. Temperament The German Shepherd is extremely loyal and very family orientated. Because they are a working dog, they will believe that their job is to protect you as a family and are known for being alert and watchful, sometimes barking if they feel like they are in danger. Although socialization is important for a dog at any age, proper socialization for a German Shepherd will ensure they can interact with the family properly. Socialization is also important around young people. These dogs are very playful and active and love to be outside getting physical exercise. They also need a lot of mental stimulation as they are very intelligent and do not like to be left alone. If they are left alone for long periods of time they can become bored and begin to exhibit destructive behaviors as a result from separation anxiety. Therefore, they are not the dog for you if you are out for hours everyday! Lifespan The average life expectancy of a Blue German Shepherd is between 9 and 13 years. Many of the problems they are more likely to develop are the same problems that other breeds of German Shepherd deal with. The most common health concern for the German Shepherd dog breed is elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia. Dysplasia is a condition that is seen in many large dogs and is a disease of a malformation of the joints. The joints can become very painful and may worsen over time causing lameness. Blue German Shepherds can also be prone to other health problems, due to the fact they are bred from a single bloodline and there may have been genetic mutations along the way. These health concerns are degenerative myelopathy, a slow, non-painful degradation of the spinal cord, and congenital heart defects such as aortic stenosis, pulmonic stenosis and patent ductus arteriosus. The best way to ensure your pup is less prone to any of these conditions is to buy from a reputable breeder and to ensure you get health clearances from both parents. You should also check your dog often for any signs of these issues and take them to the vet regularly for checkups. Insurance is always available for your dog, too. This is often a good idea as the German Shepherd breed can be known to develop health issues regularly. Daily Life Now we know all about the traits of the Blue German Shepherd, it is time to take a look at what every day life with of these dogs is like. Like all German Shepherds, these dogs make an excellent companion to many but they do have somewhat high care needs thanks to their size, build and athletic nature. Below we will cover their food and diet, their exercise requirements and their grooming needs. Experts recommend that this dog should be eating 20 calories per lb of body weight a day, which may come to around calories. This is around 3 cups of food. Of course, you should always check the back of the dog food packet to see how much food you should be feeding your pup based on their weight. As a puppy, they should be fed three to four times a day. This is particularly important in the larger breeds as they are most predisposed to bloat, where the stomach becomes bloated and twisted and is usually fatal. These three to four meals can then be decreased to two meals a day as an adult. However, if you have a busy lifestyle then this can just be one meal a day. Their food should be healthy and nutritious. It should cover all the nutrients that a dog of this size needs, including proteins, fats and carbohydrates. High-quality dry kibble is a great option, although some dog owners opt to feed their pup raw food. If you do go for a kibble, it is recommended that you feed them a diet specially formulated for large dog breeds. Take a look at the food we recommend below. Discover the online program that more than 57, dog owners have used to rapidly transform their dog into a well-behaved, obedient furry friend. It's true - there are German Shepherds that are blue. In fact, German Shepherd Dogs come in various colors and also in a lot of different color patterns too. Others say that the blue colour is simply a gene mutation, and as such the blue German Shepherds should never be bred from, and overtime the gene should be bread out of the species completely. The blue German Shepherd, technically, a diluted Black Shepherd with 2 recessive genes. The Dd dilution gene affects coat colour in the main, but can also change the colour of eyes and noses. All coat colours and patterns are controlled by a set or group of genes that work together. In standard German Shepherds you will see descriptions and breakdowns that speak of the A genes, which control the black and red colouring in the dog through the release of melanin, and this affects the generic base colour and variations. However, the colouring of the blue German Shepherd is controlled by a different gene, the D gene spoken of earlier. All genes come in pairs, and it takes the presence of the big D and little d pair to produce the blue German Shepherd. The big D produces full strength coat colour and is the dominant gene, and the little d produces a dilute colour, which is the recessive gene. For the Blue Shepherd to be created he needs two copies of the diluted recessive gene, one from each parent, in order to have the diluted blue fur. If both parents have blue fur color their offspring will have it also however it is also possible for the color to appear in regular black and tan German Shepherd Dogs if both parents have the recessive genes. In addition to the above, the Blue German Shepherd takes three variations in blue colour, they come in blue and black, blue and sable and blue and tan, and again it is all dependent on the mix of different genes. Additionally, the blue German Shepherd can also be a variety of lighter and darker blues. Steel blue is the darker shade, and powder blue is the lighter of the two. It can be difficult to identify a steel blue on his own, but when you stand him next to a black German Shepherd, you can easily tell the difference in colour. How do they look? If you've never seen one of these dogs just imagine that everywhere there is black on the GSD normally, that you now see kind of a dusty grey colour. In some cases the blue might look kind of dusty, like someone spilled flour on the dog's coat but then in other cases it might be more of a darker gunmetal colour. Although it is rare and frowned upon by the AKC don't let the blue colour scare you away. A healthy blue German Shepherd is a very handsome animal and has all the same loyal and intelligent traits as regular colored German Shepherds. Many owners who have an unfavourably coloured German Shepherd have suggested that their pups face colour discrimination in events even in competitions where color should not be judged. The males will weigh between 65 and 90 pounds, and they will measure 24 to 26 inches in height from paw to shoulder, also known as the withers. The females will weigh between 50 and 70 pounds and will measure 22 to 24 inches at the withers. Additionally, it is common for the blue German Shepherd to have lighter coloured eyes, such as light blue, golden brown or yellow compared to the darker eyes of normal colored German Shepherds. Again, this is controlled by the recessive genes explained above. Because of their appearance, the blue German Shepherd is often mistaken for a blue Malinois, or with yellow eyes can often look similar to a dark grey wolf. They are super affectionate with their immediate family and enjoy a cuddle on the sofa and lounging around home. The blue German Shepherd is known for their confident and courageous personality. If properly trained and socialized their natural guarding tendencies work great in a home environment. Blue German Shepherds can also be aloof with strangers, or outsiders of the pack if improperly socialized but if raised correctly they are lovely, loyal dogs. The blue German Shepherd, like any other German Shepherd, is a medium energy dog and requires up to 60 minutes of exercise a day. High intensity exercise that tests their mental abilities as well as their physical are their favorite. Your dog would also require mental stimulation throughout the day, such as playing interactive games with his you, patrolling the yard, or taking part in training sessions. Because of their guarding tendencies early socialization is key to a happy hound and household! They are working dogs, and they like to pull if they are not trained properly. We also recommend crate training from a young age. Unlike other breeds, such as the French Bulldog, the colour blue is not indicative of health issues or problematic personality traits. The diluted gene is often linked to health issues in other breeds, such as Colour Dilution Alopecia in Weimaraner, but the blue German Shepherd is not known to suffer any diluted colour related health issues. Simply put, the blue German Shepherd is simply a colour variation, and their health is exactly the same as a traditional coloured German Shepherd. Elbow and Hip Dysplasia is an abnormal formation in the elbow and hip joints which is prevalent in larger breeds of dogs. Over time this formation can cause pain in their joints and can often lead to crippling arthritis in older dogs. Because German Shepherds are susceptible to bloat, it is advised to spread food across several sittings during the day. The exact amount of food will vary on the size of your dog and their activity levels throughout the day. Grooming The blue GSD often has a medium length outercoat with a dense undercoat. Due to the thick undercoat, they are heavy shedders. To keep their coat nice throughout the year you will need to brush them 2 or 3 times a week. During shedding season you will need to brush them every day. You should wash your GSD every 6 to 8 weeks to keep the coat clean and help with shedding. Specialist dog shampoos and shedding products help make managing the coat easier. It is possible for blue German Shepherds to have a long coat but it is very rare. Because their colour is more on the rare side, you may end up paying a slightly higher premium for this colour of the breed. These dogs are rarer than their tan and black saddle siblings i. This can make it difficult to find one to buy. German Shepherds are larger dogs, and can have large litter sizes. With an average of eight puppies in a litter; a blue German Shepherd puppy may show up unexpectantly. If you would prefer to adopt, the German Shepherd Club of America has a list of available rescues and rescue centres all over the country. Adopting A Blue German Shepherd On the other hand, if you are considering rescuing a German Shepherd, then the American German Shepherd Rescue Association has listed rescue centres dedicated to this breed and you may find some blues that need a home. Finishing Up Blue German Shepherds make great family pets. They are fun, intelligent, trainable, affectionate, loyal and protective. If they are socialized from a young age, they are great with children and other pets and will be a lovely member of the family for years. Naturally, all dogs have their own quirks that make them unique, just like all humans, and a blue GSD will be no different. Generally, however, German Shepherds are intelligent and fun to be around and love to spend hours playing in the garden with their family. If you do adopt one of these beautiful pups then it might be wise to let your neighbours know so that they think you have a stray wolf in your yard! For more information about the blue German shepherds, you can consult different social networks of groups responsible for the upbringing and care of the GSD, like the American Blue Bay Shepherd Association. Sign up for promotions, news, discounts, and the chance to win prizes for you and your German Shepherd E-mail Address. Blue German Shepherds are not sky-blue or even navy blue. They are just diluted black German Shepherds with entirely inactive D genes. When this gene is active, it introduces full black color. Geneticists express an active gene with a capital letter and an inactive one with lower case. However, genes exist in pairs, and even a single D in the pair introduces the dominant all-black color. Here are the gene pairs a dark GSD can have. DD — Full black coat. In other words, if we treat blue GSDs as a breed, we must look specifically at all-black German Shepherds , which are often working lines. Technically all GSDs should have been working line dogs. Working line dogs can be born blue, making them look quite important. And they are acquired with the same motivation as a show line dog: to have a dog that the owner finds visually aesthetic. However, one can make the case that blue GSDs are bought with even purer intentions. Watch This NOW! This means such a dog is bought out of pure love and a genuine, deeply personal appreciation of his looks. They can, however, participate in other events such as agility, scent work, and IPO. Blue German Shepherds are even more popular amongst enthusiasts because of their seemingly magical fur with a bluish-grey tinge, making them a sight to behold. Although they are working line dogs in every other aspect, their stunning coloration sets them apart and is the primary reason behind their popularity. But ultimately, they are liked for their exceptional temperament, obedience, and intelligence when trained right. The average GSD and the blue German Shepherd do not exhibit any stark differences except their coat color. They are the same breed with the same characteristics. The most common coat colors for average German Shepherds are black and tan, but black and cream, black and red, black and silver, and bi-color combinations are also present. Blue German Shepherds Are Rare Although the blue German Shepherd carries the same characteristics and temperament as the standard German Shepherd, they are much rarer because of the odds of two recessive dd genes pairing up. Both parents must be carriers of the recessive gene for a blue GSD puppy to be born. Moreover, because blue is not allowed in the show ring and is still considered a fault, even though the AKC has recently recognized this coloration, most breeders do not intentionally breed this color. Although the blue coat appears like a washed-out black or shade of grey, it can have different variations, including solid blue, saddle, bicolor, or sable. Light powder blue or dark steel blue are some other color variations. The color does not seem intimidating or scary but rather quite magnificent. The coat color of a German Shepherd Dog is a variation determined by genetics. There are two types of genes in action; the first indicates the color of the fur, and the other decides the presence or absence of markings and their distribution on the dog. The inheritance of the double recessive gene creates a blue German Shepherd, which also contains a dilution gene working as a modifier at its center. This dilution gene affects eumelanin the very dark pigment in black coats , and thus the blue color can have four pattern variations; Solid blue, blue bicolor with minute tan points , blue and tan, and blue sable. Common misconceptions about this breed include that they can come in a blue and black pattern, which is impossible genetically. The dilution genes that cause blue coloration will affect all-black coloring, not just certain areas. Some blue German Shepherds have blue eyes , but not all of them. Even if a puppy is born with blue eyes, the trait may or may not be permanent. Since the dog possesses a recessive gene that decides his eye color, he may grow to have the usual dark eyes. Many will have light or amber eyes. They have a medium or a long double coat with a dense guard layer and a softer undercoat to keep them warm. They have a dome-shaped head with a long, square muzzle and erect ears with solid necks. Many of their characteristics are often said to resemble their wolf ancestors. A standard-sized male blue German Shepherd grows 24 to 26 inches or 60 to 66 cm tall and weighs around 65 to 90 lbs or 29 to 40 kg. Females grow to be 22 to 24 inches or 55 to 60 cm tall and weigh about 50 to 70 lbs or 22 to 31 kg. Since color is not a factor in determining the size of a German Shepherd, you can expect all breeds to be around this size. German Shepherds are medium to large dogs and hardly ever make good apartment pets as they require considerable space. Blue German Shepherds Are Expensive Although breeders should charge different prices for different colors, they charge higher for blue German Shepherds because of their rarity and unusually striking color. Since tan and black are more common and celebrated in German Shepherds, most breeders opt for this popular variation instead of breeding for the unique blue color. The rarity of this variation adds to its price. One of these is whether they are pedigree or mixed breed. Blue German Shepherds are purebred. They can appear in a litter of purebred pups and are as genetically pure as the others. They are identical to other GSDs except for their blue coats caused by a recessive gene and are recognized by the American Kennel Club but disqualified from the show ring. Still, some breed purists believe they should never be bred because their blue color is merely a gene mutation. Others believe that despite their unusual color, they should still be allowed to enter the show ring. Since their blue color is only a variation of coat color, it does not indicate the inclusion of any other breeds in the line. Although some intentional breeders may be available, they would be pretty rare. The only way to guarantee a blue GSD is to mate two blue parents with two recessive dd genes. Solid black dogs possess DD or Dd genes , which are not suitable for breeding blue puppies. Send a quick sample and determine if your pup is mixed or if his color is a purebred genetic rarity. Some people assume that if a dog has two recessive gene units, he might have undergone severe inbreeding. Some suspect the blue GSD has specific genetic defects, which is untrue. The color holds just one meaning; that the gene that caused it was recessive. This variation possesses characteristics and traits similar to other types of German Shepherds. In all observable settings: blue German Shepherds are no different from standard black GSDs in anything but color. And all black GSDs are no different in temperament from any other type. Among the myths about blue GSDs is that they get angry quite quickly. However, they do not have anger issues and are incredibly loving dogs. However, they have strong, possessive traits, and their owner-pleasing quality can make them anxious and even destructive if left alone for long periods. But these, again, are working-line GSD traits, albeit under biased scrutiny. Since they were the guardian of their flock in their herding days, their possessive nature is not uncalled for. Although this can be an undesirable quality sometimes, you can manage it with socialization and positive reinforcement from a young age. Blue GSDs are very family-oriented dogs and make excellent pets. They are known for being alert and watchful and consider protection their duty. They are also highly trainable and loyal, making them the perfect family dog, good watchdogs, and working dogs. They tend to be aloof with strangers, but you can rectify that with extensive socialization and proper training. They also have separation anxiety , but there are many preventive steps that you can take to ensure their well-being when left alone. Remember, blue German Shepherds are medium to high-energy dogs like other variations of German Shepherds and require at least 90 minutes of exercise a day filled with highly interactive games or high-intensity activities. They also need mental stimulation during the day because of their high intelligence. No substantial evidence indicates any health issues or problematic personality traits that come with this coloration. Although the diluted genes can cause color dilution alopecia in Dobermans and some other breeds, blue German Shepherds do not suffer from this issue. Therefore, their color is a mere overall variation as their health and temperament match other GSD variations. Although it may indicate certain traits in the health of other breeds, it is not the case with blue GSDs. Even though considered a healthy breed, they suffer from specific health problems like all German Shepherds. Elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia are the most common health concerns. Dysplasia is a disease of a malformation of the joints seen in many large dogs and causes joints to become painful and worsen over time, resulting in lameness. Since blue GSDs are bred from a single bloodline, they face other genetic mutations. These concerns include degenerative myelopathy, a slow non-painful degradation of the spinal cord, and congenital heart defects such as aortic stenosis, pulmonic stenosis, and patent ductus arteriosus. Even mini-German Shepherds exhibit the same energy level and need as much activity as a standard GSD. Blue GSDs may live in apartments if you provide them with the required stimulation and space to explore. Still, landed properties and homes with more space are better options. Dedicated training and socializing are unavoidable for these dogs as they are prone to separation anxiety and aggressiveness if chained up. They are significant responsibilities, and you should only take them in if you can be assertive and naturally like large dogs. The rarest color of a German Shepherd is Isabella. They are also known as lilac German Shepherds. Their color is due to the recessive combination of blue and liver from their parents. The liver gene prevents all black pigment giving the dog a diluted coat color. Isabellas typically have hazel or light blue eyes. Can a full-blooded German Shepherd have blue eyes? Full-blooded German Shepherds can have blue eyes, but it is extremely rare. The blue eye color is due to a recessive gene that needs to be inherited from both parents, and it is considered a genetic mutation. While many dog owners find the trait attractive, most breeders consider it a fault. Can you show a blue German Shepherd? A blue German Shepherd cannot participate in conformation shows, as they do not adhere to the German Shepherd breed standard of the AKC. However, blue German Shepherds can still compete in other types of dog shows, such as obedience and agility competitions. You must be able to handle and control them, possess the patience for consistent training and reinforcement, have free time for daily exercise, and own an ample enough living space. Although blue German Shepherds are extremely intelligent, loyal, magnificent-looking, devoted, and protective dogs, they are heavy shedders with extensive training and care requirements. Therefore, you should not take them in for merely aesthetic purposes as they are not just a fashion statement and come with significant responsibilities. Related Posts You May Like:.

