facts about golden retriever puppies

Pug Health Issues Before you get your perfect puppy, are you really sure that you want a Pug? As a Pug owner, you should be prepared for a lot of trips to the vet. Their unique size and shape make them prone to a whole load of medical problems. Essentially, Pugs are bred to be deformed, which causes them to have health issues. Surgery is usual for severe cases. They are also in danger of becoming dislodged and will need to be manipulated back into the socket. Eyelash problems are common causing corneal ulcers , as are cataracts and PRA progressive retinal atrophy is the name for a group of diseases or conditions that eventually cause blindness. The skin folds and creases also store dirt and bacteria, leading to infections. Brachycephalic dogs are prone to collapse if they exert themselves too much or are exposed to high temperatures, which can be fatal. These are a few problems you might encounter, but they are by no means guaranteed. On top of this, the poor Pug has a hard time right from the start. Despite all of this, the Pug still has a long lifespan of between 12 and 15 years, sometimes more! They will perform health testing on all their parent dogs, but you can never rule out the possibility that your pup will be affected. What Is A Reputable Breeder? A good question! You can usually tell from the lack of dollar signs in their eyes. An unscrupulous and unethical breeder just wants your cash. No pup should ever leave its mother before it is 8 weeks old, and the best breeders keep their pups until they are between 10 and 12 weeks of age. Reputable breeders do it purely for the love of the breed, and rarely do they ever profit from it. This is a good sign in itself, as it shows that they really care about what kind of home and environment their pup is heading to. The last thing that a puppy mill or puppy broker will do is tell you to read the small print carefully or to visit a rescue center and adopt a homeless dog instead of buying from them. Good breeders will do exactly the opposite! Reputable breeders rarely, if ever, keep their dogs in kennels, choosing to treat them as family members instead. They often live in the family home and are as pampered as any other well-loved pet. If you still want one of your own, then good for you! Because of the long list of potential health issues, the Pug is not always the best choice for first-time dog owners. Pet insurance is probably a good idea to help with the vet bills, as this can quickly become a real financial burden. The best way to limit the risk is to use a reputable breeder! Toilet training can be a slow and frustrating process. Then there are all the health problems you might have to deal with. They also shed — a lot. And they are often desperately clingy. The term velcro dog was invented just for them. Aside from regular brushing to get rid of the hair! Not familiar with this aspect? Of course, you can get your vet to do this, but it incurs extra expense. Pugs are known for their short bursts of energy. Aside from this, life with a Pug is a piece of cake! You passed the Pug test. Ask for their breeding license number and contact information for at least two references. They should also be willing to provide you with health certifications such as hip certification, eye exam, and cardiac exam. These certifications will give you an idea if their dogs are free from genetic problems such as hip dysplasia, eyelid problems, and heart diseases. Also, ask how they socialize and train their puppies to help them become more confident and friendly with other animals and people. They should be willing to answer all your questions, and you should feel comfortable talking to them so you can become familiar with each other. Ask if there is anything that concerns you, and be straightforward in your inquiries. Lastly, always get a written contract before purchasing a puppy to protect your interests. How Much Do Pugs Cost? Of course, the most expensive ones are those with a purebred lineage and show quality status. When you decide to get a pug, there are certain things you need to know beforehand. Personality-wise, pugs are very loving and affectionate dogs that will keep you company wherever you go. They require a lot of attention and can be very clingy if left alone for a long time. In terms of grooming, they require some special care. One particular area of concern is their face. Due to possible skin fold infections in their wrinkles, you should clean this area regularly to prevent any health problems. As Pugs are a brachycephalic breed, they are prone to breathing problems and overheating. They should not be kept in places with extreme heat, and their exercise routine should not be too strenuous. Last but not least, pugs are prone to weight gain, so you should be careful about their diet. The design or breed standard of a Pug is very important to potential buyers interested in the quality of their pug pups. This standard is a comprehensive document drawn up by Pug lovers in England in and reaffirmed in by members of the Pug Dog Club of America. Check out this resource for more information on an ideal Pug according to the breed standard. Pugs are a friendly breed, and though they may be stubborn at times, this behavior is considered normal for the breed. Aside from their stubbornness, pugs are very easy to manage as they only require moderate exercise. One thing to consider, however, is their susceptibility to some health problems, as mentioned earlier. Related posts:. Black and fawn. Males and females. Shots, vet exam and worming. Buy Now Wanted!!! Buy Now Pug Puppies Pug puppies! Female and male pups! Ready to go home on Halloween!!! Deposits are required to hold your pug until pick up day. No Refunds Pics and video clips are sent out weekly to keep you updated and involved with the pug pups growing progress! I have 4 Female pups and 3 Male pups. .View Detail looking for puppy My name is Louise Tardif. We always had a pug. They are little babies to us. We love them very deeply. This time we would like a Black female pug or if none a fawn would be welcome. We are retired so we have all the time in the world to take good care of it. My e-mail address is xxxxxxxx xxxxx. Will be waiting for an answer. We live in Madawaska,Me. View Detail Pug puppies for sale Hi I have 5 pug puppies for sale in Farmingdale maine 2 boys and 3 girls Call me for more info plz xxx-xxx-xxxx ask for peach View Detail Top Healthy Pug Puppies We raise our Pug puppies in our home with lots of outside playtime. We want to offer an exceptional quality and healthy puppies to you by producing gorgeous puppies with lots of attention. .We breed for excellent temperament, health and appearance. Pups are sold with vet check, shots up to date, and are on a deworming program. Shipping is Included. Text me at xxx-xxx-xxxx for more details and pics. View Detail Available Pug puppies for sale They have potential to succeed in the conformation ring, obedience, agility and most importantly as being a beloved friend and family member who just wants to curl up in your lap and give love. I take properly raising my puppies very seriously because both you and your new baby deserve the very best start possible All pupies are available with a written genetic health guarantee and lifetime breeder support. First come, first severed. I can ship my puppies to you. Welcome to the sale of our handsome chunky KC registered 4 male pedigree pug puppies ready in 3weeks will be fleed, wormed an vaccinated up to date, vet checked, pups will have 5 week insurance, 3 generation pedigree, each boy will come with puppy pack to help settle them in. You will have to be quick, they shall go fast. First Serious buyers will have Free Shipping. Text me only at xxx xxx-xxx9. Has wonderful personality, and are great with children. Each puppy will go home with a brand-new training crate toys, food, extensive training tips and many other necessary items. Text me only at xxx xxx-xxx7. They are super sweet pups and will make great companion. Each pup will come with registration, vaccination record and vet health certificate. We also offer a health guarantee. Male and female puppies available and have had their first shots and deworming. All bitches are welcome to a few days holiday to be covered by these gentle but able boys for more info text : xxx xxx-xxx3 View Detail Quality Solid Black Kc Reg Pugs For Sale I have three beautiful healthy chunky black pug puppies for sale. They have a beautiful shiny black coat and they are true to type. They are living in my family home and are well loved and are now getting their own little characters. Both mum and dad to the puppies are black. The pups are KC registered. And when they go to their new homes they will be vet checked, micro chipped and wormed ready for their new homes and also come with five weeks insurance along with their pedigree. These puppies are being brought up with endless amounts of love and no expense spared. They are doted on day and night. I have two boys and one girl. No time wasters. These pups are being reared in my living room along side other dogs and children, so they will be well socialised. The litter consists of 1 chunky Fawn boys and girls K. No time wasters please xxxxxxxxxx View Detail Adorable Pug puppies Adorable Pug puppies ready for their new and forever lovely home. Good with kids and other pets. Have been de-wormed and vet checked 1 female 1 male ready to go In excellent health condition. They are good family pets. These puppies have no health issues. Please if you are interested in offering these puppies a good, lovely and caring home. They have been vaccinated and are being wormed every two weeks. So gentle and affectionate. I have one male and one female left. They are great breed for families with children. .You will be able to find all their current contact information, as well as a link to their website, so you can see what puppies they currently have available for sale. We provide you with all this information so that you can research each breeder individually and find the one that has your perfect puppy available! If you are considering getting a Pug, you'll want to check out the incredible book "The Complete Guide to Pugs". It's written in an easy-to-understand way but still has the expert knowledge to help any new owner successfully raise their Pug from puppy to old-age. It's widely available, so pick up a copy if you see one, here is the link to grab one on Amazon, or you can download the audiobook version here. If you can't find the perfect Pug puppy in your state, try checking at your local animal shelter or rescue organization. Many Pugs young and old need a loving home and adopting one can be a great way to save a life. We are so happy that you have chosen Local Puppy Breeders to help you find the puppy of your dreams. In addition to visiting us often here, you can check us out on Facebook , Twitter , and Pinterest for more information, pictures, and videos! Website: pug-puppy. At pug-puppy. This is a family of Pug lovers who are about the advancement of the Pug breed as well as the health and wellbeing of each and every one of their pups. The family lives and raises their Pugs on a one-acre plot with plenty of room for running and playing. They even teach their Pugs to swim! All of their Pugs are fed a healthy diet of quality food and vitamins and have the freedom to play with lots of toys. When you purchase a pup from pug-puppy. They love their dogs and show commitment to the betterment of the breed in everything they do. But how can you spot reputable breeders when you start searching for a Pug puppy? Here are some tips to help you out. A good breeder will… 1. Issue a health guarantee Make sure that your breeder of choice offers a health guarantee. A reputable Pug breeder will write up a binding health guarantee for all of their puppies. The guarantee protects you against any genetic defects or diseases. It shows that the breeder is confident that their puppies are bred according to best practices. This means if you can no longer look after your pup for some reason, you will be expected to return the puppy to the breeder rather than taking them to a shelter. Provide standard health clearances Your breeder should have full health clearances for both parent Pugs. Good breeders often provide some early health-check clearances for their pups too, although some health clearances simply cannot be carried on such young pups. Issue a written bill of sale Reputable breeders offer written bills of sale to all of their new Pug parents. This bill of sale should be signed and will outline all the roles and responsibilities to be taken on by the buyer and seller as part of the transaction. Vaccinate their puppies All puppies should be up to date on their vaccinations before being homed with new families. Your breeder of choice should be able to provide evidence of these vaccinations. Reputable breeders welcome prospective parents into their homes to see the puppies. Follow age guidelines Puppies should never leave the litter before 8 weeks of age. Any breeder offering pups for adoption before this time is not following best practices. In fact, this could be quite damaging for the puppy developmentally. A reputable breeder will keep their pups at home until eight to twelve weeks so that they can be properly socialized and spend that crucial time with their mother and litter-mates. Answer your questions Last, but not least, a reputable breeder will be knowledgeable. In most cases, they will also want to ask you plenty of questions to ensure that their precious pups are going to good homes. We have a strict selection process that takes a variety of factors into account. That way we can ensure that only the best breeders end up on our lists. This way we know that our chosen breeders offer genetically sound and healthy puppies. Health testing shows a commitment to the health and wellbeing of each Pug. Contact information Any breeder that does not offer up their contact information is a big red flag. A reputable breeder will make it easy for you to get in contact with them by providing telephone numbers, email addresses, and they will usually have a well-established website as well. It shows a commitment to breeding best practices. Event participation Breeders who also compete in doggie events are often some of the best. Because these people tend to be dog lovers par excellence. They live and breathe for their Pugs and are proud to show them off in public. They are also more likely to have a high level of breed knowledge — an excellent sign for a breeder. Breed club membership There are lots of breed clubs out there that breeders can register with. These clubs have rules, regulations, and membership fees. If your breeder is registered with the Pug Dog Club of America, this is a great sign showing commitment to the Pug breed. Recognition awards Lastly, we look out for awards! Institutions like the AKC recognize the efforts and achievements of top breeders. The very best will be awarded the AKC recognition of merit award. During this time we recommend getting everything ready before your new arrival rattles through the front door. Your puppy will need: a crate for sleeping and training during the early days quality puppy-grade food a leash and harness plenty of toys You may also wish to purchase a puppy gate if there are areas of your home that you want to keep your Pug away from. This is all about making your home as safe as possible for your new arrival. Make sure anything that could potentially cause harm to your pup is removed. Clear your schedule Having a Pug puppy is a bit like having a human baby. So make sure to clear your schedule and get all of those errands done ahead of time! Once they arrive… 4. Avoid crowds Hold your excitement. That means no crowds. Try to keep the home environment as stress-free as possible so that your puppy can settle in and start to feel part of the family. Crate training is the first step. Lay down a regular routine from the get to and your Pug will be good as gold in no time.

Hypoallergenic: No History Hailing from England and boasting lineage from the mighty Old English Bulldog, the American Bulldog journeyed across the seas with tenacious working-class immigrants seeking a fruitful life in North America. This dog's superhero-like agility and strength proved itself to be a powerful ally for herding cattle and combating the onslaught of wild pigs that had invaded the American South. However, swept up in the chaos of World War II, the valiant American Bulldog was nearly lost to the sands of time, but fate had other plans! Today, these resilient dogs have surged back from the brink of extinction, earning recognition from the United Kennel Club in and securing their place as a beloved and enduring breed. Temperament Meet the American Bulldog, a loyal and brave companion that's guaranteed to bring joy and energy to any household! With their outgoing and friendly nature, these gentle giants adore children and are sure to become the loving guardians of those they call their own. When trained from a young age, American Bulldogs become the ultimate family pets, thriving in social settings with both people and other dogs. Keep them active and engaged to prevent any mischievous behavior, and remember, they crave your company! So fight off their separation anxiety with lots of quality time, and you'll have the perfect sidekick for all of life's adventures! Our breeders see their American Bulldog puppies and parents as vital members of their families. At Homemade Puppies, we pride ourselves on giving responsible, in-home, family breeders a platform to get their furry American Bulldog friends found. Your American Bulldog puppy is just waiting to be welcomed into their forever home. Life Span Did You Know? The American Bulldog is a descendant of a generic bulldog type of dog breed brought into the region that is now the Southern United States by working-class immigrants many years ago. These were all-around working dogs used by small farmers and ranchers for several tasks around the farm. They were often found working as catch dogs, stock dogs, and overall farm guardians. When feral pigs were introduced to the New World, they had no natural predators and the population quickly grew out of control. In addition to their farm duties, the settlers found the bulldog-type dog to be the best solution they had for dealing with it. So, the bulldog continued to thrive, especially in the South. Johnson and Alan Scott that we have what we know today as the American Bulldog. Modern American Bulldogs can still be found working as all-around utility dogs, farm dogs, catch dogs, cattle drovers, and more. They can also be found competing in dog sports, working as a guardian, police, or military dog, and are also popular as a family pet. This dog breed is a sweetheart with a gentle, fun-loving nature. The American Bulldog is affectionate and adores their families. They also love children and tend to be good with other animals. American Bulldogs can have a high prey drive, so you will want to make sure you introduce and socialize them properly with other small animals in the household. Due to their protective nature, they can be aloof towards strangers and strange dogs, especially when they are younger. Early socialization can help them be more comfortable navigating their guardian instincts. Overall, this dog breed tends to be confident, social, and are most at ease and relaxed when they are with the people they love. American Bulldogs are an emotional dog breed and thrives on human attention and affection, so they tend to bond strongly with their owners and may come across as clingy sometimes. They will also often convince themselves that they are lap dogs regardless of their size, so make sure you are ready for a lot of love and cuddles with your American Bulldog, drool and all! The American Bulldog is a moderately adaptable dog breed. They are strong, high-energy working dogs that love being around their favorite humans. This makes them better suited to larger homes with space for them to run. They are not generally a good fit for apartment living, but they can adapt as long as they get more than enough exercise and attention. Because they do tend to bond strongly with their owners and want to be near them, they do not tend to do well with long periods of time alone. As with any dog breed, they are sensitive to extreme heat or cold, but can adapt to well to most climates. There are some health issues that can be found in specific genetic lines and are not common to the breed overall, but these can be ruled out with genetic tests. Some potential health conditions to be aware of in general with the American Bulldog include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, thyroid disorders, kidney disorders, bone cancer, and eye-related issues like ectropion, entropion, and cherry eye. Talking to the breeder about the genetic history of the parents and asking to see any health clearances can help allay potential concerns. American Bulldogs are highly trainable and eager to please, so they are a good fit for owners of any experience level, including first-time dog owners. They can have a stubborn streak, so a first-time dog owner may want to consider enrolling in puppy training classes. As with any dog breed, early and ongoing training and socialization are important for your American Bulldog puppy to grow into a well-rounded, and a well-behaved, dog. This dog breed has a short coat that is generally smooth. Common coat colors are white and predominately white with patches of brindle, black, or red. More coat color patterns are emerging and becoming more common like all shades of brindle, fawn, brown, red, and more. The American Bulldog is relatively low maintenance and easy to groom and they are light to moderate shedders. They only require a bath as needed. But, you will need to be prepared to deal with some extra drool! Floppy ears tend to trap moisture and dirt, which can lead to ear infections. The ideal dental care for dogs is using an enzyme toothpaste or brushing their teeth every day. Dental hygiene chews or treats, a specially-formulated dental care diet, and more can be used to supplement your dental care efforts. The American Bulldog is an athletic and high-energy dog breed. They love daily walks and plenty of playtime outside. They may even enjoy plenty of other activities with you like swimming, hiking , and more. With their working dog background, this dog breed does need a job to do in order to stay happy and healthy. They also tend to be a good candidate for dog sports like obedience, weight pulling, the Iron Dog competition, and more. A fully-grown American Bulldog usually stands inches tall at the shoulder and weighs between pounds. An American Bulldog generally lives for years. Chance, one of the canine stars from the Homeward Bound films, was an American Bulldog. Featured American Bulldog Article.

