diet plan for golden retriever puppy

diet plan for golden retriever puppy

My name is Harper. I'm about 7 years old and I weigh about 50 lbs. I was found as a stray in the New Waterford area and I was brought into the pound. I am a very sweet, loving affectionate girl. I came in to the pound very thin and limping. I did test positive for lyme disease which I am currently on antibiotics for. I had an x-ray done of my hind leg. I have a lot of arthritis in my stifle and a cruciate injury, so I also have some instability in that leg. I can absolutely run like the wind when I want to and it doesn't slow me down a bit. A good joint supplement would probably help me tremendously. I seem to get along well with most other dogs, but the pound does always recommend meet and greets with any dogs you currently own to make sure we get along okay. I am very clean in my kennel and I appear to be housebroken. If you're looking for a sweet dog to add to your family, please consider adopting me. If you pay using a credit or debit card, a convenience fee of 2. If paying by check, you will need 2. We DO offer foster to adopt. We will NOT accept cash for foster to adopt. Foster to adopt gives you a couple of weeks with the dog to make sure they are a good fit with your family before your payment is processed and the adoption is finalized. If you're driving a long distance to adopt, please verify that the vetting process has been completed and dog you're interested in adopting is still available for adoption. The above mentioned vetting is all included in your adoption fee. Adoptions MUST be done at the pound and in person as there is paperwork to fill out and an adoption contract that must be signed by the adopter. This means you must be willing to travel to our shelter to adopt. If the dog you're interested in adopting has medical conditions or injuries which require medical treatment, we ask that you help with the medical bills, in addition to their adoption fee if possible so we can continue to help the dogs coming in who need additional vet care. We are a county run shelter, therefore we cannot control our intake or the health or behavior of the dogs that come in to our shelter. Although we try our hardest to place all of our adoptable dogs, there are certain circumstances in which any dog in our care could be euthanized at any time and without further notice IE: sudden untreatable medical condition or injury, temperament or behavioral problems which may not be apparent when the dog first arrives, etc. We try our absolute hardest to never have to euthanize for space and have not had to do so for many years thanks to the ongoing support from the public and high adoption rates. Please remember; the adoption of a more highly adoptable dog will mean more time for the less adoptable dog in the kennel next to him! Shelter hours are Monday-Friday: 8 am- 4 pm. Saturday, Sunday and holidays: 8 am - 12 pm. We are here everyday to care for the dogs and the best way to make our day is to see our dogs go to loving families. There is nobody in the office on Saturday, Sunday or holidays, so therefore, we are unable to answer or return phone calls over the weekend. Can't adopt a dog? We would love to have more volunteers who are able to spend time with our dogs! The dogs LOVE going for walks and the socialization and exercise helps make the dogs more adoptable. Free Boxer Puppies In Ohio terra station download havanese maltese mix for adoption. They a good health, well-mannered, and genuine temperament Boxer puppies. Boxer mix These adorable puppies are 3 months old. Rubert was a breeder release due to age and kennel cough. He was then imported to the United States in and was accepted by the American Kennel Club the following year. Boxer Puppies for Sale in Ohio. Find boxer dogs and puppies from ohio breeders Contact IS Support at .We do not allow Ohio breeders, adoption centers, rescues or shelters to list Boxers for free in Ohio. Boxer puppies for sale in Columbus OH The Boxer dog breed slowly gained popularity throughout Europe in the late s. Meet Kali, a fun-loving, spunky, and free-spirited Boxer that loves to. My husband got his first Boxer puppy at the age of 9, and fell in love with the breed. We are a small family of 3 located in Ohio. The search tool above returns a list of breeders located nearest to the zip or postal code you enter. A great way to save money on your adopted dog, is to get their Heartgard Plus at PetMeds. Our ads are always free! Stonewall Boxers has always worked to produce Boxers that meet the breed standard not only in structure but also in health and temperament for both our pet and show prospects. You will find Boxer dogs and puppies for adoption in our Ohio listings. We place good family dogs with good families. Boxer puppies for adoption from your local Ohio animal shelter usually cost less than getting one from a specialized Boxer dog breeder. Ohio, Coshocton, .I will come home with all my shots and dewormings current. Find boxer dogs and puppies from ohio breeders. The Boxer is exemplary in the combination of stylish elegance with strength and agility. We take honor in producing the perfect puppy for your family. Look at pictures of boxer puppies in cincinnati who need a. Read each bio very carefully, as not every Boxer is suited for every home. The American Boxer Club was established in .When people are dedicated to raising exceptional. Free online listings of cute Boxers. View our pups ready for adoption. A well-exercised Boxer is a happy Boxer! This study explored the possibility that an abnormal mucosal flora is involved in the etiopathogenesis of granulomatous colitis of Boxer dogs GCB. This guy is fun and outgoing and dog friendly. Here at Beyond Beautiful Boxers we breed with a purpose and that is focusing on the future of the Boxer Breed. Vet certsVaccinesMicrochipped. Boxer Puppies Cincinnati Ohio .The Boxer's stride is free and ground covering, with proud carriage. If you are having problems signing in, you may not be fully set up for off network access. Free Boxer Puppies In OhioBrowse thru thousands boxer dogs for adoption in ohio, usa area listings on puppyfinder. These adorable puppies are 3 months old. Although they are super sweet and friendly, He started raising Boxer puppies in at the young age of .Currently, we do not have any Boxer Mix puppies available, but we can alert you when new Boxer Mix puppies are available! Sometimes, you may find a Boxer for free in Ohio to a good home listed by an owner who may no longer be able to look after them because of personal circumstances. B uckeye Boxers is a small family run business located in south-eastern Ohio. Just enter your email address and click submit! Click on a number to view those needing rescue in that state. A home visit will be scheduled and completed. Boxer Puppies for Sale in OH. They have a short snout and a squared-off face with a medium, stocky build. If you feel that a certain Boxer is a good match, and wish to be considered. Size: inches tall, lbs. Get a free pet insurance quote. Download Boxer Puppies stock photos. Explore Free Boxer Puppies In Ohio with all the useful information below including suggestions, reviews, top brands, and related recipes, and more. They are fast runners and highly athletic. Search for dogs for adoption at shelters near Ohio, OH. Boxer Breeders in Ohio. Modern Boxer dogs were believed to be the descendants of Flocki. This breed is square-proportioned with good substance and musculature. Boxer Puppies Cincinnati Ohio. No puppies where found matching your criteria. Then you have come to the right place B uckeye Boxers is a small family run business located in south-eastern Ohio. Ohio hide this posting restore restore this posting. We raise excellent high quality boxer pets. Boxer Free to a Good Home. Boxer Breeders List in. Since getting married I Carrie have started taking. If you already know your current password OR. Boxers are very much loved members of our family. We strive to raise great boxer puppies and find good homes where all our puppies will be raised with lots of love and care. Puppies are vaccinated, on a deworming schedule and examined by our veterinarian prior to leaving for new homes. How are Boxers priced near the Ohio area? Details can be found near the. Come to visit our Boxer puppies for sale near Delaware, Ohio. Boxer puppies for sale in Dayton OH. Ad check out boxer puppies dogs on ebay. You can view what's involved with PAT on my site as well. GOBR web site offers tid-bits of information. He is going to be a » Read more » Contact us today to learn more about our available Boxer puppies. Boxers are ideally found in brown color with tiny white patches. Some factors that make boxer puppies high are the pup's age, bloodline, health, and even the breeder's reputation. They offer fair priced and well-behaved Boxer puppies that would fit into any basic family sooner than ever. Our puppies are placed with Laymani Families via Advance Reservation. Kennel hounds, dogs and all kinds of catsSelect category boxer breeders boxer organizations 0 boxer rescue groups 0 Browse search results for boxer puppies pets and animals for sale in ohio. All Stonewall Boxer puppies come with a health guarantee. My name is Chief and I am waiting for my furever home! First shots, dewormed, tails docked and dewclaws removed. Boxer puppies for sale in Toledo OH. Youngstown, Ohio [United States] » rcjnsgmhn7v » Dogs. They will have received 2 vaccinations and wormed three times. We breed with the emphasis on health and temperament. We breed naturally reared performance and conformation dogs and believe that all boxers should be engaged in meaningful jobs to enrich their lives. Your ferry ticket also includes a visit to Ellis Island, which was the first stop for 12 million immigrants to the United States. Puppys are included tails docked. The Boxer dog breed slowly gained popularity. Boxer Breeders List in Ohio. No selling puppies, or free to good home posts. If you are looking for puppies and dogs for sale or adoption in areas other than Akron, Canton, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, Toledo, Youngstown or Ohio please use the search box! As of , there are no wild wolf populations in Ohio. Boxer Puppy Alumni Finding the perfect Boxer puppy has never been easier. Boxers were bred in Germany as show dogs and got their name from the way the breed stands on its hind legs to box with its front paws. Boxer puppies for sale in Cleveland OH. Our Ads are always free Sometimes, you may find a Boxer for free in Ohio to a good home listed by an owner who may no longer be able to look after them because of personal circumstances. Jor boxer puppies Jor boxer puppies specialize in breeding high-quality and healthy boxer breeds. Cutes boxer puppies for sale text us at 4 4 0 3 7 3 8 7 8 8 for more details and pictures. Goblin is a sweet, energetic, boxer man. The Boxer is a medium to large, short-haired dog breed of mastiff-type, developed in Germany. Ohio State Boxers. Boxer puppies for sale in Cleveland OH The Boxer dog breed slowly gained popularity throughout Europe in the late s. Boxer Breeders. The head is distinctive, with a broad, blunt muzzle and alert expression. Boxer puppies on the grass. They thrive when working for their people and love being trained.

Our dogs have mellow, affectionate, and playful temperaments, love water, and especially children. They are living as trustworthy family members, as emotional support dogs, service dogs, and medical alert dogs around the world! Content Link Block Polarbear is our Name. Or perhaps just looking for the total package in a dog? Health and longevity remains the foundation of all we do. Take for example, the standard German Shepherd dog as seen in this photo: View fullsize …Dogs bred with these traits often end up with crippling disabilities and premature death. This is so inhumane. The focus of our kennel, on the other hand, is to produce dogs with straight backs, broad heads, and short coats, as in the photo of Polarbear's foundation sire, Shack Von Hammer below. Aside from their magnificent appearance, Polarbear White Shepherds are calm, sociable, and affectionate. They are gifted empaths and comedians at heart. Their goofy personalities and love of children make them perfect nannies for even the youngest child. They love water, retrieving frisbees, and diving into the occasional swimming pool. What kind of dogs do all that? And they are living fulfilled lives, as medical detection dogs, service dogs, and family and companion dogs in nearly every state in the United States! World Map of our Clients Before leaving, you might like to click on some of our pages. Our "Words of Warning" for those purchasing a purebred dog for the first time on the internet is a favorite. Just remember this quote…. No amount of training or special food will fix a problem dog. If you want to view videos of our dogs, check out our Youtube Channel page. If you appreciate our breeding philosophy and love what we do, do let us know by becoming a fan! Home of Champions and Grand Champions! Our dogs live and are raised in our home. We live on 7 acres surrounded by mountains and wild life. Our goal is to produce healthy dogs in body and mind who can live long disease free lives. They will be great companions, service or competition dogs. We focus on health and temperament. We breed only healthy dogs who can pass along worthy traits, such as a solid temperament, correct conformation and excellent pigment. We avoid tight line breeding and prefer to breed dogs who have no common ancestors in 4 to 5 generations. All our dogs are DNA tested, non-carriers of any detectable diseases. Only those dogs that pass the health and temperament test are introduced into our breeding program. To her I owe much of my knowledge, hands on experience and a very successful first breeding in December .Foxhunt Lust for Life is our first love, he inspired us on educating our selves about the evolution of this breed. It is indeed and evolution since the White Shepherd was not meant to be a breed of its own at the origin. It is because of politics and the Parent Club's definition of beauty that the White Shepherds became outcast from their original breed. You may ask, what is the original breed? It is the German Shepherd dog. To tell you about the origin of the German Shepherd is beyond the scope of this introduction. I will only point out that the German Shepherd creator , a German Cavalry Captain, Max Emil Friedrich von Stephanitz bought what he felt was the benchmark prototype of what a working dog should be: intelligent, strong with endurance, loyal and beautiful. Around , he found all these pre-requisites in Horand von Grafrath who he renamed Hektor von Schwaben. Stephanitz declared him the very first German Shepherd dog. He then proceeded to mate Hektor with other " worthy" mates. Among them there were white dogs. The writing under the picture , literally translates to: "long coated stock German Shepherd dog". It also happens to be white. I believe this is how the white , long coat gene of German Shepherd dogs was introduced into the German Shepherd breed. In Europe it has become a different breed. The history is fascinating and I will tell in greater details in other parts. At the moment I invite you to get to know us and to be patient as we build our web site. Raising dogs for you and your family. Call or text .Every breed has different requirements, whether the space they must have or the amount of exercise they need. If you are not certain yet, check out our essential White German Shepherd breed info to find out everything about the White German Shepherd. How to find White German Shepherd puppies for sale? When buying a puppy, it is important to consider not only the pet but also the breeder. Because a responsible breeder will ensure their dogs come from the strongest bloodlines and have the best start to life. Ask about the health and temperament of their White German Shepherd pups as well as their living environment. But also find out about the breeder's practices and commitments. A good breeder will be happy to answer everything before you decide. After all, they will want to ensure that their dog goes to a good home. When you have done your research and got all the info you need, you can then choose the right breeder with confidence. To help ensure you choose a responsible breeder, all the White German Shepherd kennels you see listed here are verified by Pets4You. You will also find that the best breeders will provide a guarantee with their dog. This information, and more, is available on the breeder's website within Pets4You. Browse through our dog breeder directory with complete breeder profiles and current puppies for sale to find your dream dog. Disclaimer It is the duty of every person that is considering buying a puppy or dog to confirm all the information provided to them by the breeder is accurate. Pets4You makes no warranties, expressed or implied, as to the condition of any dogs offered for sale, the standards or practices of any breeder, the quality of their canines, or the accuracy of any information contained within our site. Pets4You does not endorse, recommend, or guarantee a particular kennel, breeder or dogs listed on the Pets4You website. For Buyers.

Prevalence: Common Bull terriers are extremely powerful dogs. They are stocky and muscular and come in two varieties: standard and miniature sizes. The standard version reaches about 22 inches in height and a maximum of about 60 pounds 27 kilograms. The miniature version is a maximum of about 14 inches high and weighs up to about 33 pounds 15 kilograms. The most distinctive physical feature of the Bull Terrier is its head, which is egg-shaped and flat on top. The eyes are small, dark, and close-set. The ears are pointy. The body is broad and the back short and strong. Bull Terriers have a medium-length tail. The Bull Terrier's coat is short and dense and is white, black, brindle, red, fawn or tri-colored. The dogs are considered average shedders. They live about 10 to 12 years. Personality: Bull terriers are gentle, affectionate and playful with family members. They also are loyal pets that will guard the family. As with any large or tough breed, proper precautions around strangers, children, and other animals is essential. If not given enough exercise and attention from the owners, Bull terriers can be destructive. Living With: Because the breed is powerful and some members may have aggressive tendencies, Bull Terriers must be obedience trained. They must also be carefully socialized from a young age. Socialization requires frequent supervised exposure to other people and pets in the neighborhood. With proper socialization and training, Bull Terriers make great family pets. However, they probably are not a good choice for novice dog owners, nor are they generally recommended for households with other pets or irresponsible children. Bull terriers must be exercised daily in a fenced-in yard or with walks on leash and should not be permitted to run free, even if trained and socialized. Because of their stocky build, care must be taken not to overfeed as they can easily become obese. History: Bull terriers were developed in England during the 19th century. Around , a cross between the old English terrier and the bulldog produced the Bull Terrier. Later crosses to the Spanish Pointer; even later, to the white English terrier and Dalmatian, produced a stylish, tough, white dog. In the mid s, the white version of the breed, known as "white cavaliers," became a favorite pet among gentry. Crosses to the Staffordshire Bull Terrier reintroduced color around .Today, Bull Terriers are gentler than their ancestors but are still strong, fearless dogs. They are primarily family pets, but are not suitable for many families. Related Pet Care Articles. Although a playful pup sounds endearing, consider how many games of fetch or tag you want to play each day, and whether you have kids or other dogs who can stand in as playmates for the dog. Click here for more information on this characteristic Bull Terrier Overview If you remember the late s, you probably recall the Budweiser commercials featuring a Bull Terrier named Spuds Mackenzie, whose sly grin and on-screen antics turned the breed into a pop icon. Bull Terriers have larger-than-life personalities that range from intelligent and innovative to placid and loyal. Life with a Bull Terrier is always an experience. They do best with an active family who can provide them with plenty of energetic play. They also need someone who will consistently but kindly enforce the house rules. Like most terriers , Bull Terriers unneutered males in particular can be aggressive toward other animals, especially other dogs. To be well-behaved around other canines, they need early socialization : positive, supervised exposure to other dogs that begins in early puppyhood and continues throughout life. Cats and other furry animals who enter their territory should beware. Successfully training a Bull Terrier calls for patience, confident leadership, and consistency. Some cities and states have restrictions on Bull Terriers, and you should be aware of your local laws before you bring your Bull Terrier home. Bull Terrier Highlights Bull Terriers thrive in the company of their people, and should live indoors with their human family. Keep your Bull Terrier warm with a coat or sweater in winter. A weekly brushing and occasional wipe-down with a damp cloth is usually all it takes to keep them clean, although they must be brushed more frequently during twice-yearly shedding periods. The Bull Terrier needs 30 to 60 minutes of exercise, play, and mental stimulation daily. The Bull Terrier is strong-willed and can be difficult to train. They are not recommended for timid or first-time dog parents. Bull Terrier History The Bull Terrier dates to approximately and was probably created by crossing a Bulldog with the now-extinct white English Terrier. They were known as gladiators for their prowess in the dogfighting ring. In , fanciers of the bull and terrier, in particular a man named James Hinks, set about creating an all-white dog. Twelve years later, in , the Bull Terrier Club of America formed. The colored Bull Terrier was made a separate variety in , and the Miniature Bull Terrier became a separate breed in .Beloved by tourists, she was photographed more often than Rin Tin Tin, and in she was named the official greeter of Juneau. A colored Bull Terrier made history in , when Ch. The only white Bull Terrier to win the prestigious event was Ch. Haymarket Faultless in .As of , Bull Terriers ranked 64th in popularity among the most popular dog breeds registered by the American Kennel Club. Bull Terrier Size Bull Terriers come in a wide range of sizes, ranging from 50 to 70 pounds. They stand about 21 to 22 inches at the shoulder. Bull Terriers are described as courageous and full of fire. These are good traits, but they can veer into the disagreeable category if the Bull Terrier is allowed to become possessive or jealous. Without early training and socialization, they can be potentially aggressive toward other animals. With people, though, they have a sweet disposition. On the downside, they can be chewers , barkers , and tail chasers, and are often difficult to housetrain. Bull Terrier Health Bull terriers are generally healthy, but like any breed, they can have health issues. The following problems may occur in the breed: Hereditary Nephritis: This is a severe form of kidney disease found in Bull Terriers, often at an early age. Deafness: in one or both ears is common in white dogs, and some colored Bull Terriers can be deaf in one ear. All Bull Terrier puppies should undergo BAER brainstem auditory evoked response testing to ensure that their hearing is normal. Bull Terriers who are deaf in one ear can lead relatively normal lives, but puppies that are deaf in both ears require special training techniques and handling. Heart Disease : This condition is caused by defects in heart structure and function. It is occasionally found in Bull Terriers. Some cases are more serious than others and usually are indicated by the presence of a heart murmur. In some cases, a cardiac ultrasound echocardiogram may be necessary to diagnose the problem. Some Bull Terriers outgrow their murmurs, some live with them for years with no problem, and others develop heart failure. Skin Problems: Bull Terriers, especially white ones, have sensitive skin that can be prone to rashes, sores, and irritations. They may also be prone to contact or inhalant allergies, caused by a reaction to substances such as detergents or other chemicals or airborne allergens such as pollen, dust, and mildew. Provide soft, clean bedding in crates and other sleeping areas to prevent sores. Sometimes a change to a diet with few or no chemical additives can help. Other Bull Terriers need long-term treatment with antibiotics or steroids to keep skin problems under control. Spinning: This is an obsessive form of tail-chasing that usually begins at approximately 6 months of age. It can continue for hours and leave the dog with no interest in food or water. Spinning may be a type of seizure and is sometimes successfully treated with medications such as phenobarbitol, Anafranil, or Prozac. Treatment is often more successful in females than males. Lens Luxation : This is when the lens of the eye is displaced when the ligament holding it in place deteriorates. Bull Terrier Care Bull Terriers need someone at home during the day. Rawhide toys can be especially problematic. Dog-proof your home! A Bull Terrier needs half an hour to an hour of physical and mental exercise daily. Bull Terrier puppies are bouncy and into everything. These can all stress or injure the still-developing joints and ligaments. Early and consistent training is essential. You must be able to provide leadership without resorting to physical force or harsh words. B ull Terriers can be difficult to housetrain. Follow a housetraining program closely and crate-train your dog. A crate will also prevent your Bull Terrier from destroying your belongings or otherwise getting into trouble. Bull Terriers are suspicious of strangers and can be aggressive toward other animals especially dogs of the same sex and people. Take them to puppy socialization classes as early as possible, as well as to dog-friendly public places so they can get used to many different situations, people, and dogs. They should also learn to welcome visitors to your home. Bull Terrier Feeding Recommended daily amount: 4 cups of high-quality dog food daily, divided into two meals. How much your adult dog eats depends on their size, age , build, metabolism, and activity level. The quality of dog food you buy also makes a difference — the better the dog food, the further it will go toward nourishing your dog. Keep your Bull Terrier in good shape by measuring their food and feeding him twice a day