english bulldog puppies rescue ohio

By Chris Who does not love a Poodle? Poodles are one of those breeds that are easily identifiable. These gorgeous dogs come in three different sizes, and regardless of the size, they are highly intelligent , active, and beautiful. PuppySpot is a reputable dog marketplace where you can browse and find compatible puppies right from the comfort of your home. They have placed over , puppies into homes in the US! They were originally bred as hunting dogs and now serve as therapy dogs, service dogs, assistance dogs, and guide dogs. The breed secured the number-one position for the most popular dog 22 years in a row, 38 years ago. While they may hold the fifth spot on the list of the most popular dogs today, they are still very dear to many. If you, too, are smitten by these cute dogs and are thinking of adopting them, here are a few trustworthy breeders we recommend. Our Breeder Selection Criteria When you look for Poodle breeders in California online, you will get several search results, but not all breeders are reputable. A dog breeder and a prospect owner talks about dog adoption. So we have compiled a list of breeders who are ethical and responsible. These breeders: Register their pups with AKC Test all the parents in their breeding program for genetic illnesses. Raise the puppies using appropriate methods. Breed for quality and not quantity. Provide breeder support. Vaccinate and deworm their puppies. Initiate training. Share immense love for dogs. A white Poodle puppy sits and seems like it needs grooming. The breeders rear their litters under the puppy culture program, making sure that the pups are properly socialized and have the best temperaments. All the parent dogs in the breeding program are registered with the AKC and are health tested, both orthopedically and genetically. Their site shares complete details about the tests that their dogs have gone through. The puppies come with AKC registration and a 1-year health guarantee against genetic illnesses. The puppies are dewormed, microchipped, and given age-appropriate vaccinations before going to their forever homes. A trainer and a veterinarian evaluate them for temperament and health. Along with your puppy, you also get a large goodie bag and lifelong breeder support. Puppy pick-ups start at 6 weeks, in order of the deposits received. If you want to reserve a puppy, you will have to fill out the application on the website. If there is no upcoming litter, you can register for their waiting list. Contact Details:. Caring Stewards of the Poodle Breed Great puppies are not created out of chance or luck. These healthy, well adjusted, beautiful puppies are a result of the work of a ethical, responsible, knowledgeable, experienced breeder. This caliber of breeder is dedicated to work to improve their the breed. They never compromise the health, temperament, or beauty of the future puppies or their adult dogs. Do YOU agree? All have friendly, happy temperaments. All have been Vet checked for overall health and breeding fitness. All of our puppies are sold as PETS, and have a limited registration status. We live on a small farm and have a wonderful place to raise happy, healthy puppies. My grandmother and mother began raising Poodles at this same location over 50 years ago, I became involved as a child. Now my daughter, and granddaughters are involved as well and we continue with the legacy. We raise puppies that are wonderful from the inside out, and offer them to families who can provide excellent homes. We take great pride in the quality of our dogs and puppies. Our Vets, and owners of our puppies are a testament to the good health and temperaments of our puppies. You can see the environment where puppies are raised and the interaction between breeder, the parents and their puppies. The puppy and parents should appear healthy and friendly toward the breeder. If they seem a little shy around you, remember they do not know you yet. It is very important that you be provided need to be provided with an Opti-Gen test for the sire. Each pedigree showing the AKC Registration numbers of the parents. Every puppy should have been examined by a veterinarian before it is offered for sale. The breeder will have a written letter from a licensed Veterinarian noting the microchip number of the puppy and stating the findings of the examination. If any one of these areas are not normal, you should not buy the puppy. We will ask you about your previous canine experience, in order to assist you in getting the right puppy to fit your lifestyle. The health information pertinent to this size and breed is Vet checked to determine if the Poodle has a healthy heart, patellas that do not luxate, no hernias or cleft palates, or any other abnormality. Progressive Retinal Atrophy , the leading genetic cause of blindness in this breed. All Sires receive an Optigen Test Certificate. A Sire that has a normal clear certificate cannot produce puppies with the PRA blindness gene. The following diseases have no test that can be conclusive, unless symptoms occur: seizures, cushings disease, or leg perthes. Breeding Poodles should have no family history that has any of these diseases in its lines. We only breed parents that are physically correct and have had no family history of disease. Each are Veterinarian checked to determine that they are of breeding quality. The temperament of the parents must be in a normal range of intelligence, friendly, happy, not overly active or overly shy. Poodles like to be in the center of things and are easily trained to do astonishing tricks involving both brains and agility. They have performed in circuses for centuries, beginning in Europe, and have been part of the Ringling Circus in its various forms from its inception. Dedicated, loving family homes only. My puppies only go as pets but if you are a breeder looking for full registration I do know some breeders I can refer you to who sell with full rights. Thank you for respecting my choice to sell as companions. I only want to place this dog ONCE as new homes are a hard change and he deserves to be in a permanent home until he passes at a ripe old age. He is a wonderful black male, neutered and roughly 20lbs and on the large side of miniatures. Here is a description of him and pictures. If interested please fill out a puppy home questionnaire and we will go through the normal screening process to find him the right home. Please note he is currently in WA state near seattle. Luka is an affectionate and smart boy who loves being around his person. He has been trained in a variety of ways, including obedience, tricks, rally, nosework and agility his favorite! He is great on-leash and on walks and has exposure to both natural and urban environments. He is dog friendly, although dogs of equal size and larger are best suited for his playstyle he tends to forget his own strength. Luka has had exposure to small children, but can become nervous if the child is loud or energetic. He is currently groomed by his owner and does well with baths, nail trims and grooming, and can be touched anywhere. He can be quite vocal and excited when meeting new or familiar people he adores people! He also loves to play — fetch, tug-o-war, and chase are some of his favorite! The ideal family for Luka needs to be able to be with him most of the time. His current owner works from home so he is used to having someone around. If the family is not able to be with him because of work, etc, he would need a support system such as another dog for company or a dog sitter. Luka has separation anxiety that causes him a lot of distress and should not be left alone for more than a couple hours at a time. Aside from this issue, he would make a great family dog for a family with older children, especially if they would like to do 4H or continue with his sports training. He would also do great in a home with a relaxed environment as a companion dog or with someone who has the capacity to take him everywhere. All puppies leave here with all the parts they were born with.

However, these numbers are not set in stone, as some pups do grow faster, and some a bit slower. From there on, their growth will slow down significantly. Around the time they are 18 to 24 months old, Boxers finish growing. Naturally, larger Boxers will reach their adult size later than Boxers on the lower end of the scale. However, all Boxers will continue to gain girth and fill up their chest cavities well over their first birthdays. If their paws look disproportionately big compared to the rest of their body, they still have some growing to do! Boxer is a medium to large sized breed with a boxy chest and muscular body. Full-grown female Boxers usually weigh around 50 to 65 pounds, and stand around .Male full-grown Boxers usually weigh more than females with an average of 65 to 80 pound body weight. They usually stand around 23 to 25 inches tall at the shoulder. Full-grown Boxers can weigh anywhere between 50 to 80 pounds, and stand around .We hope you found this Boxer size guide helpful in understanding the sizes and growth patterns of Boxers. After all, knowing the estimated adult size of your Boxer puppy will provide you a better understanding of what type of living conditions you can provide them. After all, what every dog owner wants is for their furry little companion to thrive and live the best life possible! This post may contain affiliate links. Read more here. Courage and loyalty are attributes the Boxer is usually described with. With a good work ethic, playful demeanor, and a goofy face, this dog breed ranks among the top 10 in the USA for a while now. Their nobility and elegance came to focus after the originally working breed Boxer became unemployed during the early 19th century. The breed name derives from the way they defend themselves with their paws while playing. It really appears as the dog spars with the front paws. There is no doubt one might be tempted to get bring home one of these loving fellas. The growth in dogs has much to say about their health and potential — but how? While growing up dogs that suffer from some diseases might stagnate more than others. Boxers are a medium to large dog breed and are pretty safe from the usual bone and muscle disorders in larger dogs. However, hip dysplasia remains one of the most common issues. Reputable breeders will let you meet the parents and give you contacts from owners of puppies born in previous litters. Most Boxer puppies will correspond just fine to the ranges mentioned for their age. It is super important to not rush the growing process. Dogs that are overweight can experience problems later on in life that might have been avoided by maintaining an appropriate body condition. Moreover, the veterinarian can have the pup checked for possible health conditions causing the slow growth. Photo by otsphoto on Shutterstock Even with late bloomers, there is no reason to worry. Some dogs experience growing episodes sooner than others. The same rules apply to puppies that grow too fast. Damage due to wrong feeding can be avoided by using high-quality premium food and sticking to the recommendations according to weight and age on the labels. Never miss out on consulting your vet on the topic first — they will be glad to guide you through it! Boxer Growth Stages Until they reach adulthood, Boxers go through 3 growth stages. The general difference between the growth stages is how fast the puppy grows during the period and how they appear in posture and body condition. The first stage is from birth until they are 2 weeks of age. After the second week, the growth rate slows down. Most breeders wean the puppies off around the 4th-5th week. At 18 months of age, you can probably introduce your companion as a fully developed, curious, and independent adult Boxer. Boxer puppies have somewhere between 2. At the end of the first stage, they can reach around 4. At 1 month of age, their stuffed muscle figure comes at about 5. By the time they are 16 weeks old, males weigh lbs .Male Boxers are expected to have approximately lbs .In the next six months, the growth slows down to about lbs 0. Male Boxers should weigh around lbs kg by the time they reach 6 months of age. Female boxer puppies are expected to have lbs kg when they are half a year old. Since the Boxer qualifies as a medium to large breed, it takes longer for them to reach their full-sized version compared to other smaller breeds. There are exceptions when Boxers complete the growth at 20, even 24 months. Female Boxers that are done growing up weigh approximately lbs kg and stand .Their male counterparts have between 60 and 70 lbs kg and are 23 to 25 inches cm tall. In the meantime provide quality food, regular exercise, and maintain regular veterinary check-ups to ensure their well-being. As with all other dog breeds, some adult Boxers will be smaller than the standard dimensions of the breed. On the other hand, there is a handful of those that are larger than the standard too. Genetics is the most probable cause for this. Rarely do Boxers end up being smaller than the rest due to low production of the growth hormone. Luckily growth hormone problems in Boxers are very rare and other breeds such as the Miniature Pinscher, Spitz, or Karelian Bear Dog are more prone to the condition. Growth defects in dogs can appear due to Dwarfism Achondroplasia. Minor deformities can be surgically corrected, but again with a dubious prognosis. In Conclusion Understanding the growth chart will help you understand what role nutrition, diet, and exercise plays and adjust accordingly. Getting rid of excess weight or ruling out health issues is something you and your vet can work on together. Disclaimer: This blog post does not substitute veterinary attention and does not intend to do so. I am not a veterinarian or pet nutritionist. If your dog shows any sign of illness, call your vet. Post navigation. Also, as long as you take your dog to vet check-ups regularly, and if the dog has received all the necessary vaccines for his age, you can be sure that your dog is healthy. However, an alarm could be triggered if you notice that your dog has problems with obesity or if he is underweight. In that case, it is necessary to find the reason for the inappropriate weight and work to solve this problem as soon as possible. A fully grown male Boxer weighs between 65 to 80 pounds. The adult weight of a female Boxer goes from 50 to 65 pounds on average. However, various factors significantly affect the average weight and height of a Boxer, so there might be some deviations from the average weight and height of these dogs. We will explain the factors affecting Boxer Growth in detail below. How big is your pet friend going to be? Birth-Two Weeks When they are just born, all that Boxer puppies do is eat and sleep. In this stage, puppies do not have teeth and are deaf and blind. However, this stage is not passive for Boxer dogs. Boxer puppies usually weigh around 3 pounds when they are born. At the end of their second week of life, their average weight is between 4 and 5. Therefore, this growth stage presents a rapid growth stage for Boxers. Two Weeks Weeks Being a large dog breed, Boxer dogs need a lot of food so they can grow accordingly. If you are used to having a small dog, be ready to give a lot more food to your new pet! When these dogs are around 4 weeks old, they start to eat solid food. During this period, they gain a lot of weight, so it is necessary to be careful not to exaggerate with the dog food. By the time they are 4 weeks old, Boxer puppies gain teeth and also develop a sense of hearing and open their eyes. When they are 5 weeks old, Boxer dogs start to show the urge to socialize and need their playtime. At the stage between 6 and 8 weeks, your puppy should start with his first vaccinations. When they are 8 weeks old, Boxer puppies are ready to leave their mothers and go to their new homes. In the next stage, when Boxer puppies are from 9 to 12 weeks old, dog owners will enjoy them the most, since this is the period when these dogs are ready to learn some basic tricks and commands. At the end of this period, both male and female Boxer puppies should be around 12 inches tall, according to the breed standard. Three Months-Six Months This is the period when your new puppy starts to explore the world. In this stage, it is extremely important to introduce your Boxer to new places and new people. This is the best way to properly socialize and train your dog. In terms of weight for this stage, a healthy weight for a Boxer at 5 months is between 33 and 40 pounds. As to height, a 6-months old Boxer should be around 18 inches tall at 6 months. Six Months Months Compared to some smaller breeds, you sometimes might think that your Boxer is not acting according to his age. Larger dogs or medium-sized dogs such as Boxers reach maturity in later stages than some smaller dogs. You might have to wait a while until you have an adult Boxer in your home! Most dogs of the Boxer breed reach their adult size when they are around 1 year old. However, some of these dogs continue to grow, so, according to the Boxer growth chart, these dogs will reach their full height and full body weight at the age of 18 to 24 months. According to some opinions, it takes up to three years for Boxer dogs to reach their full maturity! So, be prepared to enjoy a long period of childhood behavior from your dog friend. Larger dogs usually have a shorter life expectancy than smaller dogs, and we are not quite sure yet what is the main reason for this. What Factors Affect Boxer Growth? If you are well acquainted with the Boxer growth chart, you will be able to provide your dog with the lifestyle he needs to have to become a happy and healthy dog. A couple of factors might significantly affect the growth of your Boxer. Genetics Genetics is very important for your dog in general, as it largely determines the appearance and behavior of a dog. If this information is not available to you, you can always have a DNA test done that can help you find out how big your dog might get. Going for a walk, running around the yard or any other activity is always welcome to help your Boxer spend the tremendous energy he possesses. Although exercise is essential for this dog, it is important to make sure that exercise is not overdone. If a Boxer gets too much exercise before his bones and joints are properly developed, this could negatively affect his further growth. Nutrition Since Boxers are bigger dogs, they need a lot of quality food to develop properly. However, every Boxer owner must be extremely careful here. The food your Boxer gets should be full of vitamins and minerals, but you should not overdo it with the amount of food. Two meals a day is quite enough for a Boxer, so try not to leave food out for your dog outside of these two feedings. This way, the dog will learn his routine and will not look for extra food. Boxers are dogs that easily become obese, so proper feeding habits need to be instilled at an early age. Bottom Line We know that all dog owners sometimes wonder if their pet is at the right weight and height according to their age. To make it easier for you to answer these questions, we have described the Boxer growth chart in this article. By following this chart, you can conclude whether your dog is in the average weight and height range that corresponds to his age. If you notice minor deviations, do not stress! Various factors affect the growth process of your Boxer, and, remember, some Boxers continue growing even after their second year of life. All you as a responsible dog owner need to do is provide your dog with enough love, exercise, quality food, and regular visits to the vet. This way, your Boxer, without any doubt, will grow into a healthy and big dog! However, boxers are high-energy dogs who require plenty of exercise to remain calm. Without exercise, they may become hyper or aggressive. Similarly, without proper training or socialization, boxers may exhibit fear-based aggression, particularly with strangers and children. How do you train a 9 week old boxer puppy? How much food should a 9 week old boxer puppy eat? This said, there are general guidelines: Puppies usually require about 55 calories for each pound of body weight. Young pups might eat a bit over a cup a day, older pups can eat up to 3 cups a day. Are boxers easy to train? Boxers are not a particularly easy dog breed to train. They are high energy, especially when they are young. With proper training and leadership, they can turn out to be good dogs. Do not treat them negatively, as they really thrive off of a positive human connection. How long does it take to toilet train a boxer puppy? A general guideline in house training a dog is that a 2 month old Boxer puppy can hold its needs for 2 hours, a 3 month old for 3 hours and so on. The maximum time that any dog should ever be expected to hold their needs is 8 hours and this is for a full grown adult canine. Are boxers cuddlers? Boxers are known for their affectionate natures and their tendency to bond firmly with their human families. How hard is it to house train a boxer puppy? Although Boxers are quick learners, they tend to be stubborn when they do not want to do something. It is important to train Boxer puppies at an early age, as they can become hard to train and control. As a medium to large-sized dog breed, Boxers need more time to fill out and reach their full size than smaller dog breeds. As a general rule, expect your Boxer to grow until they are 18 to 24 months old. Keep in mind that this range is an estimate, so there are always exceptions. Image Source: Canva How big should a 6-month-old Boxer be? A 6-month-old male Boxer should weigh around 41 to 48 pounds, while a 6-month-old female Boxer will weigh about 39 to 44 pounds. According to Care. For a male Boxer puppy, this would be around 17 to 19 inches tall. Pro Tip: Check out this downloadable new puppy checklist covering topics like vaccination schedules, setting up the home for a new puppy, teething, veterinary visits, and more! How much bigger will my Boxer get? There are several ways to estimate how much bigger your Boxer will grow. If your Boxer is less than two years old, they are likely still growing. Some Boxers stop growing closer to 18 months, but many Boxers will continue to fill out in weight and body size until they are two years old. A puppy will rarely be larger than either parent, so this can give you a clearer idea of their maximum size. Do their paws look oversized compared to their legs and the rest of their body? This is a strong sign that your Boxer is still growing and filling out! What is the size of a full-grown Boxer? According to the American Kennel Club Official Boxer Standards , a full-grown male Boxer will stand around 23 to 25 inches tall, while a female Boxer will stand about .A fully grown male Boxer will weigh around 60 to 70 pounds, with their female counterpart will weigh about 55 to 65 pounds. As with many things, prevention is always better than treatment. Taking your Boxer to regular veterinary appointments is one of the best things you can do for their health, along with consistent love and care at home. One of the best things you can do at home is brush your dog's teeth regularly to help prevent painful periodontal disease and avoid pricey dental treatments in the future. Periodontal disease can cause bad breath and oral pain for your pup and may require your Boxer to have a dental cleaning or tooth extractions under anesthesia at some point in their lives if not attended to at home. Keeping your Boxer at a healthy weight is crucial for their longevity, overall health, and happiness. If your Boxer is overweight, talk to your veterinarian to develop a weight loss strategy so that you can get them back on track. Consult with your veterinarian about the ideal food and exercise for your Boxer. Like all dogs, Boxers have certain conditions that they are prone to. Boxers are a purebred dog breed prone to heart problems, like cardiomyopathy, heart valve narrowing, and congenital heart defects. Brachycephalic syndrome increases their risk of respiratory distress, allergies, heatstroke, and sinus problems. Regular veterinarian appointments are crucial in finding and treating illness early to give your Boxer the healthiest and longest life possible. Unfortunately, veterinary bills can be costly with many treatments for emergencies and illnesses, such as heart problems, being thousands of dollars to treat. When surveyed, .The financial safety net provided by pet insurance is why pet insurance is worth it for many pet parents. Keep in mind that even healthy behaviors, like exercise, can be overdone. Consult with your veterinarian about how much exercise is prudent. Medium to large-sized dogs that are still growing may suffer from joint damage if they are overexercised. Make a plan with your veterinarian today to provide your Boxer with the ideal amount of exercise to keep them lean, healthy, and happy. Boxer puppies grow into strong and sturdy adults that make fun-loving, often silly companions, and fierce protectors. Do you want to find the best pet insurance? Let's analyze your pet's breed, age, and location to find the right coverage and the best savings. Analyze My Pet About Pawlicy Advisor The pet insurance marketplace endorsed by veterinarians, at Pawlicy Advisor we make buying the best pet insurance easier. We can see when your Boxer puppy will become their adult size and reach its full height. Your new puppy will grow rapidly for the first two weeks. Your pup should weigh between 4. When your doggo is between six and eight weeks old, they should also prepare for their first vaccinations. Males should be around 17 to 19 inches .At one year old, females should weigh between 55 and 65 pounds .Many factors are involved. For your doggo to maintain a healthy lifestyle, monitoring their growth and weight is a good idea. How can you tell how big a Boxer will get? Within the first six months of age, your Boxer will grow rapidly. You can tell how big your pooch may get by looking at their paws and head. For example, your furry friend may look disproportionate for a while. However, some parts of their body will catch up to the rest within a few months or even a few weeks. Is your Boxer at a healthy weight? You can typically tell whether or not your Boxer is at a healthy weight by their ribs. But, on the other hand, if you can feel and see their ribs, they may be underweight. Always check with your vet to be on the safe side. What are some Boxer dog body shape changes? Boxer puppies grow in height faster than their weight gain. When this dog breed matures and becomes an adult, they will have a wide chest. But, overall, Boxer is strong and lean. In addition, different factors are involved when it comes to impacting how your dog grows. In addition, reputable breeders should have this information. The nutrition you feed your pooch can help or hinder their growth. For example, if you feed them dog food with unhealthy fillers and lots of fat, they may become obese, thus hurting their growth and overall health. Will neutering or spaying your Boxer affect their growth? Spaying or neutering your Boxer has more pros than cons. For example, some health conditions may include hip dyslexia, bloat, acne, arthritis, and cancer. The best way to ensure your pooch remains healthy is to work together with your veterinarian. Take your dog to regular vet appointments at least once per year for an annual check-up. In addition, talk to your vet about the type of dog food and exercise your Boxer should be getting. If your doggo is overweight or underweight, the vet will be able to help. Finally, properly groom your doggo. Physical activity Boxers need plenty of room to run around and stretch their legs. However, they love to play and enjoy a round of fetch with you in a fenced-in yard. Just be sure to wait until their bones and joints are fully developed before taking them for jogs or hikes. Otherwise, they could have joint issues later in life. Dangers of stunted or accelerated growth If your Boxer is a little bigger or small than the others of its breed, that may not necessarily be a bad thing. However, some issues can occur. For example, your pooch may be smaller due to a growth hormone deficiency. This controls the growth rate in dogs, their bone and teeth development and maintains a healthy coat. Dwarfism could also be the reason. When do Boxers stop growing? You can expect your Boxer to be fully grown and stop growing between 18 and 24 months of age. This system works on a scale of one to nine. One means your pup is underweight and unhealthy. Nine means they are extremely overweight. The ideal place on the scale where you want your large dog to be is a five. What should you do if your Boxer is growing too fast? Growth disorders can occur in larger dogs, such as Boxers. If you notice your dog growing too fast, talk to your vet first. How to help your Boxer lose weight if he is overweight? This includes their diet and exercise. Take a look at what dog food you feed your pooch. In addition, do you feed your doggo people food and table scraps? Do Boxer mixes vary in size? If you want to learn more, you can read about Boxer mixes here. How Big Is Your Boxer? These happy doggos are a delight to have around. Boxers are great companions dogs for anyone young or old. While this pooch can have certain health conditions, they do have an average growth track. Overall, with proper exercise and dieting, your Boxer will develop into a happy, healthy pup. Did your Boxer puppy grow on track? Let us know in the comments below. Further reading: Learn more about the Growth of other Dog Breeds. Male Dog Track your Boxer's weight and compare it to other dogs! Discover the ideal weight for your Boxer and track his progress! Register your dog or puppy now for free and become a part of our growing community of over 7. Boxer: Frequently asked questions about the dog breed How much does a Boxer puppy weigh? Typically, a Boxer puppy weighs around 12,5 - 22,9 lbs at 2 months old and continues to gain an additional 18,24 lbs over the next 2 months. By approximately 18 weeks, when the puppy reaches the adolescent stage, a Boxer puppy weighs about 29,2 - 38,5 lbs. What is the typical size of a Boxer? The size of an Boxer can vary depending on gender and genetics. Generally, male Boxers reach a shoulder height of approximately 60 cm, while females have an average shoulder height of around .When is the dog breed Boxer fully grown? The dog breed Boxer usually reaches full physical maturity at about 15 to 15 months of age. However, this may vary from individual to individual, as each dog has its own growth rate. What is the average weight of a fully grown Boxer? The weight of a fully grown Boxer dog can vary depending on factors such as gender and genetics. On average, male dogs of this breed typically weigh between .Female dogs, on the other hand, usually have a weight range of .What is the average lifespan of a Boxer dog? Boxers generally have a life expectancy of approximately 10 to 12 years. With proper care, nutrition, and regular veterinary attention, they can lead happy and healthy lives. Our goal is to promote and support healthy growth of your dog.

