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We are passionate about these little treasures and our small breeding program. We are a busy family with 4 children ages .Our dogs are part of our family and live with us, in our home, and under foot. The Miniature Golden Retriever, also known as the Petite Golden and Mini Golden, is a Designer Breed that has been crossbred to produce a healthier dog with the happy people-loving temperament of the Golden Retriever, the small size and sweet cuddly personality of the King Charles Spaniel and Cocker Spaniel, and the intelligent temperament and low shedding coat of the Poodle. Our Miniature Golden Retrievers range in size from pounds. Occasionally we may have smaller puppies maturing at closer to 15 pounds and larger puppies maturing closer to 50 pounds. We will do our best to make an estimate of the adult size of your puppy, but ultimately we can NOT guarantee adult sizes. We breed for temperament, health, and size. Our dogs are DNA tested and annually health screened by our vet before breeding. All our puppies come with a 2 year health guarantee. Start the adoption process today!!! Breeder Judy Slayton Bachofner has a hand in the growth and development of all her puppies and adult dogs, playing with them and caring for them every day. Judy Slayton Bachofner Working with dogs is a true labor of love and each dog is an important part of Judy's life. Judy and her husband Mark live in rural Washington state near the Oregon border. Set on several scenic acres, their home gives the "canine crew" room to run, investigate and live life to the fullest. We desire to place the right puppy with your family, based on your needs and the physical traits and temperament of the puppy. We also specialize in meeting specific needs, such as dogs for search and rescue, service, hunting and show. Judy is not only a reputable breeder but also a great source of information for all things golden! Learn more about Judy's background at the About Judy page on this site. If you are interested in new golden retriever puppies for sale in Washington or Oregon, or in setting up an appointment to meet with Judy, go to the Contact Judy page.

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. Additionally, always provide fresh water for your puppy to stay hydrated throughout the day. Nutrition Tips for Proper Growth Avoid feeding your puppy table scraps or human food, as this can upset their stomach and lead to weight gain. German Shepherds frequently have sensitive stomachs. Feed your puppy on a regular schedule, typically three to four times a day. As your puppy grows, you can gradually reduce the number of feedings and increase the amount of food at each meal. They will. Create an environment that nurtures their physical and emotional well-being. Establishing a healthy sleeping and play schedule is crucial for your young pup. You can create a designated sleeping area for your puppy, such as a soft doggie bed , and encourage them to sleep there at night and during nap times. Just like humans, puppies greatly benefit from regular exercise. Exercise helps build strong muscles, maintain a healthy weight, and support the development of coordination and balance. Over-exercising can lead to joint problems in the future. In the world of puppy exercise, balance is the key. Your little fluffball is growing fast, and the right types of puppy exercise ensures they develop into a strong and athletic adult dog. Follow these valuable tips to ensure that your puppy gets the exercise they need while keeping their growing body safe and happy. Start with short walks on leash, around 10 to 15 minutes a few times a day. Mind Games: Mental stimulation is just as important as physical exercise. Arrange playdates with other vaccinated puppies to let your fur baby learn the ropes of doggy interaction. Swim Time: If you have access to a safe and shallow kiddie pool, introduce your pup to water. Avoid strenuous exercise, and always monitor them for signs of fatigue or discomfort. Remember to also give your puppy plenty of opportunities to rest and recharge throughout the day. But before you start planning your first doggy spa day, remember this: your pup is still a baby, and gentle introductions are key. Spend quality time bonding with your pup—treats, belly rubs, and a friendly chat go a long way in building trust. Make sure your puppy associates grooming with love and positive experiences. But hold your horses! In fact, frequent bathing can strip their coat of natural oils and lead to skin issues. Instead, aim for a bath every months unless your pup finds a mud puddle to roll in or some other mess that prevents you from petting them. Opt for a mild, puppy-specific shampoo to keep their fur squeaky clean without irritating their sensitive skin. Tangled Up German Shepherds are known for their luxurious, double-layered coats. But your little ball of fluff still has their puppy coat. Grab your grooming comb and work those knots out gently, starting