rather than free feeding. First, look down at them. You should be able to see a waist. Then place your hands on their back, thumbs along the spine, with the fingers spread downward. You should be able to feel but not see their ribs without having to press hard. Bull Terriers come in two color varieties: white and colored. White Bull Terriers are solid white, with or without colored markings on the head but nowhere else on the body. Colored Bull Terriers are any color other than white or any color with white markings. Bull Terriers are easy to groom ; they need only weekly brushing with a rubber mitt or curry brush. The exception is during their twice-yearly shedding season, when daily brushing will be necessary to keep all the hair under control. Daily is better. Trim their nails once or twice a month, or as needed. If the feet need to be tidied up with trimming, the best time to do it is when you are clipping the nails. Clean them as needed with a cotton ball and a cleanser recommended by your veterinarian. Handle their paws frequently dogs are touchy about their feet and look inside their mouth and ears. Always supervise play; as with any dog, never leave a dog alone with a child, and teach children how to approach and touch dogs. Bull Terriers, especially unneutered males, can be aggressive toward dogs of the same sex, but opposite genders usually get along well. Bull Terrier Rescue Groups People sometimes adopt Bull Terriers without clear understanding of what goes into parenting one. These dogs often end up in the care of rescue groups, in need of adoption or fostering. Presumed by many to be standoffish dogs thanks to their muscular build, the affectionate bull terrier actually thrives while spending time with and getting pats and scritches from bonded humans. They aren't super interested in pleasing their parents, although they are very sweet dogs. Bull terriers are busy dogs from the time they are puppies until middle age, earning the nickname "the kid in a dog suit. Bull terriers always keep life interesting for their owners. Appearance The bull terrier has a face like no other. Their heads are long and egg-shaped, sloping down into a Roman nose and topped by pointed ears. Fun fact: they're also the only registered breed to have triangle-shaped eyes. Some can be on the smaller side at just 35 pounds, but beefier males can bulk all the way up to be pound bullies. There are also miniature bull terriers , who were recognized as a separate breed in the s and weigh less than 30 pounds. Big-boned dogs, their gait shows off their strength and agility. Their coats are made up of short, flat hairs that appear shiny and feel hard to the touch. Bull terriers can either be white— even solid white —or colored with various markings, with more than 20 different combinations. Temperament While bull terriers may seem tough and intimidating thanks to their unique looks, they are a sweet and gentle breed. Bull terriers are goofballs, the class clown of the dog world, and owners delight in their funny personalities. They love to play and get into trouble in equal measure. These extroverted pups are always happy to see you and meet other people, often feisty and excited in their greetings. Because they are full of fire and spunk, their dominant personality can be a handful. They might become easily jealous if you're paying more attention to another animal or even a human! Talk to your veterinarian if you notice any of these behaviors becoming prevalent. If you socialize your bull terrier puppy when they're young, provide loving and consistent training , and make sure he gets lots of physical and mental exercise , you won't find a more loyal or entertaining pup. These dogs benefit from spending as much time as possible with you so they can thrive and might do best with an experienced dog owner. Their love of people even extends to strangers. They are very active dogs and need companionship all day long. Leaving a bull terrier on their own is a recipe for disaster—he can easily develop separation anxiety, resulting in undesirable behaviors. One thing to know about bull terriers: they eat anything. So your home should be bull terrier-proof to keep him from snacking on things he shouldn't and avoid emergency veterinary surgery. These energetic dogs can play rough, so adding a bull terrier to a family with children needs to be considered carefully. They can be good with cats if they are socialized with them at a young age. Brushing once a week with a soft-bristle brush helps to remove dirt and loose hairs. Those signature ears do need to be regularly checked and cleaned as needed. Bull terrier nails should be kept short so they aren't uncomfortable when walking. They don't need frequent bathing —unless they've gotten into a stinky mess—and can be washed with either dry shampoo or wiped with a damp cloth. Keep in mind: their coat doesn't keep them warm in colder weather, but they don't mind donning a cute sweater or coat when the weather's a bit chilly. They will be more comfortable in warmer weather, but never leave them outside unsupervised for extended periods of time. Like all dogs, bull terriers don't sweat like humans do and need plenty of water, shady spots, and AC to keep cool. But you can skip the ice cubes! Their strength and dexterity means they are also skilled at obedience training, tracking, and agility courses—which are all great ways to challenge their energy. But go easy with puppies who are especially bouncy; high-impact activities—such as jumping on furniture, long jogs , or playing Frisbee—can damage their developing joints. They need to exercise their mind along with their body, and love the challenge of interactive toys. Because of their terrier 'tude, they put a bigger emphasis on play than work ethic. So when it comes time for any training, ensure it's fun for your bully. They respond well to positive reinforcement , so bring on the treats and toys! Independent thinkers that they are, Wooten says bull terriers can be a challenge to train, so be consistent— especially when house-training. Bull terriers do well with crate training , which helps keep them out of trouble when you can't be home with them. Health The typical bull terrier lifespan is 12—14 years, and, as with all dog breeds, there are a few health issues they can develop, according to the Bull Terrier Club of America. Hereditary nephritis is a severe form of kidney disease that can be found in bull terriers even from an early age. The disease causes the kidneys to malfunction, and often a dog suffering from this affliction will not live to be older than three. Because they have a piebald coat , bull terriers can have hearing issues ranging from partial to total deafness. They can still lead relatively normal lives with special training and handling. Their unique coat, especially for all-white bull terriers, can also lead to contact allergies and other skin issues such as rashes, sores, and irritations. Bull terriers may also suffer from heart disease , which is typically indicated by a heart murmur. Their distinctive eyes are also prone to lens luxation , which may be treatable with medication or surgery, but may also lead to eye removal. As mentioned, bull terriers are likely to deal with obsessive compulsive behaviors that manifest as spinning, pacing, or chasing their tail for hours on end if left unchecked. It may be treatable with medications such as phenobarbitol, anafranil, or Prozac for extreme cases—or, for milder cases, by simply eliminating boredom. They were considered gladiators in the dog-fighting ring, prized for their strength and tenacity. The "New Bull Terrier" first appeared at a dog show in and was shown by James Hinks, who is credited as the original bull terrier breeder. They earned the nickname "White Cavalier" thanks to their courageousness, their courtliness towards people, and their sweet disposition. The miniature bull terrier became a separate breed in .There are many notable bull terrier owners, including General George S. Perhaps the most famous bull terrier is Patsy Ann , the official greeter of Juneau, Alaska. Patsy Ann sat on the docks in Juneau during the s greeting sailors and taking photos with tourists. Her spirit lives on in Juneau thanks to a commemorative statue commissioned in .Fun Facts Spuds Mackenzie , the sly-grinning bull terrier used in Budweiser commercials in the late s, helped increase the popularity of the breed. Target decided to use a bull terrier as their official spokesdog, too. They introduced Bullsye in with the Target logo appearing as a spot on his eye—thanks to non-toxic dye. Bull terriers have also been popular in books and on the big screen. As for movies, bull terriers have appeared in Toy Story , Frankenweenie , and Next Friday to name a few. Was this page helpful? The Bull Terrier is a breed of dog in the terrier family. There is also a miniature version of this breed which is officially known as the Miniature Bull Terrier. Appearance A brindle Bull Terrier showing head profile, triangular eyes, robust and very muscular body The Bull Terrier's most recognizable feature is its head, described as 'egg-shaped head', when viewed from the front; the top of the skull is almost flat. The profile curves gently downwards from the top of the skull to the tip of the nose, which is black and bent downwards at the tip, with well-developed nostrils. The lower jaw is deep and strong. The unique triangular eyes are small, dark, and deep-set. The body is full and round, with strong, muscular shoulders. The tail is carried horizontally. They are either white, red, fawn, black, brindle, or a combination of these. A Bull Terrier has an even temperament and is amenable to discipline. Although obstinate, the breed is described by the Bull Terrier Club as particularly good with people. Although the breed has been a target of breed-specific legislation , a study in Germany did not find that Bull Terriers had any significant temperament difference from Golden Retrievers in overall temperament researches. Many Bull Terriers have a tendency to develop skin allergies. A UK breed survey puts their median lifespan at 10 years and their mean at 9 years 1 s. The bull and terriers were based on the Old English Bulldog now extinct and Old English Terriers with possible other terriers. This new breed combined the speed and dexterity of lightly built terriers with the dour tenacity of the Bulldog, which was a poor performer in most combat situations, having been bred almost exclusively for fighting bulls and bears tied to a post. Many breeders began to breed bulldogs with terriers, arguing that such a mixture enhances the quality of fighting. Despite the fact that a cross between a bulldog and a terrier was of high value, very little or nothing was done to preserve the breed in its original form. Due to the lack of breed standards—breeding was for performance, not appearance—the "bull and terrier" eventually divided into the ancestors of "Bull Terriers" and " Staffordshire Bull Terriers ", both smaller and easier to handle than the progenitor. Originally, these dogs did not yet have the now-familiar "egg face", but kept the stop in the skull profile. Hinks wanted his dogs white, and bred specifically for this. The first modern Bull Terrier is now recognized as "Lord Gladiator", from , being the first dog with no stop at all. Brindle is the preferred color, but other colors are welcome. Pete received plenty of contemporary press, having bitten a naval clerk as well as chased and bitten the French ambassador. Patton owned a Bull Terrier named Willie. When it got into a fight with Dwight D. Eisenhower 's dog, Patton apologized, saying that Willie was outranked and would be confined to quarters. Spuds MacKenzie is a fictional character used for an extensive advertising campaign marketing Bud Light beer in the late s, portrayed by a bull terrier named Honey Tree Evil Eye. The novel Hell Hound by Ken Greenhall centers around a homicidal white bull terrier named Baxter. It was adapted as the French film Baxter , in which the titular character was played by a bull terrier named Chimbot and voiced by Maxime Leroux. See also. Less - The Bull Terrier is the cavalier gladiator — a good-looking tough character. It is strongly built and muscular, longer than it is tall. Its muscle mass combined with its relatively low center of gravity make it difficult for opponents to knock it off its feet. Its distinctive head not only shows off its keen and determined expression, but also its great jaw strength. Its gait is smooth and easy. Its skin is tight, and its coat short, flat and harsh. Exuberant, comical, playful, assertive and very mischievous describes the bull terrier. It is an imaginative breed that often sees things its own way and is stubborn to the end. It needs daily physical and mental exercise lest it exercise its powerful jaws on your home. For all its tough bravado, this is an extremely sweet-natured, affectionate and devoted breed. It can be aggressive with other dogs and small animals. Later they crossed the Bulldog with the Old English Terrier, mixed with some Spanish Pointer to increase its size, which produced the Bull Terrier breed. After dog fighting was abolished, Bull Terriers were bred with the Dalmatian to produce a white colored strain, then again with the Staffordshire Bull Terrier to reintroduce color. Both the white and colored types increased in popularity as pets, and both strains remain today.

When you own a dog from Reilly Lane Labradors, that's what you can expect every single day! Not to mention the unwavering loyalty, endless joy, fun, and comforting companionship a Labrador had to offer. If you're going to spend the time, energy, and money to raise a puppy and provide a happy and healthy life for it, you want that life to be as long as possible! Here at Reilly Lane Labradors, our goal is to breed Labrador Retriever puppies of both English and American style with exceptional health, pedigree, appearance, and personality. We produce litters that contribute to the quality and purity of their breed now and in the future! All of the genetic tests we have performed on our dogs, over in total, are not only to evaluate their health as it is now, but also to help us predict and preserve their health down the line and keep their lineage pure. We go the extra mile because we know it is the best thing we can do for our Labradors and yours. Our puppies come with a written one-year health warranty, microchip, first shots, veterinarian exam, and a lifetime placement warranty. Labrador Retriever puppies at Reilly Lane Labradors are raised right in our home as a part of our family. Our puppies are raised in whelping boxes, made with high-grade, animal-safe HDPE plastic. The love and individual care we provide from the moment they're born until they leave for their forever homes allow them to grow into sociable, trainable, and affectionate Labradors. We even select our mothers and studs for breeding based on their affectionate, outgoing, and positive personalities. Do you want to welcome a premium Fox Red yellow , chocolate, or black Labrador Retriever puppy into your family? Get in touch with Reilly Lane Labradors today to reserve your new best friend from our next litter. Chico is about to turn two, and Chomper is a year and a half old. We picked each of them up from Reilly Lane at eight weeks old, and they immediately made themselves part of the family, and are absolutely the best of friends! They love people and love playing with other dogs. They are happiest outdoors running, chasing squirrels and birds, and especially playing in water or snow! They enjoy walks and are great jogging partners! We were so lucky to find Reilly Lane Labradors when the time was right to add a new puppy to our family. Communication has always been great, and the process was smooth and simple. Kelly is very knowledgeable, and has been wonderful answering all of our questions and offering advice, before and after purchase! Cathy Cassavaugh It was such a pleasure working with Kelly. She was and is always very responsive to any questions I had during and after the process. She truly cares about breeding the healthiest puppies with the best personalities. Transitioning Finnegan home was super easy and smooth. Micaela Caulkins It was such a great experience working with Kelly. She was super helpful and answered every single question I had no matter the time or day. I recommend her to anyone looking for a lab and will be doing business in the future! Adam Reilly Lane Labradors has exceeded our expectations! From the moment we were interested Kelly gave us knowledgeable information and always kept us updated on our puppy. She is more than helpful and truly cares about her puppies! Kelly is very responsive to any questions at any time of the day. She sold us our first red lab puppy in August , Dexter. We get many questions about his breed. Also, everyone loves his color! We always refer those that ask to Kelly. We highly recommend Kelly at Reilly Lane Labradors! Thank you for everything! With that being said, Kelly is an amazing person and breeder! She truly cares about her dogs and wants to make sure the puppies go to good homes. She makes sure all of them are in good health, and checked over by her veterinarian, and even ensures they have all of their necessary vaccines and deworming before giving them to you. This has been such a smooth process with her. Kelly answers any and all questions in a timely manner, and still will check in to make sure my girl is doing OK. I love being able to openly communicate with Kelly still to this day, and being able to update her on my baby. I can truly trust and depend on her and will definitely be getting another puppy from her in a few years! Thank you so much!!! Katie Marshall When we were first actively looking for our new family member I was searching all over and then came across Reilly Lane and contacted Kelly by text. From the first text to the first phone conversation Kelly was great and very responsive and answered all of our questions promptly even though I know she lives a busy life. We could not be happier with our decision to get Boone from Kelly. She share pics from birth and was a memorable experience every week getting updated pictures with all the pups in their color coded collars. My wife and 2 sons would look at the pics and started to get to know the pups and it was a great chance see their growth. Boone is very smart and even at this young age he is showing signs of being an excellent hiker, swimmer, fetcher, hunter and lifelong family companion. Thanks again from the Nagy family Rob and Agi Nagy I looked everywhere and was just not having comfortable experiences or liked the dogs I was seeing. Until I came across reilly lane labs!! Kelly was amazing and so kind since birth of puppies texting me updates all the time and pictures and always responded so quickly. We still keep in touch she is so kind. I got my black lab Bear from her and he is the most handsome sweetest good fur baby ever!! Bear is so smart!! If I ever get another lab I am def coming back here!! The dogs are gorgeous!! Life Span Did You Know? One of the facts about Labrador Retrievers is that there are a few distinct color coat variations. Fox Red Labradors are a rare-colored version of the Labrador Retriever. Despite this, they can be registered as purebred Yellow Labrador Retrievers , as the darker-colored coat is not considered to be a disqualifying factor. Due to their unique and certainly eye-catching color, the Fox Red Labrador continues to grow in popularity. Labrador Retrievers are known for being exceptionally sweet and are one of the most affectionate dog breeds. These dogs yearn to be a part of a family, and fit right in when joining one. In fact, Labs are considered one of the kid-friendly dog breeds. Well-socialized Fox Red Labradors tend to get along well with children, other dogs, other pets, and even strangers. After all, every person they meet is a potential friend that they can play with. Labrador Retrievers are one of the most active dog breeds. Despite their energy, Fox Red Labradors can adapt to most settings. As long as this dog breed has a chance to get in daily walks, go outside to run and play, and they get plenty of attention, they are content. They are not overly affected by cold weather, but they have a dense double coat. Fox Red Retrievers are also happiest when in the presence of people and they love to be with their families whenever possible. They also have a lot of energy and get bored easily. Potential health concerns to be aware of in Fox Red Labrador Retrievers can include hereditary myopathy, hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia , progressive retinal atrophy, heart disease, and cataracts. There is also a condition with a genetic link that can occur in young adult Labradors called exercise-induced collapse EIC. Carriers can be identified by DNA tests. Good breeding practices can reduce the risk of potential health issues and make a big difference in the health of Fox Red Lab puppies. Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. Make sure you ask about the health and genetic history of both parents and about any health tests or clearances. The national breed club recommends hip and elbow evaluations, an EIC DNA test, and an ophthalmologist evaluation at a minimum. As a large, deep-chested dog breed, the Fox Red Labrador Retriever is at a higher risk of bloat. Bloat in dogs can be dangerous and can become fatal if the stomach flips gastric torsion. Labrador Retrievers are one of the smartest dog breeds and are highly trainable. Although they can become stubborn at times, they are eager to please and pick up on training quickly overall. Their energy and intelligence mean they can lose focus in training and get bored easily. However, training that is kept clear, consistent, and focused on positive rewards usually keeps them focused and responding well. Any color variant of the Labrador Retriever is ideal for beginner dog owners. Fox Red Labrador Retrievers have a short, dense double coat that is water-resistant. They shed year-round and more heavily as the seasons change. Brushing their coat a few times a week and daily brushing during seasonal shedding is usually enough to keep their coat healthy and looking great. Bathing is on an occasional, as-needed basis. Because their coat tends to protect them from the cold and they are one of the dog breeds that tend to love water , your Fox Red Lab may try to go for a swim regardless of the season. If they are an avid swimmer or tend to get into a lot of things, you may need to bathe them more often. It is highly recommended to give them a bath or at least rinse them off thoroughly after going swimming with your dog. Their nails should be trimmed once or twice monthly. This will help prevent ear infections. Proper dental care for dogs is essential for preventing the tartar buildup that lends to dental diseases like gum disease and tooth decay. Brushing their teeth or using an enzyme toothpaste every day is a good start. You can also supplement your dental care efforts with dental hygiene chews, a special dental care diet, and more. Like other Labs, Fox Red Labrador Retrievers are high-energy dogs that require a lot of daily activity to be happy and healthy. Daily walks plus playtime, time to run, and other activities are usually enough for this dog. However, they will likely always be up for more activity if you are. Often, they are just happy to be spending time with you. Labs tend to have an extended puppyhood until they are around years old. They will mellow out a little, but also tend to maintain a puppy-like exuberance even in their senior years. Once they are done growing and your vet has cleared them for more activities, you can try a lot of different things. Labs are athletic and versatile dogs. They are one of the sturdy dog breeds for outdoor adventures and tend to enjoy a variety of activities. They tend to excel in swimming, running, obstacle courses, and several dog sports. Fully-grown Fox Red Labrador Retrievers usually stand inches tall and weigh pounds. Fox Red Labs generally live for years on average.

Our Junior Showmanship days are over, but we are very proud to have taught many wonderful young handlers, and are proud that we have been able to have a positive influence on so many kids. To that end, it is always the goal for our dogs to attain the GRCA Versatility Certificate VC after their names, which requires at least one major title and accomplishments in all three venues- conformation, field and performance. We are dedicated to producing quality Golden Retrievers, with an emphasis on correct temperament, correct structure, and lifelong health. Our breeding arose as a consequence of our desire to be the breeder of the wonderful dogs we so enjoy showing! We are very proud of our small but successful breeding program. Our dogs all possess every clearance required by the GRCA Code of Ethics: hip, elbow, cardiac done by a cardiologist and current eye exams. These are simple recessives and can be eliminated with selective breeding. We offer stud service to select bitches who possess all the COE clearances and whose pedigrees are complementary. It is always our intent to bring to the future a better dog, to improve on what we have, and to conduct ourselves with the utmost in ethical behavior in all things. The Breed Standard as well as the breed purpose is the guideline we use in any litter we produce. Prism Golden Retrievers Litters We will have puppies in the summer of .A second litter in is not yet confirmed. We usually have a list of folks waiting for our versatile and beautiful puppies, and getting on a list early — whether with us or with another breeder- allows you and the breeder to get to know each other and feel comfortable with your choice of what will be a lifelong relationship. Favorite Links. How do you tell if a golden retriever is honest or dishonest? Lies about the wet spot on the carpet? Blames the humans for the flatulent odor in the room? Would anyone intentionally breed dishonest dogs? Dishonest breeders are into it for the money and do not do the health checks for hips, heart, and eyes. They also break any number of rules for genetics. There are too many goldens who've been inbred. They may be cute, but they end up with health problems. This may be a very unpopular sentiment with the rescue people, but I am not against buying a puppy from a breeder if they are ethical and reputable. I would like to see the lines of the different breeds to go on. If all we did was rescue, the different breeds would vanish. I'm into doing both. We have had two goldens from breeders, three rescues and three senior fosters down through the years, plus five of our seven cats. We're down to one of our two goldens, who is about to turn .When he's gone, because of our age it will make more sense to rescue a senior something than to acquire a puppy.