View full details FAQ Frequently asked questions from our customers. You might just find an answer to your question here. If your question isn't answered in our FAQ below, or you'd like photo advice, please contact us at support toonyourdog. Our team loves dogs, as much as we love other pets. If your furry or not-so-furry friend is a cat, hamster, horse, pig, parrot, or lizard - we will draw them with pleasure! We can design a portrait for any animal no matter the species or the breed. What are the photo requirements? For best results, try taking a clear photo of your pet in an area with natural light without filters. Try for a close-up shot and take care not to obscure any part of the face. Keep this rule in mind when cropping the photo as well. We can't illustrate pictures where they're laying down, so avoid overhead or blurry shots. Check out our Photo Guide as well. Do you toon portraits with more than one pet? We can draw a pet group portrait from separate photos. There's no limit in the number of pets we can draw together. Just choose required number in Quantity upon placing an order. How long will my toon take to be done? We will draw your dog portrait and deliver to email within a week. If you order several pets - the drawing time will depend on the total number of your pets. On average all orders up to 10 pets are delivered within two weeks. Can I return my toon? Do you offer refunds? When you order a personalized picture of yourself with your dog, we will make it so that no one else in the world has one like yours. We don't take back pictures or give refunds because each person who orders gets something special and different. If you want to change anything about it after it's done, we will fix it for free until you're happy with how it looks! Yes, we do! Shipping time depends on the type of product. Refer to the description of the product. Do you sell gift cards? Yes, you can get a Gift Card for a personalized dog portrait on our store. Can I email you a photo? Feel free to send your photos to support toonyourdog. In what file format the toon will be sent? We will deliver your drawing as JPG at dpi. You will be able to print the portrait on any size up to cm. Do not hesitate to let us know if you need a specific printing size when you place the order. How will I get my custom toon? Your dog portrait will be sent to your email in high resolution. You will have 3 days to approve the drawing and request any revisions. What can I have as my background? You can request any background for your drawing. Your pet's portrait will be fully drawn by hand, so only imagination is the limit when it comes to selecting your background. Are there any copyrights for the toons? No, you can use your toon however you like! Can you work from more than one photo? Yes, when you submit multiple photos of your dog it always helps! We can choose the best lightning and better angles for the portrait. What payment options do you take? We accept all major credit cards and Paypal. Will I be charged for revisions? No, you get unlimited free revisions with all drawings! Photo Guide Photo image guidelines Please advise the photo guidelines below so that we can make your artwork toon look perfect! We will contact you in case your photo is not suitable. Make sure your photo is high quality and taken in daylight or a brightly lit room. Your pet's head and chest should be visible. They can be sitting, standing, or lying down. The best photos are taken as a close up at eye level. Crouch down to get the best shot. This is a guide only, we understand that not everybody has the best photos, so we can generally work with most shots. Good examples:. Contact General Information and Canine Behavior The pages within the Homecoming Prep segment of our website are private and can only be accessed through the link provided through email and through the link on the Prepare For Puppy page. The button on this page is titled Homecoming Prep. Once you are in the Homecoming Prep section of the website you will need to use your back button to navigate the pages and return to this Homecoming Prep home page. General Information The following links and attachments include general information concerning your puppy. This will help you prepare for your puppy's arrival and get you started on the right foot. Click each page above to see a larger image in a readable size. Puppy Behavior The following links and attachments include general information on caring for your puppy. Please be sure you, your children and all family members understand the signals your puppy is giving you. The puppy is not a toy and not meant to be held at will. Set limits on how many times a day no more than 4 that your child can hold the puppy. Children should only be allowed to hold the puppy if they are seated. Too much handling can physically hurt the puppy as well as begin the process of the puppy not tolerating your child. No walking around carrying the puppy. This is true for all children under 8. Puppies will chew on and sometimes ingest toys. If ingested, the pieces can lodge and cause your puppy to have to undergo surgery that is not always successful. Puppies generally do NOT like to be hugged. Puppies will jump up on people. There are two primary responses that most dogs will respond to. The first is to cross your arms, hiding your hands, and turn around showing the dog your backside and being very still. If your dog continues to jump on you they are not responding to this method and you should not continue trying it. Instead, step right into the space where there front paws are on the ground, being careful not to step on their feet. Repeat this behavior each time your dog jumps and instruct all people who your dog interacts with to do this same thing. Puppies and dogs in general will feed off of the people around them. Those who are very exciteable and talk in high pitched tones will create a dog who responds to seeing people by becoming super amped up and difficult to follow simple commands. Try to limit this. It's not in the puppies best interest to repeatedly be encouraged to escalate the excitement level to this high level. This is when the dog will become less focused and less able to follow your guidance. Keep in mind that your dog will feed off of you, your tone and your energy level. But will you recognize the signs? Imagine your puppy is growling at a child. Could you have prevented this from happening? Perhaps, but you have to know what to look for. Click below to learn more. The Family Dog: Stop the 77 Puppy Development Stages Click the link below for a great resource to learn about your puppies development. Once you get to this site, click on Puppies, then development stages. Use your back button to return to this page. This is usually the first place pictures and video show up. We also have a private Facebook page for owners of our puppies. At this time, you can join this group by answering a few short questions. It is titled Legendary Labradoodles Owners Group. There is info about grooming, vet care, training and all sorts of topics. There are links in the footer of this page to our main Facebook page, not the owners group and our instagram account. If you click on the icon it will take you to our pages. Labradoodle drawing A standard Labradoodle is a first generation hybrid dog that is created by breeding a purebred Standard Poodle with a purebred Labrador Retriever. A website called TheDogPeople. Labradoodles make great family pets as they are happy and easy to train. They have different coat types that need lots of brushing but tend not to shed. Labradoodles also have energy to spare and need lots of exercise. Drawing a Labradoodle calls for a plan to make sure you get all that curly hair in place. The curly lines are then traced, and the light ones erased of course. This two step approach may seem like it takes more time, but in the end helps avoid a lot of extra erasing and frustrating. After all, if your light sketch looks like the beginning of a dog, then the added curls are just an added feature of a very cute Labradoodle dog. Lightly sketch the rest of the head. Draw the body and front legs, lightly. Add the back legs, very lightly. Draw over the head with wiggly lines. Add wiggly lines over the body and legs. Draw wiggly lines over back legs. Add tail, more squiggles and horizon. Trace with marker and color.

I am constantly stopped on the street and asked about where I got mochi and Zima. They are perfect and deb has been super helpful each step of the way with the process and answered any question I had. Margret C. My 14 yr old English Bulldog, Elliemae, passed away October 14, .I was waiting until the summer of before getting another puppy. At the end of October, I came across Deb's web page. I called her only to get to know her and her breeding program. I told her about the loss of Elliemae and also my mother that past April. She said she had a French Bulldog puppy she thought I would be interested in. I explained that I would be holding off purchasing a puppy until the summer. She sent the picture of this white French bulldog puppy with the "Kiss of God" on the top of her head. Just like Elliemae. It was as if Elliemae and my mother were telling me this puppy is for you. I picked up Dolly the Saturday after Thanksgiving. Dolly has been a joy. She is a wonderful puppy who fills my days with joy. Deb has been wonderful as well. I am afraid I at times I talked her ear off. She is dedicated to breeding the finest French Bulldogs and knows what puppy needs to go with who. She is more than a breeder she is a friend. Thank you, Deb, for matching me up with this gift from my mother. You knew what I needed. Dollylee is an amazing puppy. She slept all through the night from the first night I brought her home. Dollylee seems to know why you sent her to me. Thank You, Deb!! Ron For several years I searched for a reputable French bulldog breeder and finally found Bijou French bulldogs. I knew the minute I finished reading through the website that I would one day purchase a puppy from Deb. We previously had a Frenchie with neurological and other health issues so we learned the hard way how important it is to choose a reputable and knowledgeable breeder. I continued looking at her website from time to time. Then one day Deb posted a breeding that sounded perfect. I got in touch with her and explained the importance to me of finding a breeder that took pride in their breeding program. She answered all of my questions and I was sold. So the deposit was paid and our precious Augie came into our lives. If you are seriously looking for a French bulldog, I strongly encourage you to get in touch with Deb. She will be available to answer your questions and will address any concerns. She has always shown concern and has amazing knowledge and insight about the breed. I know she will always be available for me with any questions I have, big or small. Thank You Deb! Deb understood and remained in contact with us answering questions and offering advice, and when she had the puppy we immediately knew was meant to be ours she continued to update us on progress until Blanche was ready to come home. Deb is very knowledgeable about the breed and her attention to details regarding their health really impressed us. Deb made the entire process seamless, and Blanche is the most perfect little lady. When the time comes to add to our own family we will definitely be calling Deb! I found Deb and from day one, she was always there to answer any questions. She was just a pleasure and always helpful! We purchased and picked up LUlu, our new wonderful addition to our family. She is so smart and has an absolutely amazing disposition. Everywhere I go with her, I get stopped, people always comment that she is the most beautiful frenchie ever even my vet! We cannot wait to get a second frenchie from Deb! Michelle We came across Deb while we were searching for our first frenchie. We contacted Deb and spoke on the phone for about an hour and a half during our first phone call. She was super supportive, informative and incredibly helpful in providing advice. She also asked us questions to make sure we were the right fit and if we would provide a safe environment for the frenchie. We got to meet Uniii through Facetime and we immediately fell in love with him at first sight. We were so impressed with Deb's knowledge about this breed, her love and passion for each and everyone of them. Whenever we had questions, Deb would answer back right away and would give us tips which has helped us tremendously. When we take Uniii out and about, people are always so impressed with how calm and good temperament he is. Uniii is super friendly and loves to be around people. He loves learning new tricks, in fact, he is so smart that I was able to teach him basic commands like 'paw' and 'sit' at 6 months. He is so easy, mellow and chill to take care of, that we are thinking of getting him another sibling for him. It will definitely be through Deb again. Thank you so much to Bijou French Bulldogs for providing us with our very first frenchie fur baby. Feel free to follow our pup on IG as well and reach out if you have any questions uniiiboiii Venus As first time dog owners, we did a lot of research before settling on a breeder. When we came across Bijou French Bulldogs and spoke to Deb, we knew we found the one. We could have gone with a number of breeders much closer to home but the decision to go the distance was extremely worth it! Deb's knowledge of the breed, care for the animals, and beautiful dogs are unmatched. She was extremely response throughout the whole process. Our beautiful girl is now 1. Our vet always comments on how well bred she was and how great it is to see a Frenchie without breathing problems. If I ever wanted another Frenchie I would definitely go back to Deb and recommend her to anyone looking for their new best friend! He is really an extraordinary dog who has made our lives so much better. Since I am now a French bulldog owner, I am more aware of other French bulldogs and can appreciate the superb breeding strategies that Debbie practices in her business. While I know that everyone thinks their dog is the best, I can objectively say that his form is perfection, from tail to ears. Not always the case with this breed, as we all know. We get stopped everywhere and people just cannot get enough of NiRAN. He is another great example of a gorgeous Frenchie in the making, and NiRAN loves to play with his new cousin. Thanks to Bijou French Bulldogs, we have our own little best friend who loves to snooze, snack, and play! Marina Deb is an absolutely pleasure and a dream come true to work with! She is hands on from beginning to getting your furbaby but even afterwards she is still involved. The furbabies she develops are all beautiful and healthy. If we could buy more we sure would!! Our experience has been amazing ever step of the way. We highly recommend her! Call me if you need to discuss Denise Denise Deb!!! Such a pleasure to share a testimonial. You can use the pic I just barely sent above? Deb was such an incredible person to work with to find our new family member. With a previous frenchie crossing the rainbow bridge we were feeling super nervous trying to find a reputable breeder that would be willing to answer lots of questions and truly help us though what was both an emotional and exciting process. She was endlessly available and highly engaged in our efforts to understand how to best match her upcoming litters with our interest. You can tell she cares so deeply about the health and wellness of each one of these little nuggets she helps bring into the world and even more, really looks to build a relationship and keep in touch with her puppies families. We feel so fortunate to have found Deb and our little fur baby! Jayme Mellisa Testimonial: Deb is a wonderful, caring and responsible breeder and we are so happy to have found her when looking for our 3rd Frenchie. It is clear she cares deeply for not only her pups but the breed in general. Wellington aka Welly exhibits all the qualities we love about frenchies - affectionate, curious and social. He is a healthy and confident pup with the sweetest disposition. From my 1st inquiry to picking up Welly, working with Deb has been an easy, seamless process. We are so happy to have found Bijou French Bulldogs and for the joy that Welly has brought to all of us! Mellisa M. By absolute fate, Deb came into our lives. Our family had just been told by another breeder one we worked with for our 9 year old frenchie that the puppy we put a deposit on, was no longer available, with absolutely no communication or reason. Our entire family was heartbroken, especially our two children. Out of desperation, I did a quick google search and stumbled upon Bijou French Bulldogs. After reading the testimonials, I sent a message to Deb to which she replied almost immediately We scheduled a facetime meeting for the next evening. The conversation was fluid and seamless. This also gave her the opportunity to see where the puppy would live which brought her comfort as well. Throughout the entire process Deb was communicative and transparent, something we had not experienced with any other breeder. For example, a few days before we were scheduled to pick up the puppy, Deb called and said the puppy was at the vet, as she was not eating or drinking overnight. I need to get her better first. She also sent us the medical paperwork and note from the vet, she was extremely thorough. Although we were disappointed with the temporarily delay, we respected that Deb was acting solely out of her care and love for the puppy. After pushing the pickup day back, a week, my husband drove to pick up Carmella. We brought Carmella home to meet our two children, and our 9-year-old French Bulldog, Dutchess. Deb was knowledgeable about how to introduce Carmella to our family. To no surprise, Deb was on point! During the first few weeks of having Carmella at home we would reach out to Deb with questions, pictures or just updates. Deb, completely consistent with how she treated us throughout the entire process was communicative, transparent, and helpful. Her knowledge for this breed is unrivaled by any other breeder we have experienced. Growing up with English bulldogs, and French bulldogs myself, I have never experienced a more thorough and responsible breeder. If you are looking for a breeder who puts quality care into her pups, will be communicate with you during every step of the process, and patiently answer all of your questions and concerns, then Bijou French Bulldogs is for you. Carmella fits in perfectly with our family, and we have Deb and her outstanding program to thank. Amy Debbie is a very responsible breeder caring for each pup individually and the whole litter. Debbie always makes herself available for any questions you may have before during and after your purchase. I Purchased Mr. Quinn in March of and never looked back. He is beautiful kind, and funny. He has such expression in his face. Everyone who meets Mr. Quinn falls in love with him. He is a real character with lots of charm. He gets along well with my other dogs. Quinn loves to travel and we are attending breed handling classes hoping to enter the show ring in the near future so Mr. Quinn can put his swagger on and hopefully come home with a few ribbons. Glenna We love our sweet little Gizmo. Thank you Deborah for helping us pick the perfect match for our beloved 5 year old frenchie. Gizmo is strong, loving, sweet and wants to be just like his big brother! Deb was easy to work with, very professional and takes excellent care of her puppies. Olive came to me trained on puppy pads with the sweetest and most kind temperament you could ever want from a French bulldog. Olive was already socialized and great with other dogs. Especially as first time dog owners it is crucial to have a breeder you can trust. Deb went above and beyond making sure my wife and I felt comfortable and ready to buy a puppy. Further to that she was always available to us for any questions we had to help guide us through the first few months and beyond of raising our puppy. She answered all of our questions and showed us the litter of adorable puppies, the mom and their whelping area. Even after we took our adorable pup home, she still checked in on her and responded to any questions we had. Poppy is a happy, healthy and sometimes sassy LOL pup and we are so happy with her! Finding a reliable preservation breeder was of high importance to us and we feel so lucky to have stumbled onto the BiJou French Bulldogs website one day. From the start, Deb has been a great communicator which really helped us feel at ease throughout the process of getting a pup. It is clear how much she loves her pups and cares about the families they go to. .Butaro is our first dog and our pride and joy! He is the sweetest pup and loves meeting new people and people love meeting him! He has brought so much joy into our lives and also came housebroken, which was a big and pleasant surprise as first-time dog owners! If you are looking to bring a french bulldog into you family, we highly recommend Deb and BiJou Frenchies - they are the best at what they do, you will not regret it! Stephanie C Easy experience from the beginning to end. Deb got back to me quickly about the last available pup. Communication was a breeze and we were able to agree to a pickup location that was convenient for both of us. Lola came with all her shots and chip information. We love Lola so much and are very happy we were able to bring her home last February. She was very professional. She was very knowledgeable about the breed and answered all my questions. It was such a great experience that I also purchased a puppy for my daughter. I take Paris to work with me everyday and the residents at the skilled nursing facility where I work love her. She is calm, friendly and well behaved. Joy B My puppy, mochi, is absolutely perfect! She is healthy, beautiful and so full of love! I could not be more grateful. In addition, Deb has been very helpful and is there to answer any questions I may have. Margaret C Our family has been researching various breeds of dogs and felt that the French Bulldog would best suit our family. Over this past summer, we have had the pleasure of working with Deb Knowlton of Bijou French Bulldog. We came across her website and became even more intrigued about the French Bulldog. From the first time we came into contact with Ms. Knowlton, she has truly demonstrated many qualities of professionalism and passion for the work that she does. She was always available to answer any questions we had via text or email in a promptly manner. When the time came to pickup our Frenchie, the process was fairly simple. Knowlton welcomed us into her home and gave her undivided attention to discuss all the information we needed to best care for our dog. Luna was already chipped, vaccinated and examined by a qualified veterinarian. Today, Luna is doing well and continues to bring such joy to our family. Dom M This year we added a second Frenchie from Deb to our family.We could not be happier with the disposition of our pup Levi and he has been a great addition.Deb took the time to identify a perfect match to our existing Frenchie and both are thriving. Deb is always available for questions during and after the entire process and makes sure that both parents and puppies are happy for years to come. Rebecca W Deb made the process of selecting the right Frenchie easy and fun. Just before the pandemic when we visited Deb to choose our puppy, she let the mother audition us as owners and we really hit it off. When we went back to the pen, the littlest puppy approached us and that was it. Love at first sight. Yasmin is a happy, healthy, self-confident puppy who brings joy to us every day. Bijou French Bulldogs is the best! Yolanda S We looked for the right breeder for our frenchie for awhile, and as soon as we met Deb, we could feel how much care, knowledge, and respect for this breed that she brings. We knew she would be the perfect choice for one of the most important in our lives! Fiona is beautiful, and exhibits all the best qualities of a well bred frenchie— she is super healthy, active, social, and the most friendly temperament. We won the lottery with Fiona and we know that deb had a huge part in making this possible. From the start, Deb took the time to share her knowledge on the breed, their characteristics, and her process. We knew immediately that we had an expert in Deb, and someone who loves and cares for her animals. Minka is the most loving, playful, silly, and all around best dog. She has completely exceeded our expectations, and everyone who meets her falls in love with her. As with most dog lovers we will go to extremes for our dogs, and to say we spoil them in an understatement. We put a great deal of time into investigating the breeders of our dogs and this was especially true for Tucker. This was a journey