from the tips and working your way up. To help your young puppy get used to regular brushing, slide on grooming gloves which are gentle on their skin. Remember, patience is your best friend here! Invest in a good pair of dog nail grinders and take it slow. Grind a little at a time. Nail grinders are easier on a puppy than nail clippers. To make that happen, brush their teeth regularly with a dog-friendly toothbrush and toothpaste. My German Shepherd and I recommended a finger toothbrush that easily slips over your fingers. But beneath those cute tips, moisture can accumulate, leading to infections. Use an ear cleaning wipe to gently get their ears clean. Keep an eye out for their ear health. German Shepherds are known for their bushy tails and long fur along their hindquarters. This zone can get pretty dirty. A quick wipe-down with a deodorizing cleaning cloth should keep that tail wagging in style. And, you can give a bottom check for any potty leftovers that need a bit of wiping down. After all the grooming TLC, your week-old German Shepherd puppy will be feeling like a million bucks or at least a million treats. Reward them with praise, treats, and a few belly rubs to show them just how fluff-tastic they are. Keep the grooming sessions positive and upbeat. Make it a bonding experience, be patient, and remember, practice makes paw-fect! Introducing your puppy to new people, animals, and environments will help them become well-adjusted and confident adults. Introduce them to different people, animals, and environments. Expose your German Shepherd to as many positive, safe experiences as possible between 10 and 16 weeks. It helps build their confidence and reduces the chances of behavioral issues later on. Notice the emphasis on positive and safe? Take your puppy on walks in different neighborhoods and parks to expose them to new sights, sounds, and smells. Enroll your puppy in a puppy socialization class where they can learn from other puppies and experienced trainers. Always supervise your puppy during socialization and never force them into uncomfortable situations. With patience and positive reinforcement, your puppy will become a well-socialized and happy adult. The Road to a Well-Behaved Pup: Training Training your week-old German Shepherd is like molding clay; it requires patience, consistency, and a dash of humor for your sanity! Use positive reinforcement techniques such as treats and praise to encourage your puppy to follow your commands. Consistency is key, so make sure to practice these commands daily. Consistency is key. Use the same commands every time. Start teaching your puppy good leash manners early. Patience and positive reinforcement are your secret weapons! Nurturing good behavior in your German Shepherd starts early. Biting during play is often their way of engaging with you and their littermates. Teething can be uncomfortable, and chewing and biting can provide relief from the discomfort. Social Learning: Puppies also learn bite inhibition through interactions with their littermates. When one puppy bites too hard during play, the bitten puppy yelps or withdraws, teaching the biting puppy to use a gentler bite. So, why is your German Shepherd puppy still biting you at 10 weeks old? That hurts! If they do, praise them and offer a toy as an alternative. This helps them learn to control the force of their bite. Provide Chew Toys: Make sure your puppy has plenty of appropriate chew toys to satisfy their teething needs. Offer a variety of textures and shapes to keep them engaged and relieve teething discomfort. Socialization: Continue socializing your puppy with other dogs and puppies in controlled, safe environments. This helps them learn proper play behaviors and bite inhibition from their peers. Avoid harsh punishment; it can lead to fear or aggression. Use the right techniques for proper discipline. Love, laughter, patience, and a sprinkle of treats! Your young week-old German Shepherd is still learning, so help your pup by: Establishing a sleeping, playing, and exercise routine Feeding them the proper nutrition Finding the right socialization experiences Including positive training Letting them be puppies by having fun experiences! Are you ready to unleash the magic of your week-old German Shepherd puppy? Let the fun and adventures begin! From tracking their height and weight to expert tips for their well-being, this PDF is a must-have for every German Shepherd owner. Download now and unlock the secrets to raising a happy and healthy German Shepherd! While the average weight range is 15 to 25 pounds, remember that puppies vary. What do I feed my week-old German Shepherd? A German Shepherd puppy at 10 weeks of age usually eats a combination of dry kibble mixed with wet, canned food. How do I potty train my week-old German Shepherd? Take them out after meals, naps, and playtime, and praise them when they go outside. Be patient; accidents happen. Is it normal for my puppy to chew everything in sight? Yes, absolutely! Puppies