But bulldogs are still dogs and they have the innate tendency to bite. However, if left unchecked, this seemingly cute behavior can turn into a problem when they get older as he could hurt you or the people around you when they bite. Furparents need to address their biting behavior early on so that they can grow into well-behaved adult dogs. When he accidentally bites you, you have to react accordingly. The way you respond will be crucial as it will tell your puppy if that is an acceptable or unacceptable behavior. Exaggerate if you need to. Your bulldog would stop biting you because he would be startled with your reaction. As they say, Bulldogs are lovers not fighters. Ignore him after he bites you. Wanting nothing more than to please you and get your attention, he would learn that what he did was unacceptable and he would try not to do it again. Be consistent with your response each time he does this but stay calm when training him to stop biting. The key to getting your bulldog puppy to stop biting is through ignoring him. By giving him the cold treatment when he bites you, you are promoting bite inhibition. Your pup may be feeling uncomfortable and might be in pain because of his condition. You can give him ice cubes as these will help numb his gums from the pain. Another way to teach your pup not to bite is by praising him when he stops biting. Remember, bulldogs aim to please you and will bask in your praises and affection so these are good motivators for your desired behavior. You can use the ignore method or praise method. You can also provide him with toys he can chew on to divert his biting behavior. A dog is not just a pet, but a lifelong friend and companion. English Bulldog is one such breed who is extremely loyal, friendly, brave and have a strong sense of dedication towards their owners. They will stick to you like glue throughout their lifetime. How to teach an English bulldog not to bite? Bulldogs can bite for several reasons, but mostly they bite when they feel provoked or threatened. Puppies bite because they have not yet learned how to play properly with humans. Here are step by step instructions to teach your bulldog not to bite. Sit down and play with your bulldog. Let them bite your hand. Your bulldog should be startled, release, and step back. You can spray something bitter in their mouth to further the consequence if your bulldog is not starting to understand after going through steps a few times. An English bulldog looks scary and grumpy but is very calm and amiable. Many people are afraid of the English bulldogs because of their somewhat aggressive appearance, but they are the friendliest of all breeds. They are lovers and not fighters. Bulldogs make wonderful apartment pets and are mainly low-endurance dogs. But all dogs can have the bad habit of biting. An un-socialized adult English bulldog will also nip and bite. Under these circumstances, you should keep your English bulldog away from other dogs and people. It is important to make sure your bulldog learns not to nip and bite as biting will further the stereotype that bulldogs are dangerous, when they are really not dangerous at all when they are loved, trained, and socialized. How to Teach Your English Bulldog Puppy to Not Bite Every English bulldog goes through the puppy stage and learns to interact with others by biting, nipping, and licking. Biting occurs when your puppy is growing and exploring their environment. Your English bulldog puppy may not hurt you intentionally, but as a puppy he is still capable of inflicting harm to you. If this behavior is not rectified and controlled, your puppy can carry this into adulthood. No, And Here's Why! Your puppy might grow up thinking that there is nothing wrong in biting and nipping humans. As their teeth grow and their weight also increases, the harmless biting which you once found cute can turn into rough bites and play. An English bulldog is not aggressive by nature but like other dogs can show aggression if provoked. They are ferociously protective of their owners and others in the family. If they feel their owner or loved ones are threatened, they can turn defensive and show signs of belligerence. English bulldogs are calm and gentle with their owners but are chary of other dogs and strangers. Therefore, it is imperative to socialize your bulldog properly and make them feel safe around other dogs and people. There are chances that if your English bulldog is inadequately socialized, he will react fiercely to what he sees to be a threat to your safety or their own. Your puppy bites because he does not know how to play with humans and needs to be trained to stop biting. You can hire a dog trainer to do that or can do it by yourself. You should train your dog that it is unacceptable to bite and encourage them to play games with toys. Learn more in our article Help! Bulldog Teething and Biting When your English bulldog puppy is 3 to 6 months old, there are chances that your puppy may be teething. At this time your puppy will put virtually everything in his mouth. They do this because they need something to chew on, to alleviate the pain and discomfort. You can give him ice cubes to numb his gums and mitigate the pain. When your puppy is teething, you can also give him things he can chew on. You can give him old washed rags kept in the freezer, hard rubber balls, or nylon bones. When your puppy bites you hard just yell as loudly as you can and pretend to be hurt. This will startle your puppy and ensure that he releases pressure. You must continue this until your puppy starts refraining from nipping and biting. This way your puppy will learn that biting can be a hazard to their friends and humans. They will learn that skin is sensitive and should be only pressed down lightly. Eventually your puppy will become gentler to you during their playtime. When your puppy bites you stop playing with him. Avoid petting, talking and even looking at your puppy. Never show aggression or give physical punishment to the puppy while training him. He will become defensive and grow up to be more aggressive. Remember to praise your puppy for good behavior. Socialize your English bulldog puppy to be more comfortable around strangers also. Socializing will help stop your puppy biting your feet and the feet of visitors. You can walk your puppy to dog parks and public places. You can also visit your family and friends with your English bulldog puppy to help him develop trust with them. English bulldog puppies easily get excited with movements. So, if your puppy sees you moving your feet or any sudden movement, he will swoop into attack. Stop right there and this will make your puppy settle down. When puppies see children running around, they also want to run and play with everybody else and could bite their feet. Use dog commands like Sit, Stay, and Down. Always keep treats in handy while training your puppy to motivate him. If this does not work, then simply walk away. To discipline your adult bulldog, you must leave him alone. Still, if your dog persists to bite, you can seek professional help to curb his habit of biting and nipping. Lastly, do not try to put your adult English bulldog into situations he is not very comfortable in or those which will provoke him. If you know your dog does not like other dogs, keep him away from those dogs. You can also use a spray bottle to spray something with a bitter taste into their mouth when your bulldog bites. I have seen people use lemon juice. Be aware that excessive lemon juice will cause an upset stomach and possibly diarrhea for dogs, so find something else with a bitter taste that is safe for dogs to teach them a negative consequence for biting. The bite force of the English bulldog is pounds per square inch psi. Psi shows us how much pressure is exerted on one square inch of space. This is enough to cut muscles and break bones. English bulldogs have extremely strong jaws and muscular and sturdy bodies. English bulldogs also have a very low center of gravity and can easily take you down. They were bred specially to fight the bulls. Their powerful jaws can cause a lot of damage. With appropriate training and by acting properly around your puppy, you can help him grow out of his habit of biting. Training your adult English bulldog will take some time. Training an adult English bulldog will be relatively difficult, but it is not impossible. So, be patient and try to build up this new behavior with trust and love. Persistence and hard work will go a long way. You will surely see results and all your efforts will yield a very obedient and loving companion for life. Pup pup hooray! Post Views: 2, We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you. Pretend To Be Injured Whenever your English bulldog puppy biting and growling at you, pretend to be injured by his bites. When the puppy bites, you yell loudly and pretend like you are hurt a lot. This will shock your puppy, and he will release the hurt immediately. You can continue doing this until he retrains himself from biting you or growling at you. By repeatedly exercising, your puppy will learn that it is hazardous to bite their friends and humans. As time passes, your puppy will learn to become gentle during playtime and get to know that skin is a sensitive part and must not be pressed. Avoid Your Puppy If your puppy bites you while you are playing with him, stop playing at that very moment. When you stop playing immediately, he will realize that he has done something bad. We were playing on the couch, and he bit me. After repeating this every time he bit me, he finally understood that biting is bad. What will happen is he will suddenly become defensive and will become aggressive in the future. These small things are very important and must be kept in mind while training your puppy. Never forget to praise him for his good behavior. Socialize Your Puppy Socialization is very important for the English bulldog puppy to get comfortable with everyone. Your puppy should feel comfortable around friends and strangers. Socialization helps your English bulldog puppy biting and growling not to bite visitors. These etiquettes are necessary, especially when you take your puppy to parks and public places. Save Yourself from Puppy Attacks Puppies are very curious about everything happening around them. They get excited when they see some movements happening around them. You may have noticed your puppy walking moving around your feet whenever you walk around them. If they see any sudden movements, they will immediately attack. When this happens, stop right there and let your puppy settle down. When the puppies watch the children running around, they get very excited and start running and playing. There are chances that your puppy may bite the kids or anyone they are playing with. To avoid this, whenever you see your puppy come running towards you, give him his chewy toy to play with. Never forget to motivate your puppy by giving him his favorite treats. Always keep the treats in your hand while training. When I was training my puppy, I used to have these soft puppy treats all the time. These were his favorite treats, and due to them, he used to perform all the tasks that I gave. Everyone must follow one more important thing , all these exercises, and recommendations in the house. The puppy needs to be comfortable with everyone in the family. So everyone must spend some time with the puppy to become familiar with him. There will be times when the puppy will have to spend the whole day with other family members, and then it will be easier for both dog and the family member. These tips and recommendations are really helpful if you follow them thoroughly. Training your puppy at the correct time is the key to stopping him from doing bad behavior. Adult Bulldog Biting and Growling Sometimes adult bulldogs are also seen biting and growling at humans. I will give you some normal tips about training your adult bulldog. The tips are as follows: Teach your adult bulldog the same discipline you would teach your puppy bulldog. This will make him realize that you are hurting. Leave him alone for a while to get him in the discipline. With correct and appropriate training, you can stop your English bulldog puppy from biting and growling. It would help if you acted properly around your puppy in order to teach him. As the training will continue, he will definitely learn the difference between harming and playing. Training your adult bulldogs can be quite a difficult job but not impossible. So, have patience and train your English bulldog puppy will love and compassion. You will surely have positive results. Related Articles:. Or chew on furniture? Although known for their sedate behavior, bulldogs can sometimes have a tendency to bite people, especially strangers. This aggressive behavior can be curbed. If you want to stop this show of aggression, it is essential to understand why they are doing it in the first place. Why do bulldogs bite? All bulldogs go through a biting phase when they are puppies due to teething pain. Eventually, bulldogs grow out of this phase. If a bulldog does not stop biting by 12 months of age, it usually reflects a lack of training or signs of owner protection or jealousy. Photo by The Bulldog Blog How to get bulldogs to stop biting? Here are some reasons why your bulldog might be biting people: 1. Lack of training: If you have recently welcomed an English bulldog to your home, especially one that might be older, they might not have the training yet to not bite, or know that it is a bad behavior. Owner protection: English bulldogs are fiercely protective of their owners. When they detect any threat, they often bite. Jealousy: English bulldogs often crave the attention of their owners. And, if they are unable to get that attention, they might attack whatever object or person is detracting your attention from them, which can be another person or a dog. Now that you know what is causing your bulldog to bite and act out, here are 14 guaranteed strategies to help reduce this behavior: 14 confirmed strategies that will stop English bulldogs from biting In this post, we will discuss not one or two, but 14 verified strategies that can help you prevent your English bulldog from biting. They might not all work for you, but we hope that some of these strategies will be helpful in nipping this behavior in the bud. And the best way to show them that you are upset or displeased by their behavior is to yell at them. Use a stern voice and be forceful. While this strategy might not produce results in the first or second attempt, your bulldog will slowly understand after a few scoldings. Use a squirt bottle A quick squirt in the face whenever your bulldog starts to bite should quickly reduce this bad behavior. Walk Away Bulldogs, like children, can crave attention. And sometimes it can be effective to deny them that attention and just walk away. They will learn to soon associate that bad behavior with you walking away, and stop doing it. Work on socializing your dog One of the reasons why English bulldogs bite is because they are not familiar with the people or dogs that they are snapping at. So, to decrease that anxiety, start introducing your bulldog to other people, children, and animals early on. Socializing them with other dogs and people will help them better identify threats as well. Neuter your dog You might be thinking, how can neutering stop your dog from biting people? Neutered dogs are less aggressive, that is why the probability that they will bite someone or another dog is on the lower side. Be sure to check with your vet on the right time is to neuter your dog. Curb the habit when they are young One of the best ways to prevent your English bulldog from biting is to curb this behavior when they are young. And while it might be cute at the beginning when puppies bite and snap, you should learn to shut down this behavior early on, so that it does not grow into a bad habit. Showing that when they bite you, you get hurt, will help them understand that biting is a strict no-no. In these cases, giving them something else to chew on can be helpful. As a result, there will be no need for the dog to bite or chew on anything else. Help your dog expend energy Sometimes bulldogs might exhibit aggressive behavior because they have pent up energy that they are trying to release. When you play with your dog or take your dog outdoors frequently, it becomes easy for the dog to expend energy and will likely lead to them being less aggressive. Whenever the dog is unhappy or afraid due to someone invading its territory, the likelihood of a bite is on the higher side. You have to look out for body language. If you notice these signs, it is better to give your dog some space, and separate them from any strangers, human or otherwise. It is also helpful to talk to them sweetly and try and alleviate those fears by comforting them. Show your dog who is boss At the end of the day, you are the pack leader, and your dog needs to know that. When your bulldog recognizes that you are the alpha dog in this relationship, he or she will respect you better and will follow your rules. Sometimes the best way to do this is to isolate them for a short time, to show them your displeasure. This is only effective if it is done immediately after the wrong behavior, so that they associate that behavior with this punishment. Opt for professional training Another way is to opt for professional obedience training. But, we do recommend that owners attend some of these classes, as you might learn some tricks as well! Consult a vet If your dog is persistently aggressive, and is not showing signs of improvement, you might consider taking them to the vet. Aggression is a symptom of a lot of diseases and ailments that your English bulldog could be suffering from. Be patient Training takes time, and you need to give your dog and yourself the benefit of the doubt. You have to let your dog absorb things and understand what behaviors are good and what are bad.

But in the early days, we recommend keeping them close to you at night. It will help them feel safe and cared for — leaving their litter is quite a big step, after all. Your puppy may be unsettled and will most likely need at least one toilet break through the night. It will all be okay in a few weeks time, though. The crate should be a cosy warm den for your puppy. Soft blankets and a cuddly toy should do the trick to help them settle. It is also a good idea to cover over the sides but keep the front uncovered so your pup can still see out. Just before bed, take your pup out for one last toilet stop. With that beautiful voice of yours, gently reassure them and rest your hand in the crate so they know you are there. When your puppy wakes up in the night they definitely will at some point , listen to see if they are settling back down. Expect to be out at or am to take them straight to the loo. They will be bursting! That just about covers the first steps of Labradoodle sleep training. Very tired. But early mornings, late nights and disturbed sleep are all part of owning a puppy. As they mature emotionally and settle into their new home they will be happy in other parts of the house, and even outside of their crate. Having them in your room does not cause separation anxiety later on. Stick to a routine! Consistency is everything. It will backfire on you. Check out our guide on how to get a puppy to sleep through the night for more tips. Alone Training Labradoodles are very sociable. That can mean two things — they will always be happy to see you and that being alone can be challenging for them. This will help them feel at ease without you and also help them love their crate a little bit more too. While they are eating, go and do something close by. No need to go completely out of sight, but try not to focus on your puppy either. Labradoodles love to eat, so use this time wisely to distract them away from you. Just a few seconds is good enough in the early stages. Repeat: Practice makes perfect! Do this exercise at least once a day to build up alone time, and check out our guide to puppy separation anxiety. We expand on our little secret in our puppy toilet training article. Every 30 minutes, after eating, sleeping or playing. Socialization Exercises to do This Week Early socialisation is important for all puppies. It gives them confidence and teaches them to view the world in an optimistic way. Here are some puppy socialisation exercises to do with your Labradoodle. Let your Labradoodle Puppy Explore the Garden The garden is a great way to introduce your puppy to the great outdoors. They will also get used to walking on different types of surfaces such as your tiled, wet lawn or open flower beds. To get them there, here is a quick exercise you can run through: Exploring different surfaces exercise Have plenty of treats ready. Only use safe surfaces, nothing too slippery. Gather surfaces such as: A piece of carpet A large tray with a thin layer of water A large piece of tin foil or cardboard, something that makes a noise. Put the surfaces out on the floor and let your puppy investigate. Let them take their time and go at their own pace. In our experience Labradoodles are quite food motivated, and you can probably use a low or medium value treat for this. You can even try to use their kibble as many will be delighted to work for their food. For more info on what rewards to use check out our article on rewards and treats. Teach your puppy their name One of the first things your puppy will learn from you is their name. Fortunately, teaching a Labradoodle puppy their name is rather simple. Pretty easy, right? Practice this a few times everyday until they start flipping their head at you every time you call their name. Make sure everyone in the family uses the same name too! Teach your puppy to sit Labradoodle training is often started by teaching them how to sit. We call this a marker word. Keep using this word when they do the right thing, and then follow with a tasty treat. Bits of smelly sausage or cheese will definitely do the trick. If this happens, try to keep it simple at first and just use their own kibble if they are motivated to work for it. Save the big guns in treat terms for when you really need it! How to do it Always begin training at home. The outside world is far too exciting at the moment, and your puppy will probably not focus on you. Stand in front of your pup with a treat in your hand and place the treat on their nose, then bring it up to your waist. Recall — How to teach your Labradoodle puppy to come back when called Your puppy should have a good grasp of their name by now, which should make recall training pretty straightforward. Pun intended. How to do it You will need plenty of those high value treats and your best cheery voice. Call your puppy only once! This is super important as you want them to learn that their name only has to be called once for them to react to it. How to do it Get your puppy excited by showing them their favourite toy and making it come to life by waving it around. Once they are interested in the toy, throw it a short distance away from you. With that lovely singing voice of yours, encourage them to bring it back to you. When they do, swap the toy in their mouth for another identical toy. Repeat about 5 times and practice everyday. Get your puppy excited by showing them their favourite toy and making it come to life by waving it around. Prevention of Resource Guarding This part of Labradoodle training is important — it will prevent resource guarding by teaching your puppy how to give up items willingly. Resource guarding is this thing that happens when dogs are unwilling to give up items back, or when they get protective over something from humans or other dogs. From the training tips above, preventing resource guarding always comes down to a good swapping. Resource guarding starts when we force our dogs as puppies to give up items or snatch things out of their mouths. To avoid that, resist your temptation to reach deep inside their mouths to get whatever it is they have. Ultimately, we want our puppies to be willing to give things up when we need them to. What we really mean is care, handling, health and grooming. Start by just showing them the brush and running it over them with the flat side so they get used to the sensation minus the bristles. Hand Touch and Handling If you handle your puppy too roughly or grab at them, not only are they going to have a bit of a fright, but it could make them feel scared about being touched in the future. Use plenty of treats, and remember to stop if they walk away. Touch should be a pleasant thing not forced. Week 2 — Training your Labradoodle puppy Week 2 already! Socialisation exercises to do this week Training to do this week Husbandry Tasks to do this week — Fireworks — Watch the world go by outside your house — Play dress up. Children Novice Owners Labradoodles are a wonderful addition to any family and will get along perfectly well with anyone including children and other pets. Their ease of training, temperament and adaptability make them a good choice for novice owners however you must consider that their grooming and energy levels could potentially be high. This exercise could be in the form of a walk in the park, a run around an agility course or joining you on a jog. This means they need an owner who's at least moderately active and willing and able to get out of the house or has someone else who will. Not only will they get lonely and potentially scared but they'll quickly get bored. This boredom will only show itself in destructive ways such as barking and chewing. This means you should only consider getting a Labradoodle if you can commit to someone being with them all day every day. An important thing to know is that they can come in three different coat types — hair, wool and fleece. The hair coat is much like that of the Labrador Retriever and is the least desirable of the three coats as it's the most hypoallergenic and has a noticeable doggy odour. The wool coat has a texture and feel that is very similar to the Poodle's. The third coat type is called fleece which has a silky, soft texture like the Angora goat. The coat ranges from wavy to straight and is perhaps the most desirable of the three coats as it's easy to manage and is highly hypoallergenic. Brush their teeth at least two or three times a week to remove tartar buildup and bacteria. Daily brushing is even better to prevent gum disease. Not only does trimming the nails keep their paws in good condition, it also protects you and anyone else when they jump up. They're prone to ear infections, so check ears regularly for any sign of infection which could be redness, sores, or bad odour and gently wash their ear with a cotton wool bud and cleaning solution, but to avoid damaging the ear canal, only clean areas you can see. Health and nutrition Health Just like any crossbreed, the Labradoodle inherits the same health risks as their parent breeds, the Poodle and Labrador Retriever. Fortunately, there's a chance that the risk of developing certain conditions lessens thanks to the genetic diversity introduced by mixing the breeds. The symptoms are generally pain and lameness which will vary in severity and can be present in one or both rear legs. If they have not, or the issue is present in one or both, find another breeder. Early in the disease, affected dogs become night-blind, with the loss of sight during the day occurring as the disease progresses. Epilepsy Epilepsy is a neurological condition that is often, but not always, inherited. The condition causes mild or severe seizures which may show themselves as unusual behaviour such as running frantically as if being chased, staggering, hiding, or even by falling down, limbs rigid, and losing consciousness Although seizures are frightening and saddening to watch, the long-term prognosis for sufferers is generally very good. If you suspect your dog has epilepsy, take your dog to the vet for proper diagnosis and treatment as there could be other reasons for seizures. Hypothyroidism Hypothyroidism is a disorder of the thyroid gland which is believed to be a cause of issues including epilepsy, hair loss, obesity, lethargy and skin conditions. Allergies Dogs suffer from allergies in much the same way that humans do with the three main types being food, contact, and inhalant. As the saying goes — prevention is better than a cure. Treatment for food allergies is as simple as eliminating certain foods from their diets. Contact allergies can be anything from shampoos, to flea powders, and other chemicals. If you notice your pet has had a reaction, try a new product with different ingredients. Inhalant allergies are caused by airborne allergens such as pollen and dust. This is a difficult one to avoid, but you can try to do so with vet recommended medications and environmental changes. Other Breeds. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. Log In Doodle Care Caring for your dog involves everything from feeding good quality nutritious food, to grooming, exercise, training and of course lots of fun walks and holidays together. Labradoodles respond well to praise and encouragement; as a breed they actively want to please you and take part in your daily life so find a puppy class that uses positive training methods. It is additionally a great way as a new puppy owner to meet new people and socialise pup with different experiences. These dogs are intelligent and active. They are definitely not suited to inactive, fairweather homes. Grooming Grooming is a definite must with the Australian Labradoodle. Puppy coats will change as they grow into an adults and this usually starts once puppy reaches approximately 10 months old plus when the coat begins to change and the adult hair grows through and mixes into the puppy coat which matts and felts. A shorter cut is beneficial to the dog as it can be uncomfortable for them and difficult for the owner if you are constantly trying to groom through matted hair. In order for your pup to get used to the groomer I do recommend an early meet and greet socialisation just like you would for the vets and outside world. Special attention will need paid to the hair that grows between the pads, hair that may be irritating the eyes, the hair that matts most frequently under the armpits and hair in the sanitary areas. Nails will additionally need clipping and ear hair plucked; these little jobs that only take 5mins can either be completed by yourself or a groomer. For example a humans stomach has a pH balance of about , whilst a dog has a highly acidic stomach content of pH.This acidic stomach aids the breakdown and digestion of raw meat and bones as scavenged by their wild ancestors. The length of their intestine is also different to suit their feeding patterns, in a dog it is approximately times their body length in order to shorten the digestion period and allow scavenged foods to pass through quickly, this is in comparison to a human which is times our body length. When looking at the jaw, animals like cats, lions and dogs have an up and down movement combined with pointy teeth to aid the ripping and crushing of meat and bones. When feeding raw bones there is no need to buy expensive teeth cleaning chews, or use a toothbrush on them once a week. Their teeth are cleaned naturally and breath is fresh! An interesting but obvious correlation in my opinion. For a dog it is, glossy coat, clean teeth, fresh breath, good skin condition, stronger lambs bones immune system, leaner body mass, increased mental stimulation and a varied diet. There is also the pleasure of watching your dog actually enjoy settling down for 30mins or so and enjoying the food they are eating. I feed my dogs by ordering online, and the food arrives frozen, sealed and in the plastic tubs you get from your local takeaway. There is no leakage, no blood and no mess. So what is the right way to feed a dog? Is it buying a brightly coloured, highly commercial package from a pet shop and throwing the same cereal based kibble into a bowl for the next 15 years of their life? Or is it feeding your dog the right food to suit them and having a healthy, active member of the family for longer. However, I do provide puppy families with an excellent kibble option as raw feeding is not always convenient and some puppy families prefer to feed this way. In this case I will recommend and provide you with the best kibble to feed puppies, this is a good quality food product that does not contain soya, wheat, rice, cereals and other unnecessary ingredients. I do recommend that kibble is balanced out with bones a couple of days a week to assist with teeth cleaning and anal glands functioning normally. Other additional supermarket foods such as sardines, green veg, chicken wings raw , lamb ribs, cottage cheese, natural yoghurt, eggs, liver, heart and beef can also be added to the diet. Labradoodles love being out and about with their families, so a walk around the same block is not going to stimulate or satisfy them. They adore the water, and thoroughly love exploring in countryside walks. A well exercised dog is a happy dog. Nutrition and Feeding Large breed dogs, as well as having large appetites, benefit from a different balance of nutrients including minerals and vitamins compared to smaller-breed dogs. Labradoodles like most large breed dogs can be prone to bloating and stomach problems, but smaller, more frequent meals can help minimise this risk. The Labradoodle diet needs to have the right balance of all the main nutrient groups including a constant supply of fresh water. It's important to conduct regular body condition scores to ensure you keep your dog in ideal shape, and remember to feed him at least twice daily and in accordance with the dog feeding guidelines of his particular food. Grooming Labradoodles It is difficult to predict what kind of coat the Labradoodle is going to have, as they may inherit a coat like a Labrador or they may inherit the Poodle coat or any mixtures of the two. This means they may not shed or shed minimally the Poodle coat but in that case will require regular trimming. Or else they may shed the Labrador coat and may or may not have an unruly coat that is prone to matting. They can be anything from low maintenance to high maintenance so be prepared for either! Dog ear care is extremely important as Poodles can have problems with excessive hair inside the ears, which can cause infections or sore ears. Training Labradoodles Dog training is important for this very active, smart and busy dog. They are a joy to train as both breeds are intelligent and love working with their owner — but they will learn bad habits as quickly as good ones, so reward-based training should start early and be ongoing. This is a great breed for dog sports such as agility or even pet gundog work, and they will love having an active job to do. It is important to train a Labradoodle to enjoy handling and grooming as they will need a lot of it and to happily give up any prizes they may rather hold onto — always using positive, reward-based methods. Are Labradoodles Good Family Dogs? The Labradoodle is close to being the perfect family dog. If the Labradoodle is sourced from a reliable breeder, and well-trained from puppyhood, they will make fabulous family dogs , be a total joy to own and will get on with everyone. An untrained or bored Labradoodle can however easily become unruly and overly boisterous. Their warm personality is often a match for people with autism or physical disabilities. The Labradoodle lifespan can reach 14 years as both their parent breeds have long lifespans. FAQs Do Labradoodles shed a lot? Depending on the type of coat Labradoodles inherit, shedding can be either minimal or non-existing. Do Labradoodles bark a lot? Do Labradoodles like to cuddle? Labradoodles are very loving and adore to cuddle when they feel tired and need attention. Is a male or female Labradoodle better? However, female Labradoodles can be more responsive to training while males are said to be more affectionate than females. Similar Breeds. Clipping Since Australian Labradoodles don't shed their coat, they do need to be clipped regularly. How often you have your Australian Labradoodle clipped should depend on coat type, the kind of lifestyle you lead, and your personal preferences, but four times per year is something to aim for. When you bring your Australian Labradoodle to the groomers, ask them if they have clipped any Australian Labradoodles before and if they know how to do it properly! We have heard quite a few stories where people have had their poor Australian Labradoodle returned to them looking like a Poodle! Tell your groomer that you want a 'teddy bear' clip. The coat should loosely follow the shape of the body - it is a very relaxed and natural look - not 'perfect and preened'. Show your groomer some photos from our website so that they know exactly what the 'finished article' should look like. The groomer should also take care of the nails and pluck the ears. It is absolutely essential that you remove this hair on a regular basis. It is very simple and straightforward to do as long as you keep on top of it and don't let it get out of control. Once a month, have a look inside the ears to check for hair growth. If there is any hair in the ear canal that needs removed, put a little ear grooming powder in the middle of the ear. Pat the powder down gently with your finger then pop the puppy on the floor for five minutes to give the powder enough time to get to work. This powder opens up the pores and also ensures that the hair is dry so that you can get a firm grip on it. Then, very gently, between finger and thumb, tease the hair out slowly a little at a time. This is obviously not the most pleasant of things for you Australian Labradoodle to put up with, but they will soon get used to it and it is much better than the ear infections that could occur if this procedure wasn't done properly and regularly. If your puppy wriggles or complains, you must persevere as it is very important, and you cannot teach your puppy that every time he complains, he will get what he wants! Search 'dog ear plucking' on Youtube for helpful videos. We will demonstrate ear hair removal at the Puppy Party. After plucking the ears, it is good to use an ear cleaning solution to remove excess wax and dirt from the ear. You just need to put some ear cleaning solution in each ear canal and massage the outside of the ear leathers for about 20 seconds. Then let go of your dog.Take some cotton wool and wipe all the dirt and wax out of the ear. This will keep them clean and fresh. We keep a stock of both of these products so you can order directly from us to pick up at your Puppy Collection Visit. Trimming You will want to take a round-ended pair of scissors to trim your Australian Labradoodle's eyes and under their tail between your trips to the professional groomer. You should trim the inside corners of the eyes and across the bridge of the nose. The area under your dog's tail should be kept nice and short; if you keep it short, they will take care of the rest themselves!