Reviewed by Petal Smart Petal Smart is a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine and has been an editor in the veterinary and medical sciences since .She has edited more than assignments, including research studies published in various academic journals, continuing medical education materials, and articles on pet health. Canine hip dysplasia is most often seen in large breeds like German Shepherd dogs , Saint Bernards , and Greater Swiss Mountain dogs , but a dog of any size and both male and female dogs may be affected. The cause of canine hip dysplasia isn't known. The condition is thought to have a genetic link, and dogs with hip dysplasia should not be bred. Puppies from parents that have hip dysplasia will be more likely to develop the condition than puppies born to parents with normal hips. However, even dogs with normal parents can develop hip dysplasia. What Is Canine Hip Dysplasia? The pelvis cradles the head of the femur thigh bone in a cup-like socket of bone that forms the hip. Puppies typically are born normal, but as the puppy matures, the hip joint alignment becomes progressively worse. This places abnormal stress and wear on the bones when they rub together, and causes further joint degeneration and pain. Bones respond to stress by growing thicker, which makes the fit even worse. As the dog matures, this damage predisposes to arthritic changes and painful joints. Signs and Symptoms Severe hip dysplasia may become noticeable as early as four months of age, but is more typically seen in pups aged 9 months to 1 year. The painful condition causes limping , favoring of limbs, and difficulty rising, running, or jumping. Dysplastic pups may exhibit an odd wobbly gait when walking and "bunny hop" when running or climbing stairs, which may help to ease joint stress. Stairs can prove a particular challenge for these dogs, and sore hips and pain may prompt aggression , causing the pup to snap or flinch when touched. However, there are degrees of severity. Some pups may show few to no signs at all, and mild cases may go undiagnosed until the dog reaches middle age or older. How quickly, or to what extent degeneration occurs is in part determined by the pup's activity level. While healthy, normal hips probably won't be adversely affected by hard work or exuberant play, the dog with mild to moderate hip dysplasia develops more noticeable signs more quickly when excessive stress is placed on these joints. Fortunately, only a relatively small percentage of pets suffer the severest, most crippling form of the condition. The condition may also be influenced by lifestyle, nutrition, body weight, and activity level. The puppy is placed on its back and the veterinarian looks for the typical arthritic changes and subluxation laxity of the joint. Some changes may not become evident until the pup reaches 2 years old, and experts say there may be considerable changes from 6 to 9 months up to 1 year. The OFA provides a consulting service for purebred dog owners and breeders, through which it reviews hip X-rays provided by an owner to evaluate the dog's conformation and, when normal, certifies that fact. The PennHip testing method, developed by Dr. Reputable breeders have dog parents tested prior to breeding to make sure they do not have hip dysplasia and reduce the chance of the condition in puppies. Dogs can be certified free of hip dysplasia by sending appropriate X-rays to either the OFA registry or the PennHip registry. This is evaluated by three radiologists who score the hips fair, good, or excellent. PennHip evaluation uses computer analysis to compare the X-rays to all the other dogs of that breed in the registry. Management of Hip Dysplasia There is no cure for hip dysplasia. Treatment is aimed at relieving pain and improving joint function. How well treatment works depends on the severity of the problem. Often, mild to moderate cases of hip dysplasia can be managed with gentle exercise, a healthy diet, and oral pain relievers like buffered aspirin or Rimadyl as prescribed by the veterinarian. Moderate exercise helps maintain and improve the puppy's muscle tone, which alleviates painful wear and tear on the joint. Encourage your dysplastic puppy to take short walks with you. Swimming is an ideal exercise, but jumping and prolonged running should be discouraged. Keep your puppy lean; obesity increases joint strain and can make the condition worse. Massage can also help the dog feel better. Severe cases of hip dysplasia may benefit from surgery that rebuilds or removes bone or alters the muscles and tendons to reduce pain. More from The Spruce Pets. References 1. Clinical and pathological effects Hip dysplasia HD is a disease of the hip coxofemoral joints. Dysplasia means abnormal development. Both hips are usually affected Brass .It is a complex disease that results from a combination of genes that predispose a dog to developing hip dysplasia interacting with environmental factors that lead to its full development and expression Riser .It is characterized by hip joint instability which, if compounded by environmental factors, then results in secondary osteoarthritis and the clinical signs of hip dysplasia which include pain, lameness and disability Zhang et al .To fully understand hip dysplasia, it is necessary to understand the structure of the hip joint. The hip joint is the joint at the top of the hind leg, where it articulates forms a joint with the pelvis. It is described as a ball and socket joint, as in normal hips the ball-shaped head of the femur the thigh bone fits perfectly into a cup-shaped socket in the pelvis, the acetabulum. The head of the femur femoral head and the acetabulum are normally covered with cartilage which produces a smooth, low friction surface. Within the joint there is also a fine layer of synovial fluid that acts as a lubricant between these cartilaginous surfaces. This thin layer of synovial fluid, along with the round ligament a ligament that runs round the edge of the acetabulum — between the acetabulum and the femur , keeps the two cartilaginous surfaces together by creating a suction-like effect. The ligaments and the joint capsule also help to hold the ball and socket closely together. In newborn puppies, because the bones are soft and not fully ossified turned into bone as they need to grow and develop, they are still deformable if abnormal movements or stresses and strains occur in them. Riser suggests that, in a normal six month old individual, ossification of the bones and soft tissue strength the strength of the surrounding ligaments, joint capsule and muscles have developed enough to prevent hip dysplasia. Hip dysplasia is described as a biomechanical disease. The hips appear normal at birth. However, in affected individuals, the hips develop abnormally due, at first, to joint instability sometimes called joint laxity Riser .This means that the developing femoral head and acetabulum are not held constantly, closely together, and can move into abnormal positions relative to one another. This puts abnormal stresses and strains on the joint. Riser states this is due to the soft tissues, such as ligaments and muscle, not being strong enough to maintain congruity between the articular surfaces of the femoral head and the acetabulum ie the constant contact between the surfaces of the bones is not maintained. The pathological changes seen due to the joint instability are progressive inflammation and degeneration of the tissues that together form the joint. Brass details the following changes in the joint: The joint capsule can become thickened and the round ligament can become stretched or ruptured leading to additional, excessive movements. The synovial fluid increases in volume and changes in nature, due to inflammation, this pushes the joint surfaces apart. The cartilage on the bone surfaces gets worn away exposing subchondral bone the layer of bone beneath the surface cartilage. Unlike cartilage, bone contains nerve endings and such exposure will commonly cause pain. The rim of the acetabulum becomes damaged and flattened and later new bone starts to grow here as the body tries to stabilize the joint. The femoral head becomes deformed and flattened and also grows abnormal bone called exotoses or osteophytes. This changing of the shape of the joint with new bone growing in abnormal positions, and being lost in others, is called joint remodelling. The signs that are seen with hip dysplasia can vary hugely in their severity, the age at which they first appear and their progression. In mild cases dogs can be free from clinical signs for years; however, for more severely affected individuals, signs of pain can develop whilst they are still immature less than a year old Signs include acute pain, particularly after strenuous exercise or movement. This may show as lameness or reluctance to jump, to go for walks, climb steps or move at all if really severe. The pain may be worse in cold, wet conditions Brass .These signs may start intermittently, but over time can become constant. Muscle wastage is often seen in the hindlegs Brass .There appears to be little correlation between the severity of pain shown by the dog and physical abnormalities felt on examination by a vet or revealed on an x-ray Brass ie some dogs can be in severe pain but have few changes on x-rays and vice versa. This is typical of any joint disease. Controlling food intake during growth has been shown to decrease hip dysplasia in Labradors ie by reducing excessive energy intake and therefore excessive weight gain during growth Kealy et al .High calcium intake during growth has been shown to delay maturation of the skeleton and increase the risk of hip dysplasia in Great Danes Hazewinkel .It is thought that controlling the amount and form of exercise during development may also help Corr .Bennett and May suggest excessive exercise during development can lead to hip dysplasia. Treatment for hip dysplasia is complex; many surgical interventions have been developed to prevent signs appearing in young animals with high joint laxity and to treat dogs with severe osteoarthritis. All need specialist surgeons. Various medications to aid pain relief are also available, along with recommendations to reduce the effect of environmental factors. Return to top 2. Intensity of welfare impact Though some dogs may be mildly affected, for many German Shepherd dogs with hip dysplasia, the impact of the condition is major and life changing. These animals suffer pain that is severe and debilitating, leading them to be in pain even with small everyday movements such as standing up. Their quality of life is severely affected so that they are unable to enjoy normal canine behaviours such as walking and running. It is not uncommon for dogs to be euthanased due to the pain and disability of arthritis associated with hip dysplasia. Return to top 3. Duration of welfare impact Hip dysplasia is a progressive disease with signs seen from any age. For some dogs pain starts before a year of age. Signs may be intermittent to start with but often progress to be constant. Medical treatment and advice can help control pain and possibly slow progression, though a cure can only be obtained with major surgical intervention in dogs that are considered suitable candidates for such surgery. Return to top 4. Number of animals affected Hip dysplasia is the most common joint problem of large dogs Smith et al .UK VetCompass data for dogs overall, showed that 7. In this sample, diagnosis of conditions affecting the pelvis eg hip dysplasia did not significantly differ between purebred and crossbred dogs. Figures vary greatly for how frequently German Shepherds are affected by hip dysplasia, depending on the method by which they have been screened and the database reviewed. The frequency is likely to vary for geographically different populations of the same breed Brass .However, Paster et al suggested that the OFA population was biased, as it is not compulsory for radiographed dogs to have their x-rays submitted to the OFA scheme so some owners may have had dogs pre-screened and only submitted apparently non-dysplastic ones for consideration and scoring. In this study, German Shepherd dogs had a higher odds ratio of hip dysplasia occurrence than Dobermanns, Labradors and Rottweilers, indicating that the breed is at a significantly higher risk of hip dysplasia development. Return to top 5. Diagnosis For a young dog suspected of hip dysplasia, a diagnosis can be made on the clinical signs shown at home and on examination of the dog, including assessment of joint laxity and joint pain plus evaluation of radiographs x-ray pictures of the hip joints Corr .Assessment of the joint laxity and radiographs may need to be performed by a specialist vet who is used to checking for this condition. For a formal diagnosis, the radiographs are usually submitted to a panel for evaluation. There are three methods of assessing joint laxity. Radiographs and assessment of joint laxity need to be performed under heavy sedation or anaesthesia Corr .Return to top 6. Genetics Hip dysplasia in dogs is a polygenic disease; many genes are thought to play a role in its development. Most of these genes probably have small additive effects quantitative, polygenes and some probably have larger effects Zhang et al .Heritability estimates are used to demonstrate how much variation in a phenotypic trait is due to genetic variation among individuals in a population. Using hip scores published by the British Veterinary Association, heritability for hip scores of German Shepherd dogs was 0. Genes are not solely responsible for whether a dog with the genetic potential for hip dysplasia develops the condition. Environmental factors play an important part. They are discussed in the clinical and pathogenic effects section above. However, there are significant breed predispositions to this condition and the German Shepherd dog is one of the breeds affected. Return to top 7. How do you know if an animal is a carrier or likely to become affected? There are a number of breeding schemes around the world developed to decrease the incidence of hip dysplasia in dog breeds. These schemes assess potential breeding animals in somewhat different ways. All aim to give breeders and owners a strong indication of which dogs are likely to produce healthy offspring and which should not be bred. However, this is by no means straightforward for hip dysplasia as it is a polygenic condition in which the genetics are poorly understood and which is also affected by environmental factors in a major way. This lack of clarity has produced much debate over the best way to assess potential breeding dogs. A brief summary of the various schemes follows including some current evidence for their benefits. All dogs must be at least 12 months of age. There are nine radiographic features which are scored, including the Norberg angle NA - a measurement for hip laxity taken from the EHR and each dog is given a score out of 53 for each hip total of up to for both. A low score indicates healthy hip joints eg Greyhounds would score 0, as is not seen in this breed and a higher score indicates worse hip dysplasia. Breeders are recommended to only breed from animals with a score lower than the breed medianscore e. It is also based on an extended hip radiograph EHR , which is then graded by three independent experts to give an overall grade. All dogs must be over 2 years of age to be assessed. There are seven possible grades for the radiograph: excellent, good, fair, borderline, mild, moderate or severe hip dysplasia. Dogs must be between 1 and 2 years of age and the radiograph is graded by someone appointed by each breed club — they do not have to be an expert. Grades include: A- no signs of hip dysplasia, B — near normal hip joints, C — mild hip dysplasia, D — moderate hip dysplasia, E — severe hip dysplasia. Older dogs can be assessed but the likelihood of more secondary osteoarthritic changes is taken into account. Dogs from 4 months of age can be assessed. It involves the assessment of three different radiographic views of the hip joints called the distraction view, the compression view and the EHR. The radiograph must be taken by a vet who is registered with the scheme and the radiographs are assessed by vets at the PennHIP Analysis Center. Dogs with a DI lower than 0. Dogs with increasing DI values over 0. Advocates of the PennHIP method like it because it accurately identifies individuals who have hip laxity - the primary phenotypical abnormality that predisposes dogs to hip dysplasia. The other schemes only look at the EHR and though the NA can be measured from this, the NA has been shown to be an inaccurate method to assess hip laxity Culp et al .Much of what is assessed on the EHRs are secondary arthritic changes, these are not specific to hip dysplasia and are affected by many environmental factors. Recently, researchers from the University of Pennsylvania have confirmed that the Distraction Index DI is a significant risk factor for the development of hip dysplasia. In other words, DI scores give a very good indication of the likelihood of osteoarthritic changes, due to hip dysplasia, developing in the future Smith and others , , , Smith , Runge et al .These and other researchers argue that the other schemes are not as good at detecting animals that have hip dysplasia as the PennHIP method and, despite older schemes existing for over 40 years, little improvement has been seen in hip dysplasia in the general pet population Corley , Kaneene et al , Leppanen et al , Paster et al .In fact, one recent study looking at a database of over 1,, dogs found an increase in the prevalence of hip dysplasia Witsberger et al .However EHR scores were found to have a much higher heritability 0. Heritability studies are difficult to compare between different populations with different environmental influences. To improve the gene pool, phenotypic traits that can be easily detected with strong links to the genotype genetic make-up of animals have to be found. Ideally, any potential pet would have had its hip joints assessed by one of the above schemes prior to purchase, although this is often unhelpful, as most pets are purchased as young puppies. Unfortunately, this does not guarantee all their offspring will be free from hip dysplasia. Certainly any potential breeding animal should be