Top of Page Iowa Meadow's Labradoodles are wonderfully intelligent family dogs! With low to non-shedding and allergy friendly fur. Their lush silky fleece textured fur ranges from wavy to straight. Australian Labradoodles can range in size from Standard, Medium, or Miniature. Showing little difference in general appearance. Weight can range from 15 to 65 pounds. Check our photos of past litters to get an idea of what color or patterns you like the most. Any dog- owner can relate to this! The more I researched, I realized this breed in particular was perfect for our family and any family around. Not only are these dogs adorable and shed little to none, their wonderful temperaments and health guarantee sold us. We have never looked back and are so in love with our girls. Dogs from this cross typically were bred to each other over future generations, whereby the Australian dogs are also known as 'Multi-generational' Labradoodles. The resulting labradoodles subsequently have been bred to each other continuing the multi-generational tradition. I am also a momma of two girls and my sweet boy who keep me busy with their fun and crazy personalities. Aside from being an Australian Labradoodle Breeder, I also love painting, sewing, and running when I have free time. Iowa Meadow Family Brenna, my oldest is an old wise soul. Her passion and love have always been horses. She makes my heart burst with pride with the devotion she pours into a dream she has and lets nothing stop her. He loves exploring with the dogs, riding his bike, running everywhere and every sport there is. He can't wait to grow up to be a farmer. His best quality is spoiling his momma and telling her she is pretty. Bria is 14 years old and is our sassy spitfire who always keeps us on our toes. She is witty and smart too smart. She loves school which makes life pretty easy for us. Her passion is dancing!! She has been shaking and moving since she came out of the womb. She dances and sings all day long and puts the biggest smile on our faces. She set and reached her goals to join competition dance and continues to improve and impress me. Searching for forever homes.SITE Thank you for visiting our website! We are so excited to be able to provide quality, well bred Australian Labradoodle puppies for you. Please browse through the website and see what we have to offer. You are sure to find some of the cutest puppies you have ever seen! Whether you are looking for a puppy, or just curious about this lovely breed, please feel free to email me with any questions you may have. Many of my previous puppies are placed on the East Coast, and some on the West Coast, so don't let location deter you! I love having families fly in to pick up their puppy, or I can even hand deliver! Click here to visit our puppy page!! Both of these usually make great options for someone looking for a shed free pet, or someone with allergies. They have wonderful personalities and make great family pets, as well as top service and therapy dogs! Most Australian Labradoodles and Bernedoodles from my program are non shedding and allergy friendly. My puppies come in all colors, including chocolate, black, cream, apricot, red, caramel, phantom, tricolor and parti. I have standard, medium and mini Australian Labradoodle and Bernedoodle puppies. Raising healthy, well socialized pups is my top priority. My Australian Labradoodle parent dogs are health tested for hereditary diseases, and I provide a 2 year guarantee on my puppies. So if you are looking for a healthy Australian Labradoodle, you have come to the right place! Australian Labradoodles also called Cobberdogs are, simply put, a multigenerational combination of Labradors, Poodles and Spaniels, though in their distant ancestry there are other breeds that have a very minor influence on the Australian Labradoodle as we know it. They have been bred for many generations to correct coats and set the standard for future generations. Australian Labradoodles are, as a general rule, more predictable in size and coat than the early generations. They are almost always non shedding. That cross can then be bred to another Bernedoodle to make multigen aka "Teddy Bear Bernedoodles", or to a Poodle to make F1b Bernedoodles. Also a Bernedoodle or Bernese Mountain Dog may be bred to an Australian Labradoodle to make Australian Bernedoodles, all of which can help set non shedding traits. While the majority of my puppies are placed in Iowa, Nebraska, Illinois, Minnesota, Wisconsin, I have puppies across the country from coast to coast! I can hand deliver your puppy to nearly anywhere, or you are welcome to fly in to Iowa and pick up your puppy. Please check our available puppies page to see what we have, as well as the upcoming litter page to see what is on the way! Puppies will come up to date on all vaccinations, wormings, and properly socialized. Some litters are spayed and neutered prior to leaving. My adult breeding dogs are raised as family pets in guardian homes nearby, where they are loved and cared for as part of a family. All of my girls are retired at a young age, so that they may enjoy relaxing at their forever home. I do not have a "facility", my program is based in my home. Please feel free to email me any time with questions! We specialize in authentic multi-generational, non-shedding and allergy friendly Australian Labradoodles and Australian Labradoodle Puppies. More information. They are night time crate trained at our bedside and have beginning leash and potty training skills on board before going home at 9 to 10 weeks of age. We serve families and work with breeders all over the world, traveling with your puppy in cabin with me to your local airport if families are too far to drive to us to pick up their puppy! Whether you are in search of non-shedding, allergy friendly Australian Labradoodle Puppies for Sale or wish to learn more about the breed, you have come to the right place. As a multi-generational Australian Labradoodle Breeder since , Heartland Labradoodles breed and raise the finest in Australian Labradoodles and educates new owners about their new life-long companion. About Heartland Labradoodles Raising all of our Australian Labradoodles in the safe and secure environment of our home, Heartland Labradoodles guarantees all of our visitors will truly love our puppies for sale, coming from a small Iowa family farm that is dedicated to raising happy and healthy animals. We are located in Iowa near the Illinois and Wisconsin borders, allowing all of our adorable Australian Labradoodle puppies to have plenty of free space to roam under the care of a true and dedicated Australian Labradoodle and Labradoodle Puppies Breeder. First, it is that we only select, breed and raise multi-generational Australian Labradoodle Dogs For Sale that displays the best of breed characteristics. As a caring and concerned Australian Labradoodle Breeder and retired Registered Nurse that Iowa residents have come to trust, we selectively breed dogs with proven bloodlines and excellent temperaments with extensive health testing, yielding Australian Labradoodles for Sale that Iowa and surrounding area dog enthusiasts will treasure. At Heartland Labradoodles, we know that Iowa residents and families everywhere will want one our Australian Labradoodle Puppies for long-term healthy companionship, as we strive to place all of our dogs in safe and loving homes. Therefore, all of our new puppies are handled on a daily basis to ensure each dog is learning, growing and developing as expected. This way we get to know their personalities and evaluate their individual temperaments. Daily handling of our puppies also allows each dog to become used to voices, touches, and movements that their humans make. By the time they are welcomed into your home, all of our Iowa area and surrounding customers will find our Australian Labradoodles are well-adjusted and will fit right into their new family environments. To make the perfect match, if you see a puppy you may be interested in or are interested in an upcoming litter you wish to inquire about, please take the time to fill out our Puppy Application so we can help you make the perfect puppy-new owner pairing. The Labradoodle, a cross between a Poodle and a Labrador Retriever, is consistently a top doodle breed choice because the breed is family-friendly and hypoallergenic. If you and your family have decided that a Labradoodle puppy is the right fit for your home, you will want to purchase your new family member from a professional and reputable breeder. Other articles you might like: Labradoodle vs. This breeder produces Australian Labradoodles and specializes in multi-generational breeding lines with proven family-friendly puppies. The breeder provides everything a new pup parent could desire: a well-socialized puppy who is up-to-date on vaccinations been wormed bi-weekly and has been examined by a veterinarian. The breeder offers a two-year health guarantee on every puppy, and ships to anywhere within the United States. Puppies can go to their new homes at eight weeks old. Iowa Meadow Labradoodles offers multiple means for you to receive your puppy, including driving the puppy to you in local areas or flying the puppy to your airport. Pup parents are also welcome to pick up their puppy from the breeder as well. Iowa Meadow Labradoodles also offers a Guardian Home program to ensure that all of their puppies will live in a home and never in a kennel setting. Labradoodle Breeder Information.

References 1. Clinical and pathological effects Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency EPI is caused by a degenerative disease of the pancreas. The pancreas has two distinct functions: i the regulation of the blood glucose level through secretion of the hormones insulin and glucagon the endocrine function into the blood and ii the secretion of substances into the intestine that are vital for the digestion of food. The latter is the exocrine function that fails in this disease. The usual cause of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency in German Shepherd dogs is pancreatic acinar atrophy PAA , in which progressive destruction of the acinar cells of the pancreas occurs. The main chemical constituent of pancreatic juice is bicarbonate, this acts to neutralise acid from the stomach. It also contains enzymes which are proteins that act as catalysts in the chemical reactions that break down foodstuffs into molecules small enough to pass through the intestinal wall and be absorbed. These enzymes include proteases that break down protein into amino acids; lipase and phospholipase that break down fats; nucleases that breakdown nucleic acids DNA and RNA ; and amylase that breaks down starch and glycogen. EPI occurs when the acinar cells fail to produce sufficient pancreatic juice for the digestion process Simpson and Rishniw .The commonest reason for this in young GSDs is pancreatic acinar atrophy PAA in which acinar cells are progressive destroyed. The cause of pancreatic acinar atrophy in GSDs is unknown. However, it has been suggested that it may be an auto-immune disease because lymphocytic pancreatitis has been reported to precede the atrophy Wiberg et al a, Hall et al , Wiberg .The endocrine function of the pancreas is usually spared so diabetes mellitus is not usually seen concurrently Neiger et al .In time, EPI can lead to severe malnutrition because affected dogs, although eating normally, may not be able to digest and absorb sufficient nutrients. Deficiencies of specific vitamins including B12 cobalamin , E and K may occur Williams .Dogs with EPI show mild to marked weight loss, despite being ravenously hungry. Other signs include: large volumes of diarrhoea of variable consistency, which may be foul-smelling; flatulence and intestinal borborgymi gurgling. Sometimes there is vomiting and increased drinking and coats may become poor and greasy Williams , Hall et al , Simpson and Rishniw .Unless successfully treated, there can be severe emaciation with muscle wasting and weakness and, eventually, widespread failure of metabolic homeostasis and death Williams , Simpson and Rishniw .Treatment involves oral supplementation of pancreatic enzymes and regular injections of Vitamin B12 and, in some cases, other vitamins Williams , Hall et al , Simpson and Rishniw .Various dietary modifications have been recommended, in particular, a low fat diet but this is controversial Simpson and Rishniw .Dogs with secondary bacterial overgrowth may require antibiotics. Some of these may have been euthanased because of the cost of treatment, which is significant and necessarily life-long Williams .Return to top 2. Intensity of welfare impact The welfare implications of EPI can be severe. Affected dogs appear ravenously hungry most of the time. They may, from time to time, also feel ill, nauseous suffering from vomiting and suffer from abdominal discomfort. Unless successfully treated, the disease progresses to cause weakness due to muscle wastage. If the disease causes vitamin K deficiency, dogs may show spontaneous bleeds Williams .As the disease progresses, dogs become too weak to maintain normal activities, display increasing malaise, and become sicker and sicker as their body systems close down and they die of starvation. The intense hunger can lead to ingestion of inappropriate materials, which may cause painful secondary gastrointestinal upsets or gastrointestinal obstructions. Return to top 3. Duration of welfare impact EPI can occur in dogs of any age but in GSDs signs usually become apparent between 6 months and 6 years of age Hall et al .Batchelor et al b found the median age of diagnosis in GSDs was 36 months. If left untreated dogs starve to death over weeks and months. Treatment has to be life-long. Return to top 4. We are not aware of any more recent estimates. From data on estimates of total dog population in the UK and on the percentage of all micro-chip registered dogs that are GSDs Lucy Asher, , personal communication , we estimate that the UK population size of this breed may be around , Return to top 5. Diagnosis If signs typically associated with this condition, of hunger, weight loss and diarrhoea, are shown by a GSD of less than 5 years of age, EPI is likely to be suspected. EPI can be confirmed by measurement of blood trypsinogen levels. This is the serum trypsin-like immunoreactivity TLI test. Other tests may be needed to rule out other possible causes and complications Williams , Simpson and Rishniw .Low TLI concentrations 0. Recently a test to measure faecal elastase levels has been developed for EPI diagnosis but the TLI test remains the most trusted Simpson and Rishniw .Return to top 6. Genetics It was thought that EPI in GSDs had an autosomal recessive pattern of inheritance Weber and Freudiger , Westermarck , Moeller et al , Clark et al , however, this is now not believed to be the case Westermarck et al .Instead, it is thought that EPI is a polygenic disorder involving multiple genes and possibly environmental factors also Clark , Westermarck et al .This has yet to be confirmed. Return to top 7. How do you know if an animal is a carrier or likely to become affected? The genetics of the condition remain unclear and it is not known if carriers animals that can pass the disease to their offspring without being affected themselves exist Clark .When choosing a puppy, it is important to check that its parents are free of EPI. The older the parents are, the less likely they are to go on to develop EPI at a later date. There are currently no tests that can show whether or not a puppy is likely to develop EPI when older. Return to top 8. Methods and prospects for elimination of the problem As far as we are aware, there are no breeding schemes aimed at tackling EPI in GSDs. It has been recommended that animals that have EPI should not be used for breeding but EPI does not always become apparent prior to breeding age , nor should pairs that have produced affected offspring be paired again. Likewise, line-breeding is not recommended breeding from dogs which share common ancestors but are not closely related Clark , Steiner .These restrictions might result in significant decrease in the size of the gene pool significantly. EPI is not the only genetic disease of GSDs that has significant welfare effects; others include megaoesophagus, hip dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy, haemophilia A, von Willebrand disease, and hereditary multifocal renal cystadenocarcinoma and nodular dermatofibrosis Wahl et al .Therefore, when developing breeding strategies to tackle EPI, it is desirable to also take these into account. The ideal is for breeding programmes to be informed by the results of disease monitoring programmes and for the estimation of breeding values EBV — the relative genetic values of animals in the breeding population — in relation to breeding to eliminate these diseases Lewis et al .EBVs are calculated using all available information on the dog including its pedigree, health status and physical characteristics. Planning matings based on EBVs has proven successful in reducing the prevalence of other diseases, eg in reducing the prevalence of epilepsy in the Belgian Tervuren Oberbauer .This may be a good approach to simultaneously tackling several genetic welfare problems in GSDs, although it may take many generations. For this approach to be successful, the cooperation of the majority of GSD breeders is required so that the breeding values of individuals can be established. Opinions differ as to whether it is ethically acceptable to breed animals whose welfare is likely to be compromised. Another approach to reducing the prevalence of EPI and which avoids risks of further inbreeding would be to outbreed with unaffected dogs of other breeds. The development of a genetic test would be likely to be very helpful in tackling the disease. Return to top 9. How Vets Diagnose EPI in Dogs A veterinarian may suspect that a dog has EPI based solely on their symptoms and breed or history of health problems, but lab tests are still necessary because other diseases can have similar clinical signs. Here are several tests that can help diagnose EPI in dogs. In dogs with EPI, blood-trypsin levels are significantly lower than they should be. The test is easy to perform by drawing blood, but dogs cannot eat for hours before the sample is taken. However, they may be appropriate under some circumstances. Folate another type of B vitamin levels can be normal, high, or low. In severe cases of EPI, dogs may become deficient in vitamin K, which can lead to bleeding. Treatment for Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency in Dogs In theory, treatment for EPI in dogs is fairly straightforward: Dogs eat the missing pancreatic digestive enzymes with their meals, and any other abnormalities, like low cobalamin levels, are addressed. Unfortunately, the reality of treating EPI can be a bit more complicated. Raw Pancreas Meat Another source of pancreatic enzymes is raw pancreas meat from other animals. You can purchase the organ meat from butchers, raw pet food suppliers, and other sources, but handling and feeding raw animal products increases the risk of food-borne illnesses like salmonellosis for everyone in the house. Tips for Feeding Your Dog Raw Pancreas Meat You can grind up and freeze pancreas meat in the appropriate portions and then thaw it before mixing it thoroughly with each meal. Medication that decreases stomach acid secretion, like omeprazole, may be used if this is a concern. Antibiotics Some dogs with EPI develop an overgrowth of bacteria in their intestinal tract , which can be managed with antibiotics often Tylosin. Many dogs only require antibiotic treatment for a month or two as their condition improves, but some may benefit from long-term treatment. Their symptoms can improve over the course of a few days to weeks. Ask if switching to a different diet makes sense. EPI Diets for Dogs There is no one type of diet that benefits all or even most dogs with exocrine pancreatic insufficiency. Some dogs seem to do better when switched to a highly digestible food that is relatively low in fat and fiber, while others improve with more fiber or fat, or they do just fine with whatever it is that they normally eat. What do you feed a dog with EPI? A common recommendation is to feed dogs a highly digestible dog food that is relatively low in fat and