that took us to visit and meet several Frenchie breeders all who had a love of this wonderful breed. Along this journey we came to meet Deb of Bijou French Bulldogs. Immediately upon meeting Deb and visiting with her we realized Deb was truly special. From the time we picked up Tucker Deb has remained in touch with us and offered advice and support. Tucker is a healthy and absolutely beautiful puppy that has a wonderful personality, his coloring and disposition was exactly what Deb had said it would be. Linda L We are a dog-loving family, but, almost exclusively, we have been Lab owners. While we were all in the house for the pandemic, we realized that this would be a great time to get a puppy. However, this time my daughter asked if we could get a smaller dog that could sit in her lap easier , and that she could take with her more easily than she can the larger labs. Not having explored the smaller dog world before, we did a bit of digging into what breeds of small dogs would fit into our lives, and we determined that the French Bulldog was the way to go. I began my research into finding a pup, and I quickly learned a few things: 1. Rescue French Bulldog puppies are hard to impossible to find, 2. Frenchies are a significant investment and 3. I looked for quite some time, and began discussions with more than a few breeders. Some of the breeders were excellent, but many were not. It began to remind me of puppy milling of labradors we have encountered so many times in the past. Lots of discussion about designer colors on web sites, but little about breeding philosophy. On the day that I sent her a quick note looking to connect, Deb called me. During that first phone call I asked her with questions about her kennel, her breeding philosophy, and overall questions about Frenchies and how well a puppy would fit in our house. Deb enthusiastically engaged in that discussion with passion, and I knew this was a person who I wanted to work with. I was particularly concerned with breathing issues that these dogs so often has, and Deb was able to answer all of these questions with with ease and details since she has a deep experience in breeding Frenchies, and loves to do it. She very purposefully and knowledgeably sets up her breeding program based on a lot of data, not just a pedigree. She has a fantastic working knowledge of genetics, and tracks her dogs health so well that she can use this data to produce great litters. Her process is impressive. We were able to give Deb our criteria about the kind of dog we were looking for, and what we were not. She immediately spoke about future litters she was planning that would fit our needs. I fully expected to have to wait up at least 6 months for a puppy, but we were able to get a puppy sooner than that. We got Millie, a beautiful Fawn with tons of red accents. She is smaller in size, just as we like, and Deb told us that with her intensity gene, that her coloring was going to be stunning. She was absolutely right. Millie has been an amazing addition to our family, and even keeps up with our labs! Her alert spirit commands the room, and at the same time, she is loving and sweet. Her temperament could not be better. We love that she is a pretty puppy, but more important to looks, her health and temperament are paramount. However, the best testimonial that I can provide comes from the days following Millie home-coming. We took this beautiful 5 lb puppy to the vet for a wellness visit, and during the exam, the vet turned to me and said that she had no concerns about breathing or palate issues with this puppy, and that I should commend Deb for a beautifully bred dog - the best she has seen in years. If you are searching for Frenchies, and are considering Bijou, rest assured that you are in excellent hands and paws Sean D Once my family had decided it was time to get a dog I knew we needed a smaller one, who would bond with the whole family. I have always had dogs, large and small. My last one was an American bulldog, Rottweiler mix, we rescued at 6 weeks old, whom I loved. After researching the qualities we settled on a French Bulldog. I was excited my husband, who wanted a larger Pit Bull less than. There are so many breeders on the internet and 90 percent of them left me feeling like it was a business. Some I down right worried about the animals in their care. What I loved about Deb was the level of time and care she put into her animals. As a nurse I appreciated the commitment to health and socialization she gave for what I knew would be my newest child. I have two with two legs and now Nas, our Frenchie and Mashugana our Bengal cat to make two on four legs. We have only had him since September but he is adored by our whole family. My husband within a week was proudly telling everyone Nas was just what he wanted and now six months later is trying to get me to agree to a second. The vet was so impressed with his health, everyone who meets him talks about how smart he is. I have never had a dog more willing to love on everyone he meets. If we do decide to expand our family again we will be contacting Deb. She truly has a passion for what she does and the joy she brings to families. She was honest, professional, and very caring about us and our puppy. She is always willing to help with any questions, promptly responds and cares deeply for the pups, doing all she can to best prepare them for life with their new family. She is confident and does not get easily stressed. She is also very well socialized. Luna is the perfect example of what a Frenchie should be like. She is social, accepting, very friendly, and a quick learn… she has far exceeded my expectations! From our initial phone call to when I picked Baxter up, Deb and Shelley were knowledgeable, communicative and very clear that their top priority is the health and well-being of their dogs. Not only is Baxter the most beautiful Frenchie I have ever seen, but he also has the best temperament - he is sweet, playful, friendly with all dogs, people and children, snuggly, loyal - I could go on and on. Baxter and I can hardly make it two feet on the street without getting stopped - people come out of stores and restaurants to meet him. I will definitely get a second puppy from them sometime, hopefully in the near future. Not only Is Dexter healthy and happy but he has the perfect personality that could only have come from great parents fur and human. Shelly and Deb are phenomenal, educated us and made the whole process exciting and comfortable. Their continued support and love since we picked Dexter up is amazing. We already have and would continue to recommend them as breeders. K Stoltzfus Deb and Shelly are not only two of the nicest most helpful, honest and knowledgeable people, they treat their dogs like their family and will be there to help with any advice you need even after you bring your puppy home. Our boy, Xander, is smart, funny and full of love, hugs and licks. I was in such shock I think I must have mentioned it to everyone who asked how our visit went. She's healthy, happy, intelligent and the most affectionate pup I've ever met. We brought her home in August at 14 weeks and she has truly completed our family!! I was looking to add a french bulldog to our family, and from the onset they were absoltely helpful. This was the first time I was researching and interested in the breed, and they were very helpful in educating me along the process. They were very responsive and answered all of my e-mails and I send a lot! They truly love thier dogs, which is evident, and take pride and care in what they do. I look forward to the day we are able to grow our family even further and hope to have the opportunity to work with them again! J LaRocco Owning a French bulldog was a dream of mine for about 10 years before it became a reality. I always loved the look of the breed but after careful research I knew if I ever purchased one I would need to find a reputable breeder. I asked around, did some Google searches and scoured Facebook for contact information. I had been talking to another breeder when I found Deb and Shelly. I immediately sent in an interest form and Deb called me within a day or so. She was so knowledgeable and passionate about her dogs and why they were superior to the others. And after speaking with the other breeders I could compare them all and it was abundantly clear who I'd be getting my next furbaby from! Health testing was very important to us and Deb has done a wonderful job of making sure that her puppies are free of genetic and other disorders. Penny Lane came to us in Sept and has been such an awesome addition to our crew. She has the sweetest temperament. She's very smart. And she has these amazing brown eyes that look at you so lovingly you just have to give her pets or a treat! She's been a wonderful companion to me and our other dog. I highly recommend speaking with Deb and Shelly if you are searching for a Frenchie. You will not be disappointed! B Smassanow Deb and Shelly were absolutely wonderful to work with. We did a lot of research on Frenchie breeders in the New York area and luckily came across Beautibuls. From the first conversation with Deb we knew they were the ones we wanted to go with. They were extremely knowledgable and were so happy to share their expertise with us. We visited Deb and Shelly early on in the process and they showed us many puppies they were all equally adorable! She is healthy, happy, full of personality and absolutely stunning! After we took her home, they were reachable at any time which really helped us settle in as new puppy parents. We receive endless compliments of how well she represents the ideal French Bulldog breed. She is perfection! We cannot wait to extend our Frenchie family and will absolutely be giving Deb and Shelly a call when we are ready. We did a lot of research before we settled on to getting a puppy from them. They are respected breeders by other French bulldog breeders and that was an important consideration for us. Deb and Shelly have been great in giving us advice and answering our questions on every aspect of raising a healthy and happy puppy from feeding, toilet training and teaching good habits. Their advice and involvement in raising Louis have been invaluable to us. Louis is now a 16 months old happy, smart , sweet and strong young adult dog. He is completely house broken in and has his routines and has become a loving family member. Our two children love Louis like a brother. We highly recommend Debbie and Shelly and the Beautibul puppies. YKW and family. Y Waite "Fred and I give Beautibuls a 6 star out of 5 star review"! Looking back at all the disappointment from other breeders, it was a blessing in disguise to find Beautibuls and become part of their extended Frenchie family! I filled out the online application and heard back within a few hours. Beautibuls have changed my perception of what a great experience purchasing a puppy can be! I was instantly drawn to the pair, Deb and Shelly. If we ever add another Frenchie to our family it will be a Beautibuls Frenchie"! S Kibbe We are the very proud owners of 3 French Bulldogs. I was referred to Deb and Shelly by a breeder I had purchased my last little girl from as she did not have what I was looking for at the time. My experience with them was great. We spoke at length about what I was looking for in a pup as we were adding a 3rd and wanted the dynamics to work. Randal is a pied boy he is about 8 months old now and really filling out beautifully. He was housebroken in 6 months which is record breaking for my Frenchies.He is very sweet, and lovable with a great personality. Deb and Shelly were extremely accommodating and I have enjoyed sharing Randal's milestones with them.They have a top notch breeding program and take great pride in what they do. I would not hesitate to recommend Beautibuls to anyone looking for an amazing dog. I am one of the Beautibuls. I am named after my frenchy dad Dominic but I look just like my frenchy mom Senka. My mom is Gale. She tells me she loves me because I am sweet and a good snuggler. My dad says he loves me because of my good health which means no vet bills! My frenchy sister Giada is not a Beautibul we still love her and she had some large vet bills as a puppy. Grammies Shelly and Deb made sure that did not happen to me. Dad is also proud of how fast I was able to train him to hold me and give me lots of love. Our puppy Bowie is a playful, smart, happy, and loving pup. Being a part of the extended Beautibuls family is a wonderful place to be. I had to fill out online applications amid fighting back the tears, getting over losing our little pied gal. We got Lola from a breeder in Australia when we lived there 10 years prior, so we had no connections with US breeders. Some breeders never replied, some were short, but Deb emailed us back right away and even set up a call with us the very next day to find out about our situation and our ability to care for one of her pups. As luck would have it, we ended up with our handsome Louie very soon after we spoke with Deb. We were a bit nervous about having a new puppy so close to our loss, but he was the blast of sunshine that our family needed. Louie is energetic, smart and healthy, with a great temperament and he has the whole neighborhood suckered into playing fetch with him. We brought our puppy home last August and Deb and Shelly have been there every step of the way with any questions we may have had. Or little boy has been a perfect fit with our other two dogs and has an awesome temperament! He's the best. Every time I show co-workers they always ask " Where did you get him from". Our vet said he's never seen a puppy so prefect. With that said we are blessed to have a Beautibuls dog in our family. I don't want to forget how great of a dog he is as well. We have another Frenchie and we see the difference. Thanks again for the best meatball ever. Couldn't picture life without our Tyson" Kevin F "My husband and I purchased our first Frenchie from Beautibuls and we could not be happier. Knowing that this was our first the breeders were so knowledgeable and helpful. We are completely in love with this little guy. Although we chose not to show him, he is our Grand Champion!!! We will defiantly be back for a second puppy". Lisa T "Henry is such a sweet soul. He loves to snuggle up on your lap but he's also very playful. His wobble wag giggle ball is his favorite toy - he just loves chasing it around the house. He's super friendly with everyone and loves playing with other dogs. People ask me all the time where I got him because he's so adorable!! He makes me so happy every day"!! He's a puppy from your very first litter and has been such a joy in my life. You have helped guide me in the show ring and are always there for any questions I may have. Thank You Ladies!!! Lori H Enchanted Bulldogs It was a pleasure engaging with Deb - she was very helpful and informative throughout the process. Achilles, our puppy, was healthy and has immediately become one of the family. Also, Deb has been helpful after we took Achilles home with us. I highly recommend them as breeders. Steve D "I have been an ecstatic and exceedingly happy Beautibulls Frenchie Mommy to 2 beautiful, happy and healthy frenchies, Mimosa and Madeline Maddie since the minute I brought them home!! In addition to being a beautiful dog, her disposition was friendly and loving to me, my friends, my cats, and the dogs in the Park! She often gave THEM - most of whom were much bigger - a run for their money, and tuckered them out from play way before she was ready to call it quits!! Anyway, they're pretty funny when that all comes out, but they are truly NOT that helpful!! They are both cuddlers, lickers, and lovers - just wanting to be around mom, and in mornings and evenings even view the kitties as fellow cuddle buddies! Mimosa will be 5 at Christmas and Maddie will be 2 at the end of this month. Neither has had any health issues, and any concerns or questions that I had when I first brought them home Shelly and Deb were eager to answer. Similarly before I committed to buying one and joining their "family", I was very curious about the breeding and whelping processes, and besides being incredibly interesting, they helped me understand how and why my girls were going to be as healthy as they were. My first 3 dogs were big dogs - 2 bullmastiffs and 85 lb boxer lab and I adored them completely. I miss them dearly as well, but I am so so so happy with my 20 lb frenchies - they might be smaller in size, but not smaller in heart or energy levels and I'll never go back! As a matter of fact, I have notified Beautibulls of my desire to get another one, so if that's not a positive reference, I don't know what is!! I could not possibly recommend Beautibulls more highly!! Thank you Deb and Shelly!!! Our hearts were forever broken and we soon realized that that the only thing nearly as sad as losing our bully, was the emptiness we felt without having a dog to share our lives with. Knowing the breed well, we set out on a quest to find a reputable breeder. It was a very long journey but we were determined, and health and temperament were our top priorities. As time went on we developed a keen interest in Frenchies — and we were ever so fortunate to have come across the Beautibuls website. It made us so very hopeful - not only were the photos of their dogs beautiful, but they were so healthy and accomplished. We reached out and to our surprise not only did we get a prompt response, but it was such a pleasure to speak with Deb who dedicated a great deal of time to listen to our story, and talk to us about their breeding program. She was so knowledgeable and patient with us in answering all of our questions. Deb and Shelly made the process so smooth and were and still are! Luigi has been nothing short of amazing from day 1. He came to us so well socialized — we remember being so surprised at how quickly and confidently he settled right in… sleeping right through from his first night onwards! He steals the show in his training classes, loves his skateboard and is an emotional support dog. The breed is small and muscular with heavy bone structure, a smooth coat, a short face, and trademark "bat" ears. Many of my dogs are Champions and Grand Champions, producing incredible babies. My dogs are health tested to guarantee all puppies live a long and happy life! She loves the big dogs in her foster home but would be totally happy as an only dog as well. She can be a bit reserved in completely new situations but warms up quickly and dazzles everyone with her happiness and sunny personality! She is precious to watch as she romps and plays with her toys. This doll adores her humans and treasures her cuddle time as well. Sunny's mother is a 48 lb Golden mix pictured , and we assume her father was a Bulldog mix of some kind. She is currently 28 lbs, and we anticipate she will be about lbs when fully grown. Don't you want this ray of sunshine in your life?! We are a c3, tax deductible organization. All fields on the application must be completed. Our dogs are in foster care and we do NOT have a shelter or boarding facility. This is a firm policy. Our busy volunteers are not able to respond to questions about the dog or dog meeting requests in the absence of an application. We know these dogs very well because they are in foster care. Please read the profiles of the dog s you are interested in prior to submitting an application. If there are specific requirements stated ie: Fenced Yard or Canine Friend Required these are included because they are vital to the happiness, health, safety and adoption success of that dog. We provide all supplies, preventatives and any follow up vet care necessary while they are in foster care. These costs are high and the number of lives we can save is entirely dependent upon donations from people like you. We do not receive funding from private foundations or government sources. We are a c3 organization, so all donations are tax-deductible. It is only through the kindness of supporters like you that we are 'changing lives

Adopt a new best friend. By choosing to adopt, you participate in a statewide effort to provide homes for deserving and loyal German Shepherds. We cover all vet expenses and will purchase all needed supplies for your foster dog while they are in your care. Adopt a Dog Help us help future dogs. Donate your time. Campaign for fundraising. Transport dogs to their destinations. Make a difference in the German Shepherd community. Apply to volunteer with us and provide care for German Shepherds that truly need it. Apply to Volunteer We have found homes for hundreds of happy German Shepherds. Below is a list of German Shepherds that have successfully found a new home. German Shepherd adoption has changed our lives, and it can change yours, too. Bodie A friendly German Shepherd with a lovely black coat. Bodie was a lovely, personable German Shepherd that was finally adopted by a loving family after a long battle with homelessness. She also loves engaging in friendly play with cats! Jill Adopted in , Jill became a playful and positive addition to her family. Jill had previously completed behavioral training prior to adoption, making her an asset to any home. Now, she enjoys daily walks to local parks. Mesaba Once abandoned by his previous owner, Mesaba found a loving family in Georgia, who named him Mesaba after their Minnesotan roots. Mesaba now enjoys walks in the park, play time with friends, and a loving family. Giroux After previous domestic issues with cats, Giroux found a home with one of our volunteers. He now enjoys cheering up his new owner, who has previously lost a German Shepherd to age-related difficulties. Abbie After a history of neglect, Abbie was able to recover from her past trauma and find a loving and accepting home in .She now enjoys playing hide-and-find with new toys, playing in the local pond, and being part of her new family. Fletcher After abandonment from his previous owners, Fletcher was finally able to join his new and supportive family. He now enjoys long walks, lots of attention and plenty of space for personal recreation. Matilda Matilda was shy before reaching out shelter - but after some training, she was finally able to come out of her shell! She now spends time with her new family, receiving more love than she could ever imagine! Queen Adopted in , Queen is a playful and positive addition to any family. Queen had previously completed behavioral training prior to adoption, making her an asset to any home. Ike Ike is the life of the party. We are pleased to announced that after years of neglect, Ike was finally able to join a family of his own. Now, Ike enjoys playing with his new owners and enjoying a life of abundant love and affection. She was once abandoned by her previous owners, but with some care and rehabilitation, Lady was able to relocate to a loving family of her own! Schatzi Talk about playful! Schahtzi is a lovely German Shepherd that was able to join a loving family after a past of neglect. Now, she enjoys lots of exercise and good memories with his new family. See More Alumni Give in memoriam. To us, a dog is family. Every pet has a story, how they were rescued and what they meant to us. Tell us your story. We pride ourselves on providing you with only the highest top Quality German Shepherd Puppies for sale. Our love and care goes into each and every German Shepherd Puppy that we help raise and bring into this world. It is our goal to provide you with a perfect companion from one of our litters. We strive to be the top German Shepherd Breeder in the country with our extremely high quality dogs, assuring you of a spectacularly beautiful and loving German Shepherd Puppy. While we raise spectacular show and breeding puppies, most of our puppies sold are for family pets and personal protection. They are wonderful, loving and gentle family pets, which is our largest market: People that want the Finest Purebred German Shepherd Dogs with spectacular pedigrees for their Family. We are one of very few German Shepherd Breeders in the country who have adopted and practice the proven early puppy neural and social development program that encourages high aptitude puppies. Every one of our puppies gets loving socialization daily from birth and advanced development stimulation. As they grow, they are in the house with us with constant socialization, they visit childcare centers, schools, and nursing homes for further socialization and community service. We have acreage on a beautiful lake front setting where our dogs are free to run and enjoy life. Visit any other kennel and then come visit us. The happiness and loving nature of our dogs speaks for itself. We genetically select the sire and dam of each litter for the best possible litter. While we have spectacularly well pedigreed males, we often search around the country for a German Shepherd male with the pedigree that will best serve our litter with a particular female.