explore the world with their mouths. Provide plenty of chew toys, puppy-proof your home, work on positive training, and keep them supervised. When can I start leash training? Begin with short, positive sessions around 10—12 weeks. Use a harness, and reward them for walking beside you. Practice in a distraction-free environment, like indoors, first. My puppy is shy around strangers. Is this OK? Yes, German Shepherd puppies can be cautious around new people and situations. This is part of their protective and guarded nature. Why is my German Shepherd puppy so energetic and wild? At this age, their boundless energy and curiosity are perfectly normal. Your puppy is on a quest to discover the world! Plus, they want to play with everything—even your shoes! Give them the right chew toys to bite and play and enjoy some fun games to help them use their minds. She has a Bachelor of Science degree, with Honors, and has been training dogs for over a decade. Related Posts. German Shepherd puppy development stages and ages — week by week guide Welcome to our German Shepherd puppy development stages and ages — week by week guide Different breeds like all different babies develop at different rates. There are going to be many exciting events for you to look forward to. Whether you are bringing your 8 week German Shepherd puppy home or about to be blessed with a litter of puppies. This is going to be an exciting, demanding but hugely rewarding journey. Newborn puppies are born at around days after fertilization. Newborn puppies are born with their ears and eyes tightly sealed. The reason eyelids are sealed shut is to form a protective barrier for the fragile developing eye. This helps to protect them from any foreign object, bright lights, bacteria or any other microorganism that can cause disease or damage. In the same way puppies ear canals are closed at birth to make them effectively deaf. This is a protective barrier to protect the fragile underdeveloped machinery needed to hear. In a mature ear the pressure caused by sound will mechanically move structures in the ear. German Shepherd puppies are highly dependent upon their noses. Puppies navigate by smell from the moment they are born. This helps them to identify their mom, the very important milk supply, siblings and surroundings. Newborn puppies are born with a fur coat however they cannot control their own body temperature yet. To keep them warm they are dependant on their mothers or another heat source. If you live in a cooler climate installing a heat lamp would be ideal to help keep the puppies nice and warm. Germans Shepherds make amazing mothers and will be relied on a lot at this stage. Mother dogs will only leave their newborn puppies to go to the toilet, eat and drink. However, when mom has gone the newborn puppies are not completely useless. They are able to use their front paws to drag themselves towards a heat source. When mom is away the puppies will crawl together to preserve their body heat. Along with being able to drag themselves to a heat source newborn puppies are also able to drag themselves to their mothers to locate the milk supply. They will move their heads around to search for a nipple, latch on and suck strongly. Newborn puppies are not born with teeth these will also develop in the next several weeks. Other than the above puppies are completely dependent upon the care of their dedicated mom. Newborn puppies have little control over the rear end of their bodies. To encourage their pups to pass urine and bowel movements the mom will lick their bottoms. Anything produced mom will then lick up and swallow to keep her puppies and nest clean. Some pups will even double their birth weight! Your German Shepherd puppy will still be highly dependent upon their mom at this stage. Beneath all their fur the vital organs will be working hard to mature. This includes the eyes. Your puppy will not be ready to open their eyes yet but lots of changes are taking place to prepare them for grand opening. The ear canals will begin to open around the same time as the eyes. When the ear canals do open, the ears are much more formed than the eyes are at this point in time. Their eyesight usually takes around 8 weeks to reach its full potential. When their eyes become wider, they will reveal blueish-gray eyes which are hazy in appearance. Their eyesight will continue to develop until around 8 weeks old. The ear canals will also open around 2 weeks. The puppies hearing has been developing much quicker than their eyesight and they will be able to hear most things by the time their ear canals fully open. However, their amazing hearing ability will continue to enhance over the next several weeks. At the moment your German Shepherd puppy will have cute floppy ears. Their adorable tall ears can come up anywhere between 8 weeks and 6 months of age. Floppy ears are common until your German Shepherd finishes teething. By then the ear cartilage will become strong and hard enough for the ears to stand up permanently. Now