Ethical breeders only breed new litters from carefully health screened parent pups. This helps detect any genetic defects , which might be carried onto the puppies. This will give you some added peace of mind, but make sure that the health guarantee comes in written form with your adoption documents. Although it might seem like an unnecessary step, being affiliated with any of these organizations means that a breeder has to follow their strict health testing standards and ethical breeding practices. Moreover, if you know anyone who has adopted a Labradoodle puppy in Washington, reach out to them and ask about their own personal experiences with Doodle breeders in the state. Our article on How To Choose A Responsible Breeder has tons of more tips on this topic, so make sure you check it out. They specialize in breeding Medium, Mini, and Micro Mini Australian Labradoodle puppies in a variety of beautiful coat colors, including chocolate, red-apricot, caramel, and phantom patterns. In addition to breeding Labradoodle pups, they also raise purebred Golden Retrievers. At Moonlit Acres, their main focus is on breeding healthy and happy puppies with wonderful temperaments. In fact, many of their puppies have gone on to become registered service dogs for families and individuals who need that special canine support only Doods can provide. All of their puppies are born and raised in their very own home so that they all receive round-the-clock care and nurture that they deserve. Their puppies are all well-socialized with young children, adults, and also with other dogs. They start potty training at 3 weeks of age, crate training at 4 weeks of age, and also utilize the Early Neurological Stimulation ENS training. Moreover, they teach their puppies basic commands and even take them on car rides! What Makes This Breeder Unique? Waitlist: Yes. Our dogs are smart, calm, intuitive, and beautiful. We only breed one litter at a time. Together we discover that there is nothing more rewarding than making people happy with healthy, social and gorgeous puppies. They have soft coats and wonderful temperaments. We breed carefully with low inbreeding and provide you with a pedigree. Our breeding dogs pass many tests to qualify for our breeding program. Tests on breeding dogs include hip and elbow xrays, cardiac screening, healthy eye certification, and DNA tests for common diseases in the breed. We take special care of all our dogs and puppies. We love our Australian Labradoodle puppies from start to finish! We do not breed with anxious, aggressive, nervous dogs, but we select our breeding dogs with good temperaments. They have a gentle, calm, happy character with just enough spirit to be playful and fun. We raise our breeding dogs in our own home or in foster families called guardian homes. All dogs deserve to live with a family. We are not a kennel operation. Because the puppies grow up in our home, they are socialized and love people and other dogs. They are introduced to people, children, and other dogs at a very early age. Training with commands such as come and sit start at 5 weeks of age. We introduce them to their crates at the same time. Our labradoodles keep us laughing with their clownlike antics. We have a lot of experience and knowledge raising and training dogs and we promise a lifetime of support. We distinguish ourselves by having the healthiest, friendliest dogs with wonderful temperaments. They are mostly hypoallergenic dogs. They are very intelligent and easy to train, so Australian Labradoodles are used for emotional support and service. Our whelping boxes and pens are cleaned and sanitized every day. The puppies start pottying on grass outside at about 5 weeks old. They are introduced to crates at 5 weeks old but will not be fully crate trained. We want them to love their crates. We send one home with you. Reserve early as most puppies are sold before they are born! Responsible Breeding Early Socialization and Positive Training Starts at Birth Responsible Breeding Inbreeding analysis before breeding any dogs to be sure there are no close relatives for generations. Pedigrees, and health tests posted. Our breeding dogs do not shed. Tests on breeding dogs include hip and elbow xrays, cardiac screening, healthy eye certification, DNA tests for Common diseases in the breed. We socialize with many people and other dogs. We introduce crate training at 5 weeks in a manner that they will love their crates. Love and handling starts at birth. Most puppies come and sit before they go home. Olympic Peninsula:. Evaluated by Pat Hastings of Dogfolk, Mila was rated top breeding quality for temperament and structure. We are excited to announce that the perfect prince was found and Mila had her first litter April 13, .After crucial upbringing with Mom and litter mates, intentional Puppy Culture time, Ever After training, and evaluations with Pat Hastings; puppies went home in June of and are all thriving with amazing forever families. Since then, Ever After has continued with unsurpassable breeding practices for the most deserving of dogs and puppy families. Our Story passion for dogs Pictured with Mila below at 15, 13, and 13 years of age, our three family rescue dogs made us one of the most sought-after pet sitters around. We had an evident love for dogs. When our names were passed along to help a local breeder, we fell in love with what felt like the perfect dog for anyone, the Australian Labradoodle. Encompassing so many wonderful adjectives, this silly, light-hearted, energetic, loving, intelligent, allergy-friendly, loyal, therapy-tempered family dog was irresistible. The process of learning how to mate only top-quality partners, whelp healthy litters, care for nursing mothers and newborn pups, and then pass along the healthiest crate-trained puppies to happy families, became intoxicating for our family. We had to be a part of such a fulfilling experience. Thus, after many months of observation, apprenticeship, and studying, Ever After Multi-Generational Australian Labradoodles was created. For the best experiences in life, our carefully selected breeder dogs are raised in homes instead of kennels. Now we have the thrilling task of finding "happily ever after" for every new pup and their family. Why Recommend Ever After? Our puppies sleep through the night in a closed crate from at least 11 P. Ever After is a small family-run business. With that, we are able to spend every waking moment with our puppies socializing and training them ourselves. There is no staff — just us and our eager visitors. Pat and her husband bred 28 different dog breeds across all groups. Hiring Pat and being trained by her, we took the extra steps needed to choose top-quality breeder dogs for our program using the standards set in place by the Australian Labradoodle Association of America ALAA. Already feeling confident as trustworthy breeders, Pat gave us the additional tools to be the best. She reminded us that no dog is perfect; but it should always be our mission to nurture the development of our breed and strive for the healthiest of pets — emotionally and physically. Mini Labradoodle vs Mini Sheepadoodle Comparison Two dog breeds, one purpose: to make your life a joy-filled journey powered by strong bonds, friendship, and unconditional love. Meet the Mini Labradoodle and the Mini Sheepadoodle. Two very adorable and friendly dogs with upbeat personalities, the Mini Labradoodle and Mini Sheepadoodle make the perfect addition to any lucky family. Your way of life, hobbies, and work schedule are all important factors that can help determine which of the two dog breeds is a good fit for your lifestyle.Welcoming a new puppy into your home is an exciting time filled with joy, cuddles, and a few inevitable challenges. One of the most common questions new puppy owners ask is, "When can puppies go outside? They are fun, easygoing, and gentle. Mini Labradoodles enjoy canine games like chase, fetch, and Frisbee, and thrive on cuddles and love. Energetic, friendly, and full of life, the Mini Labradoodles make wonderful jogging and hiking companions. They are known to enjoy a good swim, a long stroll, and are very fond of adventures. The Mini Labradoodle puppies are happy, energetic, and bright bundles of joy. They are loving and eager to please, love to play and cuddle, and are excellent training students. A cross between Labrador Retrievers and Mini or Toy Poodles, the Mini Labradoodle may take after one parent breed or the other in appearance or they may have their own unique look with an added bonus of a hypoallergenic coat. They have beautiful, soft, wavy fleece, hypoallergenic coats and a strong, sturdy build. All of the characteristics that come to mind when you think of the quintessential dog can be used to describe this incredible breed. As a result, our puppies carry on their exceptional attributes and become treasured members of families throughout the U. Our Sires go through OFA hip and elbow testing, CERF exams by an ophthalmologist vet for eye health, and full genetic testing to detect any genetic health defects. The physical soundness, health, temperament, and overall appearance of male puppies held for breeding must meet the highest breed standards. In addition to in-depth health and genetic testing, all of our Sires are evaluated as puppies. With detailed assessment of structure and temperament, we are able to identify top scorers to hold back for future breeding, as well as better pair our Australian Labradoodle puppies with the families who have reserved them. We choose Sires and Dams for their strong structures and gentle, therapy dog temperaments. Our Sires and Dams are paired with the utmost care to produce exceptional Australian Labradoodle puppies in a variety of colors and in both miniature and medium sizes. Breeding dogs are chosen for their stunning soft fleece coats, which are unique to the Australian Labradoodle, and in a full range of accepted solid, parti, and other multi-colors. Our Sires fall between 20 and 45 pounds. If you think one of their puppies would be a good fit for you, fill out our puppy reservation form and get on the list for one of our upcoming litters. We look forward to helping you add a beautiful, sweet, and loving pup to your family! We raise high-quality Mini Labradoodles as well as a few other breeds. We also have partnered up with several other reputable breeders that raise mini labradoodle pups that meet our strict genetic criteria and testing. So we usually have a good selection of very high-quality puppies. View Our Available Puppies! F1B Mini Labradoodle Puppies are a second-generation cross or hybrid. The father is a Mini Poodle and the mother is an F1 Labradoodle. The F1B Minature Labradoodles usually have soft hair that is usually wavy or curly. Thes puppies are considered semi-hypoallergenic since they shed minimally. These puppies can be a good fit if a person that has mild pet allergies. Once F1B Mini Labradoodles reach 6 months old they require to be groomed once every 8 weeks or so to keep their fur healthy and to stop matting. Adult F1B Mini labradoodle dogs range in size from 14 inches in height and pounds in weight. The average life span is typically years of age. The F1BB puppies usually have curlier coats and will be totally hypoallergenic. Once the F1BB pup is 6 months they will need regular grooming every 6 to 8 weeks. F1BB Puppies are usually slightly smaller than F1B puppies and range from 12 inches in height and pounds in weight. Mini Labradoodles are known for their intelligence and the ability to be trained very easily. They make amazing family pets and love to participate in family activities like swimming, hiking, camping or just playing tag in the yard. This breed is also a good choice for people who live in apartments as long as they get at least minutes of exercise a day. So if you live near Vancouver Washington and are looking for a healthy and beautiful Mini Labradoodle puppy that can be delivered to you then check out our available pups now by Clicking Here. Below are some Mini Labradoodle pups that have been adopted.

What Is a Sable German Shepherd? Many people ask about mostly black and reds and do not have too much information on the Sable color German Shepherd Sable German Shepherd is known as the classic German Shepherd, a true German Shepherd color. The sable German Shepherd has always been acknowledged as the quintessential dog because it has a DNA similar to that of a wolf. It also has the dominant gene in the German Shepherd family. The sable is the only color that matches the dog perceived as the first Shepherd dog. The dog can be red or tan with black tips or have black hair over its entire body. Sable German Shepherds are known as one of the smartest family dogs ever. Not just their Sable coat color makes them stand out, but they look adorable and charming as well. Their color is similar to that of a wolf, which helps people to identify them in one go. You can easily see a Sable German Shepherd in the streets of America. After quite a thorough research about this dog breed, we could see that a significant reason for their similar appearance to a wolf is their genetic similarity. Often accompanying police and other officials who do protective work, the DDR German Shepherd is an agile, athletic, and able dog that is willing to go the distance for his owner. Fiercely devoted, highly courageous, and extremely intelligent, the DDR German Shepherd makes an excellent pet for folks looking for a loyal, loving, and protective companion. DDR German Shepherd are best suited for experienced owners. This dog would not fair well with a novice owner. Moreover, if you do not have the time to invest in sufficient training, socializing, and exercising this breed, the DDR German Shepherd is not the right pooch for you. With breeding regulations being more lenient worldwide, it is possible for you to end up with a dog with different and diluted characteristics to the original line. Puppies sold by bad breeders, including puppy mills and backyard breeders, can be brimming with behavioral and health problems. The new bloodline would be able to withstand frigid winter temperatures and excel in military and police work. Many dogs were even abandoned or put down. Some dogs were sold to breed-type enthusiasts to preserve the bloodline. This makes him great for search and rescue missions. DDR German Shepherds can withstand all types of weather conditions and easily traverse most types of terrain, helping them effortlessly locate people who are trapped in rubble after a disaster. If you properly socialize your dog from a young age, he will be a protective and playful playmate for your tots. A highly intelligent dog, the DDR German Shepherd can easily learn basic commands and complicated tricks. Reward-based training methods word best for this breed. Always offer your pet high-value treats and plenty of praise when he does what you ask of him. Although these dogs look different to other German Shepherds GSD , they carry the same traits and characteristics as other variations of the German Shepherd breed and are known to be very loyal. These dogs are bred to produce the perfect working dog and German Shepherd dogs have gone on to have careers in the military, the police force and as other service dogs. 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 .Sable German Shepherds are, however, often more rare than other colors of German Shepherds, which can make them more expensive as puppies. The litter size for these pups will normally be 5 and 9 puppies. 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, either 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 doggie for those with allergies. However, a proper grooming regime, which we will go into more detail about below, is important to reduce the amount of shedding and the amount of cleaning up! Color The sable color of the German Shepherd means that almost all their hairs will have a black tip to them, while the rest of the hair can be a different color. Normally this other color is tan, but there are a range of colors that the GSD can come in. These include white, parti, blue, liver, red and gold. They are 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, so it is important they spend most of their time with people or they are trained correctly to understand what behaviors are desirable. Lifespan The Sable German Shepherd has an average life expectancy of between 9 to 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 problem 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. 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. Daily Life Now we know all about the traits and characteristics of the Sable German Shepherd, it is time to take a look at what living with one of these dogs on a day to day basis is really like. We will cover their food and diet, their exercise requirements and their grooming needs. It is recommended that you feed them a diet specially formulated for large dog breeds and you should always check the back of the dog food packet to see how much food you should be feeding your doggie based on their weight. Experts recommend that a Sable German Shepherd 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. 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. Take a look at the food we recommend below. Lifespan Sociability German Shepherds have long been the first choice as working and service dogs because they are highly devoted, loyal, and courageous animals. They are generally easy to train by experienced owners but need a firm hand and consistent routine to train successfully. While this is possible for novice owners, they will present more of a challenge than some other breeds. Before buying a German Shepherd, you need to take into consideration the massive responsibility of owning one of these animals. They are highly protective of their owners, which can lead to aggressive and territorial behavior at times, and they have a powerful prey drive. These dogs were bred for and have long been a working breed and do best with a specific job to do. It will take a great deal of time, patience, and dedication to look after a dog of this caliber, so you need to understand that a German Shepherd is not the kind of dog that can be left at home alone for long periods. This will quickly lead to destructive and even aggressive behavior. With the power and working history of this breed, good training and socialization are essential with owning a German Shepherd. They are one of the most popular breeds in the United States Behind only the family-friendly Labrador Retriever, the German Shepherd is the second most popular breed in the U. German Shepherds Go By Two Names Most dog owners know them simply as German Shepherds, but their name has changed over the years, and they are still referred to by different names in other countries. Many people confuse the two as different breeds, but they are the same animal. Sable, tan, and black color variations are among the most common and recognizable coats, but other recognized colors include black and red, black and cream, grey, and even blue. German Shepherds are known for being mildly aloof and independent dogs, and this is often mistaken for aggression or unpredictable behavior, but in truth, these dogs are rarely aggressive when trained properly. While they are reserved and aloof toward new faces and do not tend to make friends easily, once they get to know you, they are extremely friendly and loyal animals. They make great family dogs because they are loyal, gentle, and friendly with their owners. They are well known for being highly protective and powerful animals, making them ideal guard dogs, and they are typically only aggressive when provoked or protecting their family. They are supremely intelligent animals that can be trained to do almost any job, leading to their wide use in service and military applications. These dogs thrive off of having a specific job to do, especially with their owners, so they are happiest when close to their human family. Indeed, close companionship is a must with the breed, and they will not do well being left alone for extended periods. They will swiftly become bored and frustrated, and this can lead to destructive behavior and even aggression if left unchecked. If you are away from home frequently, the German Shepherd is not the breed for you. They are generally gentle and affectionate with children, although they may accidentally knock over small kids while playing. Of course, good training and socialization are essential for this powerful breed. Other dogs are not usually an issue, but they will need to be socialized early to get along with the family cat! Make sure that their food has an animal-based protein as the first listed ingredient and that the food is free from filler ingredients like wheat, corn, and soy. We recommend substituting this dry food with canned wet food or lean meats and organ meats to add variety and give an amino acid and protein boost. Large breeds like the German Shepherd Sable are prone to joint issues, so you need to be careful of overfeeding them. Avoid giving them too many treats or table scraps, and give them a diet rich in healthy oils to aid their joint health. This includes agility sports and training, as well as puzzle toys and games. These large dogs will need at least 1—2 hours of intensive exercise every day to prevent boredom and destructive behavior, although more is better. They are great companions if you are an outdoor enthusiast and will adore joining you on runs, hikes, and cycling. They have a natural love for water and will enjoy an occasional swim too. One point to keep in mind is to be careful about over-exercising German Shepherds as puppies. While these dogs are active and agile, during the first year, they are rapidly growing, and too much exercise can be harmful to their skeletal development and may cause joint issues later. While they can be aloof and independently-minded at times, making training difficult for novice owners, they typically love the process, and training this breed is usually relatively easy. They should be trained from a young age, preferably from the day that you bring them home, as this will mitigate any bad habit formation that may potentially occur. Positive reinforcement training methods are highly recommended for this powerful breed, as too much harsh scolding or reprimands may lead to an unresponsive dog at best or aggressive behavior at worst. This method uses praise and rewards for a job well done, and this promotes good behavior in the future rather than punishment for bad behavior. Socialization is an often-overlooked aspect of training but is vital to the success of properly training your dog. Socialization with other dogs from an early age will lead to less distraction while in public places, and your Shepherd will be far more likely to follow commands with other dogs around. Also, we recommend engaging in training sessions after a short exercise session, as your pooch will be less distracted, more attentive, and thus, more likely to learn. Even with daily brushing, there is no way around having a ton of hair around your home, so you may need to invest in a pet vacuum cleaner before bringing one of these pooches home! That said, brushing your Shepherd a minimum of two or three times a week will help a great deal, especially when they are shedding heavily. This will remove any dead hair and keep their coat smooth and healthy. Avoid using human soaps or shampoos, as this can strip their coats of natural oils; stick to water or special pet shampoos. Other than that, they need a toenail trimming once a month or so, depending on their activity levels, and regular teeth brushing will stop any tartar build-up and potential dental issues. Soft, safe chew toys and high-quality kibble can also help keep their teeth plaque-free, but you should still brush their teeth regularly. Most responsible breeders will make sure your dog is free from most of the genetic problems that can affect these dogs before selling them, but of course, there is no real definitive way to avoid some of these issues. Being such a large breed, German Shepherds are prone to joint issues like hip and elbow dysplasia, as well as a progressive degeneration of the spinal cord called degenerative myelopathy. This disease may eventually progress to the point where your dog has trouble walking due to the lameness in their back legs, and unfortunately, most of the time, there is no treatment. Gastric dilatation-volvulus, commonly known as bloat or gastric torsion, is another condition to keep an eye out for. This is common in large breeds with deep chests like the German Shepherd. The condition is caused by dogs eating large meals too quickly, causing a build-up of gas in the stomach, which then twists, cutting off blood flow. The condition is treatable but frequently results in death, as there is not much time to get to the vet. Minor Conditions. Sep 27, Jul 8, This post may contain affiliate links. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. Are you looking for a dog with all the amazing characteristics of a German shepherd, but you also want something a bit different and special? If so, then why not consider a sable German shepherd? The sable German shepherd is not a crossbreed dog but rather a recognized variation within the breed, so the dog retains all the benefits of a purebred pup. German shepherds are one of the most popular purebred dog breeds in the United States, in part thanks to their intelligence, trainability, and intense loyalty. They are also well-loved for their sleek, noble appearance. Interestingly, sable is actually the original color of the German shepherd breed. It is the only variation of the German shepherd that has the same color as the founding member of the breed. Read on to learn everything you need to know about these attractive, intelligent, and hard-working dogs. Sable German Shepherd Appearance Sable German shepherds look just like most other German shepherd dogs, with the exception of their distinctively colored coat. The German shepherd is a large breed. You can expect the males to reach up to 26 inches tall and weigh between 75 and 95 pounds. The females are a bit smaller. Their heads are domed in shape with a long, square muzzle. They have alert, erect ears and long necks that make them seem even larger than they are. It is considered ideal for the dog to be longer than it is tall with a proportion of 10 to 8. Their bushy tail should extend out in a hook-like shape. German shepherds tend to dip their head low like a wolf when they are running or prowling, which contributes to the consensus that they look very much like the wolf ancestors of dogs. These dogs have double coats with a soft undercoat and a denser guard layer. The guard layer can be either medium or long, though the medium length is significantly more common. Most German shepherds are either tan and black or red and black. The lighter brown shade is usually their principal color, with a black face mask and black markings on their back which often look like a saddle. A variety of other color variations exist, including pure black, pure white, liver, silver, blue, panda, and, of course, sable. Sable basically means the dog has mostly lighter colored hair with a black tips, which can make the dog appear grey or mottled. In reality, the actual color combinations are more varied, and the sable pattern could be any mixture of tan, black, brown, or red. The term is mostly used in the United States. In other countries, such as Germany, these dogs are often just called grey. It has since become a popular working dog for roles such as search and rescue, police, and military due to its strength, trainability, and intelligence. The breed emerged from the s trend to try to standardize dog breeds to assist in certain jobs, such as herding sheep. Max von Stephanitz was a leading thinker in this area and was specifically looking for canine specimens that matched his ideal vision of a working dog. He found that ideal dog at a dog show in .He purchased the dog and named it Horand von Grafrath and founded the Society for German Shepherd Dogs to promote the breed and others like it. Horand, who was in fact a sable-colored German Shepherd, became the center point of a breeding program. Horand himself had 84 puppies, and extensive inbreeding was required to secure the characteristics of the breed. When the German Shepherd was imported to the United States in the early 20th century, it became popular with gangsters and bootleggers for its strength, intelligence, and intimidating appearance. It was also popular in Nazi Germany, and even Adolf Hitler loved the breed. As a result, it has gained a reputation for being a fierce, intimidating, and even dangerous breed. However, this says much more about how the dogs were used than the natural temperament of the dogs themselves. German Shepherd Temperament The color of a German shepherd makes no difference to its temperament, so you can expect a sable German shepherd to conform to the general temperament of the breed. German shepherd dogs are often described as active and self-assured. This, combined with their intelligence and eagerness to learn and please, makes them excellent working dogs. They are also highly obedient and loyal. Their extreme loyalty also extends to family situations. They will raise the alarm with their loud, deep bark if they sense danger. However, German shepherds are not naturally aggressive. This is a reputation that stems from the way that the dog has been used in the past. That said, German shepherds are often associated with severe dog bites. This is largely due to the popularity of the breed and the strength of their bite rather than any innate aggression; there are simply more of them around than many other dog breeds. Tests suggest that German Shepherds have a bite force of over 1, newtons, which is less than a Rottweiler but more than a pit bull. They tend to have a natural suspicion of strangers and like to chase smaller animals. Their intelligence and compliance means they can be trained not to display this behavior, but as an owner, you need to put in the work of training them properly and consistently. German shepherds are a very curious breed in addition to being highly intelligent, which is why they are well suited for search and rescue missions. German Shepherd Energy Level German shepherds are very playful and active dogs, so they need lots of physical exercise and mental stimulation in order to thrive. This is another reason why they often do well as working animals. Working gives them both the physical and mental stimulation to complete these challenging tasks. Pleasing their handlers is also attractive to these