Articles The Golden Retriever is considered one of the most popular double-coat doggies in the world. It is known for its long and luscious coat that looks red, amber, and sometimes golden. It is known for being lovable and trustworthy and is one of the perfect breeds for dog competitions or shows. In order to keep your Golden Retriever looking dapper but also protecting their health, you should consider giving them a trim or cut. A Full Shave is recommended for Goldies with medical conditions or severe matting, while a Kennel Cut is great at keeping a Goldie looking sharp and neat. In addition, you can try out Field Cut before bringing the Goldie on an outdoor trip. There is the option of visiting a pet salon for that extra after-trim care or trying it out yourself at home. A cut does not have to be the same boring one, and we have some cool suggestions that you can try out. Puppy Cut Image from Instagram: d. It can be done on a Golden Retriever or any other pup breed you may have at home. In addition, it ensures that little to no fur is shed on your furniture and car seat. The functional role of this cut is for doggies that are part of a show, like dog shows and competitions. This cut is neatly done around the ears, private parts, and paws. Keen attention to detail is important during trimming. This cut is all about trimming your pup, leaving it with a short coat that will not weigh it down when wet. It also helps your pup to dry up much faster. This type of cut is short enough to also protect their skin from swimming pool chemicals. If the water mass that your doggie spends time in is a natural water source, you can opt for a different cut. Summer Cut Image from Dog grooming and sitting A Summer Cut is one that is presumably designed to keep your pup cool during the hot days of the year. It is more about getting rid of the top coat and keeping a short haircut all through. It means keeping the cut to an inch or shorter and can be done around the ears and personal zones. It is also important to note that a Golden Retriever has a double coat which keeps them warm in the winter and cool in the summer. To ensure that you have the best summer trim, you should consult a professional groomer. Simple Trim Image from Instagram: gldpaws If you are looking for a cut on Golden Retrievers that does not demand too much work, the Simple Trim is the best option. It is all about doing a nice trim of the long hairs as well as any dead or unmanageable hairs. This cut is done all over the body with a focus on around the neck and chest area. It is all about keeping your pup feeling cool but, at the same time, protecting them from bites, skin irritation, or the biting cold. The style makes your pup look like a large teddy bear because you have to feather the coat for that look after the cut. You can get the help of a professional groomer for that perfect teddy bear finish. The main purpose of this cut is to get rid of any excess hair that can trap dirt and other debris or get caught on branches or bushes. This cut requires you to trim the hair short throughout the body and keep it at the same length. It is much shorter than Teddy and Puppy Cuts. In fact, they last much longer than other cuts as they will grow out evenly over time. There are a few reasons why your Golden Retriever may need a full trim, and this can be useful in treating a medical condition or dermatitis, getting rid of dead hairs, and doing away with matted fur. This means it is a cut for extreme situations that may arise. It is shaved as close to the skin as possible. It is important to note that you should resist a Full Shave on long-haired doggies because they need their fur to regulate their body temperature. The fur is also responsible for preventing bug bites or skin irritation. Yes, you need to take your Golden Retriever for a regular trim. The main role of a shave is to get rid of dead hairs while regulating the body temperature at the same time. Golden Retrievers are known for their long fur and look great in their dense coats. Their coat is known to shed naturally, which is also great. There are different cuts to choose from, so you should not feel restricted to a simple shave. After shaving, a Golden Retriever will have shorter fur, which allows them to roam freely outdoors or swim without worrying about dirt or debris. They should feel cool in the summer and also warm in the winter, depending on how clean the shave you have chosen for your Goldie. You are advised to trim or lightly shave them to prevent their hair follicles from getting destroyed. This can mean their lovely coat may never grow back. Golden Retrievers have a double coat that looks great and protects their skin from external elements, such as extreme heat, skin irritation, and bug bites. Care and attention should be a priority when trimming or shaving your furry friend. Avoid shaving below an inch to the skin, and keep the trim uniform all over. As mentioned, try not to cut too close to the skin to prevent hair follicle damage, which can prevent the hair from growing back. It may not make much difference to the dog, they will still get warm and their coat will still protect them, but they will look neater and even more majestic. Show Cut The simple trim is functional and primarily benefits you, as the owner. Trim, feather the fur, and properly trim the paws, ears, and sanitary areas. Because the show cut is for dogs that are being shown, it requires a lot more attention to detail. You will need to ensure that it follows the right shape and that you do a good job of cutting areas like the paws. It may be worth getting a professional groomer to complete this trim. Summer Cut Summertime is when a lot of owners decide to shave their dogs. It makes sense in many ways—your dog is hot. Getting rid of their double coat will reduce the temperature and even the weight that they have to carry around. The summer cut is a good alternative. It is more shaped than a puppy cut but can be as short. Keep the shape of the coat but cut it down to an inch or shorter. The Teddy Cut The Teddy Cut is a professional cut that is specifically offered to breeds like the Golden Retriever that have luscious, long double coats. It helps regulate temperature and keep them cooler during the summer months without affecting the double coat itself. The body is clipped really short while the legs are scissored to their natural shape. The tail and feet are also trimmed and curved to shape. This cut makes your dog look fluffy and like a teddy, hence its name, and it will help keep them cool and minimize the risk of damaging their natural, double coat. Golden Retriever Haircuts: Final Thoughts The Golden Retriever has a long list of recognizable attributes, but they get their name from their beautiful golden locks. Whether you exhibit your Retriever, or he is a family companion, you can provide him with a haircut that keeps him cool, ensures that he looks his best, and that will not damage his incredible double coat. Featured image credit: Olena Brodetska, Shutterstock Contents. However, with numerous grooming options available, selecting the perfect cut can be overwhelming. But fret not! So instead of shaving, consider a different haircut that keeps them cool and comfortable. Summer Cut Some dog owners may believe that shaving their dogs will help them cope with the heat during the summer. Then, trim the ears, chest, feet, and personal areas for added comfort. Puppy Cut Have you ever heard of a puppy cut? The term derives from its simple approach: the fur is cut to around half an inch and is the same length all over the body. One of the benefits of the puppy cut is that it is simple to maintain, comfy for your pet, and leaves enough hair to protect them. While it will not entirely eliminate shedding, it will help lessen the amount of fur that winds up on your furniture. It allows them to regulate their body temperature in the summer without harming their natural coat. The torso is trimmed short, the legs are scissored to shape, and the tail and foot are cut in a curved shape. This cut keeps your dog looking fluffy like a teddy bear while keeping them cool and protecting its natural coat. First, remember that their double coat acts as a natural temperature regulator and shields them from the sun and other elements, so cutting it too short may cause problems. For example, a shorter cut may be suitable for a dog who spends a lot of time outside in the heat, but a longer coat may be preferable for a dog who spends most of his time indoors or in cooler weather. For a nice haircut, look for a groomer with expertise in golden retrievers who can advise you on the ideal cut for your dog. Moreover, to keep your dog healthy and happy, ensure they are up to date on their immunizations before going to the groomer. The thickness of their coat and the length of time they spend indoors versus outdoors can all influence whether a haircut is required. One thing to remember is that a complete shave is not recommended for Golden Retrievers during the summer. Instead, a skilled groomer can trim their hair to a lower length while leaving their natural undercoat intact. Protecting Your Golden Retrievers from Overheating During Summer Golden retrievers are great dogs , but their thick double coats can make them uncomfortable in hot and humid weather. It can be harmful and even dangerous when a Golden Retriever becomes overheated. Heatstroke signs in dogs include excessive panting, weakness, vomiting, and even collapsing. Fortunately, there are things you can do to keep your pet cool and healthy during hot weather. Here are some pointers: Offer plenty of fresh water: Always provide clean water for your Golden Retriever. You can also add ice cubes to the water to keep it chilled. Avoid exercising during the hottest portions of the day: It is best to exercise in the early morning or late evening in the summer. Maintain a relaxed environment: If your Golden Retriever spends time indoors, ensure the house is air-conditioned or has sufficient air circulation. Avoid walking your dog on the scorching pavement: It can burn their paws and cause them to overheat, so take shady routes or walk during more excellent times of the day. Following these tips can help prevent your Golden Retriever from overheating and keep them healthy and happy during hot weather. Get veterinarian assistance immediately if you suspect your pet is suffering from heatstroke. Benefits Of Regular Grooming For Your Golden Retriever Regular grooming has various advantages for your furry friend, including: Increased self-confidence and socializing: Regular grooming can help pets look and smell better, leading to improved self-confidence and socialization. Healthier skin and coat: Grooming helps eliminate dirt, dead skin, and loose fur, lowering the risk of skin irritation and infections. It can also encourage healthy hair growth and reduce shedding. Bonding: Grooming allows owners to bond with their pets while also building trust and affection. Improved circulation: Grooming enhances blood flow and circulation, promoting healthy skin and coat. Grooming pets regularly can help keep them healthy, happy, and looking their best. Arranging a summer haircut ahead of time might help them stay relaxed and healthy throughout the season. Also, planning ahead is usually preferable, so you do not have to stress at the last minute. Dog grooming salons can get quite busy during the summer, so make an appointment for your dog ahead of time to prevent losing out. Be sure to schedule a summer haircut and get ready to enjoy the hot weather before your pup is panting and overheating! Proper Nutrition: A balanced diet is crucial for a healthy coat. Hydration: Keep your dog well-hydrated during hot summer days. Provide fresh water at all times and consider adding wet food or water-rich fruits and vegetables to their diet. Proper hydration helps maintain a lustrous coat and prevents dryness. Protection from the Sun: Just like humans, dogs can suffer from sunburn and heatstroke. Flea and Tick Prevention: Summer brings an increase in fleas and ticks. Protect your Golden Retriever with preventive treatments recommended by your veterinarian. Regularly check for any signs of infestation and promptly address them to maintain a healthy coat. Bathe your Golden Retriever as needed to keep them clean, but avoid excessive bathing, as it can strip away natural oils. Professional Grooming: Consider scheduling regular professional grooming sessions for your Golden Retriever. Professional groomers have the expertise to trim and shape the coat appropriately, reducing the risk of overheating and maintaining a neat appearance. Stay Active: Regular exercise helps improve overall coat health by promoting good circulation and reducing stress. Engage your Golden Retriever in outdoor activities during cooler parts of the day to keep them physically active and mentally stimulated. Remember to monitor their coat regularly for any changes or signs of skin issues, and consult with a veterinarian if you have any concerns. With proper care, your furry friend will shine under the summer sun! Conclusion In conclusion, grooming your golden retriever is essential to overall health and well-being. Regular grooming can help avoid skin irritation, matting, and discomfort associated with excessive shedding. Finally, scheduling a summer cut can help ensure your pet stays comfortable and relaxed during the hot months. So go ahead and treat your pet with a decent grooming routine! While a summer cut will not prevent all shedding, it will help reduce the amount of fur on your furniture and home. Thus, while a summer haircut may not wholly eliminate shedding, it can make it more manageable for you and your pet. Will a summer cut make my golden retriever more susceptible to sunburn? To keep your dog cool and comfortable, consider using dog-specific sunscreen and offering plenty of shade and drinks. Its double coat is essential for controlling body temperature and protecting the skin from the sun and other factors. Cutting their hair too short can cause skin irritation, sunburn, and other health problems. Galen has been connecting quality Golden Retriever breeders with loving families since and is the founder of My Golden Retriever Puppies. He and his wife have four children and love spending time together, traveling lived oversees for 4 years , enjoying the outdoors and connecting Golden families. Be the first to know when we have new puppies! All Rights Reserved. By Yvonne Villasenor Yvonne Villasenor is a freelance writer and animal lover who just so happens to be allergic to cats and dogs. That doesn't stop her from cuddling with them! When Yvonne's not working, you can find her lounging with her charming Chihuahuas, weightlifting, or wandering around Halloween stores. The golden retriever , of course! With a heart of gold and a coat to match, it's no wonder how the golden retriever is known as one of the most popular dog breeds. Friendly, loyal, and intelligent, goldens make great family dogs and fur-ever companions. They love adventures and love to play, meaning, their medium-length locks will inevitably get dirty and have to be groomed. However, before you take any dog to get groomed, it's important to know what type of coats they have—a single coat or a double coat —as some haircuts may not be the best fit for your canine companion. Due to their upbringing as gundogs bred to retrieve waterfowl and upland game, golden retrievers have a double coat, or two layers of fur—a dense, water-repellent outer coat and a thick, soft undercoat. For this reason, golden retrievers shouldn't be shaved since their double coats keep them warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Ready to take your playful pooch to their next grooming session? We've selected the best golden retriever haircuts to fit any pup and pet parent's preference, lifestyle, and budget. Puppy Cut The puppy cut is a fan favorite among dog parents—and for good reason! It's simple, cute, and low-maintenance. While the length can vary based on the pet parent's preference, your golden's fur is typically cut to be around half an inch in length and is trimmed to the same length all over their body, says Reda Elabd, certified master groomer and owner of Central Park Pet Spa in New York, N. Summer Cut Want to keep it easy, breezy, and beautiful for your cover dog in the summertime? The summer cut is calling your golden's name! Opting for a cut like the summer cut provides comfort for your retriever when temperatures start to rise. The summer cut keeps your dog's ears, chest, and feet well-trimmed, as well as their sanitary areas. Simple Trim If you're looking to keep your golden retriever's natural shape, the simple trim is—well, simple—and a wonderful option to keep your retriever's fur tidy. Plus, it doesn't require much cutting at all. It's a style Elabd recommends year round. The coat around the dog's neck and chest could also be thinned," he says. Show Cut Let your golden's natural beauty shine with this low-maintenance, natural cut. The show cut does not require much cutting, just trimming the fur along with the paws, ears, and sanitary areas. This cut has many small details that your groomer will be able to make to show off your golden retriever's beautiful locks. Teddy Bear Cut What does your pup have in common with a teddy bear? They're both cuddly, golden cuties! The teddy bear cut is another great haircut option for summer. Elabd describes the cut as one where the legs are kept at their natural length, the body is kept short, and the tail and feet are trimmed and curved to shape. This helps regulate your retriever's temperature with a double coat and keeps him fluffy and tidy. How to Maintain a Golden Retriever's Hair at Home If you have a golden retriever at home, you know goldens have feathery, soft coats that shed a lot as it is—but especially in spring and autumn. Chances are, your black clothes have your sweet pup's hair all over them. So, what can you do to somewhat control your dog's shedding? Golden retrievers should be brushed every day to remove dead hair and prevent matting. These pups do not necessarily require "haircuts" but more so hair trims because of their double coats. It's best to get your golden retriever on a routine grooming schedule with a professional groomer to keep their coats healthy and well-maintained. It's recommended to brush your dog's teeth at least twice a week, trim his nails at least once a month, bathe him once a month more if dirty , and check his ears frequently and clean with an ear cleaner if you notice they have an odor or are red. Happy grooming! Pet Keen is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more. As much as we love the beautiful coat on our retriever, the constant shedding can become a bit much at times. If you own a golden, you may want to limit the shedding by cutting its hair. Here are some adorable haircuts that will keep your furry friend looking spiffy. It is an adorable option for the sizzling summer months. The cut keeps its coat neat and fluffy while regulating its temperature. The hair on the body is shortened and the feet and tail are trimmed to match its shape. The cut provides your pet with a shortened coat without the risk of damaging the undercoat. The cut is unlike shaving and protects their double coat. It is a simple cut that is easy to maintain and leaves your pet looking stylish and peppy. The length of the fur is cut to about one-half inch from head to toe. Your Goldie will still shed but the cut will help to minimize the amount of hair on your sofa and bed. This is a wonderful cut to keep your pet looking cute and fluffy but leaves it clean and comfortable. Usually, pet owners will take their dog to a professional groomer to get this cut. Especially if they have entered it into an upcoming dog show or event. The Show Cut is much like the simple trim. Once the coat is trimmed, the groomer will focus on the ears, paws, and areas that may be unsanitary. You may think it is a good idea to shave the dog in the summertime, but the double coat is what protects it from things like ticks and the hot sun and should not be shaved. The feet, ears, and chest are heavily trimmed, so the dog looks clean and polished. The groomer will also trim the private areas, leaving the dog fresh and free of germs. The groomer shapes up the coat so it is clean and tidy. The length of the hair is trimmed, and the fur is feathered. The groomer will thin the chest and neck fur to keep the coat looking well groomed while maintaining the shape of the dog. This cut keeps the coat protected so the dog stays warm and healthy. It will remove the dead skin cells and hair so the skin can breathe freely. Brushing their coat produces natural oils to keep their coat shiny and healthy. Bathing: Bath your dog regularly with a dog-specific shampoo. Ones with oatmeal will soothe their skin if it has been irritated by bug bites of debris. With a few drops of ear cleaning solution, massage the ear for 30 seconds. After the dog shakes its head, wipe the ear clean with a soft cloth. It can be extraordinarily straight, wavy, or curly. The double coat and the undercoat of a Golden Retriever are very thick. The thickness allows them to repel water Golden Retrievers have a thick coat that sheds a lot, so they are not considered a hypoallergenic breed The hair on the base of the tail, back of the legs, and under the stomach of a golden is heavily feathered The feathering of the hair is what makes a Golden Retriever look posh when they hunt and run. Conclusion Keeping the coat of a Golden Retriever clean and trimmed makes them look classy and proud. It is the shiny golden locks of a Golden Retriever that make them highly recognizable, along with their sweet and playful expressions. So, keep on loving them and caring for their coats so they look polished and healthy. Aim for an even length all over for the outer coat, and never let the clippers eat into the undercoat. Golden Retriever Haircut Styles If you take your golden to the doggy salon, there are a few other styles beyond the simple trim that can be a good choice for your dog. This draws attention to the tail and hind area, and leaves your pup looking a bit like the name suggests: a teddy bear. The cutting focuses on the paws, ears, and sanitary areas. An experienced groomer will know exactly how to do this cut for the best results. Lyme disease — Ticks enjoy the summer months as much as dogs do, as there are many more animals for them to feast on, potentially causing Lyme disease. While dogs should be protected with a flea and tick medication, they can also be vaccinated against Lyme disease. H3N2 — This type of canine influenza spreads rapidly and is always a risk when dogs get together. This happens more in the summer as dog parks fill up or vacationing owners leave their pups at the kennel. Most kennels require proof of H3N2 vaccination before they will accept dogs. Read our guide to the puppy vaccination schedule here. As well as being an irritant for your dog, ticks can cause Lyme disease, and fleas transmit heartworms through their bites. Find our recommendations for the best flea treatments here. And when you head out, carry a water bottle for them as well as one for yourself. Carry it in something with a bowl-like lid that your dog can drink out of. They will appreciate chilled water, just like you. Let Them Swim Golden retrievers love swimming, so why not let them take the occasional summertime dip to cool off. They would love a wading pool in the backyard to cool off when necessary. It can be better to give them a thorough rinse. And try to avoid chlorinated water as it can turn their beautiful golden coat a bit green. You might notice your golden seeking out places like cool bathroom tiles. When you go out with your pup, make sure to keep an eye out for shady places where they can rest. Not only will this help them keep cool, but it can give them a break from the direct sun. Dogs can suffer from sunburn and develop skin cancer just like their human pet parents. You might even be able to feel a bit of heat through your shoes as you walk on the asphalt. More than that, asphalt reflects heat, and their body and head are much closer to the asphalt than yours are. It can get very hot for them very quickly. So look for grassy strips and light-colored surfaces for them to walk on. We all know what burning hot sand feels like under the feet! Test surfaces with your own hand or foot before expecting your dog to walk on it. As a rule, never cut their outer coat shorter than their undercoat. Can you shave a golden retriever? You should never shave a golden retriever because it disrupts the balance of the double coat. They have a short undercoat that acts as insulation against both the heat and cold. Then they have their longer topcoat that protects their skin from dirt and repels water. If you shave them, they will no longer have that topcoat protecting their undercoat and their skin. Plus, when it grows back, it will just never be the same. How often do golden retrievers need haircuts? Golden needs to be groomed every weeks. But this means cutting the hair around their paws and private areas. The Verdict — Golden Retriever Haircut For Summer It is normal to be worried about your dog overheating in the summer, especially when they have a thick double coat like a golden rRetriever does. While the heat can be dangerous to your dog, their coat is not the main concern. Their double coat works like insulation that keeps them warm in winter and cold in summer. You can give it a trim if you want, but most goldens will get by fine without. Remember that if you are feeling hot, they probably are too, so give the same consideration to their comfort as you do your own. Do you have any tips for helping goldens fight the summer heat? Share them with the community in the comments section below. You May Also Like.