assessed prior to breeding using an appropriate scheme. Return to top 8. Methods and prospects for elimination of the problem Hip dysplasia is a complex trait which involves multiple unknown genes and environmental factors. Eradication schemes have been running in some countries for decades and still it is commonplace. Thus prospects for its quick elimination are low. In a recent study, Zhang et al suggested that using scores from four hip traits combined to create a breeding value for each animal would help speed up elimination of the condition. They felt that information on the single joint trait EHR eg the OFA scheme gave insufficient information to provide the basis for breeding decisions. The DLS is a measurement made from an x-ray taken in a weight-bearing position to measure the subluxation of the femoral head Farese et al .In this study on two populations of dogs where environmental factors were strictly controlled, heritabilities for all these traits were found to be relatively high eg heritabilities were 0. The researchers suggested these heritabilites were higher than expected due to the controlled environmental conditions. Zhang et al suggested an improved way for selectively breeding out hip dysplasia would be if breeders could be given breeding values derived from the four traits for each potential breeding animal, plus a measurement of the inbreeding of any potential mating eg the inbreeding coefficient. This way, they suggest, inbreeding can be avoided and only animals with phenotypes strongly indicative of healthy hip joint genes would be bred from. This scheme is a more organised form of others that have suggested using a combination of breeding values determined from pedigree information and phenotype score Ginja et al , Hou et al .As described by Bell , when breeders are prioritising raising dogs that have good hip dysplasia genotypes for future breeding the phenotype has to be used as a marker for the genotype. Although the diagnostic signs can be affected also by environmental factors such as feeding and exercise regimes. It is important that the puppies are raised in a standard and not excessively protective way. Otherwise, dogs that would normally have developed radiographic signs of hip dysplasia will have this masked and their genes will be perpetuated. Future development of genetic tests to help identify some of the hip dysplasia genes, along with more use of pedigree data that includes the health of ancestors and progeny for clinical signs of hip dysplasia and also for other inherited defects of German Shepherd dogs , may well help to improve methods used to eliminate this condition. Currently we have to continue to rely on choosing phenotypical traits which apparently indicate the presence of healthy genes. Return to top 9. If your dog qualifies for surgeries, you have even more options. Tips for Preventing Hip Dysplasia in German Shepherds Although not all cases of hip dysplasia can be prevented, a good majority can. Even if hip dysplasia is not preventable in your dog, you can use these tips to minimize pain caused by the condition. This can make a huge difference in whether your dog develops hip dysplasia. The best reputable breeders will even provide a screening for their puppies. After the screening, which can only be done after 16 weeks of age, you can know if a puppy is predisposed to hip dysplasia. From an early age, make sure to provide your dog with high-quality dog food specific for large breeds. For example, get a large-breed puppy-specific dog food when your dog is young, and switch to an adult dog food once the dog ages. Note that most senior dog foods are not generic, so your vet will be the best person to help you choose which product is best for your older German Shepherd. Only provide your dog as much food as they need, never under or over. Both malnutrition and obesity increase the risk for hip dysplasia development. If you are unsure how much to feed your dog, talk to your vet for recommendations. Right Exercise Exercise is another factor you need to consider carefully if you want to prevent hip dysplasia in your German Shepherd. Preventative Supplements Image Credit: ElenVik, Shutterstock You can begin giving preventative supplements to your dog to nourish their joints. One of the most popular is glucosamine. This supplement is prescribed to dogs with arthritis and hip dysplasia, but you can use it for preventative measures too. Of course, preventative supplements will have a lower glucosamine count than prescribed medications. Final Thoughts If you suspect that your German Shepherd is experiencing hip dysplasia, please visit the vet right away. Luckily, most German Shepherds with hip dysplasia live long and robust lives. If they get a great treatment, you can expect your dog to be happy and carefree. By starting a well-rounded prevention plan from an early age, you can help your dog grow with minimal issues. Featured Image Credit: makeitclear, Pixabay Contents. Articles Sit. Heal German Shepherd Hip Dysplasia Signs and Treatments Muscular, intelligent, and loyal, German shepherds are steadfast guardians and all-purpose workers. Highly trainable and obedient, German shepherds provide a range of services—excelling as show dogs and household companions, as well as military and search and rescue animals. Exuding confidence, this breed is royalty of the dog family. They are susceptible, however, to challenging hip and joint issues like hip dysplasia any time from puppyhood all the way through maturation. As with many large breed dogs, German shepherds are prone to canine hip dysplasia CHD , a dog skeletal condition that can be inherited or caused by a traumatic fracture or other environmental factors. CHD occurs from malformation of the ball and joint socket of one or both hips the hip joint is called the coxofemoral joint. If so, it maybe be because of breeding. The exaggerated hind leg angulation is often bred into the dog because of standards that dictate rear legs upper and lower thighs should come as close to a degree angle as possible. Along these same lines, a sloping back causes hindquarters to become more angulate and, thus, prone to lower back pain. These bent legs could point toward one of many health problems, one of which is hip dysplasia. Although irreversible, canine hip dysplasia can be monitored and treated to reduce chronic pain. According to the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals , .The progression of it and the treatment options available depend on a number of factors, including the degree of misalignment and age of the dog. CHD has a range of signs, depending on the severity of the disease and degree of looseness in the joint. The severity also ranges from mild to extreme pain—some German shepherds even have to use a wheelchair. CHD Treatment Options Dog hip dysplasia surgery for severe cases in medium to large dogs can be expensive. If invasive surgery is not the best choice for your dog, look into non-surgical, conservative management options, such as dog leg braces, physical therapy, weight control, acupuncture, anti-inflammatories, and massage therapy. Ortho Dog specializes in flexible, adjustable, and affordable dog leg braces. Additionally, leg braces for hip dysplasia may slow the progression of this chronic issue. Is a Hip Hound Brace right for your pup? Designed for dogs who suffer from arthritis and mild to moderate hip dysplasia. Below are four common disorders of the hip and joint commonly seen in this breed: Degenerative Myelopathy As a German shepherd owner, you have likely heard of the fatal, chronic, and progressive disease called degenerative myelopathy that is most prevalent in this breed. Typically apparent between the ages of , degenerative myelopathy is a neurological disorder that affects the spinal cord and muscle coordination, ultimately leading to paralysis of the back legs within months. CHD shares several symptoms with early stages of degenerative myelopathy, including difficulty rising and jumping, and progressive weakness of hind limbs. As with any signs that something may be off with your dog, contact your veterinarian for a full exam. Canine Myasthenia Gravis A rare neuromuscular disease, canine myasthenia gravis is a disorder of the signal transmission between nerves and muscles, resulting in progressive muscle weakness, and fatigue with mild exercise. This disease is not typically confused with CHD because the signs tend to show up on the face more than the hindquarters. This incorrect movement can put a strain on their hips, which causes them to walk with an irregular gait. Our Hock Holder brace offers stabilization and support to the hock to help relieve stress. Osteoarthritis Most often seen in senior dogs, osteoarthritis is the inflammation of the hip joints due to cartilage deterioration. You may notice your dog moving a bit more slowly and having trouble with stairs. With less cartilage, bones can grind against each other and cause inflammation. Much like a human wearing a wrist or hand brace for arthritis, the Ortho Dog Hip Hound brace limits the movement of the joint, which helps with the pain.

Website: Hilltopgoldenretriever. They want to breed healthy, content dogs that will make devoted companions. Four adorable Golden Retriever puppies wandering on the flower bed. What a lovely day! Every parent dog has undergone a health examination, and their pedigrees are posted on their website for anyone to view. The breeders socialize the puppies with kids and adult dogs and desensitize them to household noises. They also ensure all puppies are vet checked and certified. The pups come with AKC registration, a 1-year health guarantee, and litter pedigree. They will have received their latest shots and deworming. Nevani Goldens Nevani Goldens sets the standards high. They raise their dogs at home, where they interact with their children. The Golden Retriever puppy smiles while sitting on a blanket. Each parent dog has undergone genetic testing and received an OFA clearance. The breeders raise the puppies using puppy culture techniques, so the pups are content and healthy. They monitor their health from birth and offer a 2-year health guarantee with the pups. Her love for the breed soon made her a breeder, a passion she is very dedicated to. Golden Retriever family lying on the grass. She breeds animals at home and places a high value on temperament. They are also cleared for OFA, eye, elbow, and heart. Timberscombe Golden Retrievers Timberscombe is a family breeder that breeds healthy Golden Retrievers. The dogs are raised in their home and loved like family members. The breeding program does not use animals that do not pass these tests. The breeders feed them premium dog food so that they enjoy optimum health. The puppies are socialized to make them great companions. They are dewormed at 2, 4, 5, and 7—8 weeks of age and vaccinated at 6 weeks. All puppies come with limited or full AKC registration, depending on your preference. They accommodate buyers and are ready to meet them if they are within a 1. Breeder Details:. You must consider important elements like social and living conditions when choosing a Golden Retriever breeder. The way your Golden Retriever is raised will have a significant impact on their lives. Evaluate the conditions of the breeder and the treatment of every puppy. The type of dog breeder you choose is important, so consider different factors like the acreage, reputation, and pedigree. Considering how your New York dog breeder raised them is very important to their health and learning curve. If they raise your golden retriever in a positive environment, they should have an obedient and loving personality. As you select your puppy, consider the appearance, age, size, and gender. For instance, the gender of the Golden Retriever has a large impact on its personality. Choose a puppy compatible with your personality. Golden Retrievers can be outrageously disobedient without early training and socialization from their breeders. Without training from breeders, your puppy will certainly require professional training later in life to receive the required discipline that a Golden Retriever needs. Training in puppyhood can instill obedience in your dog, preparing them for a bright future of good behavior. Adirondac Golden Retrievers Adirondac Golden Retrievers is a certified dog breeder who only raises every type of Golden Retriever, from active companions who excel in their athleticism to compassionate companions. All puppies are raised in a loving environment with plenty of social interaction, allowing them to flourish in any home. In addition to raising healthy puppies, Adirondac Golden Retrievers trains their puppies in various therapies, professions, and hunting techniques. Many of the puppies that come from this breeder become professional work dogs like K9 units and assistants. Name of Owner. Breeders VS. The sad truth is that many pet store purchased pups actually come from puppy mills. Basically, there is zero authenticity with pet stores. When it comes to adopting any animal from a pet store, there is an increased risk of unforeseen health or genetic problems. You also cultivate a life-long relationship with the breeder, meaning support is available to you anytime you may need it. With My Golden Retriever Puppies , you have the option to come and visit both the puppy and the breeder in person! Golden Retrievers are an adaptable breed, meaning they are better at adapting to seasonal changes and various types of climate than certain other breeds. Goldens sport a double-coat, which ensures that these sweet pups are able to tolerate slightly colder temperatures than their friends from other breeds. Your pup deserves better than that, which is why here at My Golden Retriever Puppies , we ensure high-quality care is taken of your pet at all times. For more about the true price of a golden retriever puppy, you can read our full price breakdown here. Location Information for New York Customers Our home office is located in Ohio, but we understand that long-distance travel can be inconvenient. If you prefer to meet a breeder in person, they may be able to offer private visits at their home. Of course! Here at My Golden Retriever Puppies , we value family and authenticity, which is why we always guarantee our pups through our 2-year genetic health guarantee. Like adopting a Golden Retriever from a pet store, there is an increased risk when adopting a pup from a rescue center or shelter as well. For example, pups purchased through a shelter or rescue center are far less likely to come with the kinds of health guarantees and reassurances that a breeder can provide. What type of Golden Retrievers are sold in New York? We have some good news! Ready to make your Golden Retriever dreams come true? Take a look at our convenient list of available puppies. How do I know which breeders to trust in New York? Our independent network of trusted breeders have already been pre-screened and verified, so that you can focus on what really matters: choosing your dream puppy. Be the first to know when we have new puppies! All Rights Reserved. Questions about Golden Retriever puppies for sale in New York? We have answers. Give me an overview of Golden Retriever puppies for sale in New York. The price of New York Golden Retriever puppies depends on several different factors, including breeder experience and coat color so it may vary greatly from breeder to breeder. For example, white, red, and cream Golden Retriever puppies may be priced differently. At our matchmaking service we take a lot of factors into account and allow our customers to connect with ethical breeders companies who offer great puppies within their budget. Your puppy will fly in style, safe and sound for you to meet at the airport. How do you screen breeders? A lot of breeders and companies across the US are willing to join our network and send us applications every day but we approve only the most responsible breeders who passed our strict screening process and meet all of 47 standards covering animal health and care, legal requirements, facilities, and more. Why is Uptown Puppies different from other places? We love animals and take it for granted that all puppies should be raised with love but unfortunately, many breeders care more about their profit than about animal health and welfare. What is a puppy mill? Most puppies bought in store and online come from mills, overcrowded breeding factories that have no regard for animal welfare. The main concern of puppy mill owners is to maximize profit so dogs live in terrible conditions and never leave their wire cages. Answer the questions to tell us all about you and your ideal puppy. What is the MatchMaker process? Our MatchMaker process was designed to help us figure out what kind of dog you are looking for. You provide us with information about your desired breed, size, temperament, and more and we connect you with the best breeders businesses and help you find the right puppy according to your preferences and your lifestyle. How do I know I can trust you? We believe in building lasting relationships with our customers and help them connect with ethical breeders. A new puppy comes with a lot of laughter, happiness, cuddles, and kisses that add something truly special to your life. Our pups come with first-rate genetics, an impeccable pedigree, and temperaments that make them the perfect family companion. We are based out of Minnesota but sell and deliver our puppies to New York families and individuals, and all over the country. By the time they go to their forever home, each puppy is vet examined, up to date on vaccines and dewormer, microchipped, and comes with a health guarantee and AKC registration form. This helps them grow into loyal, loving, intelligent, calm, and highly trainable dogs. Many of our golden retriever puppies go on to become service dogs. We begin basic training with our pups, but also offer a puppy training program for NY owners who want to begin more extensive training early on. You will choose your puppy from the litter in the order your reservation and deposit are received. You are welcome to travel to pick up your puppy from MN English Golden and they can fly home in the cabin with you. However, we know this is not always possible, so we will also fly them to you, meet you on the road, or deliver them.