is a good time to start handling the puppies and get them used to your voice. Most puppies are wormed for the first time when they are 2 weeks old. All this development has happened so quickly, but things are about to get even more exciting. Between 2 and 4 weeks your German Shepherd puppy will begin to stand up this is when the real fun begins. Puppies milky teeth will also start to develop between 2 to 4 weeks. These sharp little teeth will remain until about weeks of age. These little daggers play an important role during the weaning process. Even the most patient moms will struggle to nurse with these sharp painful teeth. This reluctance to nurse will prompt the German Shepherds to seek alternative food sources. These sharp teeth will then help to make up for the lack of jaw strength when eating solid foods. Finally, these sharp puppy teeth play an important role in teaching the pups to gauge their bite pressure when playing with their mom and siblings. This is an essential life lesson that enables our powerful German Shepherds to become safer companions as they mature into strong adult dogs. During the last few weeks mom has done an amazing job of getting her babies strong and their mobility will have come on leaps and bounds well not quite yet but by 3 weeks of age your German Shepherd puppy will begin to trotter around. Most 3 week old German Shepherd puppies can stand and sit. With their baby teeth starting to cut through a lot of breeders. Especially those with large litters will start introducing some solid foods. This helps relieve some of the pressure for the devoted German Shepherd mom. When weaning puppies, you need to start off by soaking their food in either water or puppy milk replacement formula to make it mushy and more comfortable for them to eat. As they start to interact and play with their siblings their personalities will really start to show. You may also notice them starting to playfully growl at each other. At 3 weeks old it will become easier to start identifying different members of the pack. Breeders and moms will be kept on their toes and paws over the next few weeks. As the pups start getting more confident on their feet they will be running around and playing enthusiastically. At 4 weeks old they will begin to wag their adorable little tails. With solid food becoming a major part of their diet the pups will be passing bigger bowel movements. They will be able to show more control of their bowel movements as they take themselves away from their brothers and sisters to perform their business. At this stage mom will be taking a much more relaxed approach to parenting and there will be a lot more for the breeder to clear up. By this point mealtimes are a messy process. If it is warm and safe enough to do so we would recommend taking the pups out in the yard for feeding. German Shepherd puppies are becoming a lot stronger at vocalisations by 4 weeks old. When mom returns to her babies the litter will noisily greet her. Around 4 weeks of age your puppies will need to be wormed again. From this week onwards human interaction is very important in order to form relationships with people. Including different noises and smells. This exposure will ensure your German Shepherd puppy turns into a confident, friendly individual. Mom will also be doing an important job of teaching her puppies to not bite too hard. Even an 8 week old German Shepherd puppy would have the power in their jaws to break the smaller bones in humans fingers. This is why mom teaching her puppies bite inhibition is so important. For more information on bite inhibition please see our guide on German Shepherd bite inhibition. By 5 weeks old German Shepherd puppies will be eating a lot of solid foods, several times throughout the day. Those sharp little teeth would have done their job and mom will be gradually weaning her pups of the dependency on her milk. When mom does feed her puppies, she will only do so for a short period whilst standing up. They will be eating between five and six small meals a day. Although the pups no longer rely on mom for milk, they still need her help and guidance for the next few weeks. Mom will be teaching her babies important life skills to live alongside humans. In some countries 6 week old puppies are taken away from their mothers and moved into their new home. We would not recommend this as the puppies will miss out on continued bite inhibition training from their siblings and mother. This can result in a puppy who bites too hard which can be challenging to manage as they get older. In the USA your puppy will be due their first combined 5-in-1 vaccine at 6 weeks old. This vaccine helps to immunizes your puppy against hepatitis, parvo, distemper, parainfluenza and coronavirus. Most puppies will also need to be wormed again at 6 weeks old. Their last week together will consist of plenty of socialization and playing. Most breeders will arrange a 7 week health check up with the vet to make sure your bundle of fluff is fit