Visit the Veterinary Genetics Laboratory website Labrador retrievers have coats of three basic colors: yellow, black, and chocolate. These colors are determined genetically, just like almost all of the traits that offspring get from their parents. The modes of inheritance of these coat colors are autosomal not related to the sex of the dog. The information for black or chocolate comes from two versions of the same gene different versions of a gene are known as alleles. This gene is different from the one that causes yellow hair. There are four known alleles at this gene in the Labrador Retriever: one is the allele for black designated as B and three different alleles that result in chocolate collectively designated as b. In determining if your puppies will be black or chocolate, the black coat color B is dominant to the chocolate b. Therefore, a puppy will only be chocolate if each parent contributes a chocolate allele bb. If one or both parents Bb or BB contribute the black dominant allele, the puppy will be black BB or Bb , although a Bb puppy would carry chocolate and could therefore produce chocolate puppies. Black Labrador Retriever. Photo by Katy Robertson. Chocolate colored Labrador Retriever. There are several known alleles of this gene in dogs, but for Labradors the most common are E produce black and brown pigment and e only produce yellow pigment. An e allele at the MC1R gene prevents expression of the black or chocolate color in the hair follicle and the puppy's hair ends up yellow. Interestingly, the black or chocolate pigment is still expressed in the skin, just not in the hair. In order to be yellow, a Labrador must have two recessive alleles of the MC1R gene ee. This means both parents contributed a yellow allele e. However, if only one Ee or no EE yellow-causing alleles are contributed, this puppy will be either black or chocolate depending on which alleles are present at the TYRP1 gene see above. Yellow Labrador Retriever. Two yellow labs can only have yellow puppies ee , since they both only have the yellow allele e to contribute to their offspring. If they are bred to each other, there is a chance that some puppies will get a copy of e from each parent and have yellow hair Bbee, BBee, or bbee. If you are interested in breeding your Labrador and would like to know the genetic make up of your dog to predict the color of your puppies, genetic tests are available. The tests are easy, non-invasive, and simply require that you take a swab of the inside of your dog's cheek and send it to the laboratory. Primary Category. Articles When we think of Labrador Retrievers, the classic triad of black, yellow, and chocolate coat options. However, this popular dog breed actually comes in more colors and patterns than that. Besides the common Black Labrador you normally see, there are actually 13 different aesthetic options Labrador Retrievers can come in, in terms of coat type, colors, and patterns. These include rarer variations like the Dudley Labrador and Merle Labrador variations. In the sections below, we shall take a closer look at all these variations in terms of how to spot them and anything else that makes each unique. Dudley Image from Best Bully Sticks Dudley Labradors are a variation of the Labrador breed born without any pigment on their nose, eyes, or paw pads. These surfaces appear pink, red, or a very light shade of pinkish-brown. Dudley Labradors are usually light-colored and may either be a very light shade of yellow or all-white. Their eyes are also a characteristically light shade of brown. The genes responsible for the Dudley trait on Labradors are generally unproblematic. However, the lack of pigmentation leaves the nose of the Labrador exposed to sunburns. Merle Image from Instagram: smillasdogdiary Merle Labradors are some of the most unique-looking dogs in general and not just in the Labrador breed. They can be recognized by the presence of dark, mottled patches on a white or other light-colored coat. The patches on a Merle Labrador are of different sizes and distributed randomly. The merle gene responsible for this trait also affects pigmentation and can give the Labrador blue eyes, especially if they are bred from two Merle Labs. Unfortunately, the gene is also associated with eye and ear diseases which are also more commonly found in double-merle settings. What makes them common is the fact that there are several genetic combinations that give this trait. They are also unique in that Black Labrador puppies can result from breeding yellow or even chocolate-colored Labs. Due to their wide availability, Black Labradors are arguably the most popular variation. They are also believed to be smarter and more hardworking than the other variations, even though there is no scientific basis for this. They have a predominantly black coat with tan markings. The markings are usually distributed in a predictable manner over the body. This includes markings over the eyes, on the snout, neck, chest, and limbs. However, these will have mixed features and may not fully look like typical Labs. It appears as a dark shade of brown, very similar to chocolate or liver. Among the 3 most acceptable Labrador colors, Chocolate Labs are the rarest. This is because the genetic combination responsible for the trait only appears rarely. Even with breeding between 2 Chocolate Labradors, there is always the risk the puppies may not all be chocolate. What makes them different is that their shade of chocolate brown is a bit lighter and has a rusty red quality to it. In some cases, the shade is so light that they look almost earthy brown, like that of a fox. No matter how light or dark the shade of red is, it is important for it to be a solid color so that the Lab can be considered a true red variation. Like Chocolate Labradors, the red variety also has a reddish-brown-colored nose. Yellow Image from Paw. The shade of yellow varies from a rich, almost golden yellow to a light tinge of yellow that can easily be mistaken for white from a distance. The shade of yellow on Yellow Labradors is also nowhere near as intense as that on Goldies. This is different from really pale Yellow Labradors, which may sometimes have more pigmented fur on the ears, paws, and snout. Contrary to popular belief, White Labradors are actually not all suffering from albinism. They get their white coat from a rare and recessive leucistic gene. They get their grayish-blue shade from a dilution gene that waters down the intensity of what would have been a black coat. This dilution gene on Blue Labradors affects not only the fur but also other black-pigmented surfaces like the nose. At first glance, it may appear black, but on closer inspection, you will notice even its nose has the same slightly watered-down shade. They are not as common as the single solid-tone coat types. However, they are way more common than the other patterns that Labradors could possibly come in. The markings occur mainly with Black Labradors and Yellow Labradors. The white fur, in these cases, is distributed mainly to the neck, chest, belly area, and paws. They are best appreciated on Yellow Labradors or brown Chocolate Labradors due to the contrast. The stripes are most pronounced over the back, torso, and limbs. It is also common to find Brindle Labradors with a combination of patterns, in which case white markings are the most common pairing. Short Haired Image from YuMove According to the American Kennel Club breed standards for the Labrador Retriever , the short-haired variety is the only recognized and accepted coat type. Thus the fur is straight and coarse to the touch. The short-haired Labrador has a double coat with a softer undercoat that offers protection from simple injuries. Interestingly, short-haired Labradors tend to shed a bit more than their longer-haired companions and thus need more attentive coat care. However, their faces typically have shorter fur. Despite long-haired Labradors being so gorgeous, the trait is considered undesirable and is a result of recessive genes in the dog breed. The fact that it is recessive means that two long-haired Labs have to breed to produce puppies with the same trait. When comparing the three classic variations, the Chocolate Labrador is the rarest among the rest, Black Labrador and Yellow Labrador. This is because the chances for the required chocolate gene combination to manifest are much lower. In general, blue and white are two of the rare Labrador colors, whereas the merle pattern is considered to be very rare in purebred Labs. What Color Lab Sheds Least? There is no single Labrador color that sheds any more or less than the other varieties. The myth that Yellow Labradors shed more than black or chocolate ones is commonly busted from the fact that yellow fur strands are a lot more visible and easier to spot on clothes and furniture than the darker strands. The intelligence of a Labrador has nothing to do with its coat type, color, or pattern. However, there is this belief that Black Labs are the smartest. This is simply due to the fact that they are the most commonly found around the world. A fox red and traditional yellow Lab, flanked by a pair of black Labs. Black, yellow, and chocolate are the three traditional coat colors recognized by the AKC. If you ask the American Kennel Club , those are the only acceptable colors for a Labrador. And even then, those dogs must have other specific color features like dark noses and lips to count as true Labradors. But lately, non-traditional Labrador retriever colors have increased in popularity. The coats on these dogs look like faded versions of the traditional colors. Charcoal, silver, champagne, and white Labs have all emerged on the scene. So where did these new colors come from? Are they associated with health problems? A yellow Lab rests with her black pups. The dogs that Labs originate from, St. Once multiple generations of Labrador retrievers reproduced, recessive-gene colors like chocolate and yellow emerged from other bloodlines. The sire and dam that produce the litter of puppies pass down those genes to the offspring. Natalie Krebs The black coat color gene is dominant, Wilson explains. The chocolate coat gene, on the other hand, is recessive. Say two black Labs breed and produce a litter of pups. If just one of the parents—in this example, the sire—has all-black genes, none of their puppies will be chocolate. All the pups will be black Labs. Chocolate Labrador retrievers carry the recessive gene for coat color. If two chocolate Labs produce a litter, all the pups will be chocolate, too. The same is true for a black Lab that breeds a chocolate Lab. If the black Lab only has black genes to pass down, all their puppies will be black. But if that black Lab has a recessive chocolate gene to pass down, the litter could include both black and chocolate pups. Two chocolate Labs can only produce a chocolate litter, Wilson explains. All these dogs—the parents and the offspring—only have recessive chocolate genes. This yellow Lab was bred from a black female and a fox red male. Natalie Krebs Yellow coats come from an entirely different pair of genes than black or brown coats. Yellow Labs have the widest range in coat color while remaining within the AKC breed standard, Wilson says. Yellow Labs must have dark, heavily-pigmented noses, eyes, and lips, but their fur can range from a lighter vanilla to fox red. But in reality, the earliest yellow Labs were fox red, Wilson says. The color was first documented toward the end of the 19th century, and today, this coat variation is well within the AKC breed standard for yellow Labs. One of the more common falters is the light brown or pink nose, lips, and eyes. But from a health perspective, says Wilson, yellow Labs with light features are more prone to complications. Yellow Labs fall outside the AKC breed standard when their lips, nose, and skin around the eyes is pink, rather than black. These types of Labs are often referred to as Dudley Labs. This can make the skin more prone to sunburn or melanoma. Lighter, more sensitive eyes also make it harder for the dog to work properly in the field. Black Labrador retrievers are one of the most popular bird dogs in the country. Alex Robinson The best traditional Labrador retriever color is, of course, a matter of personal preference. Each color has their pros and cons. Yellow Labs Are harder to disguise in marsh and timber Are tougher to keep track of during an upland bird hunt since they tend to blend into grassy cover Identifying ticks, cuts, and abrasions is easier on their light coats Black Labs Are easier to disguise in many waterfowl environments, including marsh and timber Are easier to spot while working thick upland cover Their dark coat makes it harder to notice ticks, blood, and thorns Chocolate Labs Are the least traditional of the traditional Labrador retriever colors Have amassed a loyal following over the years Blend well into most habitat types and environments Non-Traditional Labrador Retriever Colors If a puppy inherits the recessive dilute gene from both parents, its coat will be diluted, or lighter in color. Chocolate Labs will turn silver in appearance. Black Labs will become charcoal, chocolate Labs will turn silver, and yellow Labs will turn either champagne or what is known as polar white. Dilute breeding to produce non-traditional Labrador retriever coat colors has its controversies. The practice is particularly frustrating to the traditional Labrador retriever community that strictly adheres to AKC purebred standards. Wilson rehashes a story of the first documented silver Lab, which she says was supposedly born in Wisconsin in to a chocolate Lab female and a chocolate Lab male. But the breeder, who Wilson says she knew about through a friend, was having trouble with a Weimaraner on his property at the time. When the litter arrived, some of the pups were chocolate Labs and some were silver. Silver Labrador retrievers have become wildly popular across the country. They forwarded the information to the AKC, who dispatched a field inspector to determine the genetics of the pups. This was a tricky assignment in the era before modern DNA testing and microchips. The breeder presented a chocolate female as the dam and said the sire, which had been on loan as a stud, was back in the northern part of the state. Silver Labs can have the exact same personalities and capabilities as traditional-colored Labs. Courtesy of Peggy Stalnaker Stalnaker, who breeds dilute Labs at DuckCreek, doubts this version of the silver Lab origin story, given what she knows about dilute genetics. Her hunch is that a few true recessive dilute puppies were born by accident. Stalnaker points out that this book was published well before the first documented cases of dilute Labs in the United States. The charcoal Labrador retriever is darker than silver and comes from a black Lab with the dilute gene. When dilute Labs became popular, she explains, attempts to meet consumer demand resulted in some problematic inbreeding. This resulted in dilute Labs that were less genetically diverse and had higher chances of genetic health issues. But Stalnaker puts all her dogs through extensive genetic testing to determine any predispositions for these issues, which range from dwarfism to exercise-induced collapse syndrome to excessively dry noses. Their fur would be really thin. She has avoided this by breeding in non-diluted Labs that possess the dilute gene. This means some of her puppies are traditional colors and some are diluted. But the diluted Labs have less disorder-prone genetic codes thanks to the genetic diversity from the non-diluted sire and dam. Her customers have been happy with their DuckCreek Labs. She recalls one man who flew to Kansas from south Georgia to pick up a silver puppy and fly it home. She cites the time commitment as a barrier. Despite criticism from traditional Labrador loyalists like Wilson, some owners still register dilute Labs under traditional AKC colors. Choosing a certain color Lab is really a matter of personal preference. If anybody is nasty, I just block them. The new variety of Labrador retriever colors is probably here to stay, since the consumer demand is high. But the dilute Labs will probably remain on the outskirts of the Lab community for the foreseeable future, while the traditional Labrador retriever colors of black, chocolate, and yellow continue to win hearts and field trials alike. Katie Hill Katie Hill is a staff writer for Outdoor Life where she covers outdoor news, hunting, and conservation in the West. She still lives in Missoula. Their fun-loving and positive personalities combined with their gentleness and willingness to please their owners makes them the perfect family pet. Statistically speaking, Black Labs are the most common of all Labrador color variations. This is due to how coat color is inherited in this breed. Without getting too far into a scientific explanation for this, there are nine different possible gene combinations for coat color. Four of these lead to a black coat, three to yellow, and only two to chocolate. Due to random chance, Black Labs make up nearly half of all Labradors. Yellow Labs often have a very light brown or tan colored coat that can appear yellowish. Chocolate Labrador Image Credit: skeeze, Pixabay The rarest of the three major Labrador colors, the Chocolate Lab is beautiful and adorable with a deep brown, chocolate-colored coat. Chocolate Labs are regarded as the most energetic and hardest to train, and while there is no research-based evidence to support this, Chocolate Labs are the only Labs not used as service dogs by the leading dog training organizations. This is possibly due to a higher energy level. Their absence from service dog institutions may also be due to the fact that Chocolate Labs experience more health problems and tend to have shorter lifespans than their Black and Yellow counterparts. On average, Chocolate Labs live about a year and a half shorter than other colored Labs. Simply put, they have the genetics of a Yellow Lab but present a darker coat that appears reddish. White Labs usually have very pale brown fur that can appear purely white, especially in the sun. Their fur normally has light brown or yellowish tinges around the ears and paws. Albino Labs do carry additional health problems such as deafness, blindness, and other eye issues. Austin, Shutterstock Silver Labs are stunning, regal, and sleek. Their light grey coat shines beautifully in the sun, and their appearance is as striking as it is adorable. These pups are similar to Red Labs in that they have the same genetics as one of the major three Lab colors. Silver Labs are really Chocolate Labs, even though they may look more like Blue Labs, but their coat is light or diluted, and the result is a silvery appearance. Like their chocolate siblings, Silver Labs, unfortunately, inherit some additional health issues and tend to live shorter lives than Black and Yellow Labradors. Defining Physical Characteristics What is it that makes this breed so recognizable? Labs are often stocky and athletic with a broad chest and a thick, wide skull. Labs have short, dense fur that is water-resistant. In fact, they were named after the Labrador Sea off of Newfoundland where they were originally bred to retrieve waterfowl. No matter where they go, Labs seem to bring joy and happiness with them. They are loyal, loving, and affectionate. What more could you ask for in a dog? Labs have short, dense fur that is prone to heavy shedding and matting, so you should plan to brush your Labrador at least two or three times a week to cut down on shedding and keep their fur looking sleek. Labradors of all coat colors should be bathed about once every other month with a dog-friendly shampoo. Bathing more often can eliminate those healthy skin oils we mentioned, so avoid giving your pup a bath more often unless they find their way into some mud. Final Thoughts Labs come in three main colors but can have lots of different coat shading that makes them appear unique and especially striking. See also:. However, you can encounter several other Labrador colors thanks to genetic variation and different breeding practices. Below are six of the most common color varieties. Black Labrador Since four out of nine potential Labrador color gene variations result in a black coat, black Labs are the most common coat color in Labradors. So, the takeaway here is that black Labs are always the dominant coat color. People love black Labs for their soft, shiny coats. The black Labrador pose for a photoshoot! Yellow Labrador Yellow Labs come in as the second most common color after black Labradors. Unlike black Labs, which have an unmistakable, predictable color, yellow Labs can come in many different shades. The genetic makeup of yellow Labradors includes one-third of the possible Lab color combinations. The genetic codes include eeBB, eeBb, and eebb. A Labrador sniffs a smoked dog bone 3. Chocolate Labrador Chocolate Labs are the rarest of the three primary Labrador colors. There are only two genes that will produce these dogs—EEbb and Eebb. As with yellow Labs, chocolate labs vary significantly in their coat color. Some chocolate labs have a light brown coat, others a medium brown, and some are even so dark that they appear mixed with black and brown. Aside from their genetic predisposition to an earlier death, these dogs can also suffer from the same issues as other Labs, including patellar luxation, osteochondritis dissecans, and canine hip dysplasia. So, if you have your heart set on buying a chocolate Lab, keep in mind that you may lose your best four-legged friend about 1. A chocolate Labrador Retriever having its coat brushed 4. They get their dark, reddish coat from the same gene as yellow Labs. But since yellow Lab genes can present a wide variation in yellow colors, it causes some puppies to enter the world with an almost red coat. Red Fox Labrador Retriever looks up. Silver Labrador You might have trouble recognizing a silver Lab as a Labrador when they walk by, given that this is such a distinct color deviating from the three primary colors. And, unfortunately for silver Labs, these dogs are a color variation from chocolate Labs. Another issue that silver Labs frequently face is color dilution alopecia. Alopecia is a condition when the immune system harms hair follicles, which leads to skin issues and hair loss. So, should you be interested in breeding your Labrador, please be responsible and never breed a silver Lab. Silver Labrador Retriever sitting in the forest. Like red fox Labradors, white Labs have the same genetic makeup as yellow Labs. Nevertheless, no one will mistake these dogs for pure white; they almost always retain a light cream-colored look, thanks to some yellow fur. Albinism is a life-threatening and rare genetic condition resulting from a lack of pigmentation. Albino Labs often die young and suffer from conditions like blindness and deafness. A white Labrador Retriever sits quietly. If you think mating two black Labradors is a guarantee for producing black Lab puppies, think again. Black is a dominant gene in Labs, but the color yellow always overrides black and chocolate. Instead, check out the chart below to see the puppy colors from mating different colored Lab parents. Parent Colors. Find out how we get chocolate, black or yellow puppies and what color pups we might get when we mix Labradors of different colors. Strictly speaking, there are only three different types of Labrador color: black Labs, brown Labs usually referred to as chocolate and yellow Labs. These are the three colors recognized and accepted by the Kennel Club In practice, there is a wide range of shades of yellow Labrador color, from palest cream to richest fox red. But what makes a Labrador brown, or black, or yellow. And what about Silver Labradors? Where does this new and controversial coat color come in to play? Where do Black and Chocolate Labradors come from? The information that determines whether or not your Labrador is basically black or basically chocolate is passed on through a pair of genes. Why black is a dominant color: It is normal for dominant genes to switch off, or over-ride, recessive genes. And that is exactly what happens here. A dog with BB genes will be black, because he has no little b gene, the one that gives us a brown coat. But a Bb dog will be black too, because if the dominant black gene is present, it switches off the brown gene. How chocolate Labradors are made: Even though a dog inherits a little b gene, the dog will only appear brown if no black gene B is present at all. Two black genes BB gives you a black Labrador One of each Bb also give you a black Labrador Two brown genes bb gives you a chocolate Labrador Remember that the black dominant gene always switches of the brown gene, so only the dog at the bottom will actually look brown. Generation after generation of black dogs can continue to have only black puppies if dogs with the Bb gene are only ever mated to dogs with BB genes. Remember, the dog in the middle of our list above will look black, but pass the brown gene on to about half of all its offspring. But things are never that simple are they? Because of course some Labradors are neither black nor brown. The genetic information that creates a yellow coat comes from another pair of genes altogether. And these genes have a different kind of power. The result is a yellow dog But little ee is recessive, and if the dominant E gene is present, it switches off the masking gene. It only takes one big E gene to do this. So the dog will only appear yellow if no big E gene is present at all. There are three possible combinations of eee gene that a dog could inherit. There are nine different possible combinations. Nine different possible Labrador genotypes! The chart below lists them genotype is the genetic makeup, phenotype is the appearance of the dog. Original Labrador Retriever Color Black is the original, archetypal Labrador color, and genetically the most dominant. Chocolate and yellow puppies were frequently euthanized at birth. To understand that we have to look at the genetic difference between black and chocolate Labs. Labrador Retriever Color Genetics Both types get their color from a pigment called eumelanin. Labs with lots of eumelanin pigment in their coat are black. If they have a little less, they appear brown instead. We use letters to tell each place apart — a bit like giving each locus its own zip code! The B locus is home to a pair of genes called B genes. There are two types of B gene your Lab can get in their pair: One we call big B — it contains an instruction to make lots of eumelanin, and causes a black Labrador coat. And one we call little b — it contains an instruction for less eumelanin, and causes a brown or chocolate coat. Big B is a dominant gene, and