Breeds The link has been copied! The cost of owning an Australian Shepherd can be substantial, and it's important to understand the various factors that contribute to this before committing. However, the price of acquiring and maintaining an Australian Shepherd can vary greatly depending on several factors. In this blog post, we will delve into the various aspects that contribute to the overall cost of owning an Australian Shepherd. We'll discuss how much you can expect to pay for a puppy from reputable breeders as well as adoption fees from shelters or rescue organizations. Additionally, we will explore some ways in which you might be able to lower these costs without compromising on the quality of care. In the end, we'll look at how to budget for ongoing costs such as food, grooming items, and vet care so you can make an educated decision about if getting a pup is the best choice. By understanding all aspects of what it takes financially when asking "How much does an Australian Shepherd cost? How Much Does An Australian Shepherd Cost Before committing to add an Australian Shepherd to your family, it's important to understand all costs associated with ownership. The expenses associated with owning an Australian Shepherd include not only the upfront price of purchasing a puppy but also routine costs such as vet visits, vaccinations, grooming, pet food, and more. The total cost of ownership can vary depending on several factors like where you live and how much care your dog requires. In this article, we'll explore the different aspects that contribute to the overall cost of owning an Australian Shepherd so that you can make informed decisions about whether or not this breed is right for you. Before bringing an Australian Shepherd puppy into your home, it is important to understand the associated costs. The cost of an Australian Shepherd pup can range significantly, contingent on the breeder, locale, and pedigree. In addition to the purchase price from a breeder, there are also routine adoption fees if you choose to adopt an Australian Shepherd through rescue organizations or shelters. Beyond these initial costs associated with acquiring your new furry friend comes other expenses like vet visits vaccinations , check-ups , grooming services brushing their double coat is essential , high-quality pet food that meets their nutritional needs Australian Shepherds have specific dietary requirements due to their active nature among others. Keep in mind that these ongoing costs will be part of your responsibility as a pet owner throughout your dog's life. In summary, the cost of an Australian Shepherd puppy may be determined by a range of considerations. Moving forward, we will discuss some of these factors and how they affect the overall price tag. These include the dog's color, bloodline or purity, breeder's reputation, and estimated size. Realizing the components of price can aid in selecting a suitable canine companion. Colors Australian Shepherds come in a variety of colors such as blue merle, red merle, black tri-color, and red tricolor. Some breeders may charge more for certain colors due to their rarity or popularity among buyers. For example, blue merle Australian Shepherds are often considered more desirable and therefore might be priced higher than other colors. Dogs from champion bloodlines or with purebred parents tend to command higher prices because they are believed to have better genetics and potential for success in competitions like agility trials or herding events. Breeders Reputation The reputation of the breeder plays a significant role in determining the cost of an Australian Shepherd puppy. Reputable breeders invest time and resources into ensuring their dogs are healthy, well-socialized, and conform to breed standards set forth by organizations such as ASCA or AKC American Kennel Club. As a result, puppies from trustworthy breeders may be pricier, yet you can feel confident knowing that your canine companion is coming from an accountable source. To find a reputable breeder, consider asking for recommendations from friends or searching online directories like the AKC Marketplace. Estimated Size Australian Shepherds are medium-sized dogs, typically weighing between 40 and 65 pounds. Breeders also offer smaller "miniature" or "toy" Australian Shepherds, which come with a higher price tag due to their desirability among pet owners seeking a more compact companion. These smaller versions may come with higher price tags due to their unique characteristics and increased demand among pet owners looking for a more compact companion. When mulling over the expense of an Aussie Shepherd, there are a few elements to bear in mind such as age, sex, and well-being. This innovative device not only helps you keep tabs on your dog's whereabouts but also provides valuable insights into their activity levels. Battery life: The collar boasts an impressive battery life of up to three months between charges, ensuring constant protection for your pet. Fitness monitoring: Keep track of your dog's daily steps and set fitness goals tailored to their breed, age, and size - perfect for maintaining the active lifestyle Australian Shepherds require. Durable design: Designed with high-quality materials that are waterproof and chew-proof; this collar withstands even the most energetic play sessions. In addition to providing peace of mind regarding your furry friend's safety, investing in a reliable GPS tracking collar like Fi will help protect the significant financial investment made in acquiring an Australian Shepherd. Don't let unforeseen circumstances put both emotional stresses on you or jeopardize the value spent on obtaining this incredible breed and secure them with the Fi GPS Tracking Dog Collar today. Having a GPS tracking collar on your Australian Shepherd can help protect them and give you peace of mind. Australian Shepherd Breed Guide The Australian Shepherd is a popular and versatile breed, known for its intelligence, agility, and loyalty. This section will provide an overview of the breed's personality traits, size and weight range, average lifespan, activity level requirements, and approximate lifetime care costs. Personality Australian Shepherds are highly intelligent dogs with a strong work ethic. They are often described as energetic and eager to please their owners. These qualities make them excellent working dogs or family pets for those who can provide adequate mental stimulation and physical exercise. Their friendly nature also makes them great companions for children; however, they may tend to herd small animals or kids due to their herding instincts. The height ranges from inches cm at the shoulder. Note that size may differ based on genetics or diet. Average Lifespan The average lifespan of an Australian Shepherd is around years, which is relatively long compared to other breeds of similar size. Regular veterinary check-ups and proper nutrition can help ensure your Aussie lives a long healthy life. Agility: Aussies excel in various dog sports such as agility, obedience, flyball, and herding trials. Their athleticism makes them a popular choice for active families or individuals who enjoy outdoor activities. Mental Stimulation: Due to their intelligence, Australian Shepherds need mental stimulation in addition to physical activity. Training sessions, puzzle toys , or interactive games can help prevent boredom and destructive behavior. Approximate Lifetime Care Costs The cost of owning an Australian Shepherd over its lifetime can vary depending on factors like the initial purchase price from a breeder or adoption fees from rescue organizations. How Can I Lower The Cost of An Australian Shepherd Considering the cost of an Australian Shepherd, adopting from a shelter or rescue organization and opting for an older dog instead of a puppy are two ways to reduce expenses without sacrificing quality. Adopting a shelter or rescue organization is one option that can save you money while also providing a loving home for a dog in need. Choosing an older dog over a puppy may result in lower initial costs and reduced training expenses. Adopting vs. Furthermore, adopting comes with the benefit of knowing you're giving an abandoned or surrendered pet another chance at happiness. Selecting an Older Dog Over A Puppy An older Australian Shepherd might be more suitable for some families due to their calmer demeanor and established personality traits. While puppies require extensive time and effort dedicated to housebreaking, socialization, and obedience training; adult dogs often come with these skills already developed. This not only saves time but also reduces expenses related to hiring professional trainers or attending group classes. Grooming: Learn to groom your Australian Shepherd at home with the help of online tutorials, or find discounted grooming services through local pet stores and veterinary clinics. Veterinary care: Look for low-cost vaccination clinics in your area or inquire about discounts available at your regular veterinarian's office. Taking these steps can significantly reduce the overall cost of owning an Australian Shepherd while still providing a loving and supportive environment for your new furry friend. Remember that investing time into research and preparation will pay off in the long run as you enjoy many years of companionship with this intelligent and energetic breed. Conclusion Overall, the cost of an Australian Shepherd can vary depending on several factors such as location, breeder reputation, and bloodline. It is critical to think about all the costs that accompany having a canine before purchasing one. Having a dog is a joy, and owning an Australian Shepherd is sure to bring you happiness for years to come. If you're looking for ways to lower the cost of owning an Australian Shepherd, adoption is always an option, or finding reputable breeders who offer payment plans. However, regardless of how much you spend on your pup, it's essential to protect them with Fi Smart Dog Collar which ensures their safety and gives them peace of mind. The link has been copied! You might also like. There are, of course, various toys and dog games that can add entertainment for your pooch, and these can be as expensive or as cheap as you want. The average monthly cost will largely depend on the food that you choose to feed your pooch, the price of pet insurance, and whether you rely on professional grooming or do it yourself. Additional Costs to Factor In As with owning any pet, there are additional costs that you should factor into your budget. While these will mostly be occasional expenses, saving for a rainy day is a good idea. You may need a dog sitter when you go on vacation or decide that your Shepherd needs professional training. Owning an Australian Shepherd on a Budget Certain aspects of owning an Australian Shepherd are largely out of your control. Your dog needs to eat—ideally, the best food that you can afford—and insurance and vet bills are usually set in stone, making owning one of these dogs on a budget fairly difficult. The best that you can do to mitigate a few of these expenses is to feed them a healthy diet because this will hopefully reduce illness and therefore, vet visits later. Also, spending more interactive time with your pooch and less on toys can save a bit of money. Image Credit: eather Skau, Shutterstock Saving Money on Australian Shepherd Care The best way to save money caring for your Australian Shepherd is to take care of their grooming needs and exercise needs yourself. This will save you hundreds of dollars per year, and your relationship with your pooch will be all the better for it too! After all, these dogs can live for well over a decade and cost you thousands of dollars over that time, so the more that you can budget for, the less stressful the experience will be. Good choice. But before you commit to one, you may be wondering how much an Australian Shepherd costs? Read on to learn the factors that affect prices. In fact, with just a bit of info, you can potentially save hundreds of dollars! Breeder Reputation Not all Australian Shepherd breeders are equal. Some are more knowledgeable, while others are less. As a general rule of thumb, you get what you pay for. In other words, the higher the price the more reputable the breeder. However, this is not a hard fact. If this is the case, I would stay away. How to Find Reputable Aussie Breeders This may be the most common question among new owners looking for their Aussie puppy. The good news is that there are many ways to find reputable breeders. They clearly state that their program strives to honor responsible breeders who go above and beyond. The best way to find a reputable breeder is to put on your detective hat and start asking questions. Always make a list of questions before you go. Through their answers, you can generally feel out how knowledgeable the Aussie breeders are. Ask questions regarding their process for taking care of the mother and puppies during pregnancy and post pregnancy. These are undeniably the most crucial steps in breeding. Follow up with questions on how to take care of your Australian Shepherd pup. Some breeders will even have a short guide for you. With a simple Google search, you may be able to find all kinds of reviews from previous customers and their experience with a particular breeder. But if they just started, then proceed with questions to measure their knowledge. This seems simple enough, but a lot of potential owners skip this crucial step in the process. Pro-tip: reputable Aussie breeders may have a Yelp business page, so make sure to check that out too. For the most part, many would think reputable breeders do not charge extra for different coat colors. However, unfortunately, supply and demand would say otherwise. Although not everyone, many potential owners prefer the unique looks of merles and tri-colors. Sometimes, instead of charging more for preferred coat colors, they may simply charge less for those puppies harder to sell. At the end of the day, these Aussie breeders are running a business. Some may even argue that this practice gives the breeder less credibility. For example, some breeders may be breeding for coat colors to make more money , instead of breeding for quality dogs temperament, health, etc. All dogs have pedigrees — at least from reputable breeders. In order to form a pedigree, dogs of a particular line must be registered with a Kennel Club, such as the AKC. Breeders really just need to pay a fee to register their dogs. How Pedigree Affects Aussie Price A dog pedigree can tell you many things, some of which, you should definitely be aware of. For example, many pedigrees will tell you how great a dog is at a certain skill. CH stands for champion, and means that dog competed in a competition and won. This can be a show competition, agility or herding competition. For Australian Shepherds, the competition is usually in herding because that is their instinctive intelligence. Healthier Dogs Cost More Although not present on all pedigrees, some health factors will be documented with recent dogs. Of course, the healthier the dog the higher the price. Dogs are examined and graded: E excellent , G good or F fair. Other health information such as eye conditions and elbow dysplasia are found on the pedigree as well. Your Location The last but not least factor in Australian Shepherd prices is location. Most people can probably find better deals from an equally reputable breeder. Probably not. Certain regions where Australian Shepherds or dogs in general are higher in demand could mean a premium on prices even with the same quality dog. More competition usually means better Aussie prices. So think twice before purchasing your dog from the other side of the country. Fortunately, there are many resources that you can check out during your research. Keep in mind, these breeders are paid sponsors and not endorsed by the organization. Still check their websites and call in to get pricing so you can compare with your local breeders. AKC has a great market place for Australian Shepherds, where they conveniently tell you basic pedigree information and merit reputation. Although there are a bunch of free classified listings for Aussie puppies, I would not pick one out from there. The first place to look would be your local animal shelter. And if you do find one, the dog will likely be an Aussie mix. However, the best place to adopt an Aussie is from an Australian Shepherd rescue. There are many of them, but I would recommend checking out Aussie Rescue. Do a quick Google and Yelp search to find them in your area. On the high end, you can probably get a new puppy for a few hundred dollars more. But keep in mind, these rescues are generally non-profit organizations. Dog rescues have their own set of costs and a relatively high overhead. Not only do they need to pay for housing and food of these dogs, but also vet bills. As a matter of fact, many Australian Shepherds come in with major health problems. The organizations need to provide treatment before they get adopted. In some cases, this can mean surgery, which you already know is extremely costly. I fully support what rescues are doing and in my opinion, the cost to adopt an Aussie is well worth it. Posts you may like:. Applies to all dog food recalls in the U. The German Shepherd mixed with Australian Shepherd dogs weighs from 46 to 65 pounds. Its parent breeds are notably medium to large-sized dogs. The height of this crossbreed could range from 20 to 23 inches. Its coat is remarkably dense. You should be wary about warm places due to the coat of this dog. The colors of their coat can come out as a combination of white, black, blue, red, cream, silver, and sable. The Australian Shepherd German Shepherd mix makes a very energetic dog, suitable for owners and families with an active lifestyle. This dog also loves going outdoors and exploring nature. The German Shepherd crossed with Australian Shepherd dogs are intelligent dogs. They can be trained well to become service and therapy dogs. High intelligence causes less worry and more pride to the owners. The trainers would require less training time for this crossbreed. The mixed puppy has a clingy nature. Its affectionate nature may also contribute to a fearful state, often leading to separation anxiety. This condition may be averted by employing effective obedience training and socialization. Overall, this crossbreed is a dependable and wonderful companion. Australian Shepherd Crossed with German Shepherd Puppies for Sale Finding a breeder for a crossbreed tends to be more difficult than going into a pet store and purchasing a new pet. The quality of the crossbreed is drastically high when the dog is acquired through reliable breeders. One place where you can spot potential professional breeders is at a dog show. Certified breeders often attend this event. You can gauge the temperament and disposition of some dog breeds during the dog show as well. This event could help you decide better on what breed to get. There are designated and verified parent clubs that you can access and reach out to. These parent clubs provide support for breed-specific studies, along with the help of AKC. You can seek out public opinion regarding some breeders. There are breeders with website and comments. You will see disappointed owners or prospective buyers if the breeder has pending issues on the environment and health problems of the dogs. There is no accessible list of substantiated breeders for the Australian Shepherd German Shepherd Mix dogs at this time. These places are good grounds for acquiring your new family member. Following these steps will assure that your dog will be in top appearance throughout all the seasons. Brushing is an essential part of grooming this mixed breed. The German Shepherd Australian Shepherds shed heavily throughout the year. Brushing is beneficial in developing your bond with your dog as well as its aesthetic value. I recommend two to four times of brushing per week for this crossbreed. Another function of brushing the coat is providing proper insulation for the dog. Some owners prefer this step. This may or may not reduce the insulating property of the coat. There is a possibility that the coat will not grow as well as before it was shaved. While you are brushing its coat, you should also check for tick and flea infestations. You may also need a pair of thinning shears. You need to do minimal trimming of the feet, tail, ears, britches, and legs. With the use of a slicker brush, you will gently brush the hair from the toes toward the leg of the dog. You will cut the hair sticking above the foot and the lengthier hair surrounding the foot. You can use the shears to cut a vertical line at the end of the tail. You only need to cut the hair with excess length. Trimming this part involves following the natural curve of the coat. The special spot to notice is the coat on the ear. If you lack the basic grooming tools or enough time, there are dog wash salons that may also offer grooming services. You can also contact and find professional groomers to help you with the activity. The risk factors and genetic mutations in the parent breeds affect the disposition of the offspring. The Australian Shepherd parent breed is relatively healthier than the other dog breeds. It suffers less skin, coat, and bone problems. It manifests as spontaneous bleeding. Dogs could have internal bleeding in muscles or joints. Hip and elbow dysplasia: This malformation can spontaneously occur to the dog. It leads to joint inflammation at a young dog age. The cartilage in the hip socket is greatly affected in this disease. This degenerative disease ultimately ends in blindness. Epilepsy: It is a serious neurologic disorder that can be triggered by infections and injury. This may have structural or idiopathic causes. For German Shepherd crossed with Australian Shepherd dogs, this health issue has an idiopathic origin. Collie Eye Anomaly: This is a group of eye issues that may be minor to fatal. It may cause unilateral or bilateral disturbances. If you established enough rapport with the breeder, you can contact him more about the proper management of the dogs. Professional breeders will gladly inform you about the health hazards, genetic and non-genetics, and other things you need to watch for. They made the effort to subject the parent dogs and the offspring to screening tests. A regular appointment with a reliable veterinarian can help you a lot in maintaining the health of the German Shepherd Australian Shepherd mix dogs. Australian Shepherd Crossed with German Shepherd Food Requirements You will need a great diet plan to sustain the energy of this agile crossbreed. This mixed pup could grow to a helpful working dog, so it is crucial to maintaining a steady and strong development. A healthy quantity of the dog depends on some variables. It is advisable to divide the food servings into two meals each day. Some essential minerals for the development of puppies are chloride and