fiber. However, different types of food seem to work better for different dogs, so you may have to try several diets before finding a good fit. Your veterinarian can help you figure out the best food for your dog. How do you test a dog for EPI? How much does it cost to test for EPI in dogs? Other tests will be necessary to plan appropriate treatment. How can I treat my dog's EPI at home? However, once that balance is found, the management of EPI in dogs at home is fairly straightforward. Dogs with EPI are usually managed at home with pancreatic enzyme supplementation and cobalamin supplementation. Some dogs also require additional vitamin supplements, antibiotics, medications to reduce the secretion of stomach acid, and other treatments to manage their symptoms. References 1. Wiberg ME. Pancreatic acinar atrophy in German shepherd dogs and rough-coated collies. Etiopathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment. A review. Vet Q. PMID: .Breed associations for canine exocrine pancreatic insufficiency. J Vet Intern Med. ACVIM .Westermarck E, Wiberg ME. Effects of diet on clinical signs of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency in dogs. J Am Vet Med Assoc. Jennifer Coates is an accomplished veterinarian, writer, editor, and consultant with years of experience in the fields of veterinary.Help us make PetMD better Was this article helpful? If the pancreas fails to produce enough of these digestive enzymes, exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, or EPI, develops. The condition is thought to be hereditary in German Shepherds. Symptoms may include chronic diarrhea; weight loss despite a normal or increased appetite; frequent or greater volume of stool and gas; and coprophagia, a condition which causes an animal to eat its own stool. The enzymes responsible for aiding the digestion of starches, fats, and proteins, are produced by cells in the pancreas known as pancreatic acinar cells. The second most common cause of EPI in dogs is chronic inflammation of the pancreas pancreatitis. If chronic pancreatitis is the cause, it is possible your dog has diabetes, which will also need to be treated. Diagnosis If symptoms of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency are apparent, a number of pancreatic function tests can be done. A serum sample that measures the amount of the chemical trypsinogen TLI released into the blood from the pancreas should reveal problems in the pancreas. A number of other tests may be conducted, including urine and stool analyses. Gastrointestinal infections or inflammations may be among the other problems responsible for symptoms similar to EPI. These enzyme supplements come in a powdered form which may be mixed with food. Also, if your dog is undernourished, vitamin supplements may be necessary. Additional treatment depends on the root cause of EPI. Most causes of EPI, such as pancreatic acinar atrophy see above , are irreversible. This means that life-long therapy and enzyme supplements will be needed. Living and Management Avoid high-fat and high-fiber diets, which are more difficult for digestion. Diarrhea should disappear within one week, and the consistency of stools should normalize soon after. Your dog will also begin to regain lost weight. Your veterinarian will guide you through this as your dog progresses. Prevention Breed animals with pancreatic acinar atrophy is not advised, as the condition can passed along to offspring. Make A Donation. So, join me on this informative journey. EPI is generally a permanent condition, so do not stop treatment once symptoms resolve. You can greatly improve the well-being of a German Shepherd with EPI by following a specialized care plan at home, including a diet with easily digestible protein sources. Avoid giving human-prescribed medication, as it may worsen the condition. The pancreas is responsible for producing essential digestive enzymes that help break down food and absorb nutrients. However, in German Shepherds with EPI, the pancreas fails to produce an adequate amount of these enzymes, leading to digestive issues and malabsorption. So, keep an eye out for any unusual signs. Digestive Issues Keep an eye out for chronic diarrhea in your German Shepherd. The stool may appear greasy and foul-smelling due to undigested fat, a hallmark sign of EPI. If your German Shepherd seems to be losing weight without any apparent reason, it could be a potential indicator of EPI. If you notice a decrease in their energy levels or a lack of interest in usual activities, consider the possibility of EPI. Keep an eye out for signs such as chronic diarrhea, unexplained weight loss, increased appetite without weight gain, and poor coat condition. Tracking their symptoms is an invaluable tool for a correct diagnosis. While precise numbers are challenging to determine, research and estimates shed light on the prevalence of EPI in German Shepherds. While these numbers are not absolute and more recent estimates are not readily available, it is evident that EPI is a significant concern among German Shepherds. Having a new German Shepherd puppy is an exciting and joyful experience. While predicting whether a specific puppy will have Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency EPI is challenging, there are important considerations to keep in mind during the selection process. Genetic Predisposition German Shepherds, like many other dog breeds, can have a genetic predisposition to certain health conditions, including EPI. Ideally, both parents should be free from the condition to minimize the risk in their offspring 2. Age of the Parents The age of the parents can also be a helpful indicator. Breeder Reputation Research the reputation of the breeder and their breeding practices. Be observant of their behavior and look out for symptoms like frequent diarrhea, excessive weight loss despite a healthy appetite, and a lack of energy. Proper Nutrition Regardless of whether your puppy has EPI or not, feeding them a balanced diet is crucial for their overall health. Symptom Awareness Although there are no definitive tests to predict EPI in a puppy, being aware of potential symptoms can help. Watch for signs like frequent diarrhea, weight loss, poor coat condition, and excessive hunger paired with a lack of weight gain. They can conduct tests like fecal elastase or cobalamin levels to accurately diagnose EPI. The condition can be managed effectively with enzyme replacement therapy and dietary adjustments. While predicting EPI in individual puppies remains challenging, we can make informed decisions by prioritizing responsible breeding practices and checking the health history of potential canine companions. Focus on buying a German Shepherd puppy safely from a responsible breeder. Understanding Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency EPI in German Shepherds Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency EPI is a condition that affects the pancreas, an essential organ with dual functions: regulating blood glucose levels through hormone secretion endocrine function secreting enzymes for food digestion exocrine function In German Shepherd dogs, the usual cause of EPI is a condition called pancreatic acinar atrophy PAA , which progressively destroys the acinar cells. These cells are responsible for producing pancreatic juice, which contains vital enzymes and chemicals. Pancreatic juice plays a crucial role in the digestive process, containing bicarbonate to neutralize stomach acid and various enzymes that break down food into absorbable molecules. EPI in German Shepherds occurs when the acinar cells fail to produce enough pancreatic juice for digestion, resulting in poor nutrient absorption and potential malnutrition despite a ravenous appetite. When this happens, your dog might start feeling sick. They could lose weight even if they are eating a lot, and their stomach probably feels upset with lots of runny poop. They might also have a greasy coat and feel weak and tired. German Shepherd EPI Warning In severe cases, there can be muscle wasting and weakness, leading to metabolic imbalances and even death if left untreated. They slowly become malnourished, despite eating. Blood Tests: To confirm the diagnosis, your vet will likely perform blood tests to assess the pancreatic enzyme levels and identify any abnormalities. Once this diagnostic process is complete, your veterinarian will discuss the results and give you a diagnosis. While professional veterinary care is essential, there are several ways you can contribute to their treatment at home. Consult a Veterinarian The first and most crucial step is to seek professional guidance. Daily treatment is relatively simple. These enzymes help break down food, aiding in digestion and nutrient absorption. Your vet will determine the appropriate dosage and guide you on how to administer the enzyme supplements. These enzymes are available as powder, capsules, and tablets. Focus on easily digestible proteins and carbohydrates while avoiding foods that trigger adverse reactions. Small, Frequent Meals Feeding your dog smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day can be beneficial. This approach aids digestion and minimizes strain on the pancreas, helping your German Shepherd absorb the necessary nutrients. Routine check-ups with your veterinarian help assess their progress and make any necessary adjustments to the treatment plan. Hydration Ensuring your German Shepherd stays well-hydrated is essential, as EPI can lead to increased water loss through diarrhea. Always provide access to fresh water and monitor their intake. Walking is generally a low-impact and calming activity that can not only reduce stress but also help keep their body in shape as they heal. Provide a calm and comfortable living space to promote their well-being. Patience and Love Living with EPI might be challenging at times, but providing your pup with love, patience, and a supportive environment can make all the difference in their well-being. Remember, you and your loyal companion are in this together. Avoid foods high in fat, as they can exacerbate symptoms. Additionally, feed smaller, more frequent meals to reduce the digestive burden. Consulting a veterinary nutritionist can be valuable in tailoring a balanced and nourishing diet for your EPI-affected German Shepherd. But, with the right approach and information, you can help manage the condition and provide your dog with a fulfilling life. Individualized Treatment Plans While many dogs respond well to the initial treatment, some may require adjustments to their management plan. Each dog is unique, and their response to treatment may vary. Financial Considerations Managing EPI typically involves ongoing medical expenses, as treatment is often lifelong. Pet owners should be prepared for the financial commitment when caring for a German Shepherd with EPI. Seek support from friends, family, or support groups to share experiences, gain insight, and find encouragement during this journey. Keep an eye on their progress at home and stick to regular vet checkups to help make necessary adjustments to their care plan. The Free German Shepherd Stomach Symptom Tracker and Gut Health Guide allows you to record and track symptoms, providing valuable insights for your veterinarian to make informed decisions during check-ups. In: Notes on Canine Internal Medicine pp .She has a Bachelor of Science degree, with Honors, and has been training dogs for over a decade. Related Posts. Chronic pancreatitis Small Intestinal Malabsorption The small intestinal disease is probably the most difficult health issue to differentiate from EPI. Firstly, the symptoms of the two processes are quite similar. Occasionally, small intestinal diseases, like bacterial overgrowth, are a result of EPI. German Shepherds are prone to small intestinal diseases like inflammatory bowel and food sensitivity. Your veterinarian must perform specific tests to differentiate primary small bowel malabsorption and EPI. Often, primary small bowel disease does not produce the huge volumes of feces that EPI does. Also, the appetite may decrease when a disease affects the small intestine, especially if the liver or gallbladder plays a role. Sometimes your vet can perform a lipid test on the feces. However, most distinctions between EPI and small bowel disease occur only after a trypsin-like immunoreactivity analysis. Treatment for EPI usually addresses secondary small bowel malabsorption, especially bacterial overgrowth. Primary small bowel disease requires a diagnosis of the underlying cause and then subsequent treatment. Intestinal Worms Intestinal worms often cause weight loss and diarrhea. You see worms most commonly in young puppies. Your veterinarian can easily rule worms in or out with an examination of a fecal sample. Facilities perform repeated fecal examinations if necessary. Although puppies lose weight and are unthrifty from worms, it will not be as drastic as in EPI. Diarrhea tends to be scant and may have blood in it. It can bring on other signs atypical of EPI like lethargy, dehydration, and collapse. Starvation Although starving German Shepherds look much like EPI dogs, the diagnosis will be obvious from the history. Moreover, if you rescue a German Shepherd from starvation, you will not see voluminous diarrhea because there is no food intake. Chronic Pancreatitis Chronic pancreatitis can be difficult to differentiate from EPI because both diseases have origins in the same organ. Moreover, chronic pancreatitis is sometimes a cause of EPI. However, pancreatitis can also cause vomiting, inappetence, lethargy, abdominal pain, and vomiting. Please note when starting treatments that you must adjust dosages for each individual dog. Once enzymes are at appropriate levels for your dog, you should expect smooth and predictable results of weight gain and the resolution of diarrhea. Treatment for EPI usually involves a three-pronged attack. Rare cases exist where a canid with pancreatic insufficiency secondary to acute pancreatitis eventually regained enzymatic function. EPI often calls for a lifelong commitment to enzyme supplementation. Your veterinarian will prescribe enzymes for your German Shepherd in the form of powder, tablets, or capsules. The powder is by far the most effective formulation. If you subscribe to holistic or all-natural treatments, you can talk to your veterinarian about providing enzymes via fresh frozen pig pancreas. According to Epi4dogs. A fresh-frozen pancreas complements raw diets especially well. Cooking raw pancreas destroys enzymatic action, but uncooked meat can be susceptible to bacterial contamination. Recommended amounts to feed your GSD are three to four ounces of the minced pancreas. Whether the powder you use is prescription or over-the-counter, you will achieve the best results if you add warm water to activate the enzymes. Typical amounts are a half to full teaspoon of enzyme powder for every cup of food. You customize the amount gradually according to how your dog progresses. Eventually, you will decrease doses to use the minimal effective amount to maintain weight. Dogs that have dosages that are too high may experience oral bleeding. Many dogs do best with a raw diet or at least one that is free of grains. You can choose from prescription diets or hand-selected meals from high-quality health-minded brands. Your goal is to moderate protein and limit fats compared to what many premium dog foods offer. You can feed a homemade or raw diet as well. Try to follow the advice of your veterinarian regarding daily vitamin and mineral requirements. Treating EPI Complications The most common secondary effects of EPI that you may have to treat are vitamin B12 deficiency, inflammatory small bowel disease, and bacterial overgrowth. Such pH changes encourage inflammation and further proliferation of nonbeneficial bacteria. Diet modification helps, but your German Shepherd may also benefit from long-term antibiotics that target harmful bacteria. Such antibiotics include Flagyl, or Metronidazole and Oxytetracycline. Dogs can suffer from vitamin E and K deficiencies, but the most critical shortages are typically vitamin B.Moreover, if your German Shepherd does produce the vitamin, they may not be able to absorb it because of inflammation, or bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine. Eventually, the frequency may change to every other week and then monthly. Your veterinarian may even be able to train you to give injections at home. A lab test will be able to confirm whether your pet needs vitamin B12 supplementation. Vitamin B12 is vital for your German Shepherd to gain weight, and for maintaining healthy intestinal and brain function. It takes a long time for vitamin b12 to reach critically low levels and it is a challenging task to get it back up once it plummets to such low levels. Your German Shepherd can work, play, and serve as your loyal companion for years to come! Rather than show videos of emaciated German Shepherds, we would like to end on a positive note. Caretakers of rescue dogs must always be vigilant as it is easy to confuse exocrine pancreatic insufficiency with starvation when a dog first comes to a shelter. Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency also called EPI is a medical condition in which the pancreas of the affected German Shepherd Dog GSD stops producing enough digestive enzymes to digest food normally in its small intestine. EPI in the GSD can result from primary pancreatic disease or several other diseases that interfere with the correct production of enzymes by the pancreas or of activation of the enzymes in the intestine. What is the pancreas and EPI? And what does this have to do with my own personal German Shepherd? Without adequate production of these particular enzymes your GSD cannot digest its food properly either. Keep in mind that Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency can be potentially life threatening, especially in its acute form. However, it often responds well to ongoing and daily treatments when diagnosed and treated with the proper drugs. Typically, the exocrine functions of the pancreas can malfunction in one of two ways. This does require immediate veterinary attention. This is indeed a big tell. No matter how much the dog eats, it will be hungry soon after and will soon begin to lose weight. Typically, exocrine pancreatic insufficiency in the GSD is presented in young adult dogs between 1 to 5 years of age. The diagnosis of EPI needs to be confirmed by use of laboratory tests. Diarrhea and foul smelling feces due to high fat content results and because all the food ingredients are not being digested completely the German Shepherd will quickly become malnourished. EPI is caused by the pancreas not producing enough digestive enzymes, which can lead to malnourished and other health problems. EPI is a common health issue in German Shepherds, so If your dog has symptoms of EPI, it is important to get him diagnosed and treated as soon as possible. Thankfully, EPI can be successfully managed with proper care. Her website, epi4dogs. Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency EPI is a condition found in dogs where the pancreas does not produce enough digestive enzymes to break down food. The digestive enzymes include amylase to digest starch, protease to digest proteins, and lipase to digest fats. Weight loss, which can be extreme Excessive eating Eating everything and anything even nonfood items Inability to gain weight Rumbling sounds coming from the digestive tract Passing gas, which is often smelly Frequent diarrhea Light-colored stool yellow or gray Fatty looking stool Dull and sometimes greasy coat How Is EPI Diagnosed in dogs? Fortunately, checking for EPI in your dog is not all that difficult. If you and your vet suspect EPI is the culprit, your vet will request a stool sample from your dog and perform blood work. As we learned from Olisea in our podcast, treatment involves the whole dog, and it may take a bit of trial and error to get it right, but it is doable. Treatment includes diet changes to include: Highly digestible, low-fat foods with prescribed pancreatic enzymes mixed in with every meal. Fortunately, many dogs respond well to treatment and can live long, happy lives. Also, be sure to check out the website www. This part was inadvertently cut off and not fully explained in the podcast.