little b is a recessive gene. Dominant genes to switch off, or override, recessive genes. So dog with BB genes will be black, because he has two genes for a black coat. And a Bb dog will be black too, because the dominant B genethe recessive b gene. Only a dog with a matching pair of bb genes will express the instruction for less eumelanin in their coat, and be brown. Remember that the black dominant gene always switches of the brown gene, so only the dog with two copies of the b gene will actually look brown. But the dominance of the black color enabled our chocolate friends to remain hidden and rare with the breed, for many decades. Generation after generation of black dogs can continue to have only black puppies if dogs with the Bb gene are only ever mated to dogs with BB genes. In fact, it would take two black Labs both carrying the little b gene to produce chocolate puppies. Like this: Statistically, one quarter of their litter would be chocolate colored. And of course, some Labradors are neither black nor brown. The genetic information that creates a yellow coat comes from another pair of genes altogether. These genes are located at the E locus. And — you guessed it — we call them E genes. Just like B genes there are two versions of the E gene, big E and little e. Big E is the dominant gene. It does not interfere with the B genes. Little e is the recessive gene. It has the potential to mask the B genes that would otherwise give us black or brown coats. And the result is a yellow dog. How Yellow Overrides Black and Chocolate Only the little e gene can mask the instructions for black or chocolate fur. There are three possible combinations of E gene that a dog can inherit. It could have two dominant genes EE two masking genes ee or one of each Ee. Only the middle of these three dogs will be yellow. Nine Different Possible Labrador Genotypes! Every Labrador has a combination of B and E genes — called their genotype. There are nine different possible genotypes. Here they are in full: Can you see why each combination of genes turns out the way it does? Because as you can see, the second dog down the list may look black but he could throw brown puppies, and the fourth dog down the list may look black, but he could throw yellow puppies. The fifth dog down the list is also black but he could throw yellow and brown puppies. Puppy colors are easier to predict when both parents owe their appearance to the recessive genes b or e. Mating Two Yellow Labradors Two yellow Labradors mated together will never throw brown or black puppies. All their offspring will be yellow. This is because yellow dogs do not possess the big E gene which is needed to switch off the masking effect. Mating Two Chocolate Labradors Two brown Labs mated together will never throw black puppies because brown dogs do not have the big B gene. But two chocolate Labs can produce yellow puppies, if each of the parents carries the little e gene — like this: In the mixed litter, statistically one of half of the puppies will be chocolate and one half yellow. Depending on their genotype, two black Labradors can indeed have yellow or chocolate puppies. Remember from our grid above that there are four different possible genotypes for a black Labrador. The genotype refers to the genetic code that the dog carries. And the four different possible black genotypes down the side to represent the father. Inside the grid are the puppies that could be born from each combination. If and only if, both parents carry a little e gene, then some of the puppies may be yellow. Remember that your puppy needs two little e genes one from each parent in order to be yellow. If only one of two black dogs carries the little e gene, all their puppies will be black. Yes it is, check out the bottom right hand square in the diagram above! Notice that it can only happen if both parents dogs have this genotype: EeBb. In other words, they both carry a little e and a little b. This is good example of how complicated, and unexpected, Labrador colors can be. There are six different possibilities for litter color combinations depending on the genotype of the parents. You can even get a litter of all black puppies from a chocolate mother and a yellow father or vice versa! Here are the color possibilities: yellow, black, and chocolate puppies yellow and black puppies. Labrador Colors 1. Black Labrador Most black Labs are entirely black. But, some have one or two white spots on their fur. This interruption in their solid black coat is due to genetic traces left from their late ancestor, the St. The black Labrador Retriever was historically the most common coat color. Even today, nearly half of all Labs are black! When Retrievers were first bred, black coated dogs were the only pups deemed acceptable. Their popularity was driven by two reasons: Black is the favorite coat color for hunting. Four out of nine gene combinations result in a black coat. Sadly, until the 20th century, all other Lab colors would be euthanized shortly after birth. They were not valued the same way black Labradors were. Black Labradors were perfect for their original purpose, hunting. Their dark coat color helped them blend in and move stealthily while hunting or participating in field trials. These Labs tend to have the strongest hunting instincts as their black coats were historically bred for hunting. Even to this day, they are focused, diligent workers. These shiny, sleek dogs are not only beloved in the field, but they also make wonderful pets. Many owners regard black Labs as the calmest and most affectionate of all Lab colors. However, there is no scientific evidence to back up this claim. Chocolate Labrador Chocolate Labs are the rarest of the three major Lab colors. These dogs are rarely used for hunting or working, but are champions in the show ring! Their color stuns judges and earns high marks in conformation shows. The shade of brown that chocolate Labradors can come in varies. Some are a rich chocolate while others are a dark brown color known as liver. Some even have a beautiful red hue within their brown fur! The chocolate color exists on a spectrum and can vary greatly due to genetics. Some of these assumptions have become widely accepted in the Labrador community. Chocolate Labs are regarded as the most rambunctious with a bit too much energy for their bodies! These pups are spunky and often hard to train, which may explain why they are not used as service dogs. Even if these Labs are a bit energetic and naughty at times, they are just as beloved due to their affectionate nature and goofy personality. The unfortunate truth about chocolate Labradors is that they often suffer from more health problems than other types of Labs. Some of these health concerns are minor and include hot spots skin irritation and ear inflammation. However, some are more serious and can shorten their lifespan. They often live a year and a half less than the other Labradors. Yellow Labrador Yellow Labradors may not be the most popular Labrador Retriever color, but they are the most beloved. Many owners claim that yellow Labs are the friendliest and most outgoing. Their outstanding reputation is reinforced by their heavy presence in daily life! Yellow Labs are often seen in movies such as the adorable Lab who played Marley in Marley and Me or the sweetheart who acted as Old Yeller. The media have also boosted their popularity as has their recognition as common service, search and rescue, and therapy dogs. Similar to chocolate, the yellow coat color exists on a spectrum. Some yellow Labs are a light brown or tan, others are yellow like a lemon, and then there are cream-colored Labs. There are also fawn Labradors. Fawn Labs are darker, but are not quite red. The yellow Lab may be the Labrador Retriever with the most variation in its coat color! Yellow Labs are just as hard-working as black Labs, although they are not as commonly used for hunting. They are very similar to black Labs and are just as highly trainable, affectionate, and hard-working. Silver Labrador Silver Labradors are by far the rarest of all colors. These dogs are a light gray to blue color that looks silver in the sunlight. These Labradors are often mistaken for Weimaraner mixes because of their silver coat. Silver Labs actually have the same genetics as any type of Lab, despite looking very different. They are just as smart, fun, and loving as any other Retriever. They have a dilute gene that overrides the designated chocolate coat color. Rather than being chocolate, these dogs have a silver or blue coat color. This same coat color dilution can occur in yellow Labs and in black Labs. Diluted yellow Labs are known as champagne and diluted black Labs are known as charcoal. However, Silver is the most unique. Not many silver Labs exist due to the recessive nature of the dilute gene. Silver Labs are undoubtedly stunning, but they have a higher potential of developing health issues. They often develop color dilution alopecia which presents as itchy skin or patchy fur. Fox Red Labradors have the same genetics as a yellow Lab, but just have a deep yellow or brown hue to their coat. This deep brown looks rusty red and makes them look just like a fox. Labrador Retriever fans adore fox red Labs because of their friendly personalities. They have lovingly nicknamed these dogs Ruby Labradors. Clifford, the beloved big red dog, is even based off a fox red Labrador. The red color gives them a rugged look that many owners love! However, this love does not extend to the American Kennel Club. The American Kennel Club does not recognize fox reds as a unique color and registers these Labrador Retrievers as yellow labs. Judges often view this dark pigmentation as a serious fault, so it is unlikely that a fox red Lab would ever win a conformation show. Some people are highly suspicious of the fox red color. They often argue that fox reds are not purebred and that they are mixed with Golden Retrievers. This is not true. It is all the beauty of a Golden Retriever without the high maintenance and long coat that Goldens are known for. White Labrador White Labradors are just a variation of the yellow Lab. They have the same genetics as a yellow Lab, they just happen to be much paler. White Labs are the lightest shade of yellow possible. This color exists on the opposite end of the spectrum than fox red Labs do. The shade of their fur is typically a pale yellow that looks white in the sunlight. They may also have brown or yellow ears and paws that are darker than the rest of their coat. Their white fur gives them an aura of royalty. Just like any yellow Labrador, white Labs are regarded as kind dogs who love everyone they meet. They make horrible guard dogs as they make friends with everyone and are quick to trust every stranger they meet! They are often pampered and spoiled beyond belief. There are no known health issues associated with this color. Most white labs are healthy because they are just a pale yellow, not true white. Albino Labradors are rarer and also sensitive to bright sunlight. Merle labs may suffer from deafness, blindness, and shortened lifespans. Discussing Labrador Retriever colors can be controversial. Are silver and red Labs purebred? Do personality traits differ between different colored Labs? Should silver, red, and white have their own color category? The answers to these questions are not simple. They say that behavior is determined by genetics, socialization, training, and health. In their opinion coat color is just cosmetic. On the other hand, there are owners and breeders who argue that coat color affects the personality of a Lab. These owners and breeders have lived and interacted with Labs of all colors. In their opinion coat color is linked to characteristic personality traits. These Lab lovers have agreed that: Black Labs are the calmest and most skilled at hunting. Yellow Labs are the friendliest and best with people and children. Chocolate Labs are the rowdiest, most energetic, and difficult to train. On the side of science, color does not affect the behavior of a Labrador Retriever. However, breeders and owners have recorded the behavior traits associated with each coat color. It is up to you whether to decide if color matters for Labrador Retrievers or not! Which Is The Rarest Color? Silver is the rarest Lab color. Silver is rare because it can only come from a unique genetic makeup. The dilution gene needed to produce this silver hue is a recessive gene and is often masked by the genes for a chocolate coat. If you ever happen to see one of these silver beauties, take the time to really admire them as you may never see another one again! Which Color Is The Best? This is definitely an opinion question that has no right answer! Each color of Labrador suits a specific type of owner: Athletic, hunting owners will want a black Lab. Yellow Lab owners claim that their dogs are the best due to their friendly personalities. Chocolate Labs win the most prizes in conformation shows. Silver Labs are the rarest, to complicate the argument even more. It is up to each owner to decide which color they love the best. An argument can be made for each Labrador color as to why that color is the best. Among Labrador owners it is widely accepted that black Labs are the calmest. This could be a result of their hard-working, hunting instincts which cause them to be much more focused and level-headed. Chocolate Labs who parade around show rings are often the most rambunctious. If you ask the experts, you will get the answer that coat color has no effect on Labrador behavior. However, if you read various Labrador Retriever websites and forums, or talk to Lab owners, you may hear a different story. Whether you decide to believe this claim is up to you! There is no scientific evidence to back the claim up that black Labs are the calmest Labradors. Summary Each color of Labrador Retriever is beautiful and unique in its own way. Silver Labs are rare, black Labs are sleek and elegant, yellow Labs have an aura of kindness, white Labs are elegant, red Labs are devoted to their work, and chocolate Labs are gorgeous and show ready! Labrador coat colors are the perfect example that beauty truly is in the eye of the beholder. Want to learn more about Labs? Read: English vs. American Labrador: Top 10 Differences. Which coat color is your favorite and why? Let us know in the comments below! She is a passionate dog lover and was raised with an affectionate, calm Yellow Lab Golden Retriever mix that fostered her love for her canine companions. Kelsie is actively involved with multiple humane societies and has cared for the dogs of over 45 different families. You May Also Like.

Updated on 11 February White German Shepherds are rare dogs with a striking coat. However, White GSDs can have some subtle differences. White German Shepherds have been recongised by the UKC since — and the organization have created a breed standard for this particular variety of GSD. While they were banned from registration in their native Germany in , North America proved something of a hotbed for these dogs and a breed club was formed for White German Shepherds in .Ash, who owns a White GSD called Ghost, warned prospective owners to be prepared for their dog to be confused for another popular dog breed! You will constantly be asked if your dog is a Husky white fur that is so noticeable, needs a lot of attention, lots of energy. They can become very attached to their dog owners and members of the family. This can translate to them being excellent family dogs! Alyssa highlighted this loyal trait, having firsthand experience with Lumi. White Shepherds are incredibly loyal and great family dogs. They love their families and will do anything to protect them. Because of this, they typically are a bit skeptical of strangers but this can be worked through with proper socialization and training. While German Shepherds can often be incorrectly stereotyped as aggressive dogs, the White GSD tend to have more mellow personalities. Only the Border Collie and the Poodle are considered more intelligent! They should be quick to learn new commands and can be highly obedient dogs. Having said that, sometimes smart dogs can have a stubborn or mischievous streak. Alyssa explained that consistency is key where training White GSD is concerned. White Shepherds are incredibly smart. Just keep at it and make sure to give lots of praise when they exhibit the correct behaviors. With high energy compared to other breeds, they may not be suited to all pet parents. As mentioned before they need a solid amount of exercise and mental stimulation or they can become bored and destructive. You should be prepared for lots of white fur on your clothes, on your furniture and on the floor. Alyssa shed further light on White GSD shedding! If you have issues with shedding, White Shepherds are not for you. White GSDs require regular daily exercise to stretch their legs. Aylssa provided her insight on White German Shepherd exercise. Exercise all depends on the drive and energy level of your dog. German Shepherds on average White Shepherds included need quite a bit of exercise. They can get bored very easily so its important to keep their mind busy. Training sessions also do a great job of keeping them mentally stimulated. They need regular brushing to remove shedded hair and debris from their coat to maintain their overall coat health. Ash underlined the importance of regularly grooming a White GSD. Sometimes the fur can grow back, other times the elbow becomes a little bald patch which can scab if it gets hurt. 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! German Shepherds with all-white coats have always been present in litters; however, the exact cause of their beautiful pure white coat remains unclear. It was once thought that the cause of the white coat was due to albinism or other health issues. However, although the albino gene can exist in German Shepherds, it is rare, and most German Shepherds do not carry this defective gene. The genetics of coat color in the white German Shepherd can be a heavy read. To summarize, genetic research has partly identified a recessive gene that is believed to be responsible for their beautiful white coat. This gene appears to have been a part of the original gene structure of the GSD breed and is believed to mask the real color of the dog, causing it to appear white. So, when does the white German Shepherd appear in a litter, and what colors will the pups of a white GSD bred with a non-white be? Here are a few of them: Two non-white German Shepherds can produce a white puppy only if they both carry the white gene. If a white GSD is bred to a non-white dog that does not carry the gene, none of the puppies will be white; however, they will be carriers of the white gene. If offspring are bred to a white, some of them will express the white coat color. Only two purebred white German Shepherds always create a litter of all-white pups. Due to being extremely intelligent, strong, protective, loyal, and obedient, German Shepherds were originally bred to be herding dogs and were responsible for herding sheep and protecting flocks and other livestock. They were not originally considered household pets but were instead bred specifically to work. Their sense of smell, intelligence, work ethic, courage, versatility, and speed made them perfect as all-purpose farm dogs. By the start of World War One, the German Shepherd breed had become incredibly popular throughout Germany and had already started spreading to other parts of the world. This noble and trustworthy dog became especially popular in the UK and America. This was partly from returning soldiers of the First World War who spoke very highly of them and the popularity of German Shepherd movie stars, Strongheart and Rin-Tin-Tin. Dog lovers not only admired the beauty of the German Shepherd but were particularly fond of their temperament, especially their loyalty, easy trainability, bravery, and working ability. White German Shepherds have also been around since the early formations of the breed. These bright white versions were popular due to their unique appearance and the ability to blend in among the flocks, making darker predators, such as foxes, easier to spot. In the s, the purebred white German Shepherd started to be considered a fault by the Nazi regime, which saw the white coat as an undesirable trait. They also wrongly believed that the genes of the white-coated dogs paled the coats of color-coated dogs and were responsible for causing disease. Nazi Germany began to discriminate against white German Shepherds, and they were soon excluded from both breeding and showing. The US followed suit in the late s when the American Kennel Club banned the white German Shepherd from the conformation ring — but still allowed their registration as a purebred. They were also still permitted to participate in events, such as herding trials, tracking events, and obedience. Advances in science proved that the white recessive gene did not cause albinoism. Albinos have no pigment whatsoever, whereas white German Shepherds have pigment in their eyes, nose, lips, mouth, paw pads, etc. Science also proved that the white German Shepherd was not responsible for any other health issues or the paling of color-coated dogs. Now, this is where things begin to get confusing! Let me explain… Supporters for the white German Shepherd Dog began forming their own breed clubs and registries in the late s and s. These supporters vowed to protect the breed and re-named the dog the White Shepherd. Around the same time, another white breed was developed. The resulting puppies were considered to be the foundation dogs of the Swiss Shepherd. This breed is discussed later in the article. It can be somewhat confusing — but technically speaking the white German Shepherd, White Shepherd and the Swiss Shepherd are all considered different breeds recognized by different organizations with different breed standards: The white German Shepherd is recognized by the American Kennel Club although it is disqualified from showing and the UK Kennel Club. In contrast, the UKC is a for-profit institution that is open to individuals. Opinions in North America remain divided into whether the purebred white German Shepherd should be seen as a separate breed from the White Shepherd. Whether you are looking at a white German Shepherd or a White Shepherd, effectively, they are the same dog, and they have the same appearance and traits. White German Shepherd Appearance The white German Shepherd dog is pretty much identical in appearance to every other variety of German Shepherd, apart from, of course, the color of their coat, which is completely bright white all over. They are medium to large-sized dogs with a muscular and athletic build. They have a low-set bushy tail and very distinctive pointy ears , a true distinguishing trait of the German Shepherd breed. Adult male white German Shepherds tend to be around 24 to 26 inches in height, and females are usually around 22 to 24 inches tall. Males usually weigh 66—88 lbs 30—40 kg , and females 49—71 lbs 22—32 kg when fully grown. Remember, though, that each dog is different, and sizes can vary. When identifying a purebred German Shepherd , the head is noble, the eyes are medium-sized and almond-shaped, and the muzzle is long. The white German Shepherd is double-coated, and their stunning weather-resistant coat is medium length or is sometimes long. The outer coat has coarse, straight, or slightly wavy hairs that lie close to the body, and the undercoat is thick. A question often asked is how rare are white German Shepherds? White German Shepherds are rarer than the colored variety, and the availability and price are determined by supply and demand. Breeders can, therefore, charge more, or sometimes less, for these impressive dogs. As with colored GSDs and with any purebred , prices can vary depending on various factors such as breeder reputation, location, bloodline, and litter size. Only two white German Shepherds are sure to have a litter of gorgeous white pups. However, if two non-white German Shepherds both carry the white gene, there is a chance that some of the litter may be white. Exactly how many depend on whether the color-coated dog carries the recessive white gene. As it is unknown what color a white German Shepherd is masking, it is impossible to determine the colors of the pups when bred to a non-white. However, a reputable and experienced breeder can confidently breed two white German Shepherds to create a litter of purebred all-white fluffy German Shepherd puppies. What is the Temperament of the White German Shepherd? White German Shepherds have the same temperament as color-coated dogs. There is often a misunderstanding that they are less aggressive or calmer; however, this is a myth. They make either an excellent companion dog or a great working dog. Their bravery, loyalty, endless energy, easy trainability, and versatility are why they are often utilized in the police, military, search and rescue, or as service or therapy dogs. White German Shepherds are incredibly eager to please their owners, and they love having a job to do. This makes them fun and easy to train. Basic obedience training from early puppy age will help them grow up to become well-behaved adult dogs. You can start training as soon as you bring your new pup into your home, usually from around 8 weeks of age. When faced with strangers, white German Shepherds can become nervous, suspicious, and occasionally a little aggressive. This is due to their deep protective and guarding instincts. Remember, they were originally bred to protect and herd sheep. Early socialization and training are important to prevent any over-aggressiveness. These dogs are very active, and exercise is necessary to keep them out of mischief. They require at least two hours of daily physical activity, and this can include a combination of walking, hiking, off-leash running, flyball, agility, frisbee, or fetch. Mental stimulation, including playing games and having interactive or puzzle toys around, is also important. Your doggo will have hours of fun, and this toy is a true boredom buster! German Shepherds display poor behavior without regular exercise, such as chewing, biting, scratching, digging, barking, or whining. Sometimes the white GSD can be over-sensitive, emotional, or extra clingy. This is due to their intense devotion and loyalty to you! Overall, white German Shepherds are very loving, loyal, trustworthy, and fun dogs. They are full of life with endless energy, and you will enjoy spending time with them for many years. White German Shepherds make wonderful pets as long as you can provide for their basic needs. You will need to have a suitable lifestyle to exercise and care for them properly. A question often asked is whether German Shepherds