sodium. They affect the cardiac and skeletal muscles. They also contribute to the correct functioning of the nervous system. Below is a list of the recommended dry food for the Australian Shepherd crossed with German Shepherd dogs. These ingredients contribute to building strong muscles and giving energy to the dog. It is gluten-free. The formula has Omega-3 and Omega-6 for a shiny coat. It also includes minerals for the optimal function of the joints and strength of teeth and bones. Orijen Dog Food: This well-known formulation has a high content of protein, amounting to 75 to 80 percent. The recipe for this dog food is patterned on the diet of the wolf ancestors. Canidae Life Stages: This is quite a one-size-fits-all dog food. It can be suitable for dogs of all ages and kinds. It is equipped with antioxidants, fatty acids, and probiotics. It contains chicken, turkey, lamb, oatmeal, potatoes, brown rice, white rice, and cracked pearled barley. It can be digested easily. It has a healthy source of fat called flaxseed. It is important to know the benefits of this dry food, like its advantage to the brain and eye development. It has vitamins C and E that provide help to the immune system. This is a vet-approved formulation without any artificial flavors and colors. It has whole grain wheat, whole grain corn, whole grain oats, and whole grain corn. Giving proper nutrition does not end in providing the food. You need to monitor if the diet contributes to the good development of the dog. You can check for possible weight gain by touching his spine and ribs. There is a breed standard that the dogs need to achieve. If you are able to feel the ribs, the dog is less likely to be overweight. Owners should be cautious with the possibility of obesity because it may be a manifestation of a systemic disease like hypothyroidism, insulinoma. Your inquiries can be addressed by setting up an appointment with a veterinarian. The professional can also create a detailed diet plan for the dog. There are also some brands that you should keep off of their food bowls, such as the worst dry dog food. Dogs pass on the genes to their puppy pups, and thus they can develop a different taste for food, which is why you can try your luck with the best dry dog food for small dogs or best large breed dry dog food. If you own a puppy, scan through the best puppy food brands, and for gray-coated grandpa doggos, chose something from the best senior dry dog food list. All changes in nutrition should be made after discussing it with your vet. The crossbreed inherited the athletic nature of its parent breeds. The duration of vigorous physical activities should be at least one and a half hour. Different techniques to gain the attention and interest of the Australian Shepherd German Shepherd mix puppies are required to avoid irritability and aggressiveness from manifesting. You can involve the dog in physical activities such as long walks, jogging, hiking, tug-of-war, and fetching. Tug-of-war may intimidate some new owners because it could lead to increased aggression. This has great benefits if done properly, such as teaching about rules and boundaries and bonding with your dog. For fetching activities, the Legendog Flying Disc Rubber Catcher is a great toy that can fly higher than the average flying discs. It has edge bulges to let the dogs bite firmly. It keeps the dog fairly occupied. It has no preservatives, salt, sugar, or plastic. You can give it to dogs of all ages. Australian Shepherd Crossed with German Shepherd Training The German Shepherd crossed with Australian Shepherd dogs has a high possibility of being hailed as service dogs, involved in search and rescue, and therapy dogs. These dogs are highly trainable and willing to learn. The owner has a role in supporting and keeping a level head during the training process. The emotions of the owners could confuse and distract the dogs. Choose particular tasks: You can heighten the productivity of the dog if you choose to train it with specific tasks. These tasks may involve fetching the newspaper or loading the dishwasher. Never hit your dog: This action will affect your bond with the dog. The dog could see you as a threat and attack you. It may develop antisocial personality traits. Basic commands: The breeding instinct of the Australian Shepherd may manifest in their offspring. Invest in obedience classes: Your dog will benefit greatly with knowing the basic commands through formal classes. You can have fewer frustrations as well because another person is responsible for the training. It is important to allow time for the dog to process the commands and avoid unnecessary pressure. Training will also contribute to better mental health for the dogs. If you are hesitant of the proper training techniques for your dog, you can refer to an experienced dog trainer. It is affectionate and loyal to its owners. An important factor in building a good family dynamics with the Australian Shepherd German Shepherds is making the dog feel that it can be part of the family, even if it is still new. You must do early socialization. This will contribute to their potential in becoming therapy dogs, service dogs, or herders. Aside from its benefit to family dynamics, socialization allows the dog to be friendly to your friends. They are also friendly to children. With the proper training and early socialization, you can be assured that these dogs will exhibit minimal herding behaviors with your little children and other animals. You need to be careful in dealing with boredom in these crossbreeds. They could manifest with destructive behaviors if left unattended for a long period of time. These behaviors may include excessive barking which may affect your relationship with your neighbors. Less - This is an athletic dog of medium size and bone; it is lithe, agile and slightly longer than it is tall. It is muscular and powerful enough to work all day, without sacrificing the speed and agility necessary to cope with bolting livestock. Its gait is free and easy, and it must be able to change direction or speed instantly. Its double coat is weather resistant, with the outer coat of medium texture and length, straight to wavy. The expression is keen, intelligent and eager. The Australian shepherd has a great deal of stamina and is loving, bold, alert, confident, independent, smart and responsive. If it doesn't get a chance to exercise and challenge its strongly developed mental and physical activities, it is apt to become frustrated and difficult to live with. With proper exercise and training, it is a loyal, utterly devoted and obedient companion. It is reserved with strangers and has a protective nature. It may try to herd children and small animals by nipping. It is believed that some Basque farmers brought ancestors of these dogs with them when they emigrated to Australia, then subsequently to the United States during the California gold rush. However, the breed as it is known today was developed in the American Southwest over the next few decades. The Australian dog was crossed with several breeds in an effort to produce an animal able to deal with the harsh temperatures and demands of the American West. Australian Shepherds were recognized by the American Kennel Club in .In general, male Aussies are usually more expensive than female dogs, and some coat colors like blue merle are more expensive than others. The price will depend on several factors: The location of the breeder. The rules of supply and demand pertain to dogs as well so larger metropolitan areas are often more expensive. The pedigree of the parents. Aussies that have participated in sanctioned competitions have more expensive litters. Whether the Aussie is a show quality dog, a working dog line or a pet quality dog. Show quality puppies with a future in competitive dog shows and breeding are more expensive. Aussies from a working line are bred with an eye on behavior, not for the same looks as a show dog. In fact, the darker colors that are less popular in Aussie show dog lines are more popular in working dog lines to reduce the risk of sunburn. The age of the dog. Puppies are definitely more expensive; you may occasionally find a breeder selling a retired breeding Australian Shepherd that originated at the breeder but has been returned. The color of the Aussie. AKC recognized four colors : black, blue merle, red and red merle. The blue merle is typically the most expensive color from breeders. Some breeders will also include a health guarantee. See the Health Tests section below to know which tests are important for breeders to perform. In general, a purposeful Australian Shepherd mix or crossbreed is lower priced than a purebred Australian Shepherd—but that can vary with the mix. And there are a LOT of purposeful mixes. The Aussiedoodle, one of the many Doodle crosses that include a Poodle parent, is a popular mix—and can cost more than a purebred Aussie. Health Tests for Aussies Like all breeds, Australian Shepherds are susceptible to several orthopedic and hereditary diseases—so reputable breeders will conduct testing on both parents to help ensure a healthy litter. A mutation in the HSF4 gene can cause cataracts in some breeds, including Aussies. This mutation permits drugs to impact the brain and can cause neurological problems and even death. Ivermectin—the drug in many heartworm preventatives—is just one drug that cannot be given to dogs with this condition. It tests for over genetic diseases and conditions—including the MDR1 genetic mutation to help you select heartworm preventative. Attend a sanctioned dog show and talk with breeders and competitors for recommendations. Ask your veterinarian for recommendations regarding reputable breeders. Check the Facebook page of the breeder and read through the comments. Remember, however, that comments can be deleted by the page owner. The breeder should be happy to share the name and contact information for customers. Ask questions. Lots of questions. The breeder should be glad to share the test results from the health tests and screenings and should be happy to let you meet at least the mother if not the sire as well of the Aussie puppies. Ask how often the dogs are bred. Ask to tour the kennels. Are they well maintained? Do the dogs look healthy? Beware of operations that will not let you tour the kennels and breeders that want to meet you in a parking lot to hand over the puppy. Be prepared for questions. The breeder should ask YOU questions as well; be suspicious if the breeder has no questions about your past history with pets, your living situation, etc. The breeder should want to know how much experience you have with herding breeds, what your training plans are and your plans for exercising the dog. Aussies require a lot of exercise! Ask if the breeder will take the Aussie back if necessary. Ask for a contract. If medical problems are diagnosed, the breeder should readily take the pup back and provide a full refund. Australian Shepherd breeders may adopt out of the area but, nonetheless, you will want to go to the breeder to meet the parents, view the kennels and bring home your puppy in person. This will add to your expenses—but breeders that transport a puppy by air are putting the dog at risk. If you want to buy an Australian Shepherd online, please think again. There are numerous scams; people spend thousands of dollars for a dog and never receive a puppy. AKC warns potential pet parents to be wary of any seller asking for payment by Venmo, in gift cards or as a wire transfer. Dogs purchased from puppy mills can mean years of heartache and expensive veterinary care—and perpetuating a cruel industry. The pros of purchasing from an Australian Shepherd breeder: You may be able to select a puppy—including a choice of color and gender. A reputable breeder will be passionate about Aussies and will a resource for years to come. The cons of purchasing from a Aussie breeder You will pay far more for a Aussie from a breeder than a rescue or shelter. If you find a breeder who has Australian Shepherd puppies for sale at prices much lower than you are seeing from other Aussie breeders, you must suspect you are dealing with a backyard breeder who has not done health screening, with an online seller who is operating a puppy mill or with someone who is running a scam. You will need to wait until puppies are available. You will need to do your own due diligence to select a reputable breeder. Australian Shepherds in rescues are far less expensive that those at a breeder. Puppies under a year old will be the most costly. Because Aussies are such a popular breed, there are many Aussie rescues. Breed rescues generally have more stringent adoption processes to ensure a good fit both for you and the Aussie. For example, Lone Star Aussie Rescue only adopts to families without children under age 5 in the home because of the energetic nature and herding instinct of the breed. Many rescues will require a home visit as well. The dogs that are up for adoption at Aussie rescues may be there for a variety of reasons: Death of an owner. Lost Aussies that the rescue had seen on shelter websites. Australian Shepherds a breeder no longer wanted. Whatever the reason, Aussies in rescue may or may not come with papers, depending on whether or not the dog was surrendered with papers. You may also find Aussie rescues at pet expos and special events in your area. Rescues will often have a booth with information on the rescue and a few adoptable dogs. Most dogs at breed rescues are pulled from shelters, often open-intake shelters that may not be no-kill shelters. You will be able to adopt an Australian Shepherd or Australian Shepherd mix for far less money than purchasing a dog from a breeder. You will be able to talk with people who are passionate about the Aussie breed about the individual dog you are interested in adopting. You will have a network of assistance to help with your questions as you acclimate an Australian Shepherd into your life. Your dog may or may not be a purebred Australian Shepherd and may or may not have papers. Some dogs are turned into breed rescue by owners who have papers and a full background on the dog, however. The least expensive option when it comes to Australian Shepherd prices is the shelter, either a municipal shelter or a privately-operated shelter. To locate an Aussie at a shelter, call your local shelter or start your search online. Click on the link of adoptable Aussies in the top left corner; you can then enter your zip code to see adoptables near you. The listings will include both rescues and shelters. You can search for dogs by age and gender—and by distance some shelters and rescues will adopt out of area. You can also search by color if you are set on a particular coat color. Unlike adopting from a breed rescue, dogs at a shelter will generally be housed at the shelter although an increasing number utilize foster homes whenever they can, especially for puppies. If the dog is housed at the shelter, you may not know a lot about his or her personality. Talk with the shelter staff and ask if the dog has been temperament tested and if they can tell you if the dog is skittish, shy, outgoing, has any prior training, etc. Ask the shelter if they have any background on the dogs; you may be surprised to find a puppy whose purebred mother came in as a pregnant lost dog and gave birth at the shelter. It definitely happens. And while you may see dogs listed as an Aussie at a shelter or on online adoption sites, that may or may not mean they are Aussies, purebred or mixed. Shelters use their best judgement, often while intaking many dogs, so sometimes the accuracy of the breed is questionable. You can certainly scroll through the listings—but you can also sort by coat length and color to help bring more more potential Aussie adoptables. The Pros of Adopting an Australian Shepherd from a Shelter You are saving a life, not only of the dog you adopt but of the next dog who will be rescued due to the kennel that is now clear. Your new dog will have received a long list of veterinary services. You will have the love of a dog whose price was far less than that of a dog from a breeder. You may not know the history of the dog. These dogs, with white fur and pale eyes, at first glance almost look like albino dogs with little pigment. A closer look will often show abnormally small eyes or eyes with deformed iris. Not by a long shot. Microchipping Not every pet owner decides to microchip their cat or dog, but they should. If your Aussie ever gets loose of their collar, then anyone who finds them has no way to identify the dog. According to Petfinder , 52 percent of lost dogs with microchips make it back home after being lost. Dogs without microchips get returned at a far lower rate, just 22 percent. Food Your Aussie has got to eat, right? How often you feed your dog, the type of food, and if you have other pups at home will all go towards the monthly cost of feeding your Aussie. Take a look at it here. Oh, and toys too, lots of toys, like squeaky rubber ones and soft plush toys. This is about in line with many other dog breed prices, which is good to know. Buying your Aussie is only the beginning, of course. Ever since then, my family and I have been constantly learning and immersing myself with these wonderful and intriguing dogs. Now with 6 Aussie's and a couple Australian Cattle Dogs aka Blue Heelers in the family tree, We've learned from on-the-ground experience what makes the Australian breeds different than "regular dogs" and what doesn't. This is the site where we share everything we've learned. 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Litter Box Training Your Puppy A step by step guide exclusively from Midwest Chihuahuas I get a lot of questions about litter training so I wanted to take a few minutes to explain the in's and outs of getting your puppy or dog accustomed to the litter box. I have had great success with litter box training and HIGHLY recommend it to people who own toy breed dogs, especially the very small such as Chihuahuas and Yorkies as their little bladders are not as capable as larger dogs, even those over .Choice of litter is VERY important. DO NOT use cat litter for training you puppy!!! I have heard of people doing this and it is BAD. Cat litter can get stuck in their pads and they can lick it off their coat causing expensive and harmful gastro-intestinal complications. It is in an orange bag and can be purchased at any fine petstore. If you don't see it at your pet store, ASK. They might carry it for you or tell you somewhere that does. Starting Out Oftentimes when you get your puppy, it will have started being trained to paper or "wee wee" pads that sit on the floor. If you did get a puppy like this, great, as this is an easy transition to make. If your puppy has no idea and won't use the pads either, hope is not lost. First off, get your pup to use newspaper or a pad in a designated area or two of your home. The boxes state adult size and weight so this is an easy step. These are great boxes with a "lip" for your little one to get in. I don't use cat boxes so I can't comment on how they might work. I believe in sticking to what works. If you like the paper can go over the edges of the box. Your puppy might need the same encouragement to use the paper with the litter under it, but give it to them. You are on the right track. Your pup now knows where to go and how. Your puppy might need a little encouragement with the litter, but has, over time, learned this is the way to keep you happy with their potty habits. Show less X This article was co-authored by Beverly Ulbrich. She has also been featured on TV as a dog behavior expert. Beverly has over 18 years of dog behavior training experience and specializes in dog aggression and anxiety training. This article has 23 testimonials from our readers, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed , times. Some say that Chihuahuas are notoriously hard to potty train. However, this is not true, as they are actually very smart and trainable. The biggest difficulty with house training Chihuahuas is their small size, which can make it difficult to spot when they are scooping down to go to the bathroom. By keeping a close eye on them, being consistent with taking them out and training them, your Chihuahua can be house trained. All rights reserved. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc. Dogs make a positive effort to repeat behaviors that get a reward. Thus if you ask a Chihuahua to "sit" and it rewarded when it does, it learns that doing something which comes naturally sitting can earn a tasty reward. The same applies to potty training. When the dog performs a natural bodily function in a specific spot peeing or pooping and gets a rewards, it then tries to save up its "efforts" to spend them on that designated spot in order to earn a super tasty treat. Reward-based training requires you to be on the spot when the desired behavior happens, which means you need to be home to take the dog to the toilet spot regularly. Find a treat that your Chihuahua loves and adores, and will work hard to earn. Try a range of foods from commercial treats to chicken, cheese cubes, sausages, or hot dogs. If your dog has health issues always check in with your veterinarian first to make sure there is no health reason why it shouldn't have a certain food. You can, and should, start training your dog at about 8 weeks. Training takes time, so start slowly and have patience. Remember that the older a Chihuahua gets, the harder it is to train them. So it will benefit you greatly to get started early. Pat Miller. Howell Book House Decide where you want your Chihuahua to toilet. When bringing a puppy home, the first place you visit, before even setting foot indoors, is the toilet spot. Ignore the puppy's attempt to play and engage you so that he or she gets down to the business of sniffing around. If the puppy toilets, make a super big fuss of him or her and give a treat. Give the Chihuahua adult or puppy plenty of chances to visit the toilet spot. Even if you have a dog flap, you need to be proactive and take the dog out and put him or her on the spot. The dog won't automatically know that's where you want it to go to the bathroom without being shown. Pippa Mattinson. Ebury Press For a puppy, take him or her out every 20 minutes when its awake. If the dog toilets, then be enthusiastic and give it a treat. If it doesn't toilet, bring him or her back inside and try again 20 minutes later, but keep an extra vigilant eye on it in the meantime. You want to spot if he or she attempts to squat indoors so you can scoop it up and take it outside. Ebury Press Crates are a great boon when house training because it acts as the dog's den and instinct makes it less likely to soil its den. However, do not crate for hours at a time. Remember the crate should be a dog's safe place not a prison, so alternate crating with play and time on the leash. For an adult Chi, take him or her out hourly. Set an alarm to remind you each hour. Food in the stomach triggers a reflex that causes the dog to move its bowel around 15 - 30 minutes after eating. Make use of this reflex by popping the Chihuahua outside after meals and waiting with him or her until it performs. Howell Book House Do not leave the dog unattended at the toilet spot or you will miss the magic moment and lose the chance to reward it. Howell Book House Decide on a cue word such as "toilet" or "business" to use when training. Make sure all family members know and use the same word, otherwise your Chihuahua will get confused. Once your Chihuahua has finished going to the bathroom, be sure to praise it and give a treat. This helps him or her to associate going to the toilet with that specific area and makes it eager to return there. Activate a dog-training clicker while the dog is going to the bathroom. This makes a click-clack noise that gets associated with getting a reward. By making a click-clack whilst the dog is toileting, it marks the exact moment of the behavior you are committing to reward. Now say your cue word "Toilet. The final step is to take the dog to the toilet spot and just say the cue word "toilet. If the dog doesn't try, then you have gone a step too far and will need to go back to waiting for him or her to go to the bathroom, click-clack, and say the cue word. Try the advanced stage again a few days later. This is especially handy when it's pouring with rain or freezing out. Ebury Press A puppy cannot hold his or her bladder overnight and so should be offered a toilet break every 4 hours during the night. However, downplay removing the puppy from its crate and keep things low key so that he or she isn't rewarded with attention that would encourage wakefulness and play. Merely scoop the Chihuahua up and without speaking to it take it out to the toilet spot. The dog's bladder will be full so it should urinate. As soon as its finished bring it back in, pop it into its crate or bed, and settle back down to sleep yourself. All of this should be done without interacting so that he or she understands it's strictly toilet time and not play. For speedy training, be vigilant and spot signs that your Chihuahua needs to go to the bathroom and is thinking about toileting in the house. Watch for behavior such as sidling up to furniture and sniffing, or sniffing the carpet and maneuvering as if to squat. When you see that behavior immediately scoop the dog up and pop it outside on to the toilet spot. It can help to keep the Chihuahua on a leash in the house, so that it can't wander off to a quiet corner and indulge itself in a spot of illicit peeing. When it's not possible to be with the dog, put it into its crate. However, you need to be sure to observe the 20 minute toilet break rule for pups and 1 hour for adults. Ebury Press Your goal with potty training is teaching your dog how to ask to go outside. That way, you can confidently take them anywhere without an accident. Aug 13, Share Chihuahuas get a pretty bad rap for being difficult to potty train. If you would like to train your Chihuahua pup efficiently, you need to take the right approach tailored to your specific dog. Obviously, the younger the Chihuahua is, the easier it will be to train. However, you can train a dog at any stage of life to go to the bathroom outside. Remember that Chihuahuas have much smaller bladders than many other dogs. Because they are so small, they do have to use the bathroom more frequently. Puppy Pad Training a Chihuahua Puppy pad training is a very popular method for small breeds. After all, you have work, school, and all sorts of other activities on your schedule. You might even be cooking dinner and miss a cue that your dog needs to go outside. Having a puppy pad around provides a safe space for your dog to use the bathroom without you having to clean up any messes. Of course, puppy pads come with their pros and cons. Pros Puppy pads are disposable, making them easy to dirty and throw away. Puppy pad packages usually last a while and come with several in a pack. Depending on other methods of training, puppy pants might be a cleaner alternative. Cons Continuing to use puppy pads long-term might deter your Chihuahua from learning to use the bathroom outside. Depending on the brand of puppy pads, things can get quite messy. To sum it all up, puppy pad training really depends on the dog and the owner. Puppy pads should not be an encouragement to use the bathroom in the house their entire lives. Unless you are in a predicament where you cannot take your dog outside regularly, puppy pads should be a short-term fix for a long-term solution. Litter Box Training a Chihuahua While it might sound peculiar, many toy breeds are taught to use litter boxes these days. One major complaint about small breeds is that they are tough to potty train. Their small size, in combination with their stubbornness, can create a hassle for their owners. To cut corners, litter boxes seem to be a better alternative to puppy pads in some cases. Litter boxes might be a bit more sanitary than puppy pads—but they can be messy. Ultimately, litter boxes provide a surefire way that your dog has an enclosure that they feel safe using the bathroom. Pros Litter boxes can provide a safe, private spot for your dog to go to the bathroom indoors. If you live in an apartment or work long hours, this is a terrific lawn-like solution. You can eliminate the likelihood of accidents on your upholstery, carpets, and household fabrics. It can be an excellent option for senior chihuahuas experiencing incontinence issues. Cons Things can get pretty messy, depending on how much your Chihuahua flicks out the contents. Cleanup is a bit more strenuous than simply tossing out a puppy pad. If you have a digger on your hands, it might serve as a play station rather than a bathroom space. Only you can decide if litter box training would work in your particular situation. This option can be an excellent alternative for toy breeds because of its convenience. Doggy Doors If you have the right kind of environment, offering a doggie door might work for your little guy. Since Chihuahuas are so small and have trouble holding their pee or poop, allowing them access outdoors at their leisure can help. Of course, you would need a fenced-in and secure backyard. Are Chihuahuas Hard to Train? Chihuahuas have quite the reputation for being stubborn little buggers. Many owners believe that they do definitely have a mind of their own. When it comes to training, this can make things a little bit complicated. You can find it comparable to having a rebellious child. Even potty-trained Chihuahuas can exhibit this behavior. If you maintain your level of patience by implementing the proper attitude, motivation, and positive reinforcement, you have a trained Chihuahua in no time. You can introduce your Chihuahua by letting them sniff and explore the area. Once you choose the spot, it will need to stay the same. Set a Schedule Nothing will work faster for your Chihuahua than keeping a consistent schedule. The amount of time you wait in between bathroom breaks will depend on their age dog. Once you get a feel for your pup, you will be able to keep a mental note on exactly how long it takes for them to need out. June 29, Just got a spunky chihuahua puppy? And when we say little, we mean little. Chihuahuas taking part in dog shows have a maximum weight of six pounds, but not so fast. Before we speak about dog shows you need to learn how to train a chihuahua first. Maybe you think house training will be a breeze since chihuahuas are so intelligent. Not so fast! While this breed is clever, it is easily distracted and quite difficult on occasion. Chihuahuas are no different. These dogs are always a training challenge. With this in mind, start obedience and house training early. Many experts recommend house training from around eight weeks old. Be consistent and keep a positive mindset every time you interact with your dogs. You may use a crate , litter box, paper, or puppy pads to help house train your chihuahua puppy. Some owners simply take their chihuahua puppies outside. While most of us associate litter boxes with our feline friends, you can also use them for house training chihuahua puppies too. If you use paper or puppy pads for your dog to pee on, have a large supply. To house train your puppy, bring your chihuahua puppy to the designated area for example, the litter box or outside every morning, as soon as you wake up. Make sure to go outside or bring your pup to the litter box several times a day, including before bedtime and after the puppy has water and food. Set your puppy up for success when training your new pet. The more chances they have to do this the right way, the less chance there is of accidents. Make these opportunities as evenly spread out through the day as possible. As long as you are consistent, your puppy will start to link the litter box or being outside with going potty. As an added incentive, give Fido rewards and praise when they get it right. For instance, offer your puppy prizes and treats as positive reinforcement. Many dog owners let their pets sleep on the bed or sofa. If you do this, prompt house training is even more important than it would be otherwise. Dog owners with carpets also need to be especially attentive to house training. After all, this kind of flooring is much harder to clean than other, more wipeable surfaces. Getting your chihuahua puppy well-trained and versed in self-control will put you in a better position to remedy this problem. As with many other skills, self-control gets stronger with practice. Hold onto the leash. Using the leash, lead your chihuahua in that direction. After the dog notices it and clearly wants it, gently pull him away. When your dog finally complies, give them a reward. Be patient, and remember that practice makes perfect when training dogs. Is this your first time owning a puppy? Here are some tips for training your new dog. Remember, in addition to house training your puppy, you should also teach it basic commands such as sit, down, and stay. Your puppy needs to be properly trained so you can live with him happily and take him for the walks he needs. Dog Toys Puppies love to play, so use that enthusiasm for toys when you train them to improve their behavior. Play with your pet as positive reinforcement, and give your chihuahua the exercise and mental stimulation he needs for health and well-being. Playtime is great for giving your puppy positive reinforcement. Start playing with your puppy from the very beginning. These are tiny and delicate dogs that can easily get injured. Tasty Treats Treats are a fantastic way to positively reinforce desirable behavior. When you want to teach your chihuahua new behaviors, food treats are a great basic tool. These rewards act as positive reinforcement, making your dog more likely to behave the way you want in the future. When there is, they could be prone to get distracted or stressed. Teach Your Chihuahua Obedience Training Once your chihuahua reaches six months old, you could get him professional obedience training. Stick to training at home before then, as your pup will be too young. Even when you bring your pet to a dog training professional, you still have to be consistent and reinforce the training at home. Find an experienced professional trainer with a record of training small dogs since they have very specific needs and behavior. Moreover, going with the wrong trainer could lead to behavioral issues after you finish training. Is a Chihuahua Puppy Right for You? This dog is quite delicate, and children can easily injure it. Luckily, there are plenty of other dog breeds that are ideal family pets who will tolerate unruly behavior. Further, like other dog breeds, a chihuahua needs quality time with its person. Ask your vet about how often and how much you should feed your chihuahua. As an extremely small breed, your chihuahua may be prone to obesity if they eat excessively out of boredom. Are Chihuahuas Hard to Train? If your living situation is right for a chihuahua and you have the time and energy for this breed, dog training should be an enjoyable and memorable experience. Be patient and have fun working with your dog. Be consistent and dedicated when potty training your chihuahua, being understanding when your pet seems confused. Give him positive reinforcement when he does the right thing, and teach your chihuahua to go potty exactly where he should. For more information about how to train a chihuahua, dogs, dog training, and more, stop by and search our website! Jovan Jovan is the co-owner of The Wise Pup. Tweet Pin This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn More Small dogs like chihuahuas can learn to use a litter box, just like cats. But they are ideal for some pet parents. They are great for people who have trouble walking and have difficulty taking their dog out. They may work well for small dogs who live in colder climates. Setting up the Box Find a low traffic area away from people, food, water, and the dog bed. Dogs do not like to poop or pee in their dens, so find a place the dog does not spend a lot of time in. It is a good idea to keep it in a place you can periodically have in your line of sight. Using a box will prevent spillage, as well as anything from soaking through to the floor. It also helps the dog have better accuracy. Boxes especially made for small dogs can be found at pet stores or online. If you are on a budget or simply enjoy doing things yourself, it is easy to make your own box. You can use the bottom of an old rabbit cage, cardboard boxes they will have to replace every so often , or a cat litter tray if your dog is small enough. There has to be some material inside the box to absorb the waste. Many people use puppy pads. These are great because they are easy to dispose of, and they have an attractant that helps teach the dog. Once they are trained, newspapers can be used. For those looking to cut down on waste, old towels can be washed and reused. There are also washable potty pads available too. I have talked to several people who have had luck actually using cat litter in the litter box but most people who have tried that say their dogs hated the feel of the litter on their paws and would not go into the box. There are also doggy lawns you by which are small strips of grass you can get real grass or artificial grass that sits in a tray that your dog can use to potty on. Chihuahuas tend to take a long time before they consistently use their box. If you see your dog always pooping in a specific place, try moving their box there. It is important to accept the fact that you will have a lot of messes to clean up. There will be poop and urine on your floors, possibly multiple times a day. This is an unfortunate part of owning a dog who has not been housebroken. You must stay calm. Even if you are angry or frustrated, try to take a deep breath and relax. Your dog will pick up on your stress, which can make training even more difficult. Litter Training You can try to prevent some messes by controlling when your dog has food and water. By scheduling when they drink and eat, you can get an idea of when they will need to go. Every dog has different timing, but you will soon learn how long it takes your dog to defecate after meals. Puppies will need to go much more often, usually upon waking, about 10 minutes or so after meals, throughout the day every few hours and before bed. When you see the dog assume the position, gently carry them to their box and set them in it. They may try to jump back out; when this happens, put them back in. Do this a few times. They may use their box, or they may act like they no longer needs to potty. If they use their box, shower them with affection and praise. You can also use treats to reinforce the dog using the box. You can help your dog realize that the litter box is where you want them to potty by using an attractant spray. Or when you are cleaning up one of their mistakes, take the paper towel you used and put it in the litter box. Repeat this process as many times as it takes. Be sure to thoroughly clean any mistakes, using specialized cleaners. You have to get rid of any smell. Otherwise, the dog will think anyplace the scent is must be an acceptable place to poop and pee. Never use punishment. It is an ineffective way to train dogs. Believe it or not, dogs want to please their owners. It just takes a while for them to learn what it is that you want. With some patience and perseverance, your dog will learn where it can defecate. Housebreaking can be a long and frustrating process, but it will not take forever. Work with your dog and help them understand what the rules of your house are. Have you ever tried a litter box with your dog? Or know someone who has? Post Views: 2, All of our puppies are litter box trained and pee pad trained Wait, did that just say that ALL of our puppies are litter box trained? Yes, all of our puppies are litter box trained. At around 4wks of age our puppies start exploring their space and find the litter box. By 6wks of age they are completely litter box trained! You can see our litter box trained chihuahua puppies take care of their business in their litter box! It makes things easier when you take them home. Imagine a cold or rainy day, you are late for work, and you are in walking circles trying to get them to potty. It would be so much easier if your chihuahua puppy came litter box trained! Read on to learn more about why a litter box trained chihuahua puppy makes takes away the stress of housebreaking. There are so many ways to housebreak. Most methods had people calling me, frustrated, for the first two weeks! A few years ago, my brother told me that he wanted one of my puppies. He lives in a tiny apartment in NYC, and I started researching litter box training for chihuahua puppies. So even when the snow covers what little grass they have, he never has to worry about where his pup will potty! It is important to remember that your pup should be taken outside on a regular basis for exercise and Vitamin D. How does it work? Most of our litter box trained chihuahua puppies never have an accident, although a few take about a few days to get used to a new litter box. If they get busy playing and forget to look around for the box, they might have an accident. No big deal! Just move the poop into the litter box, and that makes a big difference. Keep in mind that consistancy is the number one rule. A puppy will generally want to pee every hour, and will poop 30min after eating, this will be true for the first few weeks. I always suggest you let a puppy play for about 30min and then let them have a 15min break in their chihuahua puppy playpen with their pee pad or litter box. We will walk you through getting all of the supplies, and are always happy to answer questions as your new litter box trained chihuahua puppy makes the transition into your home. Being litter box trained early in life will make any form of housebreaking you decide to do even easier! They transition to doing their business in the backyard super easy. Placing the pad in the box eliminates

Now that you know some of the best German Shepherd breeders in New Jersey, you must be wondering how much you will need to pay for a good puppy from a reputable breeder. The price of the German Shepherd Puppy can vary depending on several factors, including the breeder, the location, lineage, and their purpose in life. If you are getting a dog from a high-end breeder with a prestigious line of German Shepherds, you will of course need to pay a much higher price. As this dog breed is extremely intelligent and useful in many disciplines of working life, they are not usually purchased as pets, so you will have to expect to pay a little bit more, as their price increases because of this. Also, the price of a puppy will significantly rise if the breeder has done all the health tests and has each certificate to prove this. These dogs are less likely to suffer from any health conditions later in life, and are therefore, much more expensive. On the other hand, if you are looking to buy a service or police dog, then you can expect to pay a lot. Even though they can be really pricey, these dogs are worth it, believe me — their intelligence, capabilities, great temperament, and companionship make up for the money invested. We have done this research and compiled all this important information in order to help you choose a perfect breeder that will provide you with the best possible puppy. We hate to see our readers regret their decision of getting a puppy, just because they ran into a breeder that does not care about his dogs and clients. A true lover of dogs will never let their pups end up with just anyone, but will make sure that the potential buyer actually loves owning dogs and has the appropriate conditions for raising such a dog. On the other hand, a reputable breeder will also make sure that all his puppy parents are in perfect health, so the future puppies will also be healthy and happy. These are just some of the things you need to be careful of when looking for a German Shepherd breeder. Once you have that little fur pup with you at home, I am sure that you will forget all the stress and time spent in the process of searching for the right one, and he or she will bring light and happiness into your life. Related Content:. For the complete list please see our German Shepherd Breeders page. When looking for a German Shepherd pup, there are a few things you should take into account before making your purchase. When purchasing a German Shepherd puppy, be prepared to make a long-term commitment to taking care of your new family member. They will require regular exercise, plenty of socialization, and training. With proper care, your GSD will be by your side for many years to come. Reputable breeders are more than happy to show you where the dog was born, raised, and even introduce you to its parents. As part of your purchase agreement with a breeder, make sure there is some sort of guarantees included on the health of the pup for up to 1 year after making your purchase. This warranty will ensure you can take your pup to the vet if any health problems do arise in the future. Visit Your New Jersey German Shepherd Breeder in Person Before handing over your money, you should be allowed to visit with the puppies and their parents. If everything looks good and the breeder is reputable, take the time to ask them as many questions as you can about the pup, its parents, and how it has been raised. This will help you get a sense of what to expect in the years ahead. A responsible German Shepherd breeder will be more than happy to answer any and all of your questions and provide additional information beyond what is covered in this article. They should make you feel confident that you are making the right decision in purchasing one of their puppies. Reputable breeders typically want to ensure their pups go home and stay home with the right family so may be hesitant about giving out too much information over the phone or the internet. References will also give you an idea of what you should expect if you decide to purchase a dog from your new breeder. By talking to them and seeing how they interact with their dog, it will give you an idea of what life is really like living with one of these loyal companions. Meeting with past customers will also help you get a sense of whether the breeder is reputable or not. If everything looks good, take the time to ask your breeder for specific contact information from these families so you can reach out to them on your own. This will give you an idea of what questions to ask and what to look for when meeting with potential dog owners. This means they should be taking them for yearly check-ups and vaccines, grooming them regularly, and feeding them high-quality dog food that meets all their nutritional needs. The best place to get your dog is from a breeder who has an established relationship with a veterinarian they use on a regular basis. A good professional will be able to answer any questions you have about taking care of your dog and what it takes to keep them healthy throughout its life. Look Out for The Signs of An Unethical German Shepherd Dog Breeder in New Jersey Unfortunately, not all breeders are ethical and some may try to take advantage of your lack of knowledge or willingness to ask the right questions. There are plenty of them out there, you just need to be patient and do your research. This can include anything from congenital defects to health issues that may arise as the dog gets older. This will prevent them from getting out and exploring on their own. A Word on Crate Training You may want to consider crate training as your German Shepherd pup gets older as it can be a very effective tool for potty training and teaching them their boundaries. However, if not used properly, this method could actually cause more harm than good. 