One or both of this puppy's parents have undergone genetic testing. One or both of this puppy's parents are hip certified. One or both of this puppy's parents is OFA Heart certified. This puppy has had early neurological stimulation exercises. The sad truth is that many pet store purchased pups actually come from puppy mills. Basically, there is zero authenticity with pet stores. When it comes to adopting any animal from a pet store, there is an increased risk of unforeseen health or genetic problems. You also cultivate a life-long relationship with the breeder, meaning support is available to you anytime you may need it. With My Golden Retriever Puppies , you have the option to come and visit both the puppy and the breeder in person! Golden Retrievers are an adaptable breed, meaning they are better at adapting to seasonal changes and various types of climate than certain other breeds. Goldens sport a double-coat, which ensures that these sweet pups are able to tolerate slightly colder temperatures than their friends from other breeds. Your pup deserves better than that, which is why here at My Golden Retriever Puppies , we ensure high-quality care is taken of your pet at all times. For more about the true price of a golden retriever puppy, you can read our full price breakdown here. Location Information for Nashville Customers Our home office is located in Ohio, but we understand that long-distance travel can be inconvenient. If you prefer to meet a breeder in person, they may be able to offer private visits at their home. Of course! Here at My Golden Retriever Puppies , we value family and authenticity, which is why we always guarantee our pups through our 2-year genetic health guarantee. Like adopting a Golden Retriever from a pet store, there is an increased risk when adopting a pup from a rescue center or shelter as well. For example, pups purchased through a shelter or rescue center are far less likely to come with the kinds of health guarantees and reassurances that a breeder can provide. What type of Golden Retrievers are sold in Nashville? We have some good news! Ready to make your Golden Retriever dreams come true? Take a look at our convenient list of available puppies. How do I know which breeders to trust in Nashville? Our independent network of trusted breeders have already been pre-screened and verified, so that you can focus on what really matters: choosing your dream puppy. Be the first to know when we have new puppies! All Rights Reserved. They are very friendly, loving and often make great family pets. There are three types of Golden Retrievers — English, Canadian and American with colors ranging from golden, lightly golden, and dark golden. To bring home the perfect Golden Retriever from a breeder, it is important to find a breeder who focuses on the health, longevity, and temperament of their dogs. The Golden Retriever puppies should also be well socialized before going to their forever home and be screened for genetic hereditary problems including hip and elbow problems. Best Golden Retriever Breeders in Tennessee 1. They strive to provide healthy quality puppies with calm temperaments! They carefully select Goldens from top Multi-champion European import lines which they feel are some of the best bloodlines available in the United States! They raise their puppies around their grandchildren to make sure they are socialized and great around children. They are constantly posting photos on Facebook and are updating their website with the latest news on new litters. Name of Owner. We have answers. Finding a new Golden Retriever for sale in Nashville has never been easier - no matter where you live! Why is Uptown Puppies different from other places? Are Golden Retriever puppies for sale in Nashville ready now? Golden Retrievers for sale in Nashville are available right now - but not for long! Some breeds have a higher demand than others and the Golden Retriever is no exception. How do you secure yours? How does Uptown Puppies view transparency when it comes to breeding Golden Retriever puppies Nashville? Do you sell the cheapest Golden Retriever puppies in Nashville? When you see discounted pups, they usually come from inhumane puppy mills or backyard breeders that simply want to peddle them for a quick buck. How do I know that my puppy will be healthy? Is it enough to walk Golden Retriever puppies for sale Nashville, or do they need more exercise? These pups generally require a living space that has a safe area for them to run free in. Fenced-in backyards or secluded, open fields tend to give them enough space to properly stretch their legs. Do you recommend specific food for my dog? Nashville Golden Retrievers for sale love people more than anything, but eating is a close second! To keep them at healthy weight, you should curate a diet that is rich in vegetables and meats. Generally, canned and bagged dog foods work well as long they come from a reputable name-brand. Which kinds of breeds are best for families? This pup is often depicted as the ultimate family dog in movies for a reason! What are some of the most intelligent and easy to train breeds? Nashville Golden Retrievers for sale were originally bred to be gun dogs and hold an innate drive to work that helps them learn new tricks and commands with relative ease. Working with your Golden also keeps it mentally stimulated and helps prevent any misbehavior.

Puppy Supplies Welcome to Buck Family Farm, a place where our love for Golden Retrievers has evolved into a passion for providing families with affectionate, intelligent, and healthy Golden Retriever Puppies. Our goal is to make sure your next family pet is everything you expected and more. Our Dogs Our family specializes in raising Golden Retrievers of all coat shades who enjoy our spacious 20 acre farm. It is important to us that each dog gets special attention and care each day. Our family-style setup allows our dogs to have the luxury of running free and romping around to their hearts' content while playing together and with our family. Also, since this is our at-home classroom, someone is always available to play ball or give a much needed scratch on the belly and pat on the head. Genetic testing is also performed on each dog to help us make wise choices for the best pairings and to produce puppies with the best probability of excellent health. Of high importance however, is taking into consideration the temperament of each of our Golden Retrievers to produce a well balanced and friendly companion, who exhibits all of the classic traits of the breed. Puppies Buck Family Farm puppies are AKC registered, vet certified, have first shots, are wormed and will come to your home with a 1 year health guarantee and a first bag of puppy food. We also send a blanket with mommy's scent and all appropriate NYS paperwork as well as copies of parents' health clearances. Our desire is to make your experience with us and our puppies everything you expected and more. Puppy Applications If you are interested in purchasing a puppy from our farm please fill out an adoption application to help us get to know you a little better. When your application is accepted you will have the opportunity to place your name on our waiting list for an additional fee. This ensures a courtesy call when a particular color, gender or litter of choice has arrived. You will then have the opportunity to place a deposit on one of our puppies. You will receive a courtesy notification of the litters' arrival and have opportunity to place a deposit. However, deposits that are not submitted promptly will affect your pick-order. Deposits are usually non-refundable. Placing a Deposit Once a new litter is born and determined to be healthy and thriving, we open them for deposit. First, to those on our waiting list, and then to families who have pre-approved applications. We choose puppies at 5 weeks of age in the order that deposits were placed. Please contact us for Paypal, zelle and Venmo handles. Visiting We frequently update pictures of all puppies on a regular basis. You will not be allowed to visit the puppies or parents until mommy is settled in and feeling comfortable with visitors. At 5 weeks of age we have adopting families visit our farm and choose their puppy. Puppies are chosen in the order that deposits were placed. Homecoming At 8 weeks of age and after veterinary examination, puppies will be united with their forever families! Website: Hilltopgoldenretriever. They want to breed healthy, content dogs that will make devoted companions. Four adorable Golden Retriever puppies wandering on the flower bed. What a lovely day! Every parent dog has undergone a health examination, and their pedigrees are posted on their website for anyone to view. The breeders socialize the puppies with kids and adult dogs and desensitize them to household noises. They also ensure all puppies are vet checked and certified. The pups come with AKC registration, a 1-year health guarantee, and litter pedigree. They will have received their latest shots and deworming. Nevani Goldens Nevani Goldens sets the standards high. They raise their dogs at home, where they interact with their children. The Golden Retriever puppy smiles while sitting on a blanket. Each parent dog has undergone genetic testing and received an OFA clearance. The breeders raise the puppies using puppy culture techniques, so the pups are content and healthy. They monitor their health from birth and offer a 2-year health guarantee with the pups. Her love for the breed soon made her a breeder, a passion she is very dedicated to. Golden Retriever family lying on the grass. She breeds animals at home and places a high value on temperament. They are also cleared for OFA, eye, elbow, and heart. Timberscombe Golden Retrievers Timberscombe is a family breeder that breeds healthy Golden Retrievers. The dogs are raised in their home and loved like family members. The breeding program does not use animals that do not pass these tests. The breeders feed them premium dog food so that they enjoy optimum health. The puppies are socialized to make them great companions. They are dewormed at 2, 4, 5, and 7—8 weeks of age and vaccinated at 6 weeks. All puppies come with limited or full AKC registration, depending on your preference. They accommodate buyers and are ready to meet them if they are within a 1. Breeder Details:. Both of which conduct yearly inspections and verify my dogs are all well cared for. I have been breeding Golden Retrievers since .I hold a degree in Animal Science. I have worked several years in an active animal hospital. I administer most of my own vaccines, conduct progesterone testing with my own machine determines best timing of breeding through collection of blood sample , and I conduct my own ultrasound at home for confirmation of pregnancies. I conduct natural breeding with all my dogs. Delivery of puppies also occurs at my home naturally unless an emergency health issue dictates otherwise. I am very passionate about the care of my dogs and strive to have the healthiest and happiest puppies possible. If you would like to see more detailed information about Hilltop Golden Retriever, please continue to read on and click through all the tabs of this website. Hilltop Golden Retriever Location: If your still unsure of where South Westerlo is located, we are about 25 minutes northwest of Catskill and 35 minutes southwest of Albany capital of NY. We are closest to Albany International Airport if you are looking to fly. If you are looking for a direct flight, you might want to look into Newark but would require a car rental and some travel time on the road. If you are traveling from decent distance away and in search of a hotel. If your early for your puppy pickup appointment and looking to get something to eat, a few minutes away in Greenville you can find the Tasting Lab or the Tiny Diner to sit down at. If you want something quicker check out the hot dog stand in front of the Tiny Diner or the Dunkin Donuts just up the road off of .I worked several years as a veterinarian technician assistant in a very active animal hospital. Over the years I learned so much and gained a lot of experience that has helped me excel as a breeder. While I was attending college, I ended up meeting my husband. He also shared my passion in dogs. She was my dream come true and truly encouraged me to be the breeder I am today. I fell in love with a dark female puppy from the litter. Over time and seeing so many families pleased with our puppies we wanted to grow. We felt that a large property was a must for our dogs to exercise and play. We ended up selling our first home and purchasing the house where we reside now. Technically our mailing address is in Greenville however we are in fact in South Westerlo within the hills of Albany county. Both of our families are from the area, so the transition was very supportive and the location is very easy to travel from or to the New York State Thruway or from Interstate I.Soon after our move we have spent so much time with creating the best environment and care for our dogs. Throughout the year we get visited by the state and AKC to verify our dogs are in the best care possible. Everything was thought of during this build. The building consists of two floors. Fans are optional throughout the entire interior. We have additional propane heaters that will work with no electricity. The floors have built in drainage and are covered in grippy flecked epoxy. Our dogs have constant access to water and have comfortable Kuranda beds to lay on. We have designated areas for our older puppies after mom is done nursing them. These areas consist of very nice over-sized play areas. The walls are made out of washable white plastic, and we use g-flooring with fresh wood chips for the bedding. The puppies have plenty of toys and their own Kuranda bed s that they love to lay on or hide below it. Our outside run area consists of a fully covered roof, so our dogs are protected from the elements, with lighting and fans. The play area has over feet of beautiful black chain link fencing. The large play area also offers a doggy playground area where they have plenty of toys to tug and pull on. About our Dogs: We strive to provide the best and healthiest lines of Golden Retrievers. We spend endless hours in search and communication with multiple breeders from all over the United States. Checking pedigrees and clearances prior to committing with a new line. We have made some amazing relationships with some of the best breeders, all of which share the same common goal of breeding healthy AKC Golden Retrievers. We raise and train all of our puppies within our home. We work with commands, potty training, and socialization on many different platforms and various environments. Early on we are verifying their personality and traits are conclusive with a possible prospect for future breeding. As time goes on, we decide if they are a good candidate or not for breeding. If they are a good candidate additional health testing is scheduled per their age. We conduct several medical tests to verify healthy lines prior to breeding. The health tests set us apart from most breeders that claim their dogs are healthy per a veterinarian check or that claim that they conduct DNA genetic health testing but nothing else. One of the first health tests that we conduct and one of the most important tests on all our dogs, is DNA genetic testing. We have used Animal Genetics in the past but have been shifting towards using Embark. This test allows us to verify we have the best pairing of parents prior to breeding and that we are not passing on bad genes that could be avoidable issues in the future. After our dogs turn 1, they proceed to get OFA testing of their eyes and heart. A specialist either looks at their eyes or heart to verify they have no health conditions that could be passed to their offspring. If we are lucky enough that our young golden passes, we will move forward to the next health testing stage. The next health test that we typically conduct once our young golden is 1. While they are sedated to have these x-rays we usually also have Penn Hip testing done. Also, per our vet the Penn Hip is a better test to know the overall health of the hips as they test the elasticity and movement rather then judging based on an image. Last health test we do is done at the age of 2 years old. As the dogs age their bones calcify, a dog with failing elbow or hips younger then 2 could very well change to passing once they turn 2. Under each dog there is a link from K9 data. Unfortunately K9 data will not allow preliminary testing information in the link which is the OFA elbow and hip test results if the dog is under 2 years of age when the test is conducted. However we do list the preliminary test results under each dog. Once we have the official results K9 data will be updated to reflect their latest test results. We are constantly conducting health tests and updating K9 data as well as the webpage. Lots of factors could play into why a dog could fail their OFA elbows or hip tests. It may not necessarily be genetic but instead could be from the environment that they are raised in. Limiting their jumping heights is extremely important. Simply slipping on ice can cause unforeseen affects to their overall development. It is also highly recommended for additional joint supplements as they grow, we prefer the use of NuVet supplements see link on website tab for further information on NuVet products. Lack of vitamin C in their food is another considered attribute to not having passing scores. All of these factors are highly overseen during the raising of our potential breeding dogs. Unfortunately, sometimes our dogs do not pass all of their tests. We sometimes keep them, but we also have found amazing homes for them. We are even more particular in their home placement as we know their personalities and what would be the best fit. They will be spayed prior or be contracted to be spayed soon after being placed in their new homes. We are very focused on ensuring we know our breeding stock through both their individual health and their genealogy testing. Our dogs and puppies get a lot of socializing. Daily they are engaged with our other dogs, our young sons, our friends, and other family members. They all get a ton of love and attention. This ensures they keep up on their house manners and it also makes it incredibly easier when pregnant moms deliver within our home. Our dogs are not kept outdoors like you might see with other breeders. We also have them go into large fenced in play areas where they play in large groups with each other. We do not show our dogs or conduct any competitions with them. When I am not raising my children, I am constantly spending time with my dogs or interacting with potential customers. My husband works many hours in his law enforcement career to dedicate any additional time in competitions, trials, or shows. Once he retires and the children are older, we may pursue that however it is not our current focus. Some of the lighter goldens that we have also known as English Creams do have championship titles in their bloodlines as does our darker red field goldens. Any of our puppies with proper training could and would be amazing for shows or hunting trials as its in their bloodline. About our Puppies: I usually make the determination of puppies after 30 days of a breeding. I have my own ultrasound machine and can get a good determination of how many puppies are present. It does not give me an exact count. Only way to really narrow down the number of puppies is by an x-ray, around the day mark. I do not conduct my own x-rays and that would require a visit to the animal hospital. To reduce stress on mom and the puppies we do not do x-rays. I get a final count upon delivery keeping mom where she is most comfortable. Delivery of puppies take place in my home around the days after being bred, unless an emergency