highly reward-oriented dogs. Ideally, German shepherds need at least 60 to 90 minutes of exercise every day, preferably spread over at least two different sessions. However, this should be slightly less when they are puppies. There is always a risk of over-exercising puppies, especially when it comes to large dog breeds. As a general rule, you should exercise a puppy daily for five minutes for every month of their age until they are an adult. German shepherds reach adulthood at around 18 months. So, for example, a six month old pup should be getting 30 minutes of exercise a day if we follow this rule, as six months times five minutes comes out to 30 minutes per day. What to know more about exercising your puppy? Read our article: How far can I walk my puppy? German shepherds will love to accompany you on adventures, such as hikes and walks, and they also love swimming. They will do well at the lake, on the beach, or even accompanying you on a boat. However, even though they are excellent swimmers, they should have a doggy life vest if you are out at sea. They will struggle in an apartment, and their large size can make navigating small apartments challenging even for these nimble dogs. Ideally, they should have a backyard where they can move around freely, especially when left at home alone. The intelligence of these dogs means they can get bored quickly. While puzzle toys, such as a Kong , can help on the occasions when you do need to leave them alone, they are likely to become stressed if they are left alone regularly. German Shepherd Health Risks German shepherds have a life expectancy of a little over 10 years. This is normal for dogs of their size, and larger dogs tend to have shorter lifespans than smaller breeds. You should not expect a sable German shepherd to be immune from these, especially since further inbreeding is often required to produce the sable color. It is common for these dogs to develop hip and elbow dysplasia , which is a developmental abnormality of the joints that can restrict movement and cause pain. This is often the result of different elements of the body growing at different speeds. The best way to prevent this is to ensure good nutrition and the right level of exercise during their crucial growing period. Even if the development of hip and elbow dysplasia does not affect the dog at a younger age, it can make them more susceptible to arthritis and other forms of joint pain when they are older. Older German shepherds often benefit from an orthopedic bed to take pressure off their joints. The breed also appears to be predisposed to degenerative myelopathy. This is a degenerative spinal cord disease that generally shows up in older dogs after about the age of seven years. If you are looking for one of these puppies specifically, you may need to go to a breeder. The sable color is relatively rare, and breeders have to control specifically for this kind of coat. As a result, you can expect to pay a bit more for a sable puppy than you would a German shepherd of any other more common colors. Are you thinking of adopting a sable German shepherd, or any German shepherd, into your family? Here are a few questions to ask yourself to determine if you and your home are a good fit for this breed. German shepherds are highly trainable and obedient, which means even first-time owners should be able to take on the challenge of training them. German shepherds need a commanding presence to keep them in check. The sad reality is that many people are also afraid of big dogs like these, and their behavior and response to them can cause serious problems. You need to feel confident to take control of your dog in charged situations. These dogs are also very active, so they will do best if they have a bit of outdoors to call their own that lets them run around a little, dig, and play. Just be sure your yard is properly and securely fenced in! German shepherds are very energetic dogs that need to be active a lot, which means you will need to be active frequently as well. As well as daily exercise, they will want to join you on weekend adventures rather than weekends on the couch catching up on Netflix. German shepherds need to spend a lot of time with their owners, as they need both companionship and intellectual stimulation. Thinking about getting a new puppy? Check out our new puppy checklist. Sable German shepherds have a coat with lighter roots and darker tips covering most of their body. The tips are usually black, which means the dog looks as though it has a greyish color. It is a natural color variation within the breed. How common are sable German shepherds? Sable German shepherds are significantly rare in comparison to the popular tan and black or red and black colors that dominate the breed. This is why a sable puppy will probably cost you more than other color variations. However, pure black German shepherds are a bit more rare. Are sable German shepherds bigger? No, sable German shepherds are not bigger than other German shepherds. The females should weigh between 55 and 75 pounds and the males 75 to 95 pounds. Look at the size of the parents to get a better feel for how big your pup is likely to get. Are German shepherds good family dogs? With the right training and socialization, German shepherds are excellent dogs for an active household. They will be loving, obedient, and protective. They are good around children, though small children should always be supervised around dogs, regardless of the breed and their level of familiarity. Accidents happen, even when children are around dogs they have grown up with and know well. What is bad about German shepherds? German shepherds tend to be suspicious of everyone, which can contribute to overly protective and territorial behavior. Proper socialization can help minimize this personality trait, but they will probably carry an element of this with them for their entire lives. The Verdict Sable German shepherds are not exotic crossbreeds but rather a rare color of the purebred German shepherd dog. They are actually the original color of the breed, matching its famous founding member. Sable-colored German shepherds are actually relatively rare, so they can be expensive to procure. However, aside from their unique color, they are just like other German shepherds, one of the most popular breeds in the United States. They are large and strong dogs with a lot of energy, which makes them well suited to hard work. They are also highly intelligent and eager to please, which makes them ideal to train to complete complex tasks such as the roles of military and police dogs despite being originally bred as herders. Overall, sable German shepherds are: Rarer than just about any other color of German shepherd No different than other German shepherds as far as personality, temperament, etc. With the right training and socialization, they are very safe dogs. German shepherds are great dogs for active people who have a lot of time to spend with their pup and want a companion to join them on various active adventures. Do you have experience with sable German shepherd dogs? Share your thoughts with the community in the comments section below. Related Article:.

diet plan for golden retriever puppy - Imagine you could come home to a lovable, dedicated, companion for life! If you knew what to look for when buying a German Shepherd puppy, you could find your next best friend. Before you buy your new best friend, read this information so you know what to look for in buying a healthy, quality German Shepherd puppy. I group them into major categories. Will you show him in conformation? Do you want to work with him in Schutzhund or herding? Or do you want a confident and alert companion? Know exactly what you want from your puppy. These dogs are the least costly since they have a trait that prevents them from winning in conformation competitions. These flaws rarely matter to most pet owners. And many minor faults like flat withers or slightly smaller offset ears will probably go unnoticed by most owners. The vast majority of GSDs are family pets. These dogs make great pets as long as they have sound temperaments! They breed some dogs for certain traits that are highly desirable but considered a fault. For example, long-coat or plush-coat GSDs. Show-quality dogs have good temperament and health. You usually buy them for their breed standard qualities that make them able to compete in confirmation or show events. A show-quality dog may cost significantly more if they have the traits desirable to win at a show. This group comes from Championship show lines with a long history of winning. If you plan on showing your Shepherd this is the quality you want. Beware of any breeder who claims they only raise competition-quality dogs. Even the best breeders produce many pet-quality dogs and if a breeder says they only breed perfect dogs, this is a red flag to not buy from them. The GSD is a herding breed, and the working-quality dogs excel at working trials such as scent competitions and Schutzhund. Other work includes climbing and jumping competitions or searching and tracking. They need mental stimulation to keep them occupied and take a lot of time to handle properly. These dogs are better with experienced handlers since you use them for high drive working and competition. They require hours and years of training and preparation for you to have total control during competition. We base this decision on preference. With the correct upbringing and training, both sexes are loyal companions and good with children. They may grow into more dominant dogs, so a confident handler is more desirable. Males may hike their back legs to mark their territory. This can occur on any object — chairs, walls, couches or even your leg. I suggest an extra bout of socialization during this stage, especially with other well-behaved dogs. So they may be better for the first-time owner. Unspayed females come into season every 6 months, so they must receive monitoring and watch to avoid unwanted pregnancies. Their season time can vary from as little as every 4 months to every 9 months. They can attract males to your property and on walks that will harass them if not spayed. Certain breeders and organizations will deal only in a certain coat length and color. The standard coat length is a short coat with double layers. Guard hairs on the top cover a softer underlayer of hair that provides warmth and protection. But there are many coat lengths available depending on your liking. Look online at the different GSD coat lengths to get an idea of what type of fur you want your dog to have. The longer the fur the more grooming involved. The color you choose is a matter of individual taste. Keep in mind the color of many Shepherds alters from their puppyhood to around 2 years of age. Your dog may become lighter or darker. Perhaps they will lose some of their markings as the color fades into the adult pattern. The best way to know what color and patterns your dog grows into is to see the parents of the litter. If the father is unavailable, then ask for photos. Why should you care where your dog comes from if you only want him as a pet companion? You want to get a dog that will live a long and healthy life from a source that has quality puppies. These tips will help you make the best decision on what type of pup fits in your life. Newspaper and Internet Classified Ads Newspaper and internet ads are in abundance. Many backyard breeders hide behind ads online or in local papers. But some breeders who use newspapers and classified ads are reputable and knowledgeable. The problem is you need to visit them to find out, and this can take time to sift through them all. Try the following more reputable suggestions to save yourself time. Dog Care Professionals Ask dog professionals for recommendations. Check with your local veterinarian, groomer, and boarding kennel personnel if they know reputable breeders in town. These professionals are good sources of quality leads. Use the same caution that you will for a classified ad. Verify their suggestions. Many of these organizations regularly receive puppies they need to re-home. While you might not know the full pedigree of the dog, purebred GSDs find themselves in shelters and rescues from no fault of their own. These organizations are a good resource for your first pup. Before adopting, find out as much information as you can. Was the puppy exposed to children? Did he live with other dogs or cats? A well-organized shelter or rescue helps you choose a German Shepherd match for your lifestyle. Start with looking online for GSD rescues and local shelters. Dog Clubs Dog clubs are local and national. These groups put you into contact with registered breeders through their own programs. They can give you the name of the GSD club contact closest to you for breed contacts. Dog clubs also have dog shows open to the public. This is a good time to watch the breed in action and to ask around for quality breeders. While using a dog club to connect you with a reputable breeder is not the only choice, it is one of the more reliable. If you are using a breeder to choose your German Shepherd puppy, this section will help you know the good from the bad. Use these tips to stay safe. Are selling overpriced or under-priced dogs. Lie to you and say you can make money off your new puppy by breeding them, despite them having flaws. Tells you that the GSD is a dog for everyone, with no disadvantages. Breeds multiple types of dogs and claims to be an expert on them all. If a breeder lets their mothers get pregnant more than once a year, this affects the quality of the puppies, so ask how many litters the mother has. These breeders selling unhealthy puppies also will refuse to take bag their dogs if you need to return them for any reason and have no contracts. They have healthy puppies and will answer your questions and have you make multiple visits. Openly show you where the mother and pups spend their time, including their garden or yard. Tells you the up and downs of owning the breed. Have all pedigree and vet paperwork on hand for your review. Specializes in breeding only GSDs source. They openly share this information with you. They have screened their dogs for health issues and can confirm this with documentation which they proudly give you a copy. Healthy mothers are given rest from breeding, and a reputable breeder gives their mothers time off from reproduction. Ask if your breeder if they are willing to take back their dogs if you cannot keep them, as this is standard for a quality breeder with a good reputation. Make sure your breeder has a written contract with detailed information and health guarantees. These are expected for safe breeding practices. How to Buy a German Shepherd Puppy Following this guide gives you the best chance of buying a German Shepherd puppy that suits your lifestyle. Know what you want from your GSD and where to find quality dogs. Learn what to look for when buying a German Shepherd puppy to stay safe from a sick pup and a bad breeder. German Shepherds have their own unique set of challenges. They are a large, active, and intelligent breed that requires an understanding owner who is willing to train their GSD using positive techniques. Devote yourself to their overall health to see the best results and help give you and your dog a lifetime of happiness. Remember, your pup will need mental stimulation to keep their brain active , a gentle exercise program , and need daily love and affection. Buying a German Shepherd puppy is a choice for your whole life that will bring you many years of joy and excitement! Found this helpful? Share it! She has a Bachelor of Science degree, with Honors, and has been training dogs for over a decade. Related Posts. Do further research into these local German Shepherd breed clubs in your area. Whether you get information from their websites or contact them directly for help, local breed clubs are a great way to get the names of reputable breeders in your area. Veterinarians come into contact with a lot of different types of animal care-givers, from breeders to shelters to individual owners. Because they know so much about animal issues in the community, it's a good idea to talk to a few vets in your area for ethical breeder recommendations. Also consider speaking to other German Shepherd owners, dog groomers, or dog trainers. If you visit a breed show, talk to owners and trainers about who they've had good or bad experiences with. A good breeder won't have a variety of breeds available for adoption. Look for a breeder who specializes only in German Shepherds. Your best option is to find a breeder who has years of experience with the German Shepherd breed. They should be able to answer your questions about development, temperament, and training easily and without hesitation. A key marker of a good breeder is the amount of effort they put into early socialization. Puppies need to be taught from an early age to live harmoniously with humans. If a breeder keeps litters isolated away from the home, the puppies will not be used to the sights and sounds of a normal household, and won't be used to human interaction. This can become a problem by the time they are old enough to be adopted. Make sure the puppies spend at least some time in the breeders' home with them. The more time they spend with humans, the more you can trust the breeder. An ethical breeder will never try to breed a female who hasn't reached sexual maturity — about 2 years of age. Mothers should also be given enough time to recover from pregnancies and being separated from their litters as they get adopted. Females should be healthy and alert. Never adopt a puppy from a breeder who breeds a young or unhealthy female, or who doesn't give mothers time to recover before breeding them again. Puppies should never be sold or separated from their mothers before 8 weeks of age. The breeder should have begun the puppies' vaccination and deworming processes before adopting them out. Make sure that's happened, and ask about any health problems the vet may have reported in these early checkups. Ask if the breeders have their dogs tested for the Degenerative Myelopathy DM gene. This can determine whether a common inherited disease in German Shepherds is present in the litter's bloodline. Dogs with DM suffer from progressive paralysis, particularly in the hind legs. Note that being AKC-registered does not mean that you are getting a healthy animal. It means that the owner paid money to the AKC to register the dog. While experts recommend against breeding animals with known genetic problems, an OFA certification will give you proof. Be aware, though, that there's no guarantee of health in any animal. There's always a chance that two dogs free of known genetic diseases can still produce a puppy with genetic problems. The breeder should be evaluating you as a potential owner, just as you're evaluating him or her as a breeder. No good breeder will just hand over a puppy without being sure that the new owners will be able to provide it with a good, healthy life. Ask the breeder what they look for in a good owner, and whether they've ever turned potential owners away. The breeder should be able to answer these questions without even having to think about it. You might also ask the breeder for references so you can contact other families who have dogs from previous litters. A reputable breeder should ask questions about your dog background and experience, your lifestyle, and your family to guide you in making the best decision. As difficult as it may be, a good breeder will be willing to turn you away if they think you're a bad fit for their particular puppies. For example, if the litter has particularly inactive parents, the puppies may not be a good fit for your highly active lifestyle. If you get turned away, ask if the breeder can point you to other options and litters so you can expand your search. Also ask if they have any unborn litters coming up that may be a better fit for you. Be patient and don't get discouraged. With enough patience and legwork, you'll find the right puppy. Don't lie to a breeder just to get a puppy, though. Trust the breeder's decision-making process. You don't want to end up with a dog who doesn't fit your needs. Avoid any breeder who offers to cut you a "deal," who has unclean or smelly kennels, or who acts suspiciously in any way. Trust your instincts. A breeder who's in it just for the money has the wrong motivation, and likely isn't interested in the welfare of their dogs. Make sure the dogs are not crowded into cages. They should have plenty of room to stumble around and explore their surroundings. Part of the time, puppies should be kept in the home to expose them to household environments. There should be adequate food and water for all animals on the premises. Kennels should be cleaned daily. Although it may be that a dog had an accident just before you arrived, be suspicious of a kennel that looks like it hasn't been cleaned recently. If a breeder doesn't have a return policy, it suggests they don't really care what happens to their dogs once they leave their property. That's not a good sign! Also find out what kind of documentation you would get with your puppy. Would you get registration papers and pedigree papers? Negotiate for what you want if it's not included in the contract. Be very wary of a breeder who will not discuss the chance that a puppy may need to be returned. Does the contract require you to take the puppy for a vet visit within a set time? Does it cover hereditary issues for life? For only a certain period of time? What does the breeder agree to offer? Trade for another puppy when one is available? Are there restrictions on the activities you can do with your dog that will invalidate the contract or guarantee? Are you purchasing a show prospect puppy or a pet quality animal? Does the breeder have strong feelings or even bans about the vaccinations, foods or supplements for your puppy? Are these opinions based on solid science? Are you at home to devote time and training to their growth? What open space environment is your home? German Shepherds are on the no dog list in apartment buildings. Do you have a family with other pets? Also, a good breeder will ask you why do you want this particular breed? The breeder should be concerned that a German Shepherd puppy is being placed within the best living environment. Here are some insights to help you bring home the perfect German Shepherd puppy: Types of German Shepherd Puppies Pure-bred German Shepherd puppies are available in a variety of colors and built. The typical description is light brown and black. Black: Rare and beautiful. Their coloring is either all black or a deep dark bluish hair tint. Panda: their coloring consists of black, white, and tan. This is their natural coloring, not contributed to being a mixed breed. Sable: A unique coloring of this breed consists of light black, grey, tan, or gold. As puppies, the Sable German Shepherd puppies are fully tan. As they age, fur begins to develop stronger natural colors. White: No, this German Shepherd breed is not due to albino coloring. Though rate, white is their natural coloring. This German Shepherd puppy will be smaller in size, whether male or female. The reason for this question is that German Shepherds are intelligent and engaging breeds. They can be trained to thrive in any situation and climate. Their ability to cope in any situation is amazing. German Shepherds make great companions, protective family pets, and they are hard workers. Knowing how to choose a German Shepherd puppy, you are wondering what things you should look for. In other words, you are looking to see if it has a good temperament. German Shephard puppies demand and exhibit affection rather aggressively. Parental Traits If you are choosing a puppy from a kennel or a breeder, inquire about its parental background. You want to know if both parents were healthy and friendly. Carefully Examine the Puppy You want to look again for a puppy that is active and healthy. To choose the best German Shepherd puppy, you must become an amateur canine detective and examine the puppy closely. Here are things to look for: A German Shepherd puppy should not look thin. Instead, they should look full-bodied. Their eyes should appear bright and clear. Also, you must invade their personal space by examining their butt area to make sure it is clean. Their nose should be clean and not runny. Their teeth and gums look healthy. Their hair coat should not have bald spots and should not be matted. Your German Shepherd puppy should be free from odors. Pick a puppy that has a good gait, and their tail is up and actively wagging. All puppies need their mothers when they are very young. A German Shepherd puppy can be purchased when they are between the ages of eight and twelve weeks old. If you decide on an older puppy, just make sure that it has retained its socialization skills with both people and other animals. Make sure that the puppy has gotten all its vaccinations and deworming medication. However, within 48 hours of purchase, take your German Shepherd puppy to your vet for a complete exam. The Kennel or Breeder Environment Whether you are purchasing your German Shepherd puppy from a kennel or a private seller, look at the conditions of both. How does the kennel look to you? Both kennels and private breeder yards should be clean, and all puppies should have clean water. Please do not buy a German Shepherd puppy from a breeder where the conditions are unclean. How Instinctive Are You? Many potential dog-owners state that they knew that this was the one when they first saw their puppy. We all have instincts; therefore, you will know what the right buying environment is when you look at the puppies. If you get a feeling that something is not right, leave and find a different breeder. When you purchase your German Shepherd puppy and bring that bundle of joy home, you want to feel confident that you have made the best decision. After all, the relationship with your German Shepherd puppy can last easily for up to thirteen years. Male vs. Female German Shepherd There are many people who only choose a German Shepherd puppy because of their gender or appearance. What is most important in purchasing any puppy is their physical and mental stability. Gender and looks should never be a deciding factor when choosing a dog that will live in your family for the next 12 years or more. Please perform thorough breeder research so that you can choose the right German Shepherd puppy that will fit into your living lifestyle for years to come. Do you want to select a female puppy for future breeding? If not, both your male and female German Shepherd puppy should be spayed and neutered. Female German Shepherds are found to have a sweeter temperament than their male counterparts. Male German Shepherds are more territorial. They also are a little more stubborn and proud. Male German Shepherds are generally larger than their female counterparts. The male can grow to a height range of up to 26 inches. Meanwhile, the female can grow to a height of up to 24 inches tall. Their weight will range from a full-bodied 75 to 95 pounds. When you are trying to decide whether to purchase a male vs. They make excellent watchdogs. Socialize Therefore, if you are going to be around other individuals each day, your German Shepherd puppy must be trained to accept people outside their family unit. Introduce your German Shepherd puppy to strangers so that they will feel comfortable in front of people. By introducing them to strangers, will help them stay calm. They do not like to be left alone for too long. Because they were originally bred for herding, German Shepherds have high energy and thus require physical and mental stimulation. Make sure you have the time and patience to own a German Shepherd puppy. In patiently taking time with their active habits, it will work out to your benefit. They become loyal and loving breeds, especially when raised in a family setting. Remember the TV show Dog Whisperer? The host always referred to a dog requiring a pack leader. German Shepherds must learn that you are the pack leader. If not, they will take the dominant lead, and this is not good. They must be trained and actively exercised to be happy. German Shepherds love to explore and investigate everything. If you live in an area where there are porcupines, lookout. Young German Shepherd puppies will probably come home with quills all over their body. Well, you would be wrong. A German Shepherd puppy will want to correct this wrong and approach another porcupine! Grooming a German Shepherd puppy is simple and easy. Yes, they do shed year-round, so brush them occasionally. But mostly keep their nails trimmed, their teeth and ears cleaned. Dog breeders believe that to help your new German Shepherd puppy adjust from a litter to your new home, they should be crate trained. They need to feel safe and comfortable. Crate training is a learning experience for a German Shepherd puppy, but it eventually helps them get used to a family who perhaps must go off to work every day. Further Reading. Of course, you have already read a lot of books with advice on how to choose the right puppy of a German Shepherd, east European, as well as a Newfoundland, Rottweiler, Spaniel, or Spitz puppy. You understand what is the fundamental difference between these breeds and why a Retriever puppy will never become a VIP bodyguard, and a black terrier will hardly ever pass for a draft husky. Why Opting For a German Shepherd Puppy Is a Good Choice The German Shepherd is prone to learning from a very young to deep old age, while many other breeds cannot boast of this, even if their appearance is more perfect than that of a German Shepherd. The most well-known characteristics that a German Shepherd owns are: pronounced protective and guarding instinct; the ability to make independent decisions, and active actions, and at the same time be completely submissive to the owner; sociability, playfulness, and curiosity; lack of aggression signs towards others and deep affection for the owner; a willingness to happily take on tasks, learn, and remain completely fearless when faced with unfamiliar surroundings or unforeseen difficulties; In addition, the Shepherd dog is calmly confident and features strong nerves, combativeness, and assertiveness which are the main qualities of a good service dog. Perhaps, due to this set of breed characteristics, few larger and more ferocious breeds can compete with a GS, both for guarding the house and as a personal protector. It is not recommended to take puppies under 4 weeks old from their mother. This applies not only to GSs but other breeds. At the age of one