are good first dogs. Let me offer my experience here as my first dog was — and is — a female GSD. They do make excellent first dogs, but you need to have lots of time and energy to socialize and train them. If you are looking for a dog that needs hardly any exercise, grooming, or training, then a white German Shepherd is definitely not for you! From a young pup, your GSD will need lots of attention and interaction from you. The white German Shepherd is good with children and other family pets, especially if raised with them. All German Shepherd types require a home where someone is around during the day as they cannot tolerate being left alone for hours and hours on end. If you are out at work, you must plan and have a routine. German Shepherds are medium-large breed dogs, but exactly how much space do they need? Even though they are high-energy dogs, with lots of planning and hard work, they can thrive in smaller homes — even in apartments — as long as their needs are met. You will be required to put in more work and dedication, but it can be achieved if you are determined to make it work. Overall, the white German Shepherd makes a great family pet, and if you treat him right, he will give you hours of fun. Are White German Shepherds Aggressive? German Shepherds of any color are known to have aggressive tendencies and behaviors. They are strong, athletic, and muscular dogs, and due to these traits and their high intelligence and protective nature, they are often used as guard dogs or in the police and military. They can be trained to be aggressive towards certain individuals or strangers. However, a well-raised and socialized white German Shepherd has no reason to become aggressive. As long as you socialize and train your puppy as soon as you bring him home, this will give him the confidence and experience he needs around new people and other dogs and help him respond to many different situations calmly and confidently. White German Shepherds are no different from the color-coated variety and are extremely healthy dogs. However, like most other breeds, they can be prone to some hereditary health issues. One of the most common health issues that white German Shepherds are known for is hip dysplasia. All German Shepherds are born with perfectly healthy hips. However, some will develop this hereditary condition. Hip dysplasia may become apparent at any age, but the symptoms are most often noticed in older white German Shepherds. Some white German Shepherds develop malabsorption syndrome, and the breed is prone to other sensitive stomach issues. If you believe your white German Shepherd may suffer from any illness, you should visit your veterinarian for a full check-up. The vet will conduct a physical examination of your dog and take some blood tests and x-rays to determine the correct diagnosis. White German Shepherds tend to live on average between years old. This is the typical living age for all German Shepherds, regardless of their color. To ensure your white German Shepherd lives a long and healthy life, choose a reputable breeder who takes the time the screen the health of the sire and dam. I truly believe that the nutrition you provide for your GSD will keep him fit and healthy. My German Shepherd has been fed a special type of food from being 8 weeks old, and she still thrives on it to this day. To learn more about this food, head over to this page. Another common question that often surrounds the purebred white German Shepherd is whether the white coat causes deafness. Many white dog breeds have trouble with their hearing, such as Dalmatians who carry the piebald gene. Dogs with the piebald or merle gene lack these types of cells — this is what makes them white and contributes to their hearing loss. However, white German Shepherds inherit their white coats differently — through a different gene. This means that while their coat is white, their skin and ears are developed normally, so their hearing is unaffected. The white German Shepherd is double-coated, just like the colored variety, and can have medium or long hair. They require the same basic grooming and maintenance needs as any other variety of German Shepherd. All German Shepherds are classed as heavy shedders, and they will molt consistently all year round. For more in-depth information on this, you may find my full guide on shedding particularly helpful. The white hair does have the advantage of showing up better on floors and furniture, making things a bit easier! The longer-haired white German Shepherd is less common and requires more frequent and detailed grooming. They require special attention around the ears to ensure that they remain clean and healthy. Two to three baths per year will usually suffice. However, this can increase depending on several factors, such as coat color, how dirty they get, or their health e. Clearly, white GSDs are likely to need more baths. Excessive washing can also cause skin dryness that can lead to irritation. White German Shepherds are social animals and prefer to live indoors with their families. However, they can live happily outdoors as long as they have been accustomed to this from an early age. They must also learn to bond with their family and be properly socialized. Remember, though, they were originally bred as herding dogs and were used to living outside whilst protecting their sheep. Their thick double coat keeps them warm in the winter and cool in the summer. If you are considering raising your white GSD puppy to live outside, here are some tips and tricks on how to go about it. All GSDs love having a specific area that they can consider as their own special space, whether that be a crate indoors or a dog house out in the yard. Wherever your white German Shepherd lives, inside or outside, he will still need lots of exercise and human interaction to live a happy life. The Swiss Shepherd Finally, another breed is similar to the white German Shepherd that is now recognized as a separate breed. Although almost identical in their appearance, the Swiss Shepherd differs from the white German Shepherd as they have different temperaments. They were specifically bred to be calmer, less aggressive, and less intense than the GSD with a lower working drive. Like white German Shepherds, Swiss Shepherds are an active breed and require daily exercise. If left without exercise, they can become destructive. Final Thoughts The white German Shepherd has endured a tough time earning his status as a recognized purebred. Here is a summary of the key points of the article: The white German Shepherd is purebred. They are identical to other German Shepherds except for their all-white coat caused by a recessive gene. The white German Shepherd is recognized by the American Kennel Club but disqualified from the show ring. The UK Kennel Club also recognizes him. They make wonderful family pets if properly socialized and trained. White GSDs have the same health issues as the colored variety. The gene responsible for the white coat does not cause deafness. They are truly wonderful dogs, no matter what their color! Related Posts You May Like:. 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. Please leave this field empty. Got our girl home to Minnesota. Little freaked out by the snow and the zero temps. She is doing great. She is a lovable sweetheart. Also fairly adventuresome. In and out of tight spaces outside and crawling over a pretty sizable and messy rock pile. Anyway, thank you. Tom Ziggy is awesome! My 3 yr old hugs and lays with him and he sleeps at the door of her room at night. Sara Thanks so much Doug. Proud to be the guardian of such joy. Thank you so very much, trust me when I say he will be loved and cherished. Take care. Sharon The puppy I received, 8 week old female Legacy was beyond my expectations, she was everything I was promised and more! Everyone who meets her loves her, she is the sweetest smartest thing. She is excelling in her obedience and her service dog training, I am very blessed for that. Thank you Doug! John B. Wells — former Coast to Coast talk show host, now at Caravan to Midnight. Our dog Luna is all you said she would be and more,beautiful,intelligent,we love her so much! Thank you, Heidi P. She is fantastic! We got him from you back in July .Ghost is the most amazing dog. He is the most loyal, the most loving, protective, and smartest dog I have ever known. Have a great day! The puppy has been started on its vaccination series, dewormed, vet checked, and given lots of T.

Are you worried about why your German Shepherd is so small? Especially considering this breed is known to grow large and powerful. You might even wonder how you can help your German Shepherd puppy get bigger and grow faster. Why is my German Shepherd so small? The top reasons a German Shepherd is so small are its genetic history, underlying medical illness, intestinal worms, incorrect diet for their growth, and inadequate caloric consumption for their activity levels. Closely observing your GSD will give you many clues to their health and help you understand why they are so small. Inherited Smallness Your puppy could have inherited smallness through their genes. Therefore, your dog may naturally be a smaller GSD. Larger breeds, like the German Shepherd, also tend to mature at slower rates than smaller breeds. It can take up to 18 months to 2 years for your GSD puppy to grow into its adult body. Perhaps your German Shepherd is smaller because of an underlying medical problem. There are many diseases that could impact growth and affect nutrient absorption. One of the largest studies on dog gene mutations plos. These mutations could affect the growth and size of your puppy. For example, pituitary dwarfism is an autosomal disorder that may be inherited in some German Shepherds. Pituitary dwarfism presents between weeks of age and needs a specific test from your vet. Keep in mind that this disorder is very rare. Intestinal Parasites Could your German Shepherd puppy be small because of these issues? These worms are contracted from the environment they live in or from their mother. If left untreated your puppy could have an extremely heavy worm infestation, and the worms can steal enough calories from your puppy to slow down his growth and make him appear smaller than he should. And, once your German Shepherd puppy is free of worms its body can heal and regain normal growth and development. Follow the deworming schedule set forth by your veterinarian to prevent worms. Poor Nutrition for a Large Breed Dog Large breed dogs, like your German Shepherd, need food made especially for their size and growth rate. Do not feed them small breed formula food! German Shepherd Dogs can vary considerably at different stages of their life in their nutritional requirements for energy, fat and carbohydrate. Even an adult GSD still needs the proper nutrition, especially for this athletic breed. Keep in mind that your puppy should eat food made especially for large breed dogs and without corn, wheat, or soy so that the food is easier to digest and sensitive on their stomachs. Try this Nutro Natural Choice large breed formula if you want to ensure proper growth and the right nutrition. You can feed this puppy food up to 18 months old and it offers the levels of protein, carbohydrates, and fats recommended for your GSD. German Shepherd Dogs do well on dog food that uses muscle meat as the first ingredient, such as chicken or beef, and chicken is the first muscle meat in this dog food formula. Feed the high-quality diet in smaller amounts throughout the day to provide a steady proportion of calories and to monitor their intake more easily. Too Few Calories Is your dog active? You must make sure they have the right calories for their energy needs. Your GSD puppy will go through growth spurts during the first year and there will be days when he needs to eat more due to his high puppy energy and antics of the day. But consider the activities your dog has done throughout the day and add a bit more food if he has participated in activities that took more energy, such as: been on an extra-long walk ran more than a couple of miles gone hiking or hill walking or had a full day of swimming Enjoying low-impact exercise with your GSD puppy will not stunt his growth, but if not fed enough calories to support his needs he might appear underweight. And remember that strenuous exercise could damage the growth plates of the bones and predispose your puppy to joint issues later in life. A smaller German Shepherd still needs exercise to keep them happy and their body working normally. Enjoy your daily walks even with a small GSD as long as they are healthy. Wait until your vet gives the all-clear around 18 months of age to enjoy high-impact activities like running, jogging, and jumping with your puppy. Use these safe German Shepherd Puppy Exercise Ideas instead to keep their bones and joints healthy into adulthood. There are so many overweight dogs that a fit, lean , athletic German Shepherd might look underweight to you. Instead of relying on charts and scales, use your hands to determine how small your German Shepherd really is. You should be able to feel the ribs with only a thin covering of skin. And your hands should curve in slightly when near the waist. In a short-coated German Shepherd, you should not be able to see the ribs and the bones should not stick out prominently. Many German Shepherds are lean and look smaller because they are very active, not because they need more food or are underweight. Photo from: ileniaf. If you got a pup from a show line of German shepherds, then you will have a slightly differently built dog than a working dog bloodline. The latter has an overall more substantial build than the former. Large breeds, such as the German shepherd, are known to have a slower rate of growth. Reaching the healthy weight and height of a grown GSD has to happen slowly and in a controlled manner. Your pup might simply be waiting for that growth spurt to stop being little. Naturally, if it is a dog older than two years, its growth period is done, and you are probably looking at some of the other causes as explanations as to why it remained smaller in size. Still in the realm of genetics but out of the intentional breeding scope, dwarfism can prevent your GSD from growing past a certain point. Although it is an extremely rare occurrence, it is a possibility. Breeding And Medical Reasons Selective breeding to get a smaller dog is very popular around the world. However, it is not a common practice with German shepherds. You will not find a purebred miniature GSD anywhere, and if you do, it is probably a scam. It is possible that your dog is not as big as the German shepherd dog breed standards call for. That can happen either because its parents were smaller in stature or due to medical reasons. German shepherd puppies can be infected by intestinal worms, which eat up all the nutrients required for the normal development of the body during the growth period. Human error often results in stunted growth in puppies due to an improper diet or feeding the dog too little. Before we get into each of these reasons in more detail, we have to establish some ground rules as to what a healthy weight and height should be. Female German shepherds have less muscle and are slightly shorter, with a height of twenty-two to twenty-four inches and weight between fifty and seventy pounds. It is a noticeable difference in size between sexes, but anything lower than that on a female, and especially a male, is not considered healthy for the breed. Note that, in this article, we are talking about German shepherd size, which implies that the dog is not skinny or fat but simply does not have the desired healthy proportions a GSD should have. Your German Shepherd Is A Mixed Breed Photo from: outdooreconomist It would not be the first time that a breeder tricked someone into thinking they got a purebred German shepherd dog. With hybrid dogs that look like GSDs, fifty percent of the traits are taken from the GSD parent, and the other fifty are from another breed. However, without any standards or regulations for this type of uncontrolled breeding practice, there is no way to predict the exact traits of the litter. So, you might have bought a GSD-looking puppy that took the physical features of the German shepherd but other traits from the second parent. A popular mix is of a Belgian Malinois and the German shepherd , which can produce puppies smaller than purebred GSD ones. Breeders nowadays cross many dog breeds of different sizes with German shepherds, so if you want to compare your small GSD to some of those mixes, read our article describing twenty-three German shepherd mixes. For many decades, their bloodlines were the staple of GSD breeding all over the world. At one point in time, breeders decided to shift the focus to the show line German shepherds, which were lighter, calmer and had a less pronounced prey drive. Most of the GSDs you see around are probably show dogs. The difference is mainly in the length of the legs, body frame, and muscle mass. The working dog has a square build with a flat back, while the show line has more of a gracious appearance due to the slanted lower back and shorter hind legs. Even the bones of the working dog bloodline are thicker. Show line GSDs have milder temperaments and are less aggressive in their approach to potential threats. The intense dog training of the working line of German shepherds is so deeply instilled it has now become a genetic trait within the bloodlines. Have an interest in training your GSD? With the right training, anything is possible with a German shepherd. Why is my German shepherd so small? Well, maybe you are comparing it to dogs that do not have the same purpose and do not come from the same bloodline. Growing to the size of twenty-six inches and a weight of ninety pounds is a lot of work that must be done in a controlled manner. For this reason, you will see that any large-breed puppy will have a growth spurt that lasts a couple of weeks and then stop for the same amount of time. The first is from birth to three weeks of age, while the second one is from three to thirteen. The third phase lasts from three to six months of age and goes into the adolescent phase, which happens in months six through sixteen. The last phase encompasses the time from sixteen months of age to three years. By far, the phase where you will see the biggest growth is the first three phases. After six months, the growth rate will slow down, but your German shepherd might physically mature before the usual two-and-a-half-year mark. For a more in-depth look at phases and what behavior and physical changes a GSD puppy goes through, have a look at our German shepherd growth chart. Essentially, if your puppy is still developing and a period comes when growth is slowed down while other German shepherd puppies are already bigger, your pup might just be a late bloomer. Dwarfism Or Achondroplasia While this is by no means a common occurrence among purebred German shepherd dogs, some genetic predisposition to achondroplasia is present within the breed. Dogs with dwarfism should not be bred, as it is unethical to purposefully pass on genetic mutations. Achondroplasia is a variant of osteochondrodysplasia, a genetic condition that is characterized by abnormal development of the bones and cartilage. The protein called fibroblast growth factor on the FGF9 gene has the crucial function of making sure that the dog embryo develops properly and that all cell functions migration, proliferation, and differentiation are possible. Still, other clinical signs exist, and the shorter limbs and disproportionate body compared to healthy GSDs are only one part of it. A head that is larger than it should be, irregular bone shape, overall stunted growth, shorter nose, underbite, etc. If you notice any of these symptoms in your German shepherd, there is nothing you can do about it other than consult the veterinarian about how to make life easier for it. The condition is congenital, which means it is inherited from the parents. Dogs with dwarfism usually have a shorter lifespan, so a healthy lifestyle and proper secondary care are even more important if your dog has achondroplasia. For this reason, you should always choose the breeder carefully. After all, you do get what you pay for. Selective Breeding On the same topic of breeders and breeding practices, it is important to be aware of selective breeding. Although it is self-explanatory, it consists of handpicking smaller adult dogs from litters and mating them with other smaller representatives of the breed. By doing so, breeders manage to produce a purebred German shepherd that is smaller than the breed standard requires them to be. Although there is nothing wrong with that, a smaller-than-normal dog usually has some genetic defects. Continuing to breed these defects will only increase the chance of more abnormalities, which in the long run, means an unhealthy bloodline. When talking to a breeder about purchasing a GSD puppy, make sure you ask for parent DNA tests clearing them of genetic issues. It is beneficial to know the pedigree of the dog or, if possible, its lineage dating as far back as the records go. Most reputable breeders will already have these papers, but it never hurts to ask in case they forget. Keep in mind that minor differences in height, such as an inch lower than the breed standard, do not mean the dog is unhealthy but simply has smaller parents. Perhaps it is from the working line of dogs where being of an exact height or weight is less important than the ability to work. Failing to satisfy both can lead to a malnourished puppy that will not grow to its full potential. Puppies have to receive proper nutrition with plenty of protein, fat, and calcium content. The speed at which their bones grow in the first few growth phases is so fast that the slightest disbalance of nutrients can create problems. Use this German shepherd feeding chart as a guideline for dosage, frequency, and nutrient balance. One of the most common errors GSD owners make is forgetting how important minerals and vitamins are in a diet. Calcium supplements and other minerals like phosphorus, iron, and vitamins like vitamin D and A are crucial for proper bone growth and a healthy metabolism. However, the best diets for most GSD owners are high-quality commercial foods. For convenience, here is a list of the fifteen best dog foods for German shepherds that we know are high-quality and will make your life that much easier. You can choose plans that include wet food, only dry food, go homecooked, or even try to figure out whether a raw diet is good for your German shepherd. A complete diet is worthless if the daily caloric requirements are not met. A large dog breed such as the GSD is going to consume a lot of energy during physical activity, so the food needs to match it. If your dog is more than moderately active, it is prudent to feed the dog more food. Increasing the portion by half a cup or a cup will usually be enough. For even more calories, introducing treats such as sweet potatoes will fill up the tank. Remember to not exceed giving out treats. As a rule of thumb, the calories fed through treats should not be more than ten percent of the daily caloric intake. Mixing wet food with dry food or introducing some home-cooked chicken and rice is another option your GSD will love. It will also help your dog with weight gain in case it is too skinny. Note that giving one giant meal to your adult, and especially a puppy, is not healthy. Pups should eat four meals per day, and adults two or three. Bloat is a common occurrence in German shepherds and other large breeds if too much food is ingested too fast. Consider giving a read to other causes of a swollen stomach without pain in dogs. Health Issues You might think these are rare, but the number one cause of stunted growth in German shepherd puppies is intestinal worms. This condition is not serious by any means but can cause your puppy to stop growing if not treated in time. Antiparasitics like dewormer are given to puppies before they are given to their owners. At least, that is what good breeders do. Intestinal worms will do serious damage, like impeding growth, only if the condition is left untreated for a long period of time. I can tell you that it has nothing to do with stunted growth but does carry a risk of health problems developing. The National Library of Medicine National Center for Biotechnology Information department conducted a study that confirmed the correlation between spaying or neutering and joint disorders. Most affected were growth plates in non-mature dogs. A growth plate is a place on a bone where new bone tissue is supposed to grow. For this reason, it is a good practice for large breed dogs to spay or neuter them only after fully maturing two years for males and after the first heat cycle for females. There is an unfounded belief that too much running, jumping, and exercise, in general, can make your puppy stop growing, but that is not true. Similar to spaying or neutering before full maturity, excessive pressure on the joints and bones can cause conditions like hip dysplasia. However, chances are your puppy will get tired long before reaching the point of overexercising. Another bad aspect of too much physical activity in both puppies and adult German shepherds is muscle pain and paw pad injury. Without fully developed skin and musculature, a non-mature dog can have long-term issues with joints and paw pads or develop muscle fatigue due to excessive physical activity. Make sure you take regular breaks between play sessions but rest assured, stunted growth is not a consequence. Conclusion We have seen that stunted growth is very rare but still a possibility. If you are asking yourself why is my German shepherd so small, you have to put it into context. What is it small compared to? A vet checkup can clear all the worry from your mind. The other explanations for a small stature compared to breed standards are not common. Finally, research how much and how often to feed an adult and GSD puppy before getting one. Every dog will have slightly different caloric needs, but the feeding and growth chart I provided in the article should work as a general guideline. That is about it. Small or not, a healthy German shepherd is a delightful canine that will give you many years of companionship and love, so take care of it to prevent further shrinkage. Post navigation. Just like in humans, dogs inherit genes from both parents, and these genetic codes define various traits, including size. A German Shepherd bred from smaller parents is also likely to be smaller. Delving deeper into genetics , we find that a dog's size is a polygenic trait, meaning it's controlled by more than one gene. These genes