C-section requires otherwise. Typically, all our puppies are delivered naturally. Someone is always with the mother for the entire delivery. It is very strenuous but has the best outcome for both mom and pups. When all the puppies are born, we will post pictures on the Facebook page. We will then reach out to anyone on our waiting list. If by chance, there are any extra puppies we will make an announcement on Facebook after exhausting our wait list. Sometimes people back out and puppies do come up available at various times. During the initial few days into the few weeks mom and puppies are spending a lot of quality time together. We are keeping a close attention that everyone is gaining weight and seem to be progressing. The pups are handled daily by us. After about 2 weeks eyes and ears will begin to open. The fourth week they are starting to find their legs and moving around exploring. The fifth week if all are doing well, I begin the weaning process where mom is nursing less and less as I introduce kibble to their diet. We begin the deworming process and also begin the first vaccine. We do not travel with the puppies to an animal hospital. I feel it could be stressful for the puppies and creates an opportunity for the puppies to be exposed to other pet sicknesses. I have a traveling vet come and conduct full physicals on all of the puppies. You will receive a copy of her report in the puppy folder upon pickup date. We have outside play areas and toys for them to interact with. They will also be played with by children and handled by adults. They will have several toys to interact with. Obstacles will be in there play pens to learn jumping and crawling. Process Purchasing a Puppy: If you decide that you would like to move forward with getting a puppy, we recommend that you first look at the females and the males that we have. Sometimes the males could change if multiple females come into heat at the same time. We also have an additional tab where you can view planned future breeding so you can have a better idea of potential pairings. Next, I would like to have a phone interview so we can find out more about yourself and the home that a puppy of mine would be going to. In our discussion I would like to know which mother you were leaning towards and whether you prefer a male or female puppy. I can go over all additional questions that you may have including total costs. If both parties are fully satisfied, I will move forward with sending you over the contract. I sell all my puppies with limited AKC registration. Under certain circumstances I will offer full AKC registration for an additional charge. If you are wondering what the difference is between limited and full registration. Limited registration means you can never breed a puppy from me and it will be expected upon proper age that the dog is spayed. Full registration is only for breeders that want to purchase a puppy with intentions of breeding. I am not against giving another breeder full registration however it must be discussed prior, and all requirements must be met that I have. I do require the final payment to be in cash upon pickup of the puppy, so there no issues of bounced checks or issues with sending monies from one bank institution to another. No exceptions. I typically only reserve the first 3 females and the first 3 males as there are no guarantees of how many puppies are born. I go in order of when I am contacted. For an example if you contacted me in May for a female, and John Doe contacted me in January for a female from the same mother then John Doe will get first pick and you would get second pick. It seems to be the fairest method I have come across and will be moving forward with that process unless I discover a better way. I also reserve the right to have first pick so I can sustain my future breeding line as it dictates. I do not allow visitation to the puppies until they are ready for pickup. It also increases the chances for the puppies to get sick and potentially all die from a condition call parvo, as they are not full vaccinated. I have scheduled meetings with individuals that would like to meet me and the adult dogs fully vaccinated prior to making a commitment but not when I have current litters. I would recommend if you want to see the puppies earlier to log into Facebook and follow my page on there. I conduct live videos where you can see all the puppies. After a few weeks old we begin to collar them so you can tell them apart better. I do not place or pick certain pups for certain homes. Some people may not like that due to a puppies drive or behavior. I personally feel training is key to your dogs behavior. You have to spend time with this puppy and be consistent. Goldens just want to please you, but they will test you to learn their place in the household. If you lack experience in training dogs, I do recommend you work with a trainer and read literature so you can achieve the most success with your puppy. You will get an hour to choose your puppy. Please be mindful as I will have others scheduled after your hour of time is completed. I will need some of that time to go over paperwork that is required through the state to complete. I have no problems if you want to bring a trainer or conduct your own tests to see if one puppy might be a better fit based on their opinion. Please be respectful of my property and do not go adventuring around wherever you may like without me being present. Once you pick your puppy and all paperwork has been completed, you will be provided with vet records of your puppy and the vaccines that were previously given. At this time, I do not microchip any puppies. I personally feel the best time to microchip a puppy is when they are sedated which I recommend during the spay. We do require that you schedule an appointment with your vet within 14 days of the pickup date. You may want to schedule this prior to arrival as animal hospitals have been extremely busy. We will have gift bag for you. There will be some surprises in there for your pup, including enough puppy food for the next several days so you can either remain on it or gradually change the food to one of your liking. We highly recommend slowly changing the food over time if you decide to change it as they have extremely sensitive stomachs at this age. Thank you for your interest in our AKC Goldens. See below to join our Farm News for updates on new litters. We accept deposits right here on our website to Hold the Gender of your Choice first paid-deposit, first reserved basis. If you have a preference for which momma you'd like, you can make note of that when placing a deposit. Otherwise, we will notify you when the next litter is available and confirmed through ultrasound! Your new fur baby will be ready to go home at 8 weeks old. The final payment must be made before taking the puppies home. Please join our email subscriber's here. Each puppy has such a precious, unique personality, so we like for our families to have time to interact with them and pick them out in person. We will schedule 1-hour appointments when the puppies are ready to be picked up 8 weeks old. Deposits are non-refundable. You or a flight nanny will need to meet us outside of the airport for puppy pickup. Additionally, If you are unable to fly to pick up the puppy or arrange a flight nanny , we are happy to provide the flight nanny service for you. The Flight Nanny charge is outlined below. Please feel free to message with more questions. We are happy to offer flight nanny service, though! The nanny is either ourselves or someone we personally know and trust. The flight nanny is attuned to your pet's needs and will give special attention to a smooth, caring transition from our farm to your arms. Flight Nanny fee must be paid ahead for scheduling purposes. We are happy to speak through these detail specifics with you. Be sure to watch for our mahogany. Breeders VS. The sad truth is that many pet store purchased pups actually come from puppy mills. Basically, there is zero authenticity with pet stores. When it comes to adopting any animal from a pet store, there is an increased risk of unforeseen health or genetic problems. You also cultivate a life-long relationship with the breeder, meaning support is available to you anytime you may need it. With My Golden Retriever Puppies , you have the option to come and visit both the puppy and the breeder in person! Golden Retrievers are an adaptable breed, meaning they are better at adapting to seasonal changes and various types of climate than certain other breeds. Goldens sport a double-coat, which ensures that these sweet pups are able to tolerate slightly colder temperatures than their friends from other breeds. Your pup deserves better than that, which is why here at My Golden Retriever Puppies , we ensure high-quality care is taken of your pet at all times. For more about the true price of a golden retriever puppy, you can read our full price breakdown here. Location Information for New York Customers Our home office is located in Ohio, but we understand that long-distance travel can be inconvenient. If you prefer to meet a breeder in person, they may be able to offer private visits at their home. Of course! Here at My Golden Retriever Puppies , we value family and authenticity, which is why we always guarantee our pups through our 2-year genetic health guarantee. Like adopting a Golden Retriever from a pet store, there is an increased risk when adopting a pup from a rescue center or shelter as well. For example, pups purchased through a shelter or rescue center are far less likely to come with the kinds of health guarantees and reassurances that a breeder can provide. What type of Golden Retrievers are sold in New York? We have some good news! Ready to make your Golden Retriever dreams come true? Take a look at our convenient list of available puppies. How do I know which breeders to trust in New York? Our independent network of trusted breeders have already been pre-screened and verified, so that you can focus on what really matters: choosing your dream puppy. Be the first to know when we have new puppies! All Rights Reserved. Life Span Did You Know? The Golden Retriever has been an AKC-recognized breed since and was commonly used as a gun dog and for retrieving small game such as waterfowl, and for companionship. The Golden Retriever originated in the Scottish Highlands. The first Lord Tweedmouth, Dudley Majoribanks, is credited with developing the breed and keeping detailed records to create the ideal gun dog for the terrain. Great discipline and a gentle spirit make the Golden Retriever a perfect retrieval breed since the goal of this task is to bring the trophy back as undamaged as possible. Golden Retrievers first appeared in dog shows in at a British dog show. They also started appearing in the United States around the same time as they were brought across the Canadian border. They gained popularity with sport hunters and in general. Their popularity really took off in the s and they are consistently one of the most popular dog breeds. If you are not the sporting type, bringing a Golden Retriever into your family as a pet is just as rewarding because they are one of the most loyal and jovial breeds out there. One of the facts about Golden Retrievers is that they are the epitome of friendly and make fantastic family dogs. Golden Retrievers are considered one of the friendliest dog breeds. They tend to be good with kids, other dogs, other pets, and even strangers. Goldens love attention and they bond closely with their families. They are affectionate with them, and also just about everyone else. Although they do tend to get along with everyone, they love being around their favorite humans the most. They will bark to alert you and can end up barking a lot if you do not train your dog to stop barking early on. Golden Retrievers are highly adaptable dogs. They thrive in homes with yards where they can run. They can also adapt to apartment living as long as they get enough daily exercise, mental stimulation, and attention. These dogs do well in just about any climate, but are sensitive to heat. As one of the most affectionate dog breeds , they are not at all happy about being left alone for long periods of time. Although super-friendly and attention-loving, Goldens can also be sensitive to their surroundings; make sure they feel included, but have a quiet place to go if things get too noisy or overwhelming. Potential health concerns to be aware of in a Golden Retriever include progressive retinal atrophy, cataracts, elbow dysplasia , and hip dysplasia. Good breeding practices make a big difference in the health of puppies. Reputable breeders screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. So, make sure you ask about the health and genetic history of the parents. You can also ask about any health tests or clearances that have been done. Goldens are considered one of the best dog breeds for first-time owners. They are highly trainable dogs that pick up on things quickly and are eager to please. These traits make them a good fit for owners of all experience levels. It also helps them excel at obedience competitions. As one of the smartest dog breeds , Golden Retrievers can get bored easily. Because they pick up things quickly, they can get bored with too much repetition in training. If your dog has mastered the command, move on to something more advanced or another activity. You can also enroll in puppy training classes for some variety in training and also some socialization. Golden Retrievers have a long double coat that will shed a little year-round and will be heavier twice a year as the seasons change. Brushing a few times a week and daily brushing during seasonal shedding along with a bath as needed is usually enough for at-home care. You will want to go to the dog groomer for a professional trim a few times a year, especially as the seasons change. Nail trims once or twice monthly keep nails from growing too long. Daily tooth brushing, along with cleanings at the vet when needed, is ideal. Golden Retrievers are one of the most active dog breeds. Daily walks plus some playtime, time to run, and other activities are usually enough to keep these dogs happy and healthy. But, they are high-energy dogs that will likely always be up for more activity if you are. Much like the Labrador , they also tend to have an extended puppyhood. They tend to start winding down a little around the age of 3 and settle into your lifestyle, but they will still be high-energy dogs that require a lot of daily activity. Goldens are known for being versatile and athletic dogs. They tend to love swimming. Once they are done growing and the vet clears them for higher-impact activities, you can try other things too. They are one of the dog breeds that make good running partners. You can also teach them how to play frisbee or play fetch. Training for dog sports is another good option. In addition to obedience, Golden Retrievers are well suited for agility, dock diving , rally, flyball, tracking, and more. Fully-grown Golden Retrievers usually stand inches tall and weigh pounds. Golden Retrievers generally live for years on average. With their intelligence, eagerness to please, and gentle disposition, Golden Retrievers are versatile working dogs. In addition to being one of the dog breeds that make the best service dogs , Goldens can be found working as emotional support dogs, certified therapy dogs, search and rescue dogs, military dogs, police dogs, animal actors, and more. Featured Golden Retriever Article.

If you click and purchase, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Learn More Are you looking for adorable Labradoodle puppies in Indiana? All of them follow ethical breeding practices and make sure that their puppies come from healthy, carefully screened parents. For this, ethical Labradoodle breeders in Indiana conduct rigorous health and genetic testing on their breeding dogs. Only dogs who have passed with flying colors are used for breeding purposes, which greatly reduces the risk of the puppies inheriting any genetic conditions or hereditary illnesses. Some breeders even offer a three-year health warranty! All of these organizations require that their member breeders follow their strict health testing standards, ethical breeding practices, and provide the pups a nurturing, loving, and safe environment to grow up in. Additionally, some breeders also post their customer testimonials on their websites. Chestnut Hill Labradoodles is a Puppy Culture breeder and also utilizes important puppy rearing techniques from Avidog. They make sure that all of their pups are properly socialized with children, adults, elderly, and other dogs before adoption. They also implement various enrichment methods, such as potty training, crate training, Early Neurological Stimulation ENS , regular grooming, household desensitization, and more. What Makes This Breeder Unique? Puppies receive their age appropriate vaccinations, dewormings, a microchip, free pet insurance for 30 days through Trupanion, and early spaying or neutering. Conclusion 1. This family-owned breeder has been in business for over three years now. While they are relatively new in the industry, they have received many positive reviews. The Australian Labradoodle puppies in mixed colors look curious to the surroundings. The breeder has a acre field where they raise their pups in a family-friendly environment. Dogs have a huge playing field in Daffodil Hill Australian Labradoodles. In fact, they indicate that their pups live in their home and are a part of their daily lives. Daffodil Hill Australian Labradoodles are pretty responsive as they love interacting with their pet parents. The breeder offers lifetime assistance to new pet parents to help them adopt their new furry friends successfully. Labradoodles from this breeder undergo basic training to ensure puppies have the required skills before moving to their forever homes. The breeder offers a 2-week board and train program to new pet owners. This is part of their adoption process to help puppies and pet parents get along on the right foot. Contact Details:. Thanks for stopping by! If you are a first time visitor, then congratulations on your decision to adopt a dog! Your are about to improve and potentially save! Every state page here on Local Dog Rescues contains a complete list of all the local rescue organizations that we have identified in each state. You will be able to see all their current contact information, as well as a link to their website, so you can check and see what dogs they currently have available for adoption. We provide all this information to help you identify ALL the available dogs for rescue near you, so you can find your perfect pup. It is jam packed with awesome info that will help you on your adoption journey! If you are considering getting a Labradoodle, you'll want to check out the incredible book "The Complete Guide to Labradoodles". It's written in an easy-to-understand way but still has the expert knowledge to help any new owner successfully raise their Labradoodle from puppy to old-age. It's widely available, so pick up a copy if you see one, or click here to grab one on Amazon. A cross between the Labrador Retriever and the Poodle, the Labradoodle is an intelligent and friendly breed. They love nothing more than to be around their family. The Labradoodle combines the energy of the Labrador Retriever with the strong work ethic and intelligence of the Poodle. They do have a desire to please so training is not overly difficult but early training is necessary. The Labradoodle gets along well with everyone, from other dogs and pets to children — though their size may be a bit problematic for smaller children. They enjoy hanging out with you on the couch but can easily transition to playful and energetic. Though they will bark when a stranger is near, they will not make a good guard dog due to their friendly