month, the baby has already been given all the necessary vaccinations. However, only a person who can devote a lot of time to raising a puppy can afford to take a Shepherd at such a young age. In addition to 6 meals a day, and socialization, the new owner will need to complete 1, different tasks, which require, above all, a lot of time. If there is no time, it is worth finding a puppy aged 4 to 6 months. And it is advisable to take such a teenager from a nursery that focuses on breeding German Shepherds and not all the breeds at once. It happens that a puppy stays in the nursery because the money deposit was given for it but, for some reason, people could not pick up the reserved puppy. If the grown-up German Shepherd puppy constantly lived in an aviary and was deprived of close contact with people and the outside world, owners who have not previously dealt with this breed should not choose such a youngster. These young dogs are for experienced cinologysts. Lack of socialization can be corrected but it cannot be fully eliminated. Testing for the Puppy and Its Future Owner You may already know how to choose a purebred German Shepherd by external signs under the age of 3 months. Simple tests will help you choose a puppy with the desired character. Visit the breeder at a predetermined time when the puppies do not sleep or, conversely, are not hungry. You are taking a future friend for life, and enthusiastic emotions with such a choice are inappropriate. When buying a new friend, inspect the litter meticulously. Pay attention to the following: eyes do not water; traces of diarrhea under the tails are not observed; wet noses are without purulent crusts; legs are straight and strong; fur is clean, reminding of the plush; on the skin under the coat, there are no signs of peeling and scabs; all puppies are active and well-fed; the body is elastic and strong to the touch; the puppy has a pleasant dog smell; the mother is not exhausted; bowls and bedding are clean; there is enough heat and light. Of course, the owner of the dog mother has already taken her to the next room. Those who paid attention to the unusual sound are yours. Throw carefully, of course a tennis ball at the puppies. Those who were not afraid and did not try to escape are yours. Those who, having scouted the situation, did not begin to whine , pressing themselves onto the floor, but hurried towards the bedding are yours. Pay attention to those who have shown interest in a new object. The best are those who took and dragged it. Keys and money are the dirtiest household items. This testing method was used 20 years ago. Today, it is dangerous for the health of puppies! Invite those who dragged the rubber duck to pull a piece of fabric. If the baby dog willingly starts the fight, not letting the cloth go when you pull it towards you, they are good boys or girls. Turn the puppy you like on its back and hold it with an open palm for a few seconds. A clear alpha leader is easy to identify by its non-calming behavior for seconds, and even trying to bite you in this position. It may not be your choice! You will get too many problems associated with the puppy, or it will never be possible to completely subdue it. The puppy that squealed, pulled back its paw, and did not lose its interest in you is yours. The one who barks trying to drive brothers and sisters away from the bowl is not for you. The one who gives up its place at the feeder is also not yours. Yours is the one who, regardless of the obstacles, has taken its place and calmly devours food, without moving from its point, snapping, and running around the bowl. Now, you have at best 2 or 3 puppies left in front of you. You need to select the fat-footed one who will try to get out through the opening without panic and squealing. The tests are simple, but they will allow you to select a good puppy and raise a real working German Shepherd from it without unnecessary costs and nerves. Talk to the breeder. Such puppies are sold at a more reasonable price, but the puppy card for them is mandatory to be filled out as well. If you are given puppies for free, in the absence of their mother, there is a reason to seriously consider whether it is a Shepherd dog at all, even if their mother has pedigree documents. This is not a dog of one owner! The versatility and flexibility of this breed are proven by the fact that GSs accept a new family and a new environment without any problems. The main thing for it is to have its own business — to serve a human! Of course, parting with the former owner seriously affects the condition of the dog, but it will not have a destructive effect on its psyche. And the sooner you engage the German Shepherd in work, the more chances you will have to become a new God for it. If the German Shepherd was properly brought up and grew up surrounded by people, it has working characteristics in good conditions, and the reputation of its previous owner is beyond all questions, such a dog will be quite useful to your family. Finding out the previous story and background of an adult GS why it is refused, what the complaints about its behavior are, and other prompting questions is a must! The reason may be the saddest and most trivial — the previous owner died, and relatives are not able to either support or care for the dog. David W. I admire German Shepherds. They are magnificent dogs! I have been dealing with dogs, namely German Shepherds, throughout my life. I have been working part-time as a dog trainer and instructor for about 5 years, dealing mainly with German Shepherds. So I know a bit about these animals. Therefore, I decided to share my knowledge and experience about this fantastic breed. If you need help with advice and care tips or want to know more about German Shepherd dogs, welcome to this blog. Discover the online program that more than 57, dog owners have used to rapidly transform their dog into a well-behaved, obedient furry friend. Below I'll list a few tips to help you choose your own GSD puppy by considering the following things, in no particular order: 1 Carefully look at the puppy's parents, all the littermates and any other relatives onsite - It's really important to make sure that both parents are friendly, healthy and active. One important thing to keep in mind, many nursing bitches can be a little "down" and maybe even undernourished when feeding a large litter of puppies, however she should still be friendly and curious about you. Another important tip: make sure both parents have been OFA certified. Chances are very high that you may regret bringing home a sickly puppy later. Overall, young German shepherd puppies should be playful, clean and odor-free, full bodied but not too chunky and have bright clear eyes, a clean nose, clean anus and a full hair coat no mats or bald patches. All puppies of any kind need their mothers very early on. They need them to nurse and they also need them as teachers to model behaviors for the puppy that they will need to know later on in life. It is also important to make sure that the puppies have gotten all their first vaccinations and wormings. Overall, the best time to get a German Shepherd puppy is basically sometime between eight to twelve weeks of age. If you find a GSD puppy that you want and is older than twelve to fourteen weeks just make sure that it has been received a lot of socialization with people and other "critters". The overall setup of the kennel area should be that of a well kept area for all the dogs and puppies. Never buy a puppy from a breeder that keeps their animals in dirty, filthy or nasty conditions. If you sincerely feel as if something is not right with the breeder, the breeders objective in selling the puppies, the surroundings or the puppy itself, step back. Give yourself time to really think about the entire situation. You never want to get a puppy of any kind on impulse! When you bring that new GSD puppy home, you want to be confident in the fact that the entire process of choosing a German Shepherd Puppy has been as stress free as possible and that you have just made the best choice for both you and your new GSD puppy because this is a new relationship that can last, easily, eight years or more. They had little pictures of cats on them. Then I took one out and he ran around in circles. This guide will help you learn how to select the best German Shepherd puppy to add to your family. Is a German Shepherd right for me? This is the first question you should ask yourself before you even consider bringing home a new German Shepherd puppy. You need to evaluate your personal and family lifestyle by asking yourself the following questions: Where do you live? German Shepherds are often on the restricted breed list for apartments. Do you spend much of your time at home, or do you have an active work and social life? Are you willing to spend more time at home on the weekends and evenings during puppyhood, even if it means missing social events? Do you love traveling a lot? If so, will you take your puppy with you? If not, do you have someone or someplace you trust to watch your dog when you travel? Is your whole family excited about the idea of a new German Shepherd puppy? Are you already active or willing to become more active? Do you have time in your schedule to devote to training? Knowing the answers to those questions will help get you a couple of steps closer to deciding whether or not a German Shepherd is the right choice for you. Important things to know about German Shepherds: German Shepherd dogs are sometimes affectionately known as German shedders. German Shepherds shed all year long , however, they blow their coats twice a year during which time they will shed exponentially more. When considering getting this breed, you should be comfortable having a dog that sheds. Trimming their nails , cleaning their ears, brushing their teeth, and brushing their coat regularly is sufficient. Of course, during the shedding seasons more frequent brushing will be needed. German Shepherds were originally developed for herding sheep. Accordingly, they have the desire to work and respond best to proper training from a young age, and an active lifestyle. German Shepherds are known to be clingy, so be prepared to have a shadow following you around the house and maybe even in the restroom. German Shepherds are good with kids and are great family dogs. However, they need proper socialization and training at a young age so they can learn how to behave around both kids and adults. German Shepherds require a lot of mental stimulation and have high energy levels, especially as a puppy. As much as I love Allie, she was more than a handful as a puppy. I have seen instances where people underestimate the time, energy, and training a German Shepherd puppy requires and get overwhelmed after bringing their puppy home. These people end up giving up their puppies. It breaks my heart to know these awesome dogs are given up because of a lack of knowledge when selecting a breed of dog. Although they are a handful if you are willing to put in the effort they are in my opinion one of the best breeds of dog to own. German Shepherds are too smart for their own good. They learn things scary fast and sometimes get themselves into trouble because of how smart they are. They learn your routine and habits, and they also learn when and how they can get away with mischief. German Shepherds are incredibly loyal and become very connected to their owners and family. German Shepherds are typically loving and affectionate. From the second I met Allie she greeted me with a wet tongue to the face. That is still her favorite greeting she will kiss anyone that will allow her to get close enough. German Shepherds need training. They need to know that you are the leader and in charge. If not, they will quickly take over the role of being in charge and that is where problems arise. A bored, untrained, not active German Shepherd can become one of the stories you sometimes hear on the news about a GSD being aggressive. In most of those cases, the problem was with the owners and not the dog breed as a whole. Adoption or Breeder? First, you need to decide if you are going to adopt a German Shepherd puppy or buy one from a breeder. Here are some of the benefits of adopting: Rescue puppies are often already sociable, at least partially trained, and loving dogs. Therefore, you will save a lot of time on house training your new puppy. Older puppies or dogs are likely to be calmer than a younger puppy. You are saving the life of a dog that might not have otherwise found a home. The cost of adopting is typically much cheaper than buying a puppy from a breeder. If you decide to get a German Shepherd puppy from a breeder, here are a few things that can help you identify a good, ethical German Shepherd breeder: Ethical breeders care about the health and wellbeing of the puppy and are not just in the business for money. Ethical breeders always make sure that only healthy dogs breed together and follow a strict breeding program where they ensure that breeding and puppy spaces are clean. They should also have papers showing the age of the parent and the family tree of the puppy. Ethical breeders will happily show you around their entire setup; they should have nothing to hide. Ethical breeders will happily answer as many questions as you have to ask. You want to select one that will be compatible with you and your family. Consider the following when picking a puppy from the litter: Choose a puppy that is sociable around you and other puppies. Pick a puppy that walks confidently with its head high and tail up and wagging. Choose a puppy that has clear eyes, ears , and teeth, walks evenly, and appears clean. Basically, choose a puppy that looks healthy. Look at the personalities of the puppies. Choose a welcoming puppy that wants to greet you as opposed to one that retreats or appears shy. Ask to interact with each puppy one by one after seeing them with their littermates. That way you can get a better sense of how the puppy responds to you without distractions. If possible, visit the litter at least three times before making a final decision, this will allow you to determine the personalities of each of those little fluff balls, and see which would best fit into your family. How old should a German Shepherd puppy be when you take it home? Any puppy should be at least 8 weeks old before being separated from their mother. By this timeline, their sensory organs will have also developed fully which will help you to spot any deformities or medical issues. Be wary of any breeder that will allow you to take your puppy home before 8 weeks old. How do you puppy proof for German Shepherds? German Shepherds are naturally active and tend to explore the world with their mouths, especially during their adolescent period. So, before you can bring your new puppy home, there are a few things you can do to puppy-proof your house: Get rid of any poisonous plants or put them out of reach of your new puppy. Cover electrical cords with cable wraps or PVC pipes. Buy a new laundry basket that has a lid, no holes, and is tall. Make sure both your kitchen and bathroom trash cans have lids. Your new puppy will dig around for anything to bite, like chicken bones, diapers, used hygienic products, or even a disposable razor. If possible, you should buy new trash cans that only open when a button is pressed. Store all the chemicals in secured cabinets or even better on high shelves. German Shepherd puppies have strong teeth and can open plastic containers by biting through even the toughest of plastic! Put away any small items or toys that are small enough for your puppy to swallow. Think of small kid toys like Legos or dollhouse furniture that could be dangerous for a curious puppy. Find a safe spot for your shoes. Whether in a closed closet or in the laundry room behind a closed door. I remember losing a pair of brand-new shoes because I forgot to put them away and Allie thought chewing them was a fun idea. Bringing home a new German Shepherd puppy The period of bringing a new German Shepherd puppy home and introducing them to your home and family takes time and above all, patience. If possible, plan to take off work for at least a few days after bringing your puppy home. I picked up Allie on a Saturday, and then took most of the following week off to spend time getting her adjusted to her new home. Remember, your new puppy has been taken from the only family it knew, and you are now their new family. That first week home was a good week of bonding with Allie. It helped her feel comfortable with her new life and allowed me to really get to know my new beautiful energy filled puppy. The best tip for a smooth transition when bringing your German Shepherd puppy home is to begin crate training and potty training as soon as possible. As a breed prone to separation anxiety , you want to give your GSD a zone to feel safe, comfortable, and content to be on their own. While the initial steps of crate training can be time-consuming, it can make the difference between a dog that is a joy to own, and one that can never be left on their own — so, be the dog parent your pooch deserves and put the time in! New German Shepherd puppy checklist and things to buy It is important that your new puppy feels welcomed into their new home. Some items are ok to be left with your puppy, and other items are more dangerous or will be destroyed. This checklist will help you to know what to buy when getting a puppy. New German Shepherd Puppy Checklist. One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a German Shepherd puppy is what their personality and temperament are like. German Shepherds are just like people. They each have their own personalities, and some are able to get along with other dogs better than others. In fact, how your German Shepherd puppy interacts with other dogs and people will mostly come down to their individual personality. This will mean that your German Shepherd puppy will need less training, and a lot of your interactions with one another will come more naturally. The best puppy for your home may not be the biggest, prettiest dog in the litter! How to get started Before you can worry about choosing the best German Shepherd puppy for your home, you will need to find a breeder. You will need to opt for a German Shepherd breeder who has a good reputation. So you will need to do your research to find the right breeder for your needs. You may even need to travel a fair way to find the perfect breeder. Even if your German Shepherd breeder is located several states away, it will be worth the trip. If you put in the right amount of time and effort now, it should pay dividends throughout the next few years. Here are a few handy tips to help you find the right breeder to buy a German Shepherd puppy from. Talk to your German Shepherd breeder One of the first things you should do is to give the German Shepherd breeder a call. You may be surprised to learn that quality breeders will actually require this to ensure that the puppy is going to a good home. They may not be as interested in the health of the puppy and their new home as they should be, and are more concerned about making a profit from their dogs. The breeder will want to ensure that you have the right space to accommodate your German Shepherd puppy. Have you got any kids? Training your new puppy and giving them the right amount of socialization will be essential for keeping your family safe. Do you have a fenced outdoor space? Your puppy will need to have a good amount of room so they can run around and play. They will need regular exercise to stay fit and healthy. Why do you want a German Shepherd? The breeder will want to know what purpose you want a German Shepherd puppy for. It could be as a pet, for added protection, or to show competitively. Do you have any other pets? This will be an important factor as you will need to know how to introduce your new puppy to other animals. It will also be crucial to know if you have any other pets which could pose a danger to the puppy. What do you do for a living? If you have to work away for long periods of time so that your puppy is left alone for large portions of the day, the breeder will want to know this. Can you afford the financial responsibility of this puppy? Dogs are a financial commitment. This may seem like too much of a personal question, however, it will be important to establish that you can properly care for your new dog. Questions you can ask your breeder There are far too many unethical breeders around. Some irresponsible breeders will take shortcuts when it comes to breeding, which will leave you with dogs who have behavioral and health issues. Do you raise other breeds of dog? This can show you whether they have been bred from healthy dogs. Have you got any references? A good quality breeder should be able to give you these easily enough. Have you got a pedigree for the puppies? This is essentially a family tree of the puppies. A good quality breeder should be able to produce the proper lineage of your new puppy when asked. If the breeder attempts to charge you for this, or says they will give it to you another time, be very wary. Every breeder worth their salt will give you this guarantee as a written contract. How often do you breed your females in a single year? This will allow them to properly recover from giving birth, and help to maintain great health. Have you got a detailed medical history for the puppies? A reputable breeder should be able to give you proof of any health screenings that their puppies have had. This is essential for healthy dogs. Could you explain to me if German Shepherds have any health issues they may suffer from as adults? Puppies should never be taken home if they are less than 8 weeks old. In fact, more than half of the states in America have laws to prevent this from happening. There are several laws which dictate how old a puppy needs to be before it can be adopted or sold. There are only 3 which actually allow puppies to be sold under 8 weeks old: D. These laws are in place for a reason. This is to ensure that all puppies have been properly weaned from their mothers and that they are able to eat without help. Puppies will also need to have been properly socialized before they can leave their mothers. Their mothers and siblings can help to socialize the puppy properly. Most of the behavioral problems in adult dogs can be traced back to this lack of discipline and not having been socialized properly. To make sure that you have a healthy puppy, you will need to choose a puppy that is being sold in accordance with the laws of their state. This will mean buying a puppy that is at least 8 weeks old, if not older. Even if you happen to find a puppy in D. Male or female puppy Perhaps you already have a preference for the gender of your puppy. You will need to understand that the two genders actually have distinct differences. Here are a few things for you to consider to help you make a fully informed choice. Female German Shepherds 1. Physical appearance Typically, female German Shepherds will be much smaller than males. They will also have a less muscular stature. Dominance A female dog will display less behavioral dominance than a male dog will. Family bonding Female German Shepherds are more likely to bond with the whole family rather than a single individual. Territorial A female German Shepherd will be much less territorial than a male dog will be. Male German Shepherds Male dogs will tend to be much larger than females. They are also more muscular. Dominance Males will display a lot more dominance than females. Single person bonding A male German Shepherd is more likely to bond very closely with a single person instead of a whole family. Territorial A male German Shepherd is more likely to be territorial. This means they could be more likely to wander off in an attempt to expand their home turf. Possessive These males tend to be on the more possessive side than their female counterparts. This could be over their food, their favorite toys, or even you. It will be important to give them correct training to teach them not to be aggressive towards you. They should be able to socialize better with others, too. But the best way to find out if your prospective puppy will be the right fit for your home is to do some proactive investigating. This can also be a great indicator of their future behavior, too. You should never force the interaction. If the puppy is reluctant to come near you and interact with you, then you will be better off choosing a different pup. Tests for your German shepherd puppy 1. Eye contact When you look directly at your puppy, does it look back at you? If your puppy stares back at you, this is showing confidence. If your puppy avoids eye contact then it may be anxious, scared, or have a vision issue. Clapping your hands This can indicate how social your puppy is. If it comes towards you and tries to interact with you, this is a great sign. This shows that the dog is eager to socialize with people. Call out to the puppy Do they come towards you at the sound of your voice? This is a fantastic sign. Pet the dog It will be important to note how the puppy interacts with your physical touch. If the puppy is affectionate and loving, this will be another great sign. If they bite or growl at you, this will likely be an indication of a bad temperament. The dog will have to be trained out of this. Play ball Bring a ball with you when you meet your puppy. Roll this towards the dog and see how the puppy interacts with it. Does the puppy follow the ball? Bring it back to you? Or does the dog keep the ball for itself? Puppies that are more dominant will keep the ball for themselves. They will also be reluctant to give the toy back to you. A more submissive puppy is likely to be frightened of the ball coming towards them. A more independent dog will likely show very little interest, if they show any at all. Puppies with an even temperament will show some interest in the ball, will play with it, but will also be willing for you to play a part of the game without showing any aggression. Searching for a more sociable dog? Keep an eye out for the puppy that brings the ball right back to you and asks you to play more. This puppy will be a fantastic candidate for training as well as other exercises. Roll the puppy When the puppy has come over to you, you can try to gently roll them onto their back, then hold them in place. Watch how the puppy reacts to you. Do they relax under your touch, or do they resist you? A dominant puppy will be more likely to resist you. It could even try to bite you or growl at you. An even-tempered puppy will resist at first, but will submit to you after a short time. Pick up your puppy You can physically pick up the puppy by gently holding it under its chest with an open hand. Lift the puppy up, and see what it does. Does the puppy stay relaxed or does it struggle? A struggling dog is likely to be dominant or scared. A puppy that stays perfectly relaxed is showing that it trusts you and that it is confident. This is a similar test to holding the puppy on its back. Chances are the puppy will react immediately. Any resistance or trying to pull their paw away from you could be a sign of an aggressive temperament or dominance. A puppy that accepts your actions will show a more submissive temperament. They could even lick you! Create an unexpected noise This could just be a sudden shout or banging some pots and pans. The important factor will be watching how the puppy reacts to a sudden noise. Do they show interest? Are they scared? Aggressive puppies could try and bite you and growl at you. Visit the puppy parents Most breeders will have both puppy parents in the same place. Some of them may only have the mother with the puppies because the father was on loan from a stud or a different breeder. Either way, the mother of your puppy should be with them when you pay the dogs a visit. If one of the parents appears aggressive, this could show you that you need to do some more training with your new puppy. A dog that displays more dominant tendencies will need proper training to take the edge off these behaviors. Choosing a female German Shepherd will also be a good choice. Puppies will have their off days, just like humans do. It will be important to visit your new puppy a few times and spend at least 30 minutes with them so that you can see what they will be like. They will likely prefer it to someone who only pays their puppy one visit before collecting them! This is a good indicator that the breeder wants their dogs to be matched with the right owners. If there are other people in your household who will be living with the German shepherd puppy, such as kids or a partner, you will need to bring them along, too. Your new puppy will need to get accustomed to the people it will be spending time with. It will be much easier to transition your puppy to living in your home. You should also bring some treats along for your new puppy each time you visit. These are all positive reinforcements that can allow your new puppy to get used to you and encourage them to bond with you. It will also be a good idea to bring something with you that you can leave behind for the puppy. This could be a new toy or a blanket that smells like you. This will allow the puppy to get used to your smell, which can also make the transition easier. They will also be very well acquainted with the mother of the puppies and have knowledge of the father. So your breeder should be able to help you choose the right puppy for your needs, and match the right personality to you. In summary So there you have it! Choosing the right German Shepherd puppy for your needs is certainly more challenging than it first appears. The most important goal is to choose the right dog that will fit in well with you and your family. As long as you do the proper research beforehand, you should be able to find the right dog for your home. Remember to ask the right questions when you find your breeder to make sure that they are a good person to buy a dog from. Be sure to visit your new puppy several times before you bring them home. As long as you take this responsibility seriously, you will have laid the perfect foundation for a fruitful relationship with your new puppy. Final thoughts Where do I start? The first thing that you have to do before you can pick out the best puppy, is to pick out the best breeder. This may come easily, as you may already have a breeder in mind that you trust and who has a good reputation. But chances are that you will have to do your research. And there is also a good chance that you may need to travel some distance to the right breeder. Even if the breeder is several states