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. Website: Alkarah German Shepherds 3. Vogelhaus German Shepherds Vogelhaus German is another German shepherd breeder which is located in New Jersey, With over 14 years of experience in the veterinary industry, both general practice and emergency and critical care medicine they know very well about the health of the puppies and pay special attention to it. As a German shepherd breeder, it is my aim to provide my clients with dogs who can be active members of the family, team members, and best friends. These dogs must be stable mentally and physically as well. All their German shepherd puppies are free from genetic diseases and come with a 2-year health warranty that you can count on. If you want to know more about that breeder check out their Website. They are also great for protecting your home and loved ones because they have a strong protective instinct. We will discuss four things you should look for when choosing a breeder so that you can find the perfect pup for you! Do a lot of research: It is important to do your proper research before choosing a German Shepherd breeder. If you want the best possible puppy. Always Buy from a Reputable Breeder: Buy from a reputable breeder that has been breeding German Shepherd breed for a while. Remember, if they are not a member of the national kennel club or one of its regional affiliates, they are not reputable. Health Checks: Reputable German Shepherd Breeders always ensure that their pups healthy and free from genetic diseases. They should be able to provide you with all the health clearances for both of their parents. Hip and elbow clearances done by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals. The price can vary depending on where you buy them and how much of a special offer the breeder is offering for their pup! The cost of a German Shepherd puppy can be expensive, For many things; but it is worth every penny. They also have unique features that set them apart from other breeds like size or personality. If you know any great German Shepherd breeder who lives in New Jersey, please let us know in the comments below. What is the Breeder Name? Where are they located in New Jersey? It really helps others who are looking for German Shepherd puppies in New Jersey. If you are looking for the best German Shepherd Breeders in New Jersey, you can consider one of these breeders. Post navigation. Darya is a deep Rich black and Red that is very social with people and animals. Darya is Excellent in large crowds and very alert to her surroundings. Check out her certified pedigree. Mash is absolutely beautiful with her thick bone structure and her willingness to please. Mash is energetic in all that she does, especially when you see her during her protection work. Mash is extremely social; excellent with kids. Mash has been raised in a home with kids. She easily handles going thru stores or being at your office. Mash is currently trained at the Body Guard Level. Mash is excelling towards The Executive Family Protector. He is very social and a complete gentleman with people, kids and other dogs. He is Excelent in the house travels Great. His obedience is solid with Great recalls. His protection is Powerful just like him. Patton is the Ultimate K9, your first and last line of Defense!! Rea has great nerves and strength, she excels in all that she does. Rea is very social, excellent with kids, great in large crowds and with other pets. Rea will make a Great family Guardian. For more information please contact Bobby at or bobby metrok9. Bruno is extremely social and has been well socialized with children and other pets. Bruno has been raised in a very busy home that is on-the-go all the time with carpooling and going to practices. He rides great in the car and is a perfect gentleman. Bruno is currently being trained to a level 1 and is excelling in all aspects. His obedience is coming Strong and attentive, his bite work is confident with full grips in his bites. Warrior is very social Good with kids and other pets. His obedience is very happy and energetic always willing to please. When working him in Bite work his Bark is very strong and deep with a bite that backs it up being always full and Strong. Warrior has a strong demeanor and structure, people always ask before approaching, but once you give him the OK command He accepts anyone. Warrior will make the ultimate Family Protector and the sky is the limit for his training. Call Bobby at or email at bobby metrok9. Xamu can keep competing in the Sport or be your Executive K9, to Protect your family and home. Xamu obedience is energetic while his Protection is powerful with full grips. Xamu has great nerves, he is very social with people and kids, also very good with other dogs. Xamu presence alone will intimidate any intruder or deter the unwanted guest. He is the complete package!!! Champ can keep competing in the Sport or be your Executive K9, to Protect your family and home. Champs obedience is energetic while his Protection is powerful with full grips. Champ has great nerves, he is very social with people and kids, also very good with other dogs. Champs presence alone will intimidate any intruder or deter the unwanted guest. Please contact Bobby for more information. Check out his pedigree. Prince is a Son of Gary Vom Huhngrab. He is the the total package weather you are looking for a top Competitor, Looking to turn your Breeding program up or looking for that high Executive K9 to Protect your estate and Family. Prince has nervous of Steel Great with kids and other pets, excellent in any situation, his appearance alone will stop anyone in there tracks before it escalates, But if need be Prince will protect till the end. Click below for certified pedigree. Contact Bobby for more information. Please contact Bobby at or email bobby metrok9. Lulu is very well mannered and social, he is Good in crowds and loves to work. Lulu has a Great Obedience with excellent drives who is always willing to please his handler. Lulu has a full mouth Grip in his bite work and is extremely calm and confident. Lulu is currently on the path of getting his Schutzhund BH and 1, but is also doing bite suite work with Multiple attackers. Lulu with all his drives, temperament and willingness, will make the Ultimate K9 partner or The President Family Protector for your home and family. For more info please call Bobby or email bobby metrok9. He is crate trained house broken, has basic and Advanced obedience and protection. Max is very social, gentle with kids, and excellent with other animals. Max has lived in a home and has traveled extensively in cars, busses, trains and even boats. He easily handles going thru stores or being at your office. Max already went thru and passed his AKC puppy S. Max can be brought to you with one of our master trainers for a 3 day training course. Prices vary depending on location. For any other questions please call Bobby at or email bobby metrok9. You can check out her daughter Reagan from the last litter, also on our YouTube channel you can see her son Duke. Taylor is also perfectly mannered and excellent with kids and other animals. If there are any other questions please call Bobby at .He is Superior in every way from his beautiful black and Red coat to his heavy bone structure. Dillinger is very social with everyone from little kids to visiting people at the local nursing home, he loves the attention. Dillinger will make the ultimate Family Protector and the sky is the limit for his training. Dillinger can be brought to you by one of our master trainers for a 3 day training course, Prices vary depending on location. Lucas is all business and needs time to warm up to you but after that he is very loving and willing to do what ever you want. Lucas would do excellent guarding your yard or building, he would also be an Extreme personal protection K9, He would without a doubt take a bullet for his owners. Lucas is clean in a house and crates up easily , he has basic obedience and personal protection. For more information call Bobby at or email bobby metrok9. Thena is a lot of fun to work with always having a positive and willing attitude. Thena is very social and loving, excellent with kids. Thena is has everything it takes to be your next family Protector. Thena is AKC registered. If you have any other questions please, call Bobby at or email bobby metrok9. Sarabie was used in are breeding program, she has raised 2 litters. Sarabie was raised I n a home with little kids and a male Shepherd. She shows all the perfect drives and manners, that you would look for in a your perfect Family protector. Sarabie is very sweet and easily handled. Please call Bobby at or email; bobby metrok9. He is Superior in every way from his beautiful coat to his heavy bone structure. Axel is very social with everyone from little kids to visiting people at the local nursing home, he loves the attention. Axels obedience and protection is strong and very loyal to the handler, with his strong demeanor and structure people always ask before approaching, but once you give him the OK command He accepts anyone. Axel will make the ultimate Family Protector and the sky is the limit for his training. Axel can be brought to you by one of our master trainers for a 3 day training course, Prices vary depending on location. Larro can keep competing in the Sport or be your Executive K9, to Protect your family and home. Larro has great nerves, he is very social with people and kids, also very good with female dogs. Gynna is very social excellent with people and kids, stable nervous, nothing startles her. She is sweet, lovable but always keeping an eye on her surroundings. Call Bobby for more information. Reagan Reagan is a year old Black Sable female with red under coat. She is absolutely beautiful with her thick bone structure and her beautiful head. Reagan is commonly mistaken for a male, especially when you see her during her protection work. Reagan is extremely social; excellent with kids and all dogs. Reagan has been raised in a home and has traveled extensively in cars, busses, trains and even boats. Reagan is currently trained at the Executive Family Protector level with a few extra skillsets. Reagan is excelling towards The Presidential Family Protector. Reagan is also going for her pet therapy and AKC Good citizenship certificates. Reagan can be brought to you with one of our master trainers for a 3 day training course. Bama has been raised in a home which has been on-the-go with a carpooling to all practices. Bama is currently with one of our top trainers at college. He is living off campus in a frat house and keeps a level head with all the commotion that goes on in that busy house. Bama is trained to a level 1 at this current time but is excelling towards his level 2 degree. Bama can be brought to you with one of our master trainers for a 3 day training course. Please call Bobby at or email bobby metrok9. He is big boned and at 16 weeks weighed in at a whopping 46lbs. Jersey is well mannered crate trained, house broken and rides excellent in the car. Jersey is very social, good with kids and other dogs. Jersey has all his shots and is AKC registered. If you have have any other questions or would like to leave a deposit call Bobby at or email bobby metrok9. Koba Koba is a beautiful Black sable he is crate trained and has basic obedience and manners. Koba is also started in personal protection. There are many option moving forward with Koba we are moving forward with his training and are goals going forward will be the Presidential Executive Family Protector. Koba is breed from Storm and Clyde. Check out their siblings from the previous litter, Duke and Reagan. Koba has all his shots and is AKC registered. If you have any other questions or would like to leave a deposit call Bobby or email bobby metrok9. Leona is crate trained house broken, has her basic obedience and the start of protection work. Leona is very social, gentle with kids, and excellent with other animals. Leona has lived in a home and has traveled extensively in cars, busses, trains and even boats. Leona already went thru and passed her AKC puppy S. Leona can be brought to you with one of our master trainers for a 3 day training course. Barca excels in everything she does from her explicit manners to excelling in her obedience and the start of her protection. Barca is excellent with kids, there is NO limits to what she can do. Call or email Bobby , bobby metrok9. Thunder is a very social and is excellent with kids and other dogs. Her playful disposition makes for a great babysitter, while her calming demeanor will keep everyone at ease knowing she is part of the family. Thunder is currently trained to a level 1 and is going strong towards the next levels. Her positive attitude and her willingness to please will make her a great addition to a family on-the-go. Thunder can be delivered to you by one of our master trainers for a nominal fee. Price varies depending on location. For any other questions please call Bobby at or email; bobby metrok9. Bahus is very social with people , kids and other dogs, Bahus does excellent in large crowds and travels great. Please contact Bobby at or bobby metrok9. Check out Bahus pedigree here. Additional Services Offered.

What Is A Goldendoodle? But what is the history of the Goldendoodle? Goldendoodles are first thought to have been bred in as breeders looked to create a versatile guide dog. Golden Retrievers and Labradors often serve a function as guide dogs but neither have a hypoallergenic coat. The Goldendoodle hybrid is thought to have been inspired by the success of the Labradoodles, which was one of the first cross breeds. Wikipedia explains that Goldendoodles can come in multiple generations and it depends on what generation is bred with what. Some generations will show different looks as some are curlier than others. For example, if a Goldendoodle is more poodle, it will have tighter curls. If the Goldendoodle is more retriever then it will have flatter and looser curls. Having said that, the Goldendoodle is recognised by a number of organizations around the world. However, the Goldendoodle Assocation of North America provides a breed standard that their breeders are trying to achieve when they breed these hybrid dogs. The breed was developed by crossing Poodles and the Golden Retriever, and therefore the physical appearance of this breed is a balanced mix of the traits common to those two founding breeds, which are the only two breeds that comprise the Goldendoodle. So the Goldendoodle will inherit traits from both their Golden Retriever and Poodle parents. Coming in three different sizes — standard, mini and petite mini, Goldendoodles can have a coat that is curly, wavy or straight. Red Goldendoodle Photo: Adobe Stock There are also some Goldendoodles with a brown coat that is typically the result of dominant genes of the Poodle. The Tan Goldendoodle is a pretty common coat color, resulting from the breeding of Apricot and Cream Goldendoodles. There is the Black and White Goldendoodle that usually have splashes of white on their face, chest and paws. These unique markings often lead to the coat pattern being described as a Tuxedo Goldendoodle. The Sable Goldendoodle have a coat that usually started off as a concrete, solid color but has faded as the Goldendoodle has aged. Sable Goldendoodle Photo: Adobe Stock The Phantom coat pattern is common in some other breeds and you can find some Goldendoodles with this colorful coat. Of course, these colors could vary. Next up is the Grey Goldendoodle who usually started with a dark coat color that has turned grey over time. The Merle Goldendoodle is extremely rare and often a controversial variety of Goldendoodle. While Goldendoodle puppies may be born with a specific coat color, it could change over time. You can also find Goldendoodles with some eye-catching patterns such as Tuxedo and Phantom Goldendoodles. If you have a picture of a missing colour or want to discuss anything on this page feel free to email me at akent kentfamilyfarms. Abstracts are usually a result of only having one parti gene. It is possible to have very minimal white markings and not carry the parti gene, as well as possible to carry the parti gene and not have white markings. Brindle is also a recessive gene, so both parents have to carry for it to have Brindle puppies. Brindles can have a variety of intensities in the markings ranging from bold striped patterns to barely visible. Sable is a gene that gives the coat a two toned look to it. Sables will change colour with age as well. The black tips to their coat will not be visible as an adult, other than possibly the tips of the ears and some on the legs. This is a picture of a puppy that still has the dark tips of her coat. I will hopefully eventually get an adult picture up here to show you the difference when they grow. Silver is a gene that fades the coat to silver over time. These puppies usually start to show signs of being a silver at weeks old. There are many varying degrees of Silver from Black will minimal Silver markings to a dog that goes almost completely Silver with age. Both parents have to carry for this gene in order to see it in their offspring and therefore to see it you need two copies of the gene or the proper combination of the phantom gene and recessive black gene, which is very rare. It is shown by markings on the face, eyebrows, chest, interior of all four legs and under their tail. It is not seen if the dog is in the Apricot Spectrum of colours and is only seen on a solid Black or solid Chocolate dog but can have other genes with marking show, as seen below. It is normally seen as Apricot on Black and Cream on Chocolate, but can have a variety of shades and intensities. Some Phantom's will have bold Phantom markings and some will have very minimal Phantom markings. Parti is also a recessive gene. You need both parents to carry the parti gene in order to see it in the puppies, therefore two copies. Parti is a gene that makes white markings over the body and can act on any other colour. A dog can also be a cryptic Merle, where you do not see the merle markings visibly on the body, but the dog still carries the merle gene. The same gene also produces Reds. You need two copies of this gene for it to be seen on their coat, as it is a recessive gene. These dogs can have either Black or Chocolate pigmentation. All the puppies below have Black pigmentation. This gene can cover a variety of other colours that will not be visible until you cross the Apricot Spectrum colour to a non-apricot spectrum colour, such as Merle, Sable, Phantom and Brindle all seen below. All dogs have a base coat of Black or Chocolate, you can tell whether they are Black or Chocolate based on their pigment on their nose. If there are no other genes acting on the Black or Chocolate, you will see a solid Black or solid Chocolate dog. Black is dominant to Chocolate, so it requires only one copy of the Black gene to give you Black. Chocolate is recessive and require two copies of the gene and therefore both parents have to carry for Chocolate. It is very rare to find a Golden Retriever that carries for Chocolate, therefore in order to get Chocolate you need to have an F1b or higher generation. F1's should not be Chocolate. I have been told of rare occurrences of Chocolate carrying Golden Retrievers, but this is very rare and most breeders selling F1 Chocolates are not purebred lines. Coming Soon. Kennel club recognition is quite an arduous process and is often only available to purebreds. Poodle Standard colors: apricot, black, blue, brown, cream, gray, red, silver, silver beige, and white. As you probably noticed, Golden Retrievers only come in three colors. This section discusses all 13 Goldendoodle colors for proper identification, including some of their charming pictures. Chocolate Image credit: the. You probably come across one in your neighborhood as you take your morning walk. They got their rich brown color from their dominant Poodle genes, but some of them experience silvering as they mature. Chocolate or brown dogs may become silver beige depending on their genes. The chocolate color in Goldendoodles is recessive , so you need two Goldendoodles that are either pure chocolate or have the chocolate gene in their lines to produce a chocolate Goldendoodle. Among all the colors listed here, apricot is probably the most sought-after because they resemble teddy bears. This is a trait they got from their Poodle parent, who also comes in the same tone. Apricot is also the last registered Poodle color. They are considered the brightest type because their coat simply stands out. This may fade into a lighter shade when they mature. They are often thought to be white Goldendoodles because they are very light in color. Creams have the largest variation when it comes to coat tones and points, so it is possible to see one with dark eyes, nose, and toenails and another with lighter features. Some are even pinkish under their coat. Champagne Champagne Goldendoodles exist, albeit rare. They possess a recessive red gene, which