nature. Overall, the Labradoodle is a great pet for first-time owners thanks to their friendly nature and easy trainability. We are so grateful that we are able to help you rescue the dog of your dreams. In addition to coming back here, you can also check us out on Facebook , Twitter , and Pinterest for additional info on rescue groups near you, current posts, and pictures! Labradoodle Rescues in Indiana. Learn more Since , All 4 Animals Rescue has been aiming to help minimize the number of animals in rescue shelters in Indiana. This non-profit organization continues its goal with dozens of volunteers and foster homes that provide care and support for the rescue animals. Their committed volunteers try to process all adoption applications within 24 to 48 hours and pair you with the right pet for your needs. As a popular Labradoodle rescue in Indiana, All 4 Animals Rescue is a great place to view adoptable dogs and find your new best friend. Considerations for Choosing a Labradoodle Rescue In Indiana Unfortunately, designer dog breeds like Labradoodles are not immune to rescue shelters. Some terrific Labradoodles enter an Indiana shelter due to owner-surrender. Advantages of a Rescue Adoption There are numerous benefits to selecting a Labradoodle from a local Indiana animal rescue agency. A rescue organization may be your best option if you are looking for a new furry best friend. Some advantages of adopting a rescue dog are: Give a dog a second chance at a happy life Helping control the pet population Rescuing a dog that may be euthanized due to overcrowding Less expensive than breeders Help minimize the demand for puppy mills Some dogs are past the exhausting puppy stage Many dogs will have basic house training already Some dogs in high-kill shelters suffer euthanization because there is no more space available, they are older, or because of Black Dog Syndrome if their coat is dark. The Price of a Labradoodle Rescue Pet Although the dogs you find in local Indiana rescues are not free, the cost to adopt a pet will be significantly less than if you were to get them from a breeder. All animals in rescue shelters will have alteration surgery to help control the pet population, have up-to-date vaccinations with a complete veterinarian check, and be a fraction of the cost. Typically, you will pay a few hundred dollars for a Labradoodle in an Indiana rescue shelter and will have the support of the rescue to help integrate your new pet into your home. The Adoption Process at a Labradoodle Rescue in Indiana The adoption process at your local shelter is typically not quick. However, these agencies work hard to rehabilitate their animals and complete pre-screening to match the right dog with a suitable owner. Although each rescue organization will have its processes, potential adoptive families generally need to fill out an application beforehand. They will require information about all individuals in the household, along with existing pets, housing conditions, and lifestyle details. This way, they can pair a dog that will match an owner to help ensure it is going to its forever home. Some agencies will do a home visit or ask all people and pets to come to meet the dog beforehand to ensure compatibility. The adoption process can take one to four weeks or more, depending on the necessary steps to choose the right animal for an adoptive home. Although this timeframe may seem too long for some dog lovers, it is well worth the wait to ensure that you have the most suitable pet for your home. Anytime an animal has a change in environment, it can become stressed. For example, some dogs temporarily will not eat or forget their house training. Other Labradoodles may act shy, scared, or nervous until they become accustomed to their new surroundings. Some tips to help your new pet in your home include: Avoid loud noises or sudden movements around them Do not be demanding or aggressive with their training Stick to a routine for predictability Avoid introducing friends and extended family members all at once Be patient as they settle in Set them up for success by eliminating tempting triggers like food on counters It may take a few weeks for your new animal to warm up to you and adapt to your surroundings, but it will be worth it once it happens. New pet owners will soon realize that once their Labradoodle relaxes in their new home, they will have a loyal friend for the rest of their days. Conclusion Finding a reputable non-profit Labradoodle rescue in Indiana is not difficult. Potential dog owners can start by talking to one of these top five organizations in your local area. They can save you time and money when compared to the alternative of obtaining a dog from a breeder. Do you know of another Labradoodle rescue in Indiana that we missed? Have you adopted an animal from one of these organizations before? Let us know your experiences in the comments, and share this list with anyone you know that is looking to adopt a Labradoodle in Indiana. Meet our writer Jen Clifford is an animal behaviorist and veterinary technician with more than a decade of hands-on experience working in small animal and specialty veterinary clinics. Leave a Comment. He looks clean, he smells better than he once did. He eats better now than he ever did. This is Sawyer. My dream dog. My once hopeful stud boy. When I took him home he was infested with worms, reeked like a New York City trash can and had hip dysplasia. It took months to rehabilitate and glue his broke shell back together. I remember standing at the door for 3 hours while he stood in my back yard not allowing me to get near him; he stood in the cold November rain and shivered. He wanted to come in so badly but was too afraid. I stood inside the kitchen soaking wet crying and begging him to come in. I finally had to get a bed sheet and with my husbands help cornered him and tossed the sheet over him. He was purchased from a well known breeder who offered a warranty and a guarantee on his health. We promptly started health testing him when he got home. Sadly he failed his OFA and was diagnosed with hip dysplasia. His breeder refuses even after receiving proof to honor her warranty. She herself admitted that she has never tested her dogs but yet sells them at a premium rate. Look for proof of testing. She never cried a day in her life for this dog. This is Sawyer, I cry when asked about him, he will always have a special place in my heart. I saw old rusted crates stacked along the drive, driving past a dog run out by some trees I saw a dog house and 4 small dogs, I parked next to a car port type structure that housed several cages stacked on top of one another in rows, inside the cages were chickens, rabbits, cats, ferrets and other small animals. There were several small shack like out buildings. I walked up to the door and knocked, no one answered but I had called 5 minutes prior so they knew I was there. I opened the door leaning inside to say Hello; looking around there were empty cages everywhere and bags of Purina stacked 10 or more bags high, empty bags and other trash scattered on the floor. Back out on the porch I called the breeder to alert them that I was there, looking up I was faced with 2 dobermans not looking very happy, I later learned that they were nice. I entered a room with a desk, sofa, 2 recliners, a TV, door covered with bed sheets and walls lined with dog crates stacked from floor to ceiling, wall to wall, filled with filthy dogs. I had arrived with enough cash to buy 4 dogs. In the cage above them I found Sawyer, then referred to as Prado. He was scared and my heart broke seeing him. I passed it up. I drove home with a pit in my stomach but vowed to take care of and do the right thing by those dogs. He has a dog brother who keeps him in line, he has been trained and know several tricks; can wave, high five, pray, dance, roll over… and many more. I get letters from Sawyer every few months and everyone of his letters makes me cry. He is doing great and is a good boy. I love you Sawyer. Another sad story starts with an Oregon breeder sending me a dog in whelp, the dog was due 2 weeks after she arrived. I took the fluffy white dog out of her crate at the airport holding her in the air to shine my smile upon her face and once again found myself looking into sad scared eyes. I took her to the vet to confirm her pregnancy and the vet told me what I already knew. I had her groomed to get her pee stained and matted coat into presentable shape; I was called by the groomer to tell me she had bit her. Took her home to have her a few days later bite my 11 year old daughter and to later have her bite a guest in my home and my vet the day I returned her to her breeder. Being told stories from clients about an Indiana breeder who is breeding a dog that was either hit by a car or stepped on, the story was told to me by multiple clients who claimed to visit the breeder and was told the dog had a funny limp and was skittish because of her accident, unfortunately the cause of the accident change based on who was visiting. Calls from other concerned customers who visited an Iowa breeder; was advised in order to visit she first had to pay for a puppy. Arriving to play with the puppies they found the adult dogs matted and dirty, so dirty even that to touch them or have the dogs brush up against them would soil their clothes and leave an awful stench. Hearing barking in a side room where they were able to gain a quick peek revealed dogs in crates stacked from floor to ceiling. Calls from a different client reported a visit to a neighboring Iowa breeder with a similar story. I will continue to report on stories from clients and my experiences with puppy mill breeders. Here are other dogs who were found in puppy mills across the United States. Please support ethical breeding and do not buy pets from pet stores or puppy mills. The Labradoodle is a companion dog and should not be raised in a kennel, they need human companionship and thrive on being loved. If after looking at these pictures your heart needs to rescue a doodle contact the International Doodle Owners Group a 3 c rescue www. If you are unclear of what a puppymill is take a look at the pictures below. They are sickening and; REAL. This type of life for millions of poor unfortunate dogs is a reality everyday. For many dogs they are confined in conditions like this for their entire life until they are no longer able to breed to make their capturers money then they are killed. The dogs you see in these pictures are VERY lucky as they are being photographed because they were rescued. So many dogs do not hit the dog lottery and make it out alive. How can you help? Well, Kent and I were talking last night in how it was one of the better decisions we have made. First, he and Willie are the best of buddies. Every morning Sawyer wakes up and climbs in between Kent and I giving us kisses. He loves to climb next to you and cuddle up, such a snuggler. In my opinion he is just a complete embodiment of love. He always wags his tail and just loves his life. Sawyer is just as good for Willie as Willie is for Sawyer. This past time when WIllie saw my travel bag he followed me around every where. Then he started to pout. I always make up what they are saying, by the way. But sometimes I think he is so happy because of the trials he went through. He tries to wake Willie up and the rest of us. Needless to say, we love our dogs. They are some of the most popular in the neighborhood! They are both unique in their same ways, and they both show their love in different ways. But they really love each other.

If you want to get a show dog from champion bloodlines, expect to spend more. Purchasing the purebred Miniature or Toy type of Poodle is pricier than buying other dog breeds from a backyard dog breeder. The Standard Poodles are typically less expensive than Toy Poodles since they deliver more purebred puppies per litter. The price of a Standard Poodle, as well as Miniature and Toy Poodles, does not often change between male and female dogs, but larger dogs are associated with a higher maintenance cost compared to smaller Poodles. A premium price tag also usually means you have a high-quality Poodle puppy from purebred breeders which could save you a lot of money in the long run. Female Poodle: Which Is Better? Factors Affecting the Cost of a Poodle Puppy Many people find Poodles expensive, but what is it about Poodles that makes them so costly? Well, there are many reasons why these fluffy dogs cost thousands of dollars. The size, age, health, lineage, and AKC registration of a Poodle puppy are essential considerations when determining puppy prices. Here are other factors affecting the price of a purebred Poodle: Age: Younger purebred Poodle puppies are far more costly than older puppies on average. This is due to the high demand for young pups. Meanwhile, purchasing an adult Poodle could save you at the very least a few hundred dollars. Appearance: Purebred Poodles that sport rare Poodles coats color are priced higher than others. Purebred Poodle breeders dedicate years to learning how to breed high-quality puppies. Those that gained recognition for their hard work often put higher price tags on their Poodles than others. Bloodline: Since they are bred for exhibition, champion Poodles will be the priciest. These are the canines that compete in athletics and breed representation. Health Screenings: Purebred Poodles are at risk of health issues, such as seizures. This means Poodle breeders must take measures to ensure the health of their pups. As a result, they will have to invest additional money to nurture proper Poodle health. Registration Papers: Your Poodle must have the required registration papers to be registered with a kennel club. This list contains the significant factors that influence the price of a Poodle. When purchasing a Standard Poodle puppy, keep them in mind and any additional fees that may be associated with it. A purebred backyard breeder might ask you for things like reservation charges, pet delivery, vaccines, and pup accessories that are not included in the Standard Poodle price range. Poodle costs of adoption will vary depending on where you get your dog. If you choose a senior or special needs adult Standard Poodle, the fee is significantly reduced or even free entirely in these cases. Poodle puppies can be found in abundance in local shelters. If you decide to adopt a Poodle, you can be assured that you will get a dog that has been well-cared for, unlike the ones found in a puppy mill. Here is the list of the essential things that people who love Poodles must prepare for: Food and Treats: Poodles can be picky eaters. Hence, it is important to invest in the right kind of high-quality food upfront. Poodles will need a diet high in fats and proteins. Bed: Because the Poodles are active dogs, it will require a nice bed. The size of your Poodle will determine which mattress is appropriate. Crate: A crate is a must-have for required vet visits or crate-training your Poodle properly. This is a must-have item for Poodles that enjoy running and playing. Toys: Teething is unavoidable for young pups, and restlessness can lead to destructive behavior. These toys are a great approach to alleviating these concerns while keeping your dog happy. A slick brush to clear unkempt hair and knots, a metallic greyhound comb to remove tangles and separate hair strands, a blow dryer, grooming clippers, nail clippers, and a toothbrush to maintain proper oral hygiene are all you need. Furthermore, deworming is a crucial step in keeping healthy pups. Initial Vaccine Shots: If you opt to purchase an unvaccinated Poodle puppy, you will be responsible for the expense of their first round of vaccinations. This is also another way of keeping your Poodle healthy. Neutering and Spaying: If you purchase Standard Poodle puppies, most likely, it is still intact. It is suggested that the puppy be spayed or neutered between six and nine months. Microchip: A microchip, about the size of a rice grain, should be implanted on your Poodle. This can be scanned by vets or other canine specialists for your contact info, health records, and health problems. Miscellaneous Supplies: Useful goods such as poop scoopers, cleaning materials, and urine pads could make Poodle care much more manageable. Other sources of entertainment for your dog may include activities, such as agility. You can also purchase items to create brain games for your dog, like puzzles and Kong toys. Different diets, toys, supplies, and groomers all can vary significantly in cost. Additional Costs to Factor In Other costs you should be prepared for include pet sitters, trainers, and emergency expenses. Trainers usually charge by the session, but some offer packages to help limit expense. Setting money aside every month for any emergency or unexpected expenses will help you be prepared if anything comes up. You can also rotate through toys and supplies to keep things interesting and prevent items from wearing out quickly. Even on a budget, you should plan for the monthly expenses associated with food and medical care. These are expenses that cannot be skipped, regardless of budget. Coming up with creative ways to budget and stretch the use of items longer can go a long way in helping you to save money. Image Credit: susanne, Pixabay Saving Money on Poodle Care You can save money on a professional groomer if you take time to brush your dog well every day to ensure they are not getting mats and to monitor their skin health. You can also save money on grooming expenses if you are comfortable shaving or grooming your Poodle yourself. Another great way to save money on the care and maintenance of your Poodle is to watch online and brick-and-mortar shops for sales and coupons. These can be used to save a significant amount on foods, toys, treats, cleaning supplies, grooming supplies, and more. Conclusion: Poodle Price Owning a Poodle can be attainable, regardless of your budget. Poodles of all sizes and types are fantastic dogs with fun personalities. They are not low-maintenance dogs, though. This means you may experience higher costs associated with grooming and basic care than you would with a lower-maintenance dog. Set aside money every month as a backup option in case unexpected expenses arise or you find yourself in an emergency situation. Rescue Generally, adoption fees will always cost less than buying a dog from a breeder. If you prefer not to spend a lot of money upfront, getting a Poodle from a Poodle rescue organization might appeal to you. A small adoption fee means you can put that money towards initial veterinary care. Ready to Adopt Puppyspot Poodle Adoption 5. They have placed over , puppies into homes in the US! Buying a dog from a breeder may help you prepare for potential health issues. Dogs that come from breeders also tend to have a more predictable temperament. The Up-Front Costs of a New Poodle Aside from emergencies, the initial costs of bringing a new poodle into your home will always be the highest. The first expense will be the price of your new puppy or dog. The price of a puppy can vary greatly depending on where you get your new Poodle and what kind of Poodle you get. The typical route of getting a Poodle is to buy a puppy from a reputable breeder. Because of the rich history of Poodles, breeders have taken care to manage bloodlines and ensure that quality animals come from each generation. When you buy from a good breeder, you usually receive certifications and health histories for your animal. Your single Standard Poodle puppy costs less than a Miniature or Toy Poodle partly because they produce more puppies per year. Additionally, larger breeds are in less demand than small and Toy breeds. As a more affordable and convenient breed in the long term, some would rather pay more upfront. The popularity of Miniature Poodles makes for a higher price. Toy Poodles These little cuties come in as the most expensive