interact in complex ways to determine the final size of the dog. In breeding, if two smaller German Shepherds are paired, their offspring are likelier to be on the smaller side. It's not just the immediate parents that matter; the genetic lineage extending back several generations can influence size. Breeders often have detailed records that trace these genetic lines, enabling predictions about future size and other characteristics. In German Shepherds, the genetic variability contributes to a size range that spans from 50 to 90 pounds, reflecting the rich diversity within this noble breed. Diet Diet is fundamental to a German Shepherd's growth and development. Lack of proper nutrients, vitamins, and minerals in the diet can hinder growth, leading to a smaller stature. Feeding a balanced and age-appropriate diet is essential for optimal growth and health. The dietary needs of German Shepherds are unique and can be pretty specific, especially during their growth phase. Puppies, in particular, require a balanced diet rich in protein and fat to support their rapid growth. Studies show that a diet lacking essential nutrients like calcium, phosphorus, and quality protein can lead to skeletal issues and stunted growth. Adult German Shepherds also need a well-rounded diet to maintain a healthy weight and muscle mass. Many commercial dog foods are specially formulated for large-breed puppies and can provide the correct balance of nutrients. For German Shepherds, tailored dietary planning can mean the difference between thriving and merely surviving. Health Issues Health issues can significantly impact a German Shepherd's growth. Chronic illnesses, hormonal imbalances, or underlying diseases might affect metabolic rates and nutrient absorption, leading to a smaller stature. Regular veterinary check-ups can diagnose and treat these issues. Chronic health conditions in German Shepherds, such as thyroid disorders or liver disease, can lead to inadequate nutrient absorption and altered metabolism. These conditions may stunt growth or cause weight loss, resulting in a smaller or leaner appearance. The prevalence of certain diseases within the breed makes regular veterinary care essential. Treatment and proper care can mitigate these growth-related issues. Early diagnosis is crucial in managing the condition and ensuring the dog reaches its optimal size and weight. It's a reminder of the essential partnership between veterinarians and pet owners in maintaining the health and happiness of these loyal companions. Owners can ensure their German Shepherds grow strong and robust by staying alert to signs of health issues and seeking professional care. Parasitic Infections Parasitic infections like worms can adversely affect a German Shepherd's growth. These parasites compete with the host for nutrients, leading to malnourishment and stunted growth. Regular deworming and proper veterinary care can mitigate these effects. Parasites like roundworms, tapeworms, and hookworms are unfortunately common in dogs, particularly puppies. These internal parasites can cause serious harm, especially if left untreated. They can rob the dog of vital nutrients needed for growth, leading to anemia and malnourishment. The effects can be more pronounced in German Shepherds, a breed known for its robust size. Regular deworming and fecal examinations are vital preventative measures. Young puppies often require more frequent deworming due to their vulnerability to these infections. With proper care and attention to this significant health risk, German Shepherd owners can ensure that their dogs receive all the nutrients they need for healthy growth and development, thus achieving their full potential in size and vitality. Breed Subtype Breed subtype is an often overlooked yet vital factor in determining a German Shepherd's size. Different lines within the breed may naturally vary in size, with working lines, show lines, and pet lines each having distinct characteristics. Understanding these can explain variations in size. German Shepherds are versatile dogs with subtypes bred for specific functions. Working lines, for example, maybe more robust and muscular, tailored for police or military work. On the other hand, show lines emphasize aesthetics and conform to specific breed standards, sometimes resulting in smaller sizes. Pet lines are often bred more for temperament and may not adhere strictly to size standards. Recognizing these subtleties in the breed allows a deeper understanding of the individual dog's growth pattern and size. Whether choosing a puppy or seeking to understand your grown dog's size, being aware of these breed subtypes can provide insights into their genetic predisposition and ensure you meet their unique needs. Exercise Routine Exercise routine significantly influences a German Shepherd's development. Lack of or improper exercise can hinder muscular development, bone health, and overall growth, leading to a smaller appearance. A structured routine fosters proper growth and a healthy, robust physique. The importance of a proper exercise routine for a growing German Shepherd cannot be overstated. As a large and active breed, they require regular and controlled exercise to develop strong bones and muscles. Puppies, in particular, need a careful balance of activity and rest to prevent joint and growth plate issues. According to canine fitness experts, German Shepherds should exercise at least an hour daily, but the type and intensity must be age-appropriate. Over-exercising can be as detrimental as under-exercising, leading to health problems that may affect size. Monitoring and tailoring the exercise routine to the dog's age, weight, and specific needs can significantly contribute to optimal growth and development. In the complex interplay of factors that determine a German Shepherd's size, exercise stands out as a controllable and vital aspect that owners can manage for the benefit of their beloved pet. This surgical alteration might lead to longer leg bones and a leaner frame, resulting in a different appearance than if altered later in life. The decision to spay or neuter a German Shepherd, and the timing of that procedure, is multifaceted and can have long-term effects on the dog's physical development. Before the closure of growth plates, early spaying or neutering may disrupt the usual growth patterns. Research indicates that altering before one year might increase the risk of orthopedic problems in large-breed dogs like German Shepherds. Some studies suggest that early-neutered males are three times more likely to suffer from joint disorders. This can result in a lanky appearance and contribute to conditions like hip dysplasia. Conversely, altering after full maturity may allow the dog to develop a more robust and muscular frame. The choice of when to spay or neuter should be made in consultation with a veterinarian, considering factors like health, lifestyle, and breed-specific characteristics to ensure the best outcome for each German Shepherd. Environmental Factors Environmental factors encompass a range of influences that can hinder a German Shepherd's growth. Poor living conditions, exposure to toxins, or lack of mental stimulation may lead to stunted growth or smaller stature. A nurturing environment fosters healthy development. Environmental factors significantly influence German Shepherds' overall well-being and development. Suboptimal living conditions can lead to stress and anxiety , which, in turn, can affect growth. Adequate space for exercise, clean surroundings, and enrichment opportunities are all part of an environment that fosters healthy growth. Exposure to toxins or pollutants may lead to chronic health issues that hinder development. Studies have shown that dogs living in polluted areas can have a higher risk of health problems, which may affect their growth. Furthermore, a lack of mental stimulation can lead to behavioral problems and may indirectly impact physical development. Though often overlooked, environmental influences are integral to the full spectrum of factors determining a German Shepherd's size. By creating a loving, safe, and stimulating environment, owners can lay the foundation for their German Shepherds to thrive and grow to their full potential. Dogs from such facilities often suffer from poor breeding practices, inadequate nutrition, and lack of care, leading to stunted growth and potentially lifelong health issues. Puppy mills are commercial breeding facilities that often prioritize profit over the well-being of the animals. German Shepherds originating from these places may face several challenges affecting their growth. Inadequate breeding practices, including inbreeding, can result in genetic defects and smaller size. The lack of proper nutrition and veterinary care during the critical growth stages can also lead to underdevelopment. According to the Humane Society of the United States, thousands of puppy mills are operating in the country, producing an estimated 2. Many of these dogs end up with health issues, including growth-related problems. Adopting reputable breeders or shelters that prioritize the health and well-being of the dogs can ensure that German Shepherds have the best chance at growing to their full size and enjoying a healthy life. Vaccination Schedule Adhering to a proper vaccination schedule is vital for a German Shepherd's health and growth. Incomplete or delayed vaccinations may expose them to diseases that can hinder development, whereas a well-executed plan supports a robust immune system and optimal growth. Vaccinations are critical in preventing infectious diseases that can significantly impact a German Shepherd's growth and overall health. Puppies are especially vulnerable to diseases like parvovirus and distemper, leading to severe health complications or even death. Following a veterinarian-recommended vaccination schedule is vital to protect against these threats. In the U. Failure to vaccinate exposes the individual dog to potential diseases and can have broader implications for herd immunity within the canine population. On the other hand, proper vaccination fosters a robust immune system that enables the dog to grow and develop healthily. Working closely with a veterinarian to understand and follow the right vaccination plan for a German Shepherd, considering factors like age, lifestyle, and location, can ensure their well-being and proper development. Stress and Anxiety Stress and anxiety can have profound effects on a German Shepherd's growth. Chronic stress can lead to decreased appetite, digestive issues, and even disrupt hormonal balance, all of which may contribute to stunted growth or smaller stature. Managing stress is key to healthy development. Chronic stress and anxiety in German Shepherds can stem from various sources, such as separation anxiety, fear, or lack of socialization. Stress impacts the body's ability to absorb nutrients effectively and can cause a decrease in appetite, resulting in malnourishment that hinders growth. Behavioral signs of stress may include excessive barking, chewing, or changes in demeanor. Providing a stable environment, consistent training, and addressing underlying health or behavioral issues are crucial to managing stress. As a veterinarian or animal behaviorist recommends, interventions like behavior modification, socialization training , and sometimes medication can make a significant difference. Understanding and addressing stress and anxiety in German Shepherds contribute to a happier and more relaxed dog that can grow to its full size and potential. Late Bloomer Just like humans, some German Shepherds may simply be late bloomers. They might grow and develop slower than their peers, eventually reaching their full size a bit later in life. Such delayed growth can be due to genetics or individual differences, but it's usually not a cause for concern. Being a late bloomer is common in the diverse world of canine growth patterns. It's akin to human teenagers who have growth spurts at different times. For German Shepherds, most reach their adult height by 18 months, but some might take up to 24 months or longer. Variability in growth rates can be influenced by genetic factors or simply the dog's developmental timeline. Owners must monitor their dog's growth, consult their veterinarian, and ensure the delayed growth is not due to underlying health issues. However, in many cases, patience is key. Given time, these late bloomers often catch up, displaying the majestic size and stature that German Shepherds are known for. When do German Shepherds stop growing? German Shepherds typically stop growing in height by 18 to 24 months. However, they may continue to fill out, gaining muscle and becoming more robust until they are around 2. The growth pattern of a German Shepherd is an exciting and complex process. While most German Shepherds reach their full height between 18 to 24 months, their bodies continue to mature and develop. During this period, they gain muscle , their chests fill out, and their overall physique becomes more defined. Nutrition, genetics, exercise, and overall health play significant roles in determining the exact time frame for an individual dog. Some may be late bloomers and grow slower, while others mature faster. Regular veterinary check-ups and monitoring their growth curve can help ensure they develop appropriately. Understanding your German Shepherd's unique growth pattern and providing appropriate care and nutrition will support them in reaching their full potential as magnificent and well-balanced adults. How can I increase my German Shepherd size? Increasing a German Shepherd's size requires a balanced approach involving proper nutrition, regular exercise, and adhering to veterinary guidelines. High-quality food, adequate physical and mental stimulation, and regular veterinary care are key factors. Enhancing a German Shepherd's size is not about rapid growth but promoting healthy development. It involves a multifaceted approach that starts with a nutritionally balanced diet. Consulting with a veterinarian to determine the appropriate food that meets the breed's specific needs is crucial. Regular exercise tailored to the dog's age and development stage supports muscle growth and overall well-being. Mental stimulation through training and enrichment activities helps manage stress, which can indirectly impact growth. It's essential to recognize that each dog has a genetic potential for size, and promoting healthy growth within that framework is key. An integrated approach ensures growth and a happy, well-rounded, healthy German Shepherd. At what are do German Shepherds get big? German Shepherds usually begin to appear "big" as they approach adolescence, around the age of 6 to 12 months. By 18 to 24 months, most reach their adult height, although they continue to fill out and mature until around 2. Several developmental stages mark the growth trajectory of a German Shepherd. Puppies grow rapidly in the first few months, and by the time they reach 6 to 12 months, they start to look more like adult dogs, having gained significant height and length. Their growth in height generally slows down by 18 to 24 months, but they continue to mature, adding muscle and filling out their frame until around 2. Genetics, diet, exercise, and overall health care contribute to each dog's specific timing and growth pattern. Owners should monitor growth and consult with veterinarians to ensure their German Shepherd is developing appropriately, providing the right foundation for a healthy, full-sized adult dog. Speeding up a German Shepherd's growth is not advisable, as it can lead to health problems. Proper growth requires a balanced diet, regular exercise, and veterinary care. A natural growth pattern ensures a healthy, well-developed dog in the long run. Attempting to speed up the growth of a German Shepherd might seem tempting, especially if the dog appears smaller or is growing slower than expected. However, forcing or accelerating growth can lead to significant health issues, such as joint problems, obesity, and other developmental disorders. The focus should instead be on supporting healthy, natural growth through appropriate nutrition, regular and suitable exercise, and adherence to veterinary guidelines. Consulting with a veterinarian or a canine nutritionist can help you determine the proper diet and care plan tailored to your dog's needs. Remember, each German Shepherd has its unique growth pattern, influenced by genetics, health, and care. Emphasizing overall well-being rather than rapid growth will result in a happier, healthier, well-proportioned German Shepherd. Why is my German Shepherd so skinny? A skinny German Shepherd could be due to various factors like improper diet, parasites, underlying health conditions, or genetics. Consulting a veterinarian is essential to rule out medical issues and create an appropriate feeding and care plan. A German Shepherd appearing too skinny may cause concern for owners, and rightly so, as it may signal underlying health problems. However, there can be benign reasons, such as a high metabolism or being a naturally lean breed subtype. A proper evaluation by a veterinarian can help pinpoint the exact cause, whether it's a nutritional imbalance, parasitic infection, chronic illness, or even stress. Personalized recommendations on diet, including the type and amount of food, can make a significant difference. Regular deworming and addressing any specific health concerns are also essential. It's crucial to approach the situation carefully, as simply increasing food intake without understanding the underlying cause might lead to other health problems. Collaborating with veterinary professionals ensures your German Shepherd gains weight healthily and reaches its ideal body condition. Normal body weight, height, and calories intake for male German Shepherd Navigating the growth stages of a German Shepherd requires understanding their unique needs at different phases of life. Below, you'll find tables that outline the normal body weight, height, and daily calorie intake for male German Shepherds, from puppyhood to senior years. Life stage. Your pup can suffer from one or several of these issues. However, a simple visit to the vet can help your dog get better. Typically, German Shepherds must consume between 1, to 1, calories daily. Moreover, if your dog is playful and consumes tons of energy throughout the day, you should increase its calorie intake to around 1,, calories. Check the box with the dog food to see the recommended portion size. Inherited Smallness Your pup may belong to a small German Shepherd dog breed. The size of a GS is inherited from their parents. Your GS likely comes from a line of smaller-sized dogs. There is nothing wrong with a little German Shepherd, provided they eat normally and healthily and have no dental issues. If your dog is younger, you may need to wait a bit until the dog is fully mature. One recent study found that dog size may be determined by a dog gene mutation. Moreover, this mutation that determines the small size is even older than a variation that contributes to the large size. These dogs range in size from medium to large. Their size depends on the parent they inherit traits from. Anxiety If your GSD suddenly starts looking smaller, it may be due to anxiety disorder. If the pup is acting strangely lately while also losing weight, that may be the case. If your dog is unusually spooked or is trying to hide, he may have experienced an unpleasant event. The best course of action is to visit a behaviorist or a vet. When Should You Be Worried? Typically, all reasons mentioned above can be fixed. A standard vet appointment should verify the reason why the German Shepherd is short or skinny. Moreover, other symptoms include vomiting and diarrhea. Your dog can still be infested even if you have dutifully kept up with all necessary vaccines and other treatments. Medical Illnesses Perhaps your German Shepherd is smaller due to a medical condition. Several disorders can influence the development and nutrition intake. It should be concerning if your GS is eating normally but not gaining weight. Some of the most common diseases include the following: Diabetes. It might be the case that it is not eating enough calories for its activity levels. Generally, it is recommended for German Shepherds to eat between 1, and 1, calories per day. If your German Shepherd is active for most of the day then it will require even more. It is recommended that active German Shepherds get between 1, and 2, calories per day. It would be a sign that it is not getting enough calories if it always seems to be hungry and if it tends to eat things that it should not. It would help to ask your vet whether or not you are feeding it enough the next time you take your GSD there for a checkup. It could also be the case that you are feeding it the wrong types of foods which is causing a nutritional deficiency. This would be more likely if your GSD seems to be trying to get the nutrients in other ways such as by eating dirt. You can read here to see what you should and should not be feeding your GSD. If you are unsure of what food to get for your German Shepherd, consider getting dog food designed specifically for German Shepherds. Genes It could be the case that the cause is that it is simply genetically a smaller GSD. This would be more likely if it has always been small for its age and if your vet has not noticed any issues on checkups. It would also be more likely if it has been acting normally otherwise and if it was still small when you were feeding it differently in the past. Anxiety If your German Shepherd has become small suddenly then the cause could be that something has caused it to develop an anxiety-related issue. This would be more likely if it has started acting differently at around the same time that it became smaller and if it started at around the same time that something happened that could have caused it to become anxious. In this case, it would be important to deal with the issue and it would be highly recommended for you to get the help of a vet and a dog behaviorist. I have also written more about why your German Shepherd might be anxious and how to reduce its anxiety here. Illness The reason why it is small could be that it has an illness or disease. This would be more likely if it has become small suddenly, it started acting differently at around the same time that it became small and if it has been showing other signs of being ill such as vomiting. In this case, the best option for you would be to take it to a vet for a checkup. Consider whether or not it has always been small When trying to figure out why your German Shepherd is small it would help to consider whether or not it has always been small for its age. If it has always been small then it would make it more likely that it is small due to genetics. Whereas, if it has become small suddenly then it would make it more likely that it is due to things such as illness, anxiety or a change in its diet. How to get your German Shepherd to be bigger The best way for you to get your German Shepherd to be bigger will depend on the cause. However, I will show you some options that you have below. Talk to a vet If you are unsure of why your GSD is small or it has become small suddenly then the best option for you would be to take it to a vet. When you are seeing the vet it would also help to show them what you are typically feeding it and to ask if you are feeding it enough or if you should be feeding it differently. Feed it the correct foods It is important to make sure that your German Shepherd is getting all of the nutrients that it needs. You can look here to see what you should and should not be feeding your GSD. Feed it the right amount for its activity levels It is also important to make sure that it is getting the right amount of food. As mentioned above German Shepherds are supposed to be getting between 1, and 1, calories per day source. German Shepherds are supposed to be active so it is unlikely that it will need more than this. However, if your German Shepherd spends most of the day doing activities then it might need more calories in its diet. Take measures to reduce its anxiety If your German Shepherd has become small suddenly and the vet has not found any issues then it could be due to a behavioral issue. One possible cause is that it has become anxious, I have written more about why your German Shepherd might be anxious and how to reduce its anxiety here. However, there are many other possible causes. It would help to ask your vet what else might be causing it other than illness. If you want a happy and obedient German Shepherd, this is one of the best online dog training programs available right now. You can get the first month free using This link. Your veterinarian can check for worms with a stool sample. Certain types of worms such as roundworms can be fatal in puppies if left untreated, so it is crucial that you take your puppy for regular checkups. Has your Puppy Been Traveling Regularly? If you feel that your GSD puppy is too skinny, consider if you have been taking it along for car rides on a consistent basis. Many puppies experience motion sickness. This does not necessarily mean that they will vomit or have an upset stomach only. Some puppies will do neither, and instead, decrease their eating to the point of losing weight. If this is the case, limit the amount of time your puppy spends traveling in a car. This will allow your puppy to have you as a reference point and a distraction. Provide a small puppy bed on the seat. Make sure that the temperature in the car is neither too hot or cold. Pay attention to how you drive. Often times we take our driving for granted without considering the comfort of our passengers. Puppies can be especially sensitive during car rides, so be sure to take turns gently, and do not brake or accelerate suddenly. A change in the environment is a common cause of a longer-term loss of appetite and weight loss in puppies. A change in environment for your puppy does not just mean that it has moved from one physical location to another. They learn and function well with routine. This can sometimes result in a long term lack of appetite and weight loss. You may likely find that if one or more of the above changes are addressed, that your puppy will resume a normal eating schedule and quickly bounce back from being underweight. Your GSD puppy needs adequate nutrients in its diet for growth and to maintain a healthy weight. GSDs are considered medium to large-sized dogs, and they need to be fed the appropriate breed-formulated dog food, especially as puppies. If you are not feeding it the right formulation for its breed size, this can result in undernourishment and a skinny puppy.