is also diluted to create a pale yellow to a cream tone. The rarity of these dogs makes them quite pricey, but they are still one to consider if you want a teddy-looking dog. However, their eyes, nose, and paw pads remain pure black. There are instances where white is more dominant, but those who are primarily black also exist. Contrary to what most people believe, not all black and white Goldendoodles should be called tuxedo because it pertains to a specific coat pattern. This will be focused on once the tuxedo coat pattern is discussed. When they reach two years old, their gray coloration even lightens to rustic silver, and there will be no more signs that they were once almost black. These dogs are very rare and are only achieved through multiple generations of breeding Goldendoodles. They also have blue noses and paw pads. Their hairs resemble that of an aged man, so you can easily identify them among others. Most silver Goldendoodles show signs that they are indeed silver as they reach 6 to 10 weeks. The tone of their coat has varying degrees, from dark to light silver. Silver Beige Image credit: wheresguthrie. They are originally born chocolate, but because of certain genes, their color cleared, and they become silver beige. What creates the effect that they are sables is the combination of silver to gray hairs and the beige coloration. Some parts of their body appear cream-colored, and this is expected from this variety. Aside from their impressive set of colors, Goldendoodles are even more unique because of their coat patterns. Usually, novice pet owners confuse this with certain coat diseases, but this is typical for this hybrid. The base coat may be one of the 13 basic colors discussed earlier. Usually, these are found on their face, chest, and paws. Often, two colors make up their coat: one is the base, and the second is a lighter shade. There is an exact location for the lighter points — above the eyes, along the sides of the muzzle, across the chest, along the legs, and under the tail. Most Goldendoodles with this coat pattern are developed through multi-generational breeding. This is why parti pups will have distinct appearances from each other. This creates the impression that they are wearing a tuxedo. Classic merle pups usually have some blue or chocolate patchwork or tickings on their body. Meanwhile, watercolor merles which are harder to come across, also have some tickings on their coat. They are distinct from the former because their coat lightens as they age. Most of them have light-base hairs, which makes their stripes stand out. The most popular color for Goldendoodles is also the last color to be recognized for Poodles — apricot. The fame it gained as the latest color for the breed is also reflected in its cross between the Golden Retrievers and Poodles. This is followed by cream and red. Sables are also in demand even though they are not of the same level as the three shades mentioned above. Since these colors are desired by many, expect that they are a bit more expensive than their other cousins. Despite being common and easy to breed, these black pups are not highly sought after. What Is the Rarest Goldendoodle Color? The rarest Goldendoodle colors are those that can only be achieved through multi-generational breeding. This means that in order to produce these dogs, you have to breed together puppies beyond f2 or second generations. These are gray, blue, and silver. Apart from these colors, two patterns are found to be rare. They are the phantom and parti Goldendoodle. Similar to the gray, blue, and silver dogs, they can only be achieved through multi-generational breeding. The color of every dog is a product of its two main pigments, eumelanin and pheomelanin. Eumelanin is black in default, but it also produces certain diluted colors due to the genes inherited by the dog. The second pigment, which is pheomelanin, is primarily red, but it can become apricot, cream, tan, and other similar shades when altered by dilution genes. For a breeder to produce a certain Goldendoodle color, the parents must undergo DNA testing to determine whether they can produce the desired color for the litter. Some others carry a recessive gene that makes them exhibit a very different color from their parents. There are some myths that aim to taint the reputation of some varieties but have no scientific basis. For instance, the assumption that black Goldendoodles are aggressive simply because they are black colored. Make sure to look for pertinent data first before becoming influenced by mere opinions on the color and the breed of dogs. In fact, a friend of mine who has two male Goldendoodles of different colors, a blue three-year-old, and an apricot 2-year-old, has observed that the two have very similar temperaments. Both are affectionate and love being with him all the time. But if we are to consider the study of the University of Sydney, which investigated the life expectancy of dogs according to their colors, chocolate Goldendoodles may be prone to ear infections and various skin diseases. Merles are also observed to be predisposed to deafness, blindness, skin sensitivity, and skin cancer, especially when the two parents used to breed the puppy both carry the merle gene. These are extreme issues, so you better consider this in buying your pet. As is with other crosses and purebreds, Goldendoodles also experience subtle color changes as they mature. This phenomenon is brought about by their Poodle lineage. Mostly, red and its varieties lighten when they reach two years of age. But other colors may also undergo lightening through a process called silvering or dilution. This is more prevalent in black and chocolate puppies who turn out blue, silver, or silver beige, depending on their genes. However, this may not be true for all Goldendoodle puppies. Some may not have any genes that will lighten their colors and will retain their rich color all the way to adulthood. Subscribe What is a Sable Goldendoodle? So, what is a sable Goldendoodle? A sable Goldendoodle has a coat that features black-tipped hairs with roots of any solid color. These black-tipped hairs can be in any location or pattern across the coat. Their puppy coat will typically be solid black or have markings similar to that of a phantom Goldendoodle. As they grow older, their coat will quickly change to a white, gray, or light cream color. However, if you appreciate their coat for the evolving work of art that it is, this Goldendoodle color could be perfect for you! Bailey is an F1 mini sable Goldendoodle. You can see her coat has lightened to a cream color with the prominent sable markings mostly around her ears and mouth. Photos courtesy of cool. Fenn is a 2 year old F1 Goldendoodle from Kansas. As a puppy she was mostly black but her coat has since evolved into a mesmerizing silver and black combination! Photos courtesy of jasperfergthedoodle on Instagram. Believe it or not, both of these photos are of the same dog! Photos courtesy of maethegoldendoodle on Instagram. Mae is a multigen standard Goldendoodle. As a puppy she was a dark chocolate color with lighter phantom markings. Photos courtesy of rizzothegoldendoodle on Instagram. Rizzo is a sable phantom F2B Goldendoodle. Photos courtesy of rudydoodledoo on Instagram. Rudy is an F1BB sable mini Goldendoodle. On an unrelated note, can we take a second to appreciate those eyelashes?! Through the entire transition, she keeps those darker, black-tipped ears. These dogs can vary significantly in stature and come in teacup, toy, mini, medium, and standard sizes. To learn about how big each of these sizes gets and which is best for your family, check our our article on Goldendoodle sizes! To grasp the full picture of generations and how they effect your future puppy, check out our easy-to-understand guide here! This is significantly above the average price of a Goldendoodle, thanks to how rare and highly sought after this coloring is. Finding a trustworthy, reputable breeder is your best bet in this situation. Depending on which Goldendoodle hair style you choose, your dog will need to visit the groomer for a haircut every months. Brush your dog as frequently as possible—usually every other day is a good schedule. This will help prevent matting and help your Goldendoodle avoid the dreaded shave-down. Just as important as your brushing frequency and technique are the tools you use. My recommendation is the Chris Christensen Big G slicker brush. This is a professional-quality brush that does an amazing job of tackling the challenging coat of a Goldendoodle. There are multiple possible combinations in the canine world. The coat color your pup ends up with depends on the mix of dominant and recessive genes that they receive from both parent dogs and how these genes interact. Golden Retriever Colors According to American Kennel Club standards, Golden Retrievers come in three distinct shades: dark golden, golden and light golden. Their coats are a single color all over with no apparent markings. Poodle Colors Poodles , on the other hand, can come in ten different solid colors: apricot, black, blue, brown, cream, gray, red, silver, silver beige, and white. Poodles also bring patterns into the mix. See Also: Click the image The Science Bit Without going into too much detail, the coat color of every single dog on the planet is a product of two main pigments: eumelanin responsible for shades of black and pheomelanin which covers shades of red and yellow. The genes that a dog gets determines how much of each of these are produced, as well as how they might be diluted or mixed with white the complete absence of pigment. For more details on how this all plays out, check out this handy description by VCA Hospitals. Each puppy inherits one set of color genes known as alleles from their mother dog and one set from their father dog — so they end up with two in total. This all depends on whether the alleles are dominant or recessive, and some are more or less dominant than others. Predicting Goldendoodle Colors So, to get back to Goldendoodles…. The Poodle colors are more likely to come through. To be golden, the puppy would need to inherit two recessive golden alleles — one from each parent. The puppy will most likely be a similar color to their Poodle parent. Yet this obviously only applies to first-generation Goldendoodles. With later-generation dogs, things get even more complicated as there are more Poodle genes to contend with. For instance, you may feel confident that with two black dogs you will get black puppies, right? After all, black is dominant. Well, as covered above, dogs inherit two alleles, and even though the dominant one is expressed, a recessive one could be passed along to their offspring. If both parents have recessive golden color alleles and both pass these along, then you could very well end up with a golden puppy from two black parents! What we can do is take an educated guess based on what we know and what we have observed about how the genes that determine coat color interact. Breeders may also opt to have their dogs tested to see which alleles they carry. This can make any coat-color guestimations that much more accurate. All in all, with those crazy, varied Poodle genes, Goldendoodles can come in pretty much every color that a Poodle comes in — and weirdly more besides. Unlike with Poodles, pedigree standards do not govern the breeding of Doodles. So, we are starting to see an array of mixes and patterns, many of which we have detailed below. Their coloring is typically the result of a mutation in the gene that would otherwise produce a black coat. These mutated genes are recessive, so the puppy would need to inherit one from each parent to end up this color. While chocolate Goldendoodles are often born quite dark — sometimes even black, they tend to fade a fair bit as they age. This process can begin as early as six weeks and will be most noticeable at this time on their muzzle and between their paw pads. Apricot Goldendoodles A variation on red, an apricot coat is one of the most sought-after for a Goldendoodle. It gives pups the appearance of a cute teddy bear even more so than their hair and adorable features already do. However, as this color is created by a recessive gene, the puppy must inherit it from both parents. Photo used with permission. Credit: Taurean DuHart Photo used with permission. Credit: doodlikekylo This coat color typically starts off a little darker and lightens over time. Depending on the interplay of genes, it can lighten quite considerably. For this reason, apricot Goldies may sometimes be confused with cream or tan ones. They will almost always have black eyes, eye rims, noses, and toenails, all inherited from the Poodle. Cream Goldendoodles Again, from the red line, cream Goldendoodles are frequently confused with white ones because of how light their coat can get — but they are very definitely not the same. These dogs are often used for breeding dogs with multi-colored coats, such as merle or parti Goldendoodles covered later. Credit: Murphywestslopedoodle Cream Goldies inherit their colors from both parents — a touch of gold to a little white. This is one of the reasons that they have the most extensive variation of coat tones and points with either dark or pinkish noses and paw pads, and light or dark eyes. Champagne Goldendoodles are so named for the yellowish tinge to their light, beautiful coats. These dogs have a recessive red gene that is diluted into this stunning pale yellow tone. Credit: Pattie Martin In some cases, it might be a little tricky to tell the difference between a cream Goldie and a champagne one. Champagnes tend to have a touch more color. Puppies may be born with a darker golden coat which lightens as they age. Secondly, the gene that creates a black coat is recessive, meaning that black coats are only likely in second and third-generation dogs. Finally, the Poodle fading gene can be quite active in these pups, silvering them down to grey, blue, or, naturally, silver once they are past their puppy years. Credit: sweetpupneo Black and White Goldendoodles While most black Goldendoodles are a single color, occasionally, you will also come across ones with white markings. In some cases, white may even be the more dominant color with just a touch of black. As with other parti and patterned coats, black and white Goldies are most often found in later generations. Black and white Doodles may also be referred to as tuxedo, parti, merle, phantom, and brindle. Gray Goldendoodles Not surprisingly, Gray is derived from the black line and inherited from the Poodle side of the Golden Retriever-Poodle combination. This is another rare shade in these types of dogs and only really occurs with multigenerational breeding. These Goldies are usually born very dark in color and start to show as gray after around six weeks. By the time these dogs hit two years of age, they will have faded into their adult hue. However, color holding can occur around the face and ears giving a cute two-tone effect. Blue Goldendoodles At first glance, blue Goldendoodles can look very similar to gray ones. However, they are generally a darker, more steely shade, and their coat can have both darker and lighter patches. This color is super rare, being recessive. It takes multiple generations of Goldendoodle breeding to achieve. Like gray Doods, blues are born dark and fade out across the first two years of their lives. Their coats may even continue to clear as they age, but a select few will remain truly blue. Again this color is tricky to predict. You never really know what you are going to get when you adopt a black Goldie. Silver Goldendoodles A lighter version of blue or gray Goldies, silvers are also born a much darker color and just keep on fading. You might see signs that a pup will be silver from somewhere around six to ten weeks, where you can start to spot lighter roots. You will likely also find white or silver hairs between their toes. The shift from black to silver is probably the most dramatic of any of the Doodle coat changes. Your pup will look like an entirely different dog when it is done. For this reason silvers are often mistaken for grays early on in life. Silver Beige Goldendoodles Unlike regular silvers, silver beige Goldendoodles are born dark brown. However, just like regular silvers, they lighten as they age. The lighter the final color, the earlier the puppy will start clearing — anywhere between six to twelve weeks. Silver beiges can sometimes be mistaken for sables as they start to fade. The combination of colors in their coat gives this effect. Tan Goldendoodles Tan Goldies get their coloring from their Retriever parent. Just as with apricot and cream dogs, tan occurs because of a dilution in the red pigment pheomelanin. This color sits somewhere between these other two more popular and more common ones. Often these dogs have shades of light apricot, cream, and white mixed in with their coat. Although from a distance, they do appear a single uniform shade. White Goldendoodles Although they look distinctly white from a distance compared with their warmer-toned cream counterparts , white Doods are often not white all over. They have various shades of cream mixed in throughout their coat. Unlike cream, white is not the result of fading, so white puppies will actually be born white and retain this color all through their lives. While these dogs look either brown or black at birth, even at this early time, the root of the hair is much lighter than the tip. Sable Goldendoodles tend to hold onto their dark color around the face and ears. The rest of their coat settles into more of a cream or tan shade, although always with darker tips and lighter roots. This makes for a really unique-looking dog! Abstract Goldendoodles Dogs with abstract coats are mostly one single color be it any of the ones outlined above with touches of another color. These are usually found on their face and around their chest and paws. Such dogs are also referred to as mismarked or chrome. Phantom Goldendoodles Super hard-to-find phantom Goldendoodles comprise two colors — a base shade solid chocolate or solid black and a lighter one. The lighter points are usually to be found around the eyes, muzzle, and legs. Most Phantom Goldendoodles are commonly black and tan, but this can vary, e. Parti Goldendoodles Dogs with parti coats are two distinct colors, with the second one usually being white. To be considered a parti rather than an abstract Doodle, the pup needs to have a color breakdown rather than simply a few highlights. You can find parti hounds in every color covered above, but no two look the same. As mentioned above, the parti gene is a recessive one, and so the Goldie would need two for them to be expressed. However, there are plenty of parti Poodles about. Tuxedo Goldendoodles Tuxedo Goldendoodles are another two-color mix. Any of the above colors are combined with white. However, the white is concentrated around the chest and front legs. This gives the pup the appearance of wearing a tuxedo hence the name. As you can imagine, these pooches are pretty popular because of their distinctive appearance — especially when in black and white. Their markings are apparent from birth. Although, naturally, the white splotches often begin small and get more prominent as the dog matures. Merle Goldendoodles Merle Goldendoodles are another extremely uncommon type. Watercolor merles, which are harder to find, also have tickings, but their coat lightens with age. Merle coats are tricky for breeders to work with as the gene that causes this pattern is also linked to health issues such as deafness and blindness. So careful breeding by someone very knowledgeable about canine genetics is needed. This unique pattern of dark and light coat is arranged in such a way as to make the dog look like it has tiger stripes. While the width and color of these stripes vary from dog to dog, in Goldendoodles, it usually takes the form of a black or brown base coat with lighter colored stripes. Tri-Colored Goldendoodles With the increasing amount of multigenerational Goldies, color options are becoming ever more varied. However, it is very usual in other types like Bernedoodles from the Bernese Mountain Dog. They usually have a little of another breed in them — one that does carry the tri-color gene. To date, no research has demonstrated a link between color and behavior. Rumors that say differently can actually be quite harmful. For instance, some people equate black dogs with higher aggression levels. This is simply not true. On the other hand, there are a few studies that link specific colors with certain health conditions. For instance, the merle gene as outlined above can lead to certain conditions such as deafness and blindness. These days, most breeders focus on breeding extremely healthy puppies over ones of a particular color or pattern type. The parent dogs are thoroughly tested for genetic conditions that they otherwise might pass down to their puppies. In all honesty, with no coat color being better than any other in terms of health and behavior, your choice of Goldendoodle should be based on health and temperament over looks. However, naturally, people have different preferences about these things. So, once you have ascertained that the puppies you are checking out are all good, you can choose the one that looks best to you. Usually, the intensity is reduced, and black dogs switch to gray or silver while red ones dull down to apricot or cream. The apricot Goldendoodle is the most popular color choice, with cream being second and red in third place. More popular colors usually translate into more expensive. Will my Goldendoodle change color? Most Goldendoodles are born with dark coat colors that change, fade, or silver to a lighter color with age, depending on their inherited genes. This is known as clearing and generally occurs within the first two years. The muzzles and ears of a Goldendoodle tend to hold more of the original colors as other parts change. What color Goldendoodle is best? There is no specific color of Goldendoodle that is best. The one that you opt for will be based on what you like. While red tones are pretty popular among the Doodle-fan crowd, some opt for dogs with rarer colors like black, blue, and silver. Others want different and distinct patterns that only come with multigenerational breeding. While color is one of the first things people notice about puppies, it should be one of the least important factors to base an adoption decision on. When purchasing a puppy, you want to ensure that they are healthy and have the right temperament — family-friendly, active, playful, etc. Only then should you start to consider color. No matter which Goldendoodle you decide is right for you, it will no doubt be love at first sight. Not just because of their adorable appearance, but because they make excellent, loving companions. You will never regret your choice to adopt one. What color of Goldendoodle is your favorite? Let us know in the comments below!