type of Poodle. Irresistible in appearance and unmatched in temperament, Toy Poodles are the most desired of Poodle breeds. Their small size comes with careful, specific breeding to reduce disease and enhance desirable traits. There are several benefits to having such a tiny dog, from the cost of food to ease of travel. Finally, Toy Poodles have a lower yearly birth rate than their larger Poodle counterparts. Therefore, each puppy is all the more precious for this reason. A brown Poodle actually enjoying a Vet visit Initial Veterinary Costs of Getting a Poodle Veterinary costs will vary depending on the age of your new Poodle and whether you get it from a breeder versus a rescue organization. However, any dog can encounter health issues at any time in its life. Although these veterinary costs are estimates for healthy animals, emergencies can run in the tens of thousands. Is Puppy Care More Expensive? Puppies cost more than an already grown Poodle. Puppies also need vaccinations in their first year that can add up but are a critical part of care. Young Veterinarian doctor listens to the heart beat of a happy gray Poodle Pet Insurance and Preventative Care An additional medical cost to consider is insurance to protect yourself financially. Some pet insurance companies also cover routine veterinary care. Too often have I heard of unprepared people getting slammed with a massive veterinary bill. On top of the stress of an emergency vet visit, a cost can cause even more anxiety. By Chris The striking Poodle needs no introduction. Even people unfamiliar with dog breeds can easily identify one. But aside from their striking good looks, Poodles have many desirable traits, like their loyalty, intelligence, and hypoallergenic coat. The typical cost of a purebred Poodle ranges from USD. Smaller Toy and Mini Poodles typically cost towards the higher range. Papered show Poodles or genetically strong breeding dogs can fetch far higher prices. A Tan Poodle sitting on an outdoor lounge. How Much Are Poodles? First things first: Poodles are expensive dogs. The reason? Poodles cost a lot to breed and maintain. A reputable breeder puts a lot of blood, sweat, and tears—and money—to ensure that their dogs are healthy and well-maintained. Where you get your Poodle also affects how much you pay for it. There are three types, which differ based on size: Standard: the largest of the three types Miniature: a medium-size Poodle Toy: the smallest of the three types A guilty looking two color Poodle Reputable Poodle Breeder Anyone who wants a purebred Poodle should find a reputable breeder. A reputable breeder is someone with a specific breeding business whose job is to produce the best dogs. As I mentioned above, the cost varies depending on the Poodle type you choose. Accidental Breeder An accidental breeder is exactly what it sounds like—someone who is not in the business of breeding but has a pregnant dog. In most cases, people who run puppy mills do not prioritize the health and safety of their pups. They have lots of dogs, usually more than they can take care of, to make the greatest profit possible. Getting a dog from a puppy mill is risky; you may get a dog with long-term health problems, a shorter life span, or genetic issues. So how do you avoid puppy mills? Online forums are an excellent place to look, especially ones specific to your area. Be sure to also check out breeder reviews. Rescue Finally, you have rescue shelters, which are excellent places to obtain a Poodle for cheap. The big downside in going this route is that finding the dog you want is a matter of luck. The main advantage of shelter dogs is the price. Additionally, most of the time, the shelter ensures that the dog already has all its shots before it goes home with you, saving you some of the healthcare costs. However, if knowing that is not important to you, you can find a fantastic dog for cheap. In addition to the initial fee to take the dog home, you should be aware of the other many Poodle costs. Some are one-time, while others are recurring. You already know that you have to feed the dog throughout its life. Choosing between a Cockapoo vs Poodle can be tricky — they are both super cute, hypoallergenic , and can be non-shedding! Vaccinations Vaccinations are essential to keep dogs healthy. Some are free, while others are not. Health Care Just as you would take a child to the pediatrician for regular checkups, you should take your Poodle to the Vet for an six monthly visit. Your vet may also advise certain medications to keep your dog healthy, like deworming meds. A super cute Poodle sitting on its owners lap Training Training is critical to ensure that your dog is well-behaved. You may feel confident training your dog yourself, but most people choose to send their Poodles to puppy school. You can start Poodle training with potty training at home. There are milestones that Poodles should meet at different ages. Grooming All dogs need to be groomed to some degree to keep their fur and skin healthy. Poodles are no exception, but if you compare them to other breeds, their grooming requirements are much higher. Depending on your preferences, your dog should visit the groomer every month or two. While this breed makes a loving and intelligent family dog , the high cost of having a Poodle—both to purchase it and to maintain it—is not for everyone. Adopting a Poodle? My wife and I love playing with our active miniature Labradoodle Max. We want all Oodle puppies to be healthy and happy, have lots of fun and be part of the family. Load More. Less - The Standard Poodle is a medium-sized , squarely built dog with a distinctive harsh curly coat that may be presented in any of several traditional Poodle clips or corded. The ears are long, drop, and densely feathered. The tail is normally docked, set high, and carried erect. The length of body sternum to point of buttocks is equal to the height withers to ground. The Standard Poodle carries himself with an air of dignity and pride. Another essential characteristic is proper temperament. The breed is noted for its high intelligence, trainability and sense of humor. Poodles are highly social and require human companionship and regular, close interaction with family members. Because of their great intelligence and the joy they take in human companionship, Poodles excel in performance events of all sorts. They are extremely affectionate with children. In 18th and 19th century Europe, the Poodle served a wide variety of purposes, including duck hunting, guiding, and later circus performing, from whence the modern grooming style likely arose. The Poodle became a popular pet for the French aristocracy, and in time was officially adopted as the national dog. Poodles were imported to America in the 20th century. The origins of the poodles are still discussed with a dispute over whether the poodle descends from the old French Barbet breed or from Germany as a type of water dog. Are Poodles high-energy dogs? Generally, Toy Poodles are considered a relatively expensive breed due to their popularity and small size. From breed type and age to size and coat color, each element can significantly affect the cost of your pup. Understanding the key factors will help you make an informed decision when purchasing your Poodle. Here are five of the most common factors that can influence the price of a Poodle: 1. Breed Type — Depending on the breed of Poodle you choose, the price could vary greatly. Standard Poodles tend to be more expensive than miniature and toy varieties due to their larger size and longer coat. Age — As with most breeds, puppies tend to be more expensive than adult Poodles. This is because puppies are in higher demand, so breeders can charge more. Size — The size of your pup can also affect the price of a Poodle. Standard Poodles, for example, tend to be more expensive than miniatures and toys because they are larger and require more grooming. Smaller varieties also have different nutritional requirements, which could lead to higher food bills over time. White Poodles tend to be slightly more expensive than other colors since they are not as common. On the other hand, black Poodles usually cost less since they are easier to find. Location — The location where you buy your pup can also influence its cost. For example, if you live in an area with higher demand for Poodles, you may have to pay more than someone who lives in an area with less demand. By understanding these five factors, you can make an informed decision about the best Poodle for your family and budget. With the right knowledge and research, you can find the perfect pooch for your lifestyle! Types of Poodle dog When it comes to Poodle dogs, there are a few different varieties that you should be aware of. The most popular type of Poodle dogs are — 1. Standard Poodle dog — This breed typically stands between 15 and 22 inches tall, and has a thick, curly coat that requires regular grooming. The Standard Poodle is also known for its intelligence and loyalty, making it a great companion dog. Miniature Poodle dog — As its name suggests, the Miniature Poodle is much smaller than the Standard Poodle, usually standing between 11 and 14 inches tall. Miniature Poodles have the same curly coat as their larger cousins, but due to their smaller size, they require less grooming. Miniature Poodles are still highly intelligent and loyal and make great family pets. Toy Poodles are known for their playful personalities and can provide hours of entertainment for their owners. No matter which type of Poodle dog you choose, you can rest assured knowing that all three varieties will provide you with a loyal and loving companion for years to come. About Poodle dog History of Poodle dog The Poodle dog is an old breed that originated in Germany but was quickly adopted by the French and has since become a beloved breed across the world. It is said that the Poodle was an excellent guard dog and could also be used for retrieving ducks from water. During the 19th century, the Poodle was seen as a fashionable pet, and some of the more affluent people began to keep the breed as a status symbol. The popularity of the breed rose in America, and they were commonly used as working dogs on farms. By the s, they had become popular show dogs and family pets. Poodle dog Temperament Poodles are known for being highly intelligent, loyal, and eager-to-please dogs. They make wonderful companions, as they are devoted to their owners and thrive on spending time with them. Poodles tend to be quite active and require plenty of exercises and mental stimulation. Poodles have a reputation for being friendly and gentle, but they can also be stubborn and independent. It is important to provide firm and consistent training to ensure that your pup grows up to be well-mannered. With patience, love, and consistency, Poodles can be taught all kinds of commands and tricks. Although Poodles have an instinctive desire to please their owners, it is important to note that they are not the most obedient dogs out there. As such, it is important to set clear boundaries and expectations from the start. Poodles may take longer to learn commands, but they will eventually catch on with patience and consistency. Despite their tendency to be aloof with strangers, Poodles are generally very friendly around people they know. Poodle dog Grooming Poodle dogs are known for their iconic fluffy fur, but grooming this breed requires some extra care. Bath time — The short coat of a Poodle can be a bit high-maintenance when it comes to bathing time. Be sure to use a gentle shampoo that is safe for dogs and rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water until the water runs clear. Remember to also wash between toes and scrub away any dirt that has accumulated under nails or pads. Let them have fun chewing on a bone instead! Nail trimming — Regular nail trimming is necessary in order to prevent injury from overgrown nails scratching themselves or others, or developing painful infections due to bacteria build-up underneath long nails. Poodle dog Training When it comes to training your Poodle dog, it can be both an exciting and daunting task. Although Poodles are known for being one of the most intelligent breeds of dogs, they can also have a stubborn streak. It can also be helpful to use clicker training with your Poodle. Clicker training is a type of positive reinforcement that uses a sound, like a clicker, to mark the desired behavior and then give the pup a treat. This method helps teach the pup that certain behaviors lead to rewards. Poodles are also highly food-motivated, so it can be beneficial to incorporate treats into your training sessions. Be sure to use small treats that are specifically designed for dogs and always keep portions to a minimum. Finally, make sure to provide plenty of love and affection during your training sessions as this will help foster a strong bond between you and your pup. As long as you remain patient and consistent, you will be able to successfully train your Poodle. Poodle dog Health Issues When it comes to Poodle health, there are a few important issues to consider. First and foremost, Poodles are prone to certain genetic conditions that can be expensive to treat. While all breeds of dogs can suffer from inherited diseases, some of the most common problems affecting Poodles are hip dysplasia, eye disorders, and seizures. Hip Dysplasia is a condition in which the hip joint does not fit together properly and can lead to pain, lameness, or even arthritis. Regular vet visits and X-rays can help diagnose this condition early on. Eye disorders are also common in Poodles, as they are prone to developing glaucoma and cataracts. If you notice anything out of the ordinary, visit your vet right away. Seizures are a neurological disorder that can affect Poodles, especially those with epilepsy. Early diagnosis is key in treating any medical condition and maintaining a healthy lifestyle for your furry friend! Poodle dog Care Tips Poodles are some of the most beloved and iconic dogs around, and taking good care of them is essential for their health and happiness. First and foremost, grooming is incredibly important for Poodles. These dogs have a very high-maintenance coat, which requires regular brushing, combing, and trimming. Exercise is another key part of caring for a Poodle. As an active breed, these dogs need plenty of physical activity and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy. Try to take your pup out for regular walks, as well as activities such as agility classes or doggy playdates. Proper nutrition is also essential for Poodles. Poodles are highly intelligent and eager to please, so training them should be a breeze. With the right care, your Poodle can live a long, healthy, and happy life. Poodle dog Lifespan Poodles are a popular breed of dog known for their intelligence, loyalty, and unique coat. But how long do they typically live? The average lifespan of a Poodle is between 12 to 15 years. However, this can vary depending on the size and type of Poodle. These figures may vary based on a variety of factors, such as diet, exercise, and genetic health. To ensure your pup lives a long and healthy life, make sure to feed them a balanced diet, provide plenty of mental and physical stimulation, and bring them to regular veterinary check-ups. Grooming: Poodles require regular grooming due to their curly coat. Veterinary Care: Routine veterinary check-ups, vaccinations, and preventive medications are necessary. Miscellaneous Costs: This includes items like dog beds, crates, and unexpected expenses for accidents or illnesses. Here are 7 facts about Poodles that you should know: 1. Poodles are originally from Germany. Though they are widely associated with France, their origin story can be traced back to Germany. Poodles come in four sizes. Standard, miniature, toy, and teacup Poodles can range from 15 to more than 30 inches tall and from 4 to 70 pounds. They come in a wide range of colors. While white is the classic color for Poodles, they can actually be found in a variety of colors including black, brown, apricot, silver, cream, blue, and gray. Poodles are highly intelligent. These dogs have been bred to be very smart, which makes them easier to train than other breeds. Poodles require regular grooming. Because of their thick coats, Poodles need to be groomed regularly in order to keep them looking their best. Poodles make excellent family pets. They are loyal and loving companions who get along well with people and other animals alike. Poodles are known for their water-resistant coats. The tightly curled coat is designed to keep the dog warm in cold water and also makes them excellent swimmers. Frequently Asked Questions Do Poodles bark a lot? Poodles can be quite vocal and are known to bark more than other breeds of dogs. Are Poodles the smartest dogs? Poodles rank among the top dogs. Their intelligence and desire to please make them fantastic service dogs. Poodles can also be used as guide dogs as well as aid dogs for those with physical disabilities, as well as therapy dogs. What are the different Poodle sizes? Poodles come in three main sizes: Standard, Miniature, and Toy. Standard Poodles are the largest, Miniature Poodles are medium-sized, and Toy Poodles are the smallest. Are Poodles hypoallergenic? Yes, Poodles are often considered hypoallergenic because they have hair rather than fur. This means they shed less dander and are generally better tolerated by people with allergies. How intelligent are Poodles? Poodles are renowned for their high intelligence. They consistently rank among the top breeds in terms of intelligence and are quick learners, making them excellent candidates for obedience training and various canine sports. Do Poodles require a lot of grooming? Yes, Poodles have a curly or wavy coat that requires regular grooming. Are Poodles good family dogs? Poodles are often considered excellent family dogs. They are affectionate, playful, and typically get along well with children and other pets when properly socialized. Poodles are moderately active dogs that benefit from daily exercise and mental stimulation. They enjoy activities like walks, playtime, and puzzle toys to keep their minds engaged. Recommended —. At this price, the breeder will require you to spay or neuter your pet at your own expense. A purebred dog with breeding rights is much more expensive. How much will a Poodle cost me over its entire life? Of course, this will be different for everyone, but it is a good baseline to keep in mind. As you can see, welcoming a Poodle is not a decision to be taken lightly. More detailed costs will be outlined throughout the article. Which expenses should I expect the first year? In addition to paying the price of the puppy, there are several expenses that are difficult to avoid during the first year. Medical exams and vaccinations for the first year: You can expect 2 to 3 visits in the first year. Accessories : Except if you get a starting kit from your breeder, you will need to buy a crate, leash, harness, toys, a bed, a bowl, as well as recurring products such as poop bags. What are the other recurring costs that I should factor into my budget? Food: The cost of food can vary significantly. It always depends on the age of the dog and its activity level. Obviously, a toy poodle will eat less than a royal poodle, so the exact costs for food vary greatly. It is not mandatory, but it can potentially save you a lot of money for unforeseen and costly illnesses and surgeries over the life of your pet. License: Your city may require you to pay a license fee for your dog. Specific costs for elderly dogs One day, your Poodle will lose some of its former vitality. It is then necessary to plan for some additional costs related to the aging of a dog. If you wait until your dog suffers from gingivitis to take care of its teeth, the vet bill will increase. They would make you just as happy.