away, consider making the trip. Getting a new GSD puppy is a significant life commitment. The effort and time that you invest now in going about this properly will pay off for years to come. Here are some important things to look for in a breeder once you locate one that you are interested in pursuing. Call the breeder and have a conversation The first thing to do is call the breeder and have a conversation. A quality German Shepherd breeder will actually require this. They will not permit someone to just show up and purchase one of their dogs and take it home. They will ask you questions such as: Why do you want a GSD puppy? This will aid them in helping you choose. Where do you live, in an apartment or in a home? They will want to ensure that the puppy will not be in a cramped space. Do you have a yard, and is it fenced-in? They will want to make sure that the puppy will have adequate room to exercise as it grows. Do you have children in your home? They will want to make sure that you understand the importance of socialization and training to keep your family safe. Do you have other pets in your home? They will want to make sure that you know how to properly introduce the puppy to other animals, and whether any other pets you have may actually be a danger to the puppy. What type of work do you do, does it require you to be away from home for long periods of time? Because GSDs do not do well alone, they will want to make sure that you have adequate time to devote to your dog. Are you financially prepared to take on a GSD? While this may be a bit of a personal question, it is important to know that you are financially able to care for a GSD. They are expensive to care for, and it is fair for a breeder to ask this question. If a breeder does not ask you some form of these questions, then perhaps think twice. It may be an indication that they are more interested in profit than raising a quality puppy that they care will go to a quality home. Questions for you to ask the breeder: How many different types of dogs do you raise? Can you provide me with a pedigree of all of your puppies? A pedigree is essentially a family tree for your puppy. A good breeder should have a detailed pedigree for any dog they sell. Beware of any breeder that wants to charge for this or says that they will provide it at a later date. Do you have references? They should provide you with several without thinking twice. All reputable breeders will offer this guarantee in the form of a written contract. Do you breed your females more than once a year? Female GSDs should not be bred more than one time per year. This allows for adequate recovery time and maintains good health. Can you provide me with a detailed medical history for your puppies? Health screenings are essential for puppies, and a reputable breeder should be able to provide proof of these. Can you explain any potential health issues for GSD which may come up later in life? A knowledgable breeder should be able to clearly explain conditions like hip dysplasia and other health issues more common in GSDs than other dogs. If the answer to any of these questions comes up as unsatisfactory, move on. It is simply not worth the risk of pursuing the breeder any further. Unfortunately, there are far too many unethical breeders who take a lot of shortcuts which results in dogs prone to both health and behavioral issues. Why is this? You should never take home a puppy that is less than 8 weeks old. More than half of the states in the U. And out of those states, only 3 permit a puppy to be offered for sale under the age of 8 weeks. The reason for these laws is primarily so that puppies are properly weaned from their mothers and able to eat on their own. In addition to weaning, puppies need to be initially socialized by their mothers as well as their siblings. So a puppy will be taught that these things are bad during these 8 weeks. If you remove a puppy from the litter too early, they may not learn these lessons and develop behavioral problems as they get older. Much like a spoiled child that never learns, often times the source of an ill-behaved puppy can be traced to a lack of discipline at a young age. So to ensure that you have a healthy puppy, that is also sold in accordance with state laws and regulations, understand that it must be 8 weeks old see link above for exceptions — regardless of state law exceptions, waiting 8 weeks is good practice. Decide whether you want to male or female You may have a personal preference for either a female or a male German Shepherd puppy. It is important however to not necessarily just go with your gut on this one. Take a moment and understand some general differences between the two genders. I will explore this issue more in-depth in another post, but here are some important general points to consider. Territorial: Males are naturally more territorial than females. This may give them more of a tendency to wander off in an effort to broaden their territory. Very possessive: Male GSDs are generally more possessive than females. They may be possessive over food and bones, toys, and you! Dominance: Male German Shepherds tend to be more dominant than females. This may result in more of a proclivity towards aggressive bullying behaviors to make sure that it is understood that they are the boss. Dominance requires training to keep it in check. Singular bonding: Male GSDs tend to bond more closely with one person rather than a group of people like a family. Territorial: Females are therefore more welcoming and less territorial than males. They are also less likely to wander off as they have no desire to expand their territory. Dominance: Females display less dominant behaviors than males. Non-singular bonding: Females are more likely to bond with a number of people in a family rather than an individual person. So, how do I choose between the two? This question comes down to the purpose for which you want a German Shepherd. If you are looking for a dog to have trained in protection and are looking primarily for a four-legged security system for your home, then a male is a good choice. However, if your primary interest is to just have a family pet that socializes well with others, then a female is probably right for you. Testing the puppy There is no better way to determine whether or not a specific puppy is the right one for you than to actually get hands-on and doing some investigating. However, even before you begin any interactions with a puppy, make sure that you are testing the correct one. Never try and force any interaction, begin with puppies that are naturally drawn to you. Just like with people, you cannot force a match and expect fruitful results. So be patient and make sure at very least that the puppy is not aversive toward you before you being. The tests: Clap your hands: Does it run away or does it come? A more timid dog may, however, be apprehensive to approach. Make eye contact: When the puppy is looked at, does it stare back at you? If the puppy looks directly at you, it is showing confidence. Vocally call the puppy over to you: Does it come to you right away? If it does how not, however, this could show a behavioral issue or hearing problem, or it could be an indication of another illness as well. Pet the puppy: How does it respond to your touch? However, if it meets your touches with biting or growling, then this is likely an indication of an uneven or bad temperament. It will not just grow out of this, it will have to be trained out of it. Bring a ball with you to test with the puppy: Roll the ball and see what the puppy does. Does it follow it and then bring it to you? Or does it take it away for itself. A more dominant puppy will just take the ball and keep it for itself, reluctant to give it back to you. On the other hand, a more independent puppy may show no interest at all. And one that is submissive may actually be frightened. If you are looking for a very sociable puppy, look for the one that brings the ball right back to you to play some more. The puppy that brings it right back is also an ideal candidate for training in retrieving and other exercises. An even-tempered puppy will show interest in and play with the toy, but it will also allow you to participate and take the toy back without showing you any aggression. Roll the puppy over: Once the puppy comes over to you, gently roll it onto its back and hold it in place. Do not be forceful but be firm. See how the puppy reacts. Is it resisting, or is it just relaxing? A puppy with a more dominant personality will take the path of most resistance, and it may growl or attempt to bite at you. And the even-tempered puppy is the one that may resist for a short time but then submit to what you are doing. Pick up the puppy: Physically pick up the puppy by gently holding it underneath its chest with an open hand. Lift it up high, even above the height of your head and hold it there. What does the puppy do? Does it struggle, or does it stay relaxed? A puppy that struggles may be fearful or dominant. On the other hand, a puppy that stays absolutely relaxed is displaying confidence in itself and trust in you. Hold on to a paw and press it gently: This is somewhat similar to holding it on its back. If there is a response to be had, it will happen immediately. Resistance or pulling the paw away may show dominance and temperament towards aggression. The even-tempered puppy will be you curious as to what you are doing. It may investigate a little and might even lick you. Make an unexpected noise: Whether it is banging a pot and pan together or just yelling, create an unexpected noise. See what the puppy does, does it show fear, interest, or aggression? A fearful puppy may run away or even whimper. While an aggressive-tempered puppy may actually growl and try to bite you. An even-tempered puppy will simply look surprised, and may even want to investigate a little bit further. Meet the parents A lot of breeders will have both the father sire and the mother bitch of the puppies on site. However, some of them will only have the mother because sometimes the father is on loan as a stud from a different breeder. But the mother for sure should be on site, and you should get an idea of what she is like. In the case of my last German Shepherd, I was able to meet both parents. His mother was very kind and sociable and eager to be petted. While on the other hand, his father was clearly dominant, and not a dog to be messed with. Because of my prior experience and knowledge, my GSD turned out exactly as I thought he would — fairly sociable yet wildly protective of me. This was all right because I knew what to expect and I was able to train my dog properly to take the edge off of some of his more dominance behaviors. However, my choice was an informed decision based on years of experience. If you are new to owning a German Shepherd, this may not be an ideal combination. I would recommend for a new German Shepherd owner to consider making sure that both parents are more docile, and possibly even lean towards acquiring a female for your first German Shepherd. Visit the puppy on more than one occasion Just like people, puppies have their on days and their off days. You will not be able to get a very accurate picture of how your puppy will be on one short visit. In fact, with my last dog, I visited him at least 4 times and stayed for at least 30 minutes with him each time prior to taking him home. A good breeder will have no issue with you doing this, and in fact, will prefer it. They want their dogs to be well-matched with their new owners, so this is common practice. The puppy should become accustomed to the people it will soon be spending its entire life with. So the more familiarity that you build now in this phase, the easier that puppy will transition to home life with you and your family. All of these steps are positive reinforcement for your new puppy and will build familiarity and a bond even before you arrive home. Also, bring a small blanket or clothing item and ask the breeder to leave it with the puppy. This will allow your puppy to become familiar with the scent of you and your home. Making for a better transition. So by default, this knowledge enables the breeder to be very good at placing the proper puppies with the proper personalities. Remember to stay focused and not lose sight of your primary objective, which is to select the right puppy for you and your family. If you take the time and care to do your research and ask the right questions, you will come together with the right puppy for you. But remember, this is just the beginning of a major life commitment. So take this step of choosing the right GSD puppy seriously, and you will have laid the foundation for a loving and rewarding relationship for years to come. May not even be aware of the breed standard. Breeds to any convenient dog. Strives towards the ideal. Often helps to define it. Does not need to promote establishment; sells to brokers, pet shops, etc. Often rescues only to attain more stock. Rarely attends shows or trials. Shows and trials to objectively test breeding stock. Often judges, provides seminars, writes articles, and willingly mentors serious Hobby Breeders. Knowledge Often pretends to know some. May share false or incomplete information. Studies continuously. Impacts the breed for many decades with knowledge of dogs over many generations. All pups sold have full breeding rights. Yes, and diligently follows up on progeny. Keeps up with health and temperament issues affecting the breeding and provides in-depth guarantees No need to; mostly supplies brokers and pet shops. Meets minimum standards as required by state law. May refuse to acknowledge most problems. Maintains a solid support system — accepts full responsibility for every puppy produced. Performs health testing for all breeding stock for genetic diseases affecting the particular breed. No interest, may offer papers as proof of quality. Papers alone are not proof of quality. No interest. May provide undocumented paperwork for appearances sake. Is unfamiliar with health testing usually statements of good health are stated to impress consumers. Intensive testing always a priority. Often initiates club sponsored seminars and clinics. Maintains records on all dogs in gene pool including progeny. Often supplies brokers and pet shops, records unavailable. Dogs and puppies are often auctioned off in lots, records unavailable. Focuses mostly on current dogs, no records or knowledge of genes. Attempts to continuously track every puppy produced. Bases entire breeding program on extensive gene pool data. Clean environment always maintained Minimum standards vary greatly in cleanliness. Minimum standards maintained for state inspections. Conditions may vary greatly depending on available income, usually makeshift accommodations. Clean, healthy and mentally stimulating environment. Expected longevity with any particular breed Will continue as long as the sales are coming. Depends on popularity of specific breeds. Unrealistic expectations — easily disillusioned. On a mission-plans to stay for the long haul. Health guarantee provided No, it cuts into profits. No health guarantee beyond proof of first set of vaccines, if that. Not qualified to give advice if a problem arises. Offers written guarantee and is available to answer questions to new owners. Good knowledge of history in dogs. Extensive knowledge of health history, offers replacements to owners of genetically affected dogs. Ability to meet the parents of the litter If available, may be in poor physical condition. If available, dogs are not used to contact with people. May or may not be well loved and cared for companions, often unwilling to show entire litter or parents to buyer. Shows friendly mother and entire litter in clean environment; stud dog too, if in residence. Helps buyer choose appropriate puppy. Can explain how breeding was planned to emphasize specific qualities and can speak at length about how puppies compare. What you can expect after purchase Nothing, may not be able to contact at all. No concern for dog after sale is final. Available for questions, and wants to keep in touch. Will take back dog or puppy at any time. After purchase will help with training and grooming, available for all questions and knows the answers. Price Priced according to market, but is marked up from original source for profit. Mid-range to move puppies quickly. High end of mid-range. Price will not reflect all that is invested. Use only physically sound, mature dogs of stable temperament for breeding. These characteristics are rarely, if ever, determined before the age of two for females. Continue to educate themselves regarding genetic diseases pertinent to the breed including, hip and elbow dysplasia. Documentation of hip and elbow screenings should be available to prospective puppy buyers. Apply the same high standards to outside bitches sent to their stud dogs as they apply to their own breeding stock. Temperament testing of a litter before puppies are offered for sale is encouraged. Take appropriate steps to have each puppy examined by a licensed veterinarian for general health prior to placement. Each puppy should be vaccinated and de-wormed by a veterinarian. Endeavor to gain personal knowledge of the temperament and health of every dog they breed, or to which they breed, in order to gather information on which to base future breeding decisions. They share this information fully and honestly with other breeders and with prospective buyers. Sell breeding prospects to knowledgeable, ethical and experienced persons or are willing to help educate and guide novices. Do not engage in misleading or untrue advertising and do not use GSDCA membership as a marketing tool. Do not sell, supply, donate or surrender any dog for which they are responsible to a pet shop, catalogue house, wholesale dealer in dogs, Humane Society or to a laboratory. They should have reasonable assurance that each individual receiving a dog will provide a home with appropriate shelter, restraint, control and responsible care. Encourage puppy buyers to go to puppy obedience classes to help their puppies to become better canine good citizens. The achievement of a Canine Good Citizen certificate should be encouraged. Since homeowners insurance and local laws vary greatly, a refusal to let you visit the kennels may not, in and of itself, be a bad sign. You should ask for and receive a satisfactory explanation. The puppies are not social or look sickly. How to read those ads. A few more things to look out for. Anyone can buy a puppy from a champion, but it does not mean that they have any other interest in the breed but to bank on the name and make money. Having a Champion in a pedigree is like having a billionaire relative. AKC registration does not guarantee quality. AKC papers are much like the title of a car; papers are issued to the junked Chevy on blocks in your yard just as easily as they are on a brand new, shiny Jaguar. AKC does not control breeding, approve litters, or guarantee temperaments. AKC Registration is automatic if you buy from a reputable breeder — they will provide all necessary paperwork when you buy a puppy. There are several groups that are registering dogs, even mixed breeds, for a fee. This registration means nothing, and is of no value to you. Are there too many defects for the animal to be bred? Shop with care. Rarely will a good breeder have the luck to own both dogs for the perfect litter. There are some good and very reasonable reasons to have both parents on site. However, you need to ask the right questions and understand why this is true. They might be, they might not. Are they too big to be cute anymore? Need more money? Is there a problem? Usually because there are more on the way. Be very wary of this one. Will a Breeder Ask Me Questions? Conscientious breeders want the best available home for their puppies. This determines the amount of time you will have available for your new addition. There are very important items that should be supplied by the breeder. Breeders will typically give you the following items: A signed pedigree A current Health Record; including de-wormings and vaccinations. American Kennel Club registration papers or application Sales contract. The type of contract varies and must be mutually agreeable to the breeder and buyer. Much depends on what you expect from the puppy show, pet, or performance. Feeding schedule including the type and amount of food. Copy of OFA certification of sire and dam, if available.


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diet plan for golden retriever puppy - I have a great love and passion for German Shepherds, due to their intelligence and loyalty. I have a large, close family that are helping me raise, train, show and breed the dogs I love. Tiltonhaus kennel is attached to our home so that our German Shepherds can live primarily in our home enjoying family life with us. Rotating the dogs this way gives each dog lots of quality time with us. We strive to give our dogs the environment and attention that best enhances their well being and health. We live on 10 acres of land where our dogs can run and explore, along with several secure yards and runs for outdoor activity. Tiltonhaus German Shepherd dogs enjoy family outings, such as hikes, bike rides, picnics, camping, vacations, etc. All of our German Shepherds are purebred, AKC Registered, and come from top West German champion bloodlines known for producing dogs that are not only beautiful, but have balanced temperaments and strong work ethics. Degenerative Myelopathy. Our breeding dogs have had their hips and elbows certified with either the German SV a-stamp program or through OFA, which gives us the confidence to have all of our Tiltonhaus puppies guaranteed for hips and health in writing. Our puppies are handled and socialized from birth. So we become very attached to these little pups and care about their well being. Potential buyers should be prepared to answer questions about why they want to purchase a puppy and their plans for their puppy. We recommend that your new puppy get basic obedience training to be a happy, well-adjusted dog. Tiltonhaus is family owned and operated, fully licensed business located in Deer Park, Washington 15 minutes north of Spokane, WA. Our breeding program has earned the the highest level of accomplishments that a kennel in the United States can achieve. Nadelhaus breeds purebred German Shepherds year round and we also import both German Shepherd puppies and adults direct from Europe for our clients. Long-haired German Shepherds are technically called a long coat German Shepherd, while a short-haired German Shepherd is called a normal coat or stock coat German Shepherd. Dogs with either coat have the same physiological structure and both have double coats: an undercoat and a top coat. The only difference between the two is the top coat. The long haired German Shepherd will have a heavier top coat than the undercoat. The double coat of a German Shepherd is an important feature of the breed. The double coat weathers and insulates the dogs—it protects them from the cold in the winter and the heat in the summer. The length of the coat of a German Shepherd has no impact on its ability as a working dog. What does a long haired German Shepherd look like? The skeleton and structure of a long-haired German Shepherd will be the same as a short-haired German Shepherd. Both dogs will have an undercoat, but the difference is that the top coat of a long-haired German Shepherd will be longer. The long coat GSD has longer and silkier hair on the chest, back, face, tail, and on the backside of its legs. Short on the head, including the inside of the ears, on the front side of the legs, on the paws and toes, somewhat longer and more strongly covered in hair on the neck, almost forming a mane. On the back side of the legs the hair extends to the carpal joint or the hock and forms clear trousers on the back side of the haunches. Historically, German Shepherds originated in Germany and were native sheepdogs. He firmly believed that the standard of the German Shepherd breed should not include dogs with long hair. Throughout the s, long haired German Shepherds were considered unsuitable and unacceptable for breeding. It is important to note that long-haired German Shepherds are the result of natural genetic diversity and not a separate breed. Their long coats are an inherited trait that can occur when both parents carry the recessive long-hair gene. This gene manifests as a more luxurious and abundant coat, offering a striking contrast to the traditional short-haired German Shepherd appearance. The breeding of long-haired German Shepherds follows the same rigorous standards and principles as their short-haired counterparts. The focus remains on maintaining the breed's exceptional temperament, working abilities, and overall health. Over time, breeders recognized the value of long-haired German Shepherds and began selectively breeding them to maintain and enhance their unique characteristics. Through careful pairings and strategic breeding programs, the long-haired variety established itself as a distinct and cherished branch of the German Shepherd breed. How big do long-haired German Shepherds get? Long-haired German Shepherds are structurally the same as short-haired German Shepherds, therefore they can both grow to similar sizes. Males: inches tall, pounds Females: inches tall, pounds Since both German Shepherds are physiologically the same, they also have the same temperaments: loyal, intelligent, energetic, courageous and protective. German Shepherds are ranked 2 on the AKC Breed Popularity list and make for wonderful family companions and working dogs. How can I identify a long-haired German Shepherd puppy? In the photo below are two litter mates from a recent Nadelhaus litter. The puppy on the left is a long coat and the puppy on the right is a normal coat. The long coat has wispier hair on the chest, back, face, tail, and on the backside of its legs. Long-hair female German Shepherd next to short-hair male German Shepherd. Genetically in German Shepherds, the short hair gene is dominant and the long hair gene is recessive. This means if two short-haired German Shepherds are mated, but neither carries the recessive long hair gene, then no long haired puppies can be produced. However, if two short-haired German Shepherds are mated and both carry the recessive gene, then long-haired German Shepherd puppies can be produced. Long-haired German Shepherds are considered a less common variant of the breed, adding to their allure and exclusivity. While short-haired German Shepherds dominate the breed standard, enthusiasts of long-haired Shepherds appreciate their unique beauty and elegant appearance. Due to their rarity, finding a reputable breeder or rescue organization specializing in long-haired German Shepherds may require some research and patience. However, the joy of owning one of these beautiful dogs is well worth the effort for those who appreciate their longer coats and exceptional qualities. Do long-haired German Shepherds shed more than short-haired German Shepherds? No, this is a common misconception. Although they shed less than short haired German Shepherds, their coats still require regular maintenance. They will need regular brushing and grooming, especially if you enjoy hiking or outdoor activities with your GSD. While it is a rare occurrence for a long-haired GSD to not have an undercoat, most of them do have undercoats. And just like short-haired GSDs, their undercoats will shed more or less throughout the year depending on the season. Should I trim my long haired German Shepherd's coat? The decision to trim a long haired German Shepherd comes down to personal preference, but it is not a necessity. Trimming can help make for more manageable living around the house. If you choose to trim, you can trim around the backs of the ears, on the back of the legs both front and back and then thin the bushy tail. Shaving a German Shepherd on the other hand is never recommended. Their double coats help keep them warm in the winter and cool in the summer. What are long haired German Shepherds called? Regular brushing: Long-haired German Shepherds require regular brushing to prevent matting and tangles. Aim for at least a few brushing sessions per week to keep their coat in good condition. Finish your brushing session with a gentle dog brush to clean up loose hairs. Bathing and drying: It's important to bathe your long-haired German Shepherd as needed, using a dog-specific shampoo. Be sure to thoroughly rinse out all the shampoo to prevent any residue. After bathing, use a high-velocity dryer or a cool air dryer to dry their coat thoroughly, as moisture trapped in the fur can lead to skin issues. Professional grooming: Consider taking your long-haired German Shepherd to a professional groomer for occasional trimming and coat maintenance. A groomer can help keep the fur around sensitive areas, such as the paws and ears, tidy and reduce the chances of matting. Watch for seasonal shedding: Like all German Shepherds, long-haired ones will undergo shedding seasons. Be prepared for increased shedding during these times and brush your dog more frequently to remove loose hair. A de-shedding tool can be helpful in managing shedding and keeping their coat healthy. Remember, each dog is unique, and the specific care requirements may vary. Does Nadelhaus sell long haired German Shepherd puppies? Nadelhaus breeds German Shepherds puppies year round and while the majority of puppies we sell are short hair, we do have occasionally have long haired puppies. We breed all our German Shepherds in the black and red color. If you are looking for a long haired adult German Shepherd, we can also import long-haired German Shepherds direct from Europe. Contact us for more information. Make sure you visit the breeding facilities before making any payment and expect to receive health check information regarding your puppy. The long-haired German Shepherd is an energetic dog with an average lifespan and is generally a little healthier than its standard GSD counterpart. Their intelligence and devoted nature make them highly trainable, and they tend to be a little friendlier and more social as compared to the short-haired GSD. The Long Hair Comes From a Recessive Gene The long-haired German Shepherd has developed through a recessive gene that needs to be present in both parents meaning that both parents must be carriers of this gene or both must be long-haired German Shepherds as well. Their undercoat is not as thick or as long as their top coat, but they are a double-coated breed. However, the long-haired GSD is considered a little