Like many large breeds, a German Shepherd dog is not considered fully grown until they are about 18 months old. Female German Shepherds continue to fill out until they are around two years old, while the male German Shepherd growth rate continues until they reach two and a half years of age. Males are larger and require more time to fill out their chest and abdomen. As you can see by the German Shepherd weight chart, these dogs can continue to grow until they are three years old, but the majority of growth occurs within 24 months. If your GSD is older than 36 months and continues to put on weight, contact your veterinarian to ensure weight gain does not lead to obesity. How big should a 6-month-old German Shepherd be? A six-month-old German Shepherd puppy will be quite large, as many German Shepherds undergo massive growth spurts between two and five months old. By six months, a male German Shepherd will weigh 53 pounds on average, whereas a female will weigh about 46 pounds. How much bigger will my German Shepherd get? There are a few ways to gauge how much bigger a German Shepherd will get. First, check your puppy's age. If your GSD is younger than two years old, they definitely have room to keep growing! Another way to tell if your pup still has a lot of growing to do is their paw size. Do their paws look large compared to their legs and body? This is a classic adolescent feature of a dog and means your pup is likely still growing! Most of the time, a dog will not grow bigger than its larger parents. What is the size of a full-grown German shepherd? An adult male German Shepherd is typically 24 to 26 inches tall, while adult female German Shepherds are 22 to 24 inches tall, according to the American Kennel Club German Shepherd Standard. The estimated full-size varies significantly between sexes. In terms of weight, an adult male German Shepherd weighs anywhere from 75 to 90 pounds. A female German Shepherd weighs notably less at 55 to 70 pounds. Please keep in mind that these numbers are only estimates to give you an idea of how much bigger a German Shepherd puppy may get. Some dogs will be both smaller and larger than these weight ranges when fully grown due to a variety of genetic and environmental factors. Learn all about your puppy's physical characteristics, breed history, personality traits, and more in our comprehensive guide. Preventive care is key in helping your German Shepherd live a healthy and long life. Helping your dog maintain an optimal weight is one of the best things you can do for their health. Taking your German Shepherd to regular veterinary appointments is one of the best things you can do to ensure that they are healthy and feeling their best. Compare German Shepherd health insurance plans before they get sick or injured. They are also more susceptible to gastrointestinal tract and hip issues. A veterinarian should regularly assess your pet for these health problems and run tests for anything they may be more prone to due to their breed. Treatment for many conditions, including bloat and GI issues, can cost thousands of dollars. Dog insurance is a wise investment that can give you peace of mind by covering pet emergency expenses. Wellness plans are also available to help cover the cost of vaccinations, vet exams, microchips, and more. Some people can predict the future. For everyone else, there's pet insurance. Use Pawlicy Advisor to easily compare plans from top providers so you can find a great deal with great coverage. Get Peace of Mind Today 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. As the German Shepherd growth chart suggests, a German Shepherd dog reaches full size and adult weight after one year. A growth spurt can occur between 1. The result of this late growth is an up to 10 percent increase in height and weight. Although you can consider a German Shepherd fully grown by one year, there may be additional factors that influence the growth of German Shepherd dogs. Is Your German Shepherd Healthy? Improper development can occur for many reasons. It could be as simple as your dog responding poorly to their dog food. Your feeding schedule and portions might not be sufficient. Your dog could also have a basic nutritional deficiency that you need to correct. Yet, being underweight or overweight can signify serious health problems. Weight loss can occur when the syndrome develops. Dogs typically show signs of EPI at between six months and six years of age. Parasites Dogs are highly susceptible to parasites. Deworming medication helps to reduce the risk. Yet, almost all puppies experience a parasitic infection at least once. Upon infection, your dog is at risk of serious weight loss and other troubling symptoms. Diabetes Mellitus Diabetes mellitus can affect any breed but has an above-average occurrence in German Shepherds. These dogs need insulin daily to accommodate for the inability to metabolize sugars. If your German has diabetes, severe weight loss can occur in a short period. Diabetes typically affects canines that are four years or older. It is the most common cancer in German Shepherds. Up to three percent will develop HSA. In most cases, this condition sets in at around nine to 12 years. Dietary Deficiency Do you have your German Shepherd on a raw food diet? Puppies often run underweight when receiving their nutritional requirements through raw meat. This diet is healthy and effective but needs monitoring, as not all dogs respond the same. Review the diet plan with a veterinarian and confirm there are no digestive or metabolic issues. Also, do not forget the importance of exercise! Clear Your Concerns with Coverage You put your heart into loving your dog like a child, but some things are out of your control. Health struggles can affect canines as much as humans. Even purebreds from AKC-certified breeders are not safe from serious health struggles both early and late in life. All you can do is prepare yourself to overcome complications. What if cancer happens? What else could happen? Peace of mind is great as a dog owner. Is coverage the answer? Get pet insurance quotes and see for yourself. Get Quotes for Your Cat Charitable Giving With every pet insurance policy we generate, we do our bit to help less fortunate animals across Canada and the U. Popular Articles. Females continue to fill out until about the 2-year mark, while males take a bit longer by putting on weight until the 2. But can you tell how big a German Shepherd will get before then? What other developmental milestones should you keep an eye on with your pup? We answer both those questions and more here. While there are tons of backyard tricks to help you determine how big your German Shepherd will get, the truth is that none of them really work. The best way that you can make a guess is to take a look at their parents. If you want a small German Shepherd, try to find one from two small parents, and if you want a large one, try to find large parents. The average size of a German Shepherd largely comes down to genetics, but if you have a purebred GSD, then they should fit into these parameters. Fully grown male German Shepherds typically stand about 24 to 26 inches tall and weigh between 66 and 88 pounds. Females tend to be a bit smaller, standing between 22 and 24 inches tall and weighing between 49 and 71 pounds. This large discrepancy in size generally comes down to genetics. But how much does a German Shepherd typically grow in the first year, and how much can you expect over the next year? By the 1-year mark, most German Shepherds are near their full height. Males typically have another 25 pounds to add over the next year, while females typically have about another 20 pounds to pack on. Teeth Did you know that your German Shepherd goes through two sets of teeth throughout their life? Around 12 weeks, they start to get their adult teeth, which means their baby teeth only stick around for about 3 months! Image Credit: aleksandra85foto, Pixabay Sexual Maturity If you have pups of different sexes in the same home, you need to be aware of when your German Shepherds can reach sexual maturity. Most male German Shepherds will reach some level of sexual maturity by the 6-month mark. This is a big deal if you have an unspayed female pup in the house. On the other hand, females can experience their first heat anywhere from the 6-month to the month mark. If you have unneutered males in the house, this is a pretty big deal. Image Credit: lancegfx, Pixabay Final Thoughts When you have a growing German Shepherd , it can seem like they get bigger every day and like the growth will never stop. While growth might happen for longer than you were expecting , what we can promise is that it will slow down. But did you really get a German Shepherd expecting them to be a small dog? Your German Shepherd is going to grow, and you knew this when you got them. Related Reads:. Now it is time to focus more on gender and german shepherd growth rates. The official breed standard for the German Shepherd dog states that adult dogs can stand between 22 and 26 inches tall paw pads to shoulders and weigh anywhere from 50 to 90 pounds. The official breed standard also specifies that adult male german shepherds often stand taller and weigh more than an adult female german shepherd. Typically, an adult male German Shepherd will stand two inches taller and weigh anywhere from 15 to 20 pounds more than an adult female german shepherd. This is exactly why a bigger German Shepherd male dog is likely to continue growing for a longer period because the skeleton can only grow so fast. It uses an average German Shepherd pup that weighs 64 pounds at one year of age. One month old A one-month-old German Shepherd puppy may weigh up to 9. Two months old A two-month-old GSD puppy may weigh up to .Three months old A three-month-old German Shepherd puppy may weigh up to .Four months old A four-month-old German Shepherd puppy may weigh up to .Five months old A five-month-old German Shepherd puppy may weigh up to .Six months old A six-month-old German Shepherd puppy may weigh up to .Seven months old A seven-month-old German Shepherd puppy may weigh up to .Eight months old An eight-month-old German Shepherd puppy may weigh up to .Nine months old A nine-month-old German Shepherd puppy may weigh up to .Ten months old A ten-month-old German Shepherd puppy may weigh up to 72 pounds, representing about 94 percent of the growing left to do. Eleven months old An eleven-month-old German Shepherd puppy may weigh up to .Twelve months old A twelve-month-old German Shepherd puppy may weigh up to 76 pounds, representing about percent of the growing left to do. Female German Shepherd For a female German Shepherd puppy, the weight range in adulthood typically varies between 50 pounds and 80 pounds. Puppies will be between 22 to 24 inches tall paw pads to shoulders on average. It uses an average female German Shepherd that weighs 64 pounds at one year of age. One month old A one-month-old German Shepherd puppy may weigh up to 7 pounds, representing about 11 percent of the growing left to do. Two months old A two-month-old German Shepherd puppy may weigh up to 16 pounds, representing about 26 percent of the growing left to do. Three months old A three-month-old German Shepherd puppy may weigh up to 27 pounds, representing about 41 percent of the growing left to do. Four months old A four-month-old German Shepherd puppy may weigh up to 36 pounds, representing about 55 percent of the growing left to do. Five months old A five-month-old German Shepherd puppy may weigh up to 44 pounds, representing about 66 percent of the growing left to do. Six months old A six-month-old German Shepherd puppy may weigh up to 50 pounds, representing about 75 percent of the growing left to do. Seven months old A seven-month-old German Shepherd puppy may weigh up to 54 pounds, representing about 82 percent of the growing left to do. Eight months old An eight-month-old German Shepherd puppy may weigh up to 58 pounds, representing about 87 percent of the growing left to do. Nine months old A nine-month-old German Shepherd puppy may weigh up to 60 pounds, representing about 91 percent of the growing left to do. Ten months old A ten-month-old German Shepherd puppy may weigh up to 61 pounds, representing about 94 percent of the growing left to do. Eleven months old An eleven-month-old German Shepherd puppy may weigh up to 63 pounds, representing about 97 percent of the growing left to do. Twelve months old A twelve-month-old German Shepherd puppy may weigh up to 64 pounds, representing about percent of the growing left to do. The bone marrow will become inflamed and sore, sometimes to a level where it becomes excruciating to your dog. In most cases, panosteitis will last anywhere from a few days to a few weeks or even longer and then dissipate. However, it may recur several times while your GSD puppy is still growing. While panosteitis lasts, your puppy may limp, whine, whimper, and exhibit lameness that seems to move from one leg to another in no apparent pattern. Panosteitis is thought to have genetic heritable origins and is unfortunately quite common in the German Shepherd breed. Treating panosteitis usually involves giving a German shepherd puppy pain medications. Unfortunately, many pain medications have uncomfortable side effects, including stomach upset, and gastrointestinal distress. But the fact is that the German Shepherd dog breed was not created to be a big, bulky dog. These dogs were created to be livestock herding working dogs. To do this, they need to be light on their feet, athletic, and rangy so they can move and navigate quickly. While some GSDs are naturally bigger than others, and males tend to be taller and heavier than females, this is not always the case. Here is more information regarding German Shepherd puppy development. Start with the Dog Breed Standard According to the German Shepherd Dog Club of America , the German Shepherd as a breed typically stands between 22 and 24 inches tall paw pads to shoulder tops for female adult dogs and 24 to 26 inches tall for male adult dogs. No weight range is given for the official dog breed standard. However, the standard does say the dog typically measures between 8. So these can give you some good starting measurements. The American Kennel Club AKC gives a 50 to 90 pounds weight range, with about 10 pounds differences between adult females and adult males. Find out from your breeder the exact height, weight, and length measurements for each parent dog. You can also ask the breeder about how long it took each parent dog to complete its growth. The greatest influence will come from learning as much as possible about which parent dog your puppy seems to most favor in looks. Your breeder will be in the best position to weigh in on this question, both from the point of view of the parent dogs and the lineage as a whole. You can also ask where your GSD puppy falls on the size spectrum within their particular litter. While a smaller puppy may end up being a bigger adult dog, this is more the exception than the norm. For example, if you know that your puppy was the middleweight in the litter, you can expect your adult GSD to maintain that position as all the puppies grow up. The growth process is not unlike what happens as children grow up! In other words, for your puppy to grow bigger, its bones first have to grow bigger. This requires a partnership between bone and cartilage. This partnership takes place within centers called growth plates. The growth plates are located at the ends of the long skeletal bones. Inside each growth plate is an area that is responsible for generating new bone tissue. This is the most important fact to cement into your memory. As long as the growth plates are still producing new bone tissue, they are relatively soft. This is because the tissue the growth plates are producing is also soft and flexible. Only once your German Shepherd puppy has finally grown up as much as they will do will these growth plates and their tissues harden fully. You need to do two important things to protect and support your GSD puppy to reach their full adult height, weight, and size safely and healthily. In most cases, you will be guided to feed a puppy food formulated specifically for large breed puppies that will grow up more slowly over a longer period. Guard against over-exertion in play, exercise, and athletics As the American Kennel Club AKC points out, large breed puppies are known to be more vulnerable to exercise-induced injury while they are still growing. This is because the growth process takes longer, and their skeletal systems support a great deal of weight. While no official study exists to definitively say when it is safe to let your GSD make use of their considerable natural athletic ability, your veterinarian can help you assess when and how to add in additional activity as your puppy grows up. Here, you might be wondering how you will deal with so much rambunctious puppy when you have exercise restrictions! But it is important to remember that mental activity is just as stimulating and tiring to smart dogs like the German Shepherd! GSDs are intensely people-oriented and eager to please and will readily take to training sessions and obedience school. German Shepherd puppies can still exercise by trying interspersing walks or short runs with the mental stimulation of training sessions to keep your pup from over-exerting. As the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals RSCPA explains, over-exercising a growing puppy can lead to several musculoskeletal problems even as they are still growing and in adulthood. In general, you want to aim for a moderate daily activity that combines training, free play, interactive play with you, and walks of one mile or less. Tug of war, frisbee, tethered bike rides or runs, and any activity that forces your dog to keep up with you should be avoided at all costs. These issues include the following: Hip dysplasia. However, there are certain breeds that are easier to train than others. Thankfully, German Shepherds fit into that category because they are very intelligent and quick learners. This includes house training , crate training , basic obedience commands as well as learning tricks. We recommend attending a puppy kindergarten class as part of your German Shepherd puppy socialization strategy. Once your pup knows their basic obedience commands, you can enroll them in Schutzhund training aka IPO. Partnership and teamwork between yourself and your dog are the basis for this type of training. Note that the Schutzhund environment is not a place for dogs with aggression issues, neither towards other dogs nor people! If they pass that initial level which includes a temperament test, they can move on to IPO 2 minimum age 19 months and IPO 3 minimum age 20 months. That said, protection dog trainers recommend starting training classes that include bitework and high jumps once your German Shepherd puppy is 12 months old. Dutch and Czech are two other languages that commands are frequently taught in. Stanley, my former long-haired GSD dog walking client, started going to Schutzhund training when he was a little over 12 months old. His owners practiced commands in German with him on a daily basis, and I remember getting a print out of his German commands as they asked me to use them on our walks as well. Lots, ha! German Shepherds need a minimum of 2 hours of physical exercise per day, but generally speaking, the more exercise you can provide your GSD with, the more they will thrive. Remember, German Shepherds are high-energy, athletic dogs bred to be active all day long, especially if they come from a working line! Physical Exercise Ideas for German Shepherds As far as physical exercise, this can be a mix of walks, runs, bike rides, fetch and playtime. This is Nala, one of my former pet sitting clients. She was crazy about frisbees and balls. One of my favorite ways of increasing the energy and calories a dog burns on a regular walk or hike is by using a doggie backpack. Mental Stimulation for German Shepherds Besides providing a good physical workout, dog backpacks also burn mental energy. As you probably know, bored dogs can quickly become destructive as they figure out ways of entertaining themselves. For example, chewing up your furniture and shoes, scratching doors, raiding your kitchen trash can or digging up your flower beds. So do yourself a favor and make sure your GSD gets plenty of exercise on a daily basis. Remember, a tired dog is a good dog, and that applies to German Shepherds as much as it does to any other dog breed! Former GSD client Remi pooped after a long walk. Bottom Line So, how big does a German Shepherd get? Well, German Shepherds are medium to large size dogs, so they can weigh anywhere between lbs. That said, the average expected weight for a male GSD is between lbs, and the average expected weight for a female GSD is between lbs. Both reach sexual maturity somewhere between months and are considered fully grown at about the 2 year mark. Keeping that in mind, your GSD breeder should be able to give you a good general idea of how big your German Shepherd puppy will grow to be! Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. Check out more of our favorites on our New Puppy Checklist. Barbara is a trilingual, something dog lover, e-book author, founder, copywriter, dog nutrition blogger and editor at K9sOverCoffee. Post navigation. May 10, Dogs , Pets John When you adopt a German Shepherd as a puppy, you bring home this tiny, cute, cuddly, bundle of fur that fits in your hands. Fast-forward by a year and you probably wonder if your dog decided to grow at the 98th percentile. The five-pound puppy you brought home will become a full-grown dog of about 90 pounds. Essentially, she or he will grow to the size of a teenager in weight, but about 26 inches in length. You chose one of the largest dog breeds in the world. While these dogs reach physical maturity at three years of age, they typically have a median life expectancy of about ten years. Many German Shepherds live longer than that. Your puppy might grow up to live until the age of 12 or 13 , which equates to 77 to 82 years old. You will get many years of love from this breed of dog. While every dog differs, in general, female German Shepherds reach the age of full maturity before the males do. A female German Shepherd typically grows to two inches shorter than the male and a weight of about 70 pounds. All in all, German Shepherd growth is divided into seven stages. The Stages of Growth: Newborn to Adulthood Perhaps you got to visit with the puppies when they were firstborn. Enjoy it while you can. They gain weight quickly in their early days. Each day, your puppy will gain between 2. As a newborn, your German Shepherd probably weighs around four pounds. That means that in its first year of life, the dog goes through childhood, pre-teen or tween years, and half of its teen years. They gain weight and height accordingly. At the end of one year, the dog typically weighs about 49 to 50 pounds. The German Shepherd will nearly reach its full height by this time, too. Transitional Stage Veterinarians refer to every few weeks, then months as a different growth phase of early development. They call the two weeks to four weeks period transitional stage. T four weeks the typical female weighs between 4. The males may weigh between 5. When it comes to maturity stage for training, you can start even at the transitional stage, especially when you use positive reinforcement. Socialization Stage The socialization stage lasts through their third month. In the middle of this phase, the German Shepherd puppy usually experiences a growth spurt. By the end of the three months, your GSD puppy will measure about 10 to 11 inches in height. Females will weigh between 11 and 17 pounds, males will weigh between 22 and 30 pounds. Juvenile Stage Try not to think of your German Shepherd pup as a juvenile delinquent as they pass through this period from three to six months. At four months, your furry friend reaches the halfway point of height and weight. At the end of their fourth month, your puppy becomes a man or woman-dog. At this point of German Shepherd development, it reaches sexual maturity. At six months, the German Shepherd exits the juvenile stage. Your male German Shepherd exits this phase weighing between 49 and 57 pounds and at a height of 16 to 18 inches, but your female puppy will weigh between 44 and 49 pounds and attain a height of 15 to 17 inches. Adolescent Stage The adolescent stage ranges from six months to two years. At the end of one year though, your puppy becomes a dog. At one year of age, he or she enters adulthood. At this point, the female German Shepherd weighs between 60 to 64 pounds and has a height of 20 to 22 inches. The male German Shepherds weighs between 71 and 71 pounds and has a height of 22 to 24 inches. Some German Shepherds reach physical maturity at the age of two years, but most continue to grow until they reach the end of their third year. Female German Shepherds typically reach a height of 22 to 24 inches and weigh between 66 to 70 pounds. As long as their diet is stable, the adult German Shepherd dog should relatively stay the same weight for the rest of their lives. Genetics Plays a Large Part Like a human, your dog will grow to a smaller or larger size based on its genetics. To get an idea of how large your dog will grow, meet the parents. Tracing the genealogy can also help determine what are the potential German Shepherd health issues even German Shepherd skin issues to know your pup might have down the road. Regardless on the stage of growth, always make sure your German Shepherd pup is healthy. At Vetericyn , we have wellness products that can help keep your pup healthy and happy. Reviewed by Dan Richardson, Veterinarian Dan Richardson has been a practicing veterinarian for over 10 years. He specializes in surgery and orthopedics. Dan is originally from rural western Nevada and attended the University of Idaho for undergraduate study and Oregon State University for Veterinary School. The Richardson Family enjoys camping and spending time on the water fishing, paddle boarding, or digging their feet in the sand somewhere warm. Sources: All Shepherds. When do German Shepherds stop growing. Large dog breeds. GSD Growth Chart.