more laidback and easygoing in comparison. They are also not as wary of strangers and are calmer and a little less energetic than the short-haired GSD. Are These Dogs Good for Families? They are gentle and patient with children of all ages. Because the long-haired GSD is a calmer version of the short-haired, they will be the perfect dog for a family with children. Kids need to be taught to respect dogs and should always be supervised when around your dog, particularly younger children. The GSD has a strong loyalty to his family and is a courageous dog, so they will also make a wonderful guardian to watch over the entire family. As long as they are socialized well when puppies, they typically should have no trouble with other animals. Once you decide upon the kind of food you want to feed your dog, you can follow the instructions provided on the food bag to help you determine how much and how often you should feed your GSD. They will do very well in agility, tracking, and herding trials, which will also keep them healthy and happy. They will do best spending time in the house with the family. Persistent training and a loving relationship with their family will give you a well-adjusted and happy dog. Expect to brush them several times a week , but they may need to be brushed daily when they start shedding in the spring and fall. Only give them a bath with a good dog shampoo like this one about once a month. The ears of your long-haired German Shepherd will need to be cleaned around once a month. Their nails should be trimmed every 3 to 4 weeks , and their teeth brushed about two or three times a week. Minor Conditions. In fact, according to the American Kennel Club , German Shepherds are the second most popular dog in America, sitting just behind the ever famous Labrador Retriever. Beloved for their intelligence, eager-to-please nature, and stunning beauty, German Shepherds serve not only as incredible family companion dogs, but also perform a variety of service work including military work, police work, therapy dogs and more. But what about the long haired German Shepherd makes him so unique? While most of his characteristics, temperamental traits and health issues align with the classic, short haired German Shepherd, the long haired German Shepherd does have a few differences you should be aware of. While long haired German Shepherds can be born into a litter with short haired German Shepherd siblings, the long haired pup will be considered a defective coat type, oftentimes leading him to be sold for cheaper. This is because the long haired German Shepherd is not considered an official type of German Shepherd, and is not recognized by the American Kennel Club, nor is the coat considered part of the breed standard. He is a top choice for families and works proudly as a service dog, military dog, police dog, and therapy dog for those in need. Furthermore, there are hardly many differences between the long haired German Shepherd and the classic German Shepherd, outside of coat type. This means that temperament, exercise, health issues, and lifespan are all relatively identical. Of course, there are some exceptions to this rule. Perhaps one of the more interesting facts about the long haired German Shepherd, and the most prominent trait that sets this dog apart from the classic German Shepherd dog, is that the long haired GSD does not have a double coat. The classic short haired German Shepherd, on the other hand, has a dense double coat with a wooly undercoat and a rough outer coat that is designed to help protect him from the elements. Contrairly, the long haired German Shepherd has a silky coat that grows in one layer. This coat can grow to be over two inches long, and can shed heavily. This shedding means that the long haired German Shepherd may not be the ideal dog for those who suffer from allergies. As we mentioned above, the long haired German Shepherd can often be born into a litter with short haired litter mates. In fact, this is a common occurrence. The long haired gene in German Shepherds is a recessive gene and any dog can carry it, even short haired GSDs. This means that two short haired German Shepherd parents can produce a litter of puppies with both short and long coats, and even breeders who are careful to select a specific pedigree of parent dogs to breed can wind up with long-coated German Shepherd puppies. However, because the long haired gene is a recessive gene, it means that both parent breeds must carry the long haired gene in order to pass it on to some of their pups. For many people looking for a companion dog, this is of no importance. However, if you are looking for a German Shepherd to register and show through the American Kennel Club , you will want to forgo a long haired German Shepherd and stick with a classic short haired German Shepherd bred with qualifying features. Just like the classic German Shepherd dog, the long haired German Shepherd is an intelligent, athletic, and work-oriented purebred. He hails from ancestors who were once used as intelligent and independent herding dogs, which means that the long haired German Shepherd is quite driven. That said, and like all dogs, the long haired German Shepherd requires plenty of training and socialization. Without training and socialization, the long haired German Shepherd can become anxious, destructive, and even develop serious behavioral issues. Because the long haired German Shepherd is so intelligent, he requires a hands-on owner that understands the history of working breeds. Long haired German Shepherds do best with positive reinforcement training techniques like treats and praise, which will not only help him better retain information, but also help strengthen the bond between him and his owner. Training can begrim from the moment you bring your dog home and should continue on throughout his life. Just like with routine and proper training, your long haired German Shepherd should also be socialized at an early age. This is especially true if you plan on having him around company, other dogs, children or strangers. Without proper socialization , a German Shepherd in general can become wary of strangers and be prone to behavioral issues that can lead to fear-based aggression. Be sure to socialize your long haired German Shepherd as early as possible to help him build confidence in the world around him. Get him used to being handled and played with by strangers and children, and introduce him to other dogs. As we just discussed, a long haired German Shepherd can make an incredible family dog, so long as he is properly raised and trained. German Shepherds are known to get along well with children. They are playful, affectionate and protective of their families, which makes them excellent additions to homes of anyone looking for a guard dog or a dog that looks out for their family members. Refrain from leaving young children alone with your German Shepherd, and work with age-appropriate children on how to understand basic canine body language. Just like classic German Shepherd dogs, the long haired German Shepherd is an energetic, athletic and intelligent purebred. He does best in homes with backyards where he can run and play freely, and an active owner who is able and willing to take him on long walks, hikes and adventures each and every day. The best exercise for a long haired German Shepherd is going to be any exercise that is at least an hour or two a day. It can include swimming, jogging, hiking, long walks, or free play at a dog park. Even though the long haired German Shepherd is not eligible to compete professionally based on his breed standard, he will still enjoy learning to play sports and partaking in agility courses and other activities that not only test his physical abilities but also challenge his mind. Without the proper exercise , a long haired German Shepherd can become bored, depressed, anxious and destructive. For the most part, there is very little difference between the long haired German Shepherd and the short coated German Shepherd outside of physical appearance. However, one of the biggest differences due to their different coat types is their ability to withstand certain elements. The short coated German Shepherd, with his wooly undercoat, is better equipped for outdoor play in both hot and cold weather conditions. Double coated dog breeds have a built-in insulation that keeps them cool in the summer and warm in the winter. The long haired German Shepherd, on the other hand, has only a one layered coat. For this reason, a long haired German Shepherd can be more susceptible to certain health issues like heat stroke and hypothermia. When outside during more extreme weather, be sure that your long haired German Shepherd is equipped with the tools he needs, including access to fresh, cool water, a place to get out of the sun or cold, and clothing like dog sweaters or jackets when appropriate. The opposite is actually true. Long haired German Shepherd dogs actually shed a bit more, and experts point out that owners will likely notice much more hair coming out of their coats when brushing them. This means they should be brushed two to three times a week as opposed to the one time a week for their shorter coated counterparts. You can help reduce shedding by ensuring your long haired German Shepherd is on a quality diet, as well as keeping up with routine grooming , brushing and bathing. Refrain from bathing your long haired German Shepherd more than once every few weeks. When you do bathe him, be sure to use a quality dog shampoo free of dyes, parabens, or chemicals that could strip his skin of the natural oils it produces. Oatmeal Pet Wash. The development of the German shepherd is credited to Max von Stephanitz, whose aim was to create the ideal German dog for herding sheep. He did so by breeding various German herding dogs until he got dogs that displayed the traits he was looking for. He then spent 35 years perfecting the breed. Von Stephanitz did not view long hair as a desirable trait, however. Furthermore, the long coat required much more care, which was seen as a negative since the main purpose of the GSD was utility rather than beauty. How the long-haired German shepherd endured is somewhat of a mystery since there were initially efforts to eradicate the trait from the breed completely. The SV originally banned long-haired GSDs without undercoats from competing in dog shows but eventually, banned the hair type entirely. However, the SV lifted the ban in .Some believe the ban was lifted in order to prevent the long-haired trait from going completely extinct. However, the rareness and beauty of their long hair make them desirable to dog owners. Long-haired German shepherds look just like classic German shepherds. However, their coats are long, sleek, and shiny. Their ears have extra fluff around them, and their tails are bushier. Long-haired German shepherds are the same size as regular German shepherds, though they sometimes appear larger due to their long coats. They weigh between 50 and 90 pounds and are 22 to 26 inches tall. Females are typically smaller than males. The long-haired GSD has a long coat that is similar to a combination coat. This means the coat is long and silky in some places but short in others. For the long-haired GSD, the coat is long everywhere except the face and the fronts of the legs. The ears are covered with short hair as well as tufts of longer hair. Long-haired German shepherds are loyal and loving when it comes to their families. Though quite affectionate with their families, long-haired GSDs may be aloof or even wary when it comes to strangers. They are brave and alert, which makes them great watchdogs. A German shepherd may even risk their own life to protect a beloved family member. This breed is very smart and enjoys learning new skills. They also learn fast and are easy to train. Long-haired GSDs tend to be very loyal to their families and thus quite affectionate, too. However, they can be somewhat wary toward or aloof around strangers. Socializing a GSD with many different people during puppyhood will help encourage friendly behavior toward strangers in the future. Long-haired German shepherds that grow up alongside children tend to be great with them. This breed has enough energy to keep up with kids and will enjoy playing with them. Dogs and children should always be supervised. Children may mean no harm, but they often do things that dogs do not like, such as hugging. It is up to you to ensure your child is interacting safely with your dog. With socialization, long-haired German shepherds can live with other animals including dogs, cats, and small mammals like rabbits and guinea pigs. This is because the German shepherd is, after all, a herding breed. They were not bred to hunt animals but to corral and protect them. On the flip side of that, because GSDs can be territorial, they may also see another pet as invasive, which can cause problems. It is not uncommon for GSDs to chase squirrels and kill them if they manage to capture them in the yard. This is why early socialization is vital. Perhaps it is because of their work as police dogs, but there are some stereotypes about German shepherds being aggressive dogs. All German shepherds, including long-haired ones, have protective instincts and guarding tendencies. This can become aggression if their owners promote such behavior. There are a few things you can do to avoid this. First of all, never ever use physical punishment on a long-haired German shepherd. Using force or intimidation may cause a dog to feel threatened and compelled to strike back in order to protect themselves. Long-haired German shepherds thrive when trained with positive reinforcement. They love having a job and will enjoy being rewarded when they obey cues. Second of all, you must socialize your long-haired German shepherd with as many unfamiliar people as possible. If they have positive experiences with strangers during puppyhood, they will be far more likely to be friendly during adulthood. Make sure that you socialize them with accessories that people might wear or hold, like glasses, hats, and umbrellas. During their socialization period, puppies are more curious and less likely to meet unfamiliar things with fear or wariness. It is during this time that you can show them that these things are normal or even good. With proper training and socialization, there is no reason for a long-haired GSD to become aggressive. They are moderate barkers who will let you know when something is in their territory but are not known to be obsessively or uncontrollably vocal. This bark is loud enough that the dog may not even hear you over it. Dogs that are poorly socialized during puppyhood are far more likely to bark at unfamiliar sights and sounds, so you should expose a long-haired GSD to as many sounds as possible when they are a puppy. Long-haired German shepherds are incredibly intelligent. This is why they are popular as working animals. You will often see them as police dogs, bomb or drug-sniffing dogs, search and rescue dogs and even service dogs for those with disabilities. The downside of a dog this intelligent is that they can sometimes be too smart for their own good. When they are bored, they can be destructive. It is important to channel their intelligence and energy into stimulating activities such as learning new skills or solving puzzle toys to prevent destructive or other undesirable behaviors. Long-haired German shepherds are very smart and are also eager to please. This breed loves learning and often learns quickly. As long as you offer clear instruction, they will often pick up new skills with ease. Long-haired German shepherds are a high-energy breed. They need to get ample exercise, or they will feel bored and likely turn to destroying things in your home. Negligence can also lead to extreme territorial behavior if your dog entertains themself by staring out the window all day. This breed enjoys playing and learning. Some activities that they can excel in and will tucker them out include agility trials, dock diving, and nose-work such as tracking. It is also suggested that GSDs have space to run in, so a yard would be preferable. However, if the apartment is spacious and the owner is dedicated to providing appropriate exercise, then it can certainly work out. Long-haired German shepherds make fantastic watchdogs. They are very alert and have protective instincts. However, though GSDs can be taught to attack, we strongly advise against teaching such skills. It is incredibly dangerous to encourage aggressive behaviors. Socialize your long-haired GSD well during puppyhood and train them to be friendly. If a truly dangerous situation arises, it is still in their nature to protect you even if they have been trained to be open toward strangers. Not only that, but the size, appearance, and powerful bark of long-haired German shepherds are usually intimidating enough to keep people away. As we mentioned, long-haired GSDs love having a job. Not only that, but they are highly trainable. As such, they excel at service work. We frequently see GSDs as police or military dogs, bomb and drug-sniffing dogs, and search and rescue dogs. However, they can certainly function as service dogs for those with disabilities. Since therapy dogs need to be friendly and open to being touched and pet by strangers, the tendency of long-haired GSDs to be aloof toward strangers does not always make them suitable for this position. However, some long-haired GSDs could also work as therapy dogs if they are socialized well and turn out to be friendly toward unfamiliar people. The long-haired German shepherd is not high-maintenance because they do not require professional grooming, but you will still need to pay attention to their coat almost daily. To keep the coat tangle-free, you must brush it at least a few times a week. Because most of their coat is quite long, you will need to groom a long-haired GSD a few times per week. Their long fur is prone to tangling and matting, and the undercarriage can also catch debris while outdoors. However, grooming frequently will not only keep the coat knot-free but will also reduce the amount of fur all over your home from shedding. Since all you really need to do is brush this dog, having them professionally groomed is not typically necessary. Long-haired German shepherds shed a lot all year round. They shed even more profusely in the fall and the spring. If you want one of these dogs, you should be prepared to do some extra vacuuming! The long-haired German shepherd should eat food specifically formulated for large breeds throughout their lifetime. A quality dog food follows AAFCO guidelines, has been formulated by a certified veterinary nutritionist, and has undergone feeding trials. You can follow the guidelines on your chosen bag of dog food to determine how much to feed your long-haired GSD each day. These guidelines may not include allowances for treats, though. Because long-haired GSDs are prone to arthritis and even hip or elbow dysplasia, it is important that the dog be kept at an ideal weight, especially during their senior years. Some health risks long-haired German shepherds may face include hip and elbow dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy, exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, and bloat gastric dilatation-volvulus. Getting a puppy from a breeder who health tests the parent dogs will greatly reduce the risk of your puppy developing health issues. Some health issues cannot always be screened for, like bloat. Bloat is an emergency situation that can kill dogs within hours if left untreated. First of all, avoid foods that use soybean meal or that have oils or fats within the first four ingredients on the label. Dogs that eat quickly are also at a much higher risk of bloating, so invest in a slow feed bowl. Finally, dogs can undergo surgery to have their stomachs tacked to their abdominal walls. This prevents the stomach from twisting. However, veterinarians do not currently have a way to determine which dogs are at higher risk for bloat. Usually, dogs that have bloated once will undergo this procedure because they are likely to bloat again in the future. Since large, barrel-chested dogs have the highest risk of bloat, some pet parents make the choice to have this procedure done pre-emptively. Long-haired German shepherds have an average lifespan of years. The purchase price of a long-haired German shepherd can be somewhat hefty due to their rarity. Outside of the purchase price, you can expect the monthly cost of this breed to be no more expensive than other dogs of similar size. Because this breed is high-energy and needs lots of exercise, you may also have to invest in a dog walker or doggy daycare if work schedules or other obligations prevent you from providing this enrichment yourself. What are your credentials? You should learn about how long the breeder has been in business as well as how familiar they are with long-haired German shepherds. Have the parent animals undergone health testing? Ask to see these tests. Can I see where the dogs are kept? Can I meet the parents? How do you socialize your puppies? Socialization is important for puppies to become friendly and confident. Are the puppies up-to-date on vaccination? Do you offer a health guarantee with a contract? Some breeders guarantee the health of their puppies: should your puppy come down with a serious illness early on, the breeder may offer to reimburse the purchase price of the dog or even take the puppy back. This will also help you avoid purchasing from breeders who are irresponsible. What do you require of potential adopters? Many breeders want to make sure their puppies are going to homes where they will be treated well and kept for life. Therefore, breeders may ask a number of questions about you, your situation, and your experience as a dog owner. Because of this, seeing a purebred long-haired GSD at the local shelter would be rare. If you want a long-haired German shepherd, you will likely have to purchase one from a breeder. However, you may have luck finding one at a rescue that works explicitly with German shepherds, and starting by calling such agencies may be your best bet at adopting a long-haired GSD. Long-haired German shepherds are purebred. The only difference from the standard German shepherds we are used to seeing is the length of their fur and the fact that they sometimes do not have an undercoat, whereas short-coated GSDs always do. Long hair is simply a recessive trait which is part of the reason it is rare to find in GSDs. These dogs are still German shepherds and will exhibit all the same traits as you would expect from a classic GSD. Unfortunately, you cannot show long-haired German shepherds in the US. Long-haired German shepherds are easy to train, loyal, and affectionate, which makes them good for inexperienced dog owners. However, they are high energy and can easily become too much to handle should someone underestimate their exercise needs. We think a long-haired German shepherd could be a good choice for a new dog owner as long as they do plenty of research about dog behavior, training, and socialization before they adopt. We would also recommend inexperienced owners hire a professional dog trainer to help guide them in this breed. A good trainer uses positive reinforcement techniques. Choosing a dog that fits into your lifestyle is very important, as doing otherwise is unfair to the dog. For example, you should not get a long-haired German shepherd if you do not have time to provide hours of physical and mental stimulation daily. These dogs are perfect for special needs, families, emotional support, veterans, and more. Our Long Coat German Shepherds look incredible and are bred from some of the best bloodlines originating from Germany. Take a look at the long coat German Shepherd puppies and adult dogs that we currently have available here at Regis Regal. Long Haired German Shepherd Adults For most people it's probably fairly easy to determine what a long coat German Shepherd is - it simply refers to the length of their fur. Whilst a "standard" German Shepherd will traditionally have short fur, long coats are the result of a recessive gene that any dog can carry. It doesn't mean long coats have any problems - far from it, and for many people they are an even more desirable dog than the standard breed German Shepherd. Long haired German Shepherds look incredibly handsome, and if you're happy with the additional effort required in grooming them and keeping their hair in good condition then they're as loyal and obedient as any other German Shepherd. With our private courier service, we can safely deliver your puppy to all fifty states with utmost love and care. More information here on the long-coat puppies we currently have available for sale. What is their Temperament Like? There is no discernible difference between the temperament of a long coat German Shepherd and a normal short coat dog. For a long time they've been unfairly labeled as being difficult, but sadly this really stems from them not being accepted due to falling outside the normal breeding standard. The Long haired German Shepherds we've raised here at our top breeding facility in Illinois. Our specialized trained dogs have gone on to be used as search dogs, rescue dogs, police dogs, service dogs and therapy dogs. There's no reason long coats can't perform as well or better than short coats since they do look quite incredible at the same time! Whilst a long coat can be a far more desirable dog for some people, when it comes to price they can actually work out around the same price, or even cheaper, than a standard or "normal coat" German Shepherd. The dogs we breed and train here at Regis Regal come from some of the best bloodlines in the world. We conduct Schutzhund training to develop desirable traits including confidence, desire to work, and self-control. Inquire about one of our Long Coat German Shepherds If you would like additional information about our prestigious long coat German Shepherds or our available puppies and service dogs for special needs, please contact us at or regisregal gmail. Your name. Bi-color dual color Coat The long-haired German shepherd does not always have a double coat and is more susceptible to the cold and heat than its short and medium-haired counterparts. While this looks very nice and neat, it can have some negative side effects. The coat can trap water down the back and cause skin irritation that leads to infection. This is even more true for long-haired GSDs because their long coats get tangled, matted with dirt, and require daily brushing. A comb with long teeth will help get all the way through the coat to get tangles and shedding out, and a shorter brush will help smooth out the coat. If the coat is left to tangle and mat, it will pull on the skin, which will lead to sores, irritation, and infection. It is essential to run a comb or brush through their coat for at least a few minutes every single day. Owing to the fact that they have long tufts of hair around their ears, their ears can trap dirt and become infected fairly easily. Keeping Your Long-Haired German Shepherd Active Aside from the grooming specifications mentioned above, the care your long-haired German shepherd needs is very similar to the care requirements of the short- and medium-haired German shepherd with some small additional considerations. German shepherds are incredibly active dogs and require a sizable amount of training and dedication from their owner. Long-haired German shepherds are no different. These dogs also need to be trained from an early age to prevent behavioral problems from presenting later on in life. You should exercise your long-haired GSD three times a day for 20 minutes. The exercise can take the form of activities like going on walks, taking hikes, going to a reputable dog park, playing fetch in the garden if you have the space to run around, or intense training sessions. Additionally, mental exercise is just as important as physical exercise and will tire your dog out as much as if they went for a jog around the block. Puzzle toys , sniffing games, and obstacle courses are all excellent ideas for mental exercises. Finally, keep in mind that because long-haired German shepherds lack an undercoat and have extra-long hair, they can struggle to regulate their body temperature and will overheat easily if they spend too much time out in the sun. However, these dogs are not for everyone, so it is important to consider whether your home and lifestyle is what this breed needs. These questions can help you figure out if the long-haired GSD is the dog for you: Are you able to devote at least 10 to 15 minutes everyday to groom your long-haired German shepherd? Are you happy with your long-haired German shepherd spending most of its time indoors away from the elements? Are you able to devote an hour a day to exercise your long-haired German shepherd? Are you willing to devote a considerable amount of time to train your long-haired German shepherd? FAQs Do long-haired German shepherds get along with other dogs? Provided your long-haired German shepherd has been correctly socialized with other dogs and pets from the time they were a puppy, yes, they get along very well with other dogs and pets. Do long-haired German shepherds get along with children? German shepherds, whether they are long-, medium-, or short-haired, are excellent family dogs and get along well with children. For an in-depth look at why they fit well into families with kids, check out our dedicated article. Are long-haired German shepherds more susceptible to diseases than short-haired German shepherds? The hair gene does not affect their health either negatively or positively. However, if their hair is allowed to tangle and mat, they can suffer from painful and severe skin conditions and infections. Are long-haired German shepherd puppies expensive? Finding a German shepherd puppy is relatively easy. However, finding a long-haired German shepherd puppy can prove to be difficult because they are rare. Their rarity often makes them more expensive. As a personal aside, we have fostered and rescued many German Shepherd mix puppies over the years and some had a longer coat similar to the long-haired GSD. Does the American Kennel Club recognize the long-haired German shepherd? The AKC does recognize the long-haired German shepherd as a registered breed. Rolling Over On The Long-Haired German Shepherd The long-haired German shepherd shares almost all of its physical and behavioral characteristics with its more common short and medium-haired cousins. They have a wide range of coat colors, such as: Black Black and cream, red, silver, or tan Blue.