and healthy to go to their new home. In the UK some breeders will arrange for the pups first 8 week vaccination to take place during this check. Although some vets advise against it. By the end of this week German Shepherd puppies are ready to leave their mothers and move into their new homes for good. The week you get to take your new puppy home. This will be a very exciting time, but you may also be feeling a bit nervous. There will be some challenged along the way for new puppy owners and your puppy will take some time to adjust to life without its mother and siblings. In the UK the first combined vaccination will help to immunizes your puppy against distemper, parvovirus, leptospirosis and hepatitis. The first puppy injection in the UK typically will happen between 8 and 10 weeks. Some breeders would have trained the puppies to poop and pee on newspapers or puppy pads. From the moment you get them home it is important to show your German Shepherd puppy where to pee and poop. Puppies naturally like to pee where they have done so before so to avoid building history of peeing in your home is best if you can to avoid it. The more you can avoid accidents from happening as much as possible from the start the faster the puppy training process should be. All puppies are different, and some will get this quicker than others. The main thing to remember is not to discipline your puppy for accidents. The most successful way to potty train is to reward success and ignore accidents. Just clean them up quickly and thoroughly. Your puppy will love nothing more than being praised. For more information please see our guide on How to potty train your German Shepherd puppy. Already your German Shepherd puppy will feel like part of the family. German Shepherds puppies are always adorable but at 9 weeks they are at the age where they are still puppy-like but very clumsy,curious and keen to play with her new family, which is very cute. Your German Shepherds unique personality will make you feel very proud. At 9 weeks your cheeky German Shepherd pup will be feeling more confident, with this the need to explore everything and anything may end up getting them into trouble. Your puppy will develop new sleeping patterns and feeding routines which you will need to adapt to. Most puppies will sleep between eighteen and twenty hours a day at 9 weeks old. During the day when you are with your puppy generally you will not need to shut them away in a crate to nap. German Shepherd puppies are often more than happy to sleep whilst family life goes on around them. However, there will be times when sleeping in a crate is better and safer for your puppy. You must not leave a 9 week old puppy to sleep outside the crate if you are not home to watch them if they wake. Puppies are into everything and many innocent items found in the house could be a potential hazard to your inquisitive pup. For more information please see our guide on how to puppy proof your home. Even if your puppy can barely keep their eyes open other pups and children will still want to play and your German Shepherd puppy may find it hard to refuse. After a hard day of play the peace and quiet of a crate will enable your pup to have a well-deserved nap. If your German Shepherd puppy does need to go to the toilet in the night make sure you keep it short and to a minimum. Establishing a daily routine is the best way to get your German Shepherd puppy to sleep through the night. Part of this schedule will involve mealtimes. Your 9 week old puppy will need four meals a day. Split these up throughout the day and try to stick to similar times. This is to stop encouraging your puppy to wake up earlier and earlier because they associate waking with food. You should always reward your puppy either vocally, with a favourite toy or treats for good behaviour and ignore bad behaviour. Puppies and dogs want to be praised so they respond very well to positive encouragement. Punishing puppies and dogs may have a short term positive effect on their behaviour but long term you could be setting them up to fail. It is very important to socialise and expose your puppy to other humans, dogs and different scenarios whilst they are young. This maybe hard before your puppy has had all its vaccines however getting many different people to come and visit you at your home will enable them to get used to visitors. Before their full vaccinations you can also, you can take you German Shepherd puppy out and about with you to expose them to the outside world as long as you can carry them. If you live in the USA, your puppy will be due their second combined 5-in-1 vaccine at 9 weeks old. In the USA a minimum of three sets of the combined vaccine are required for your puppy. Although you cannot put your puppy down outside until after their final vaccination. Puppies 10 week injection In the UK is a booster vaccination to help immunizes your puppy against distemper, parvovirus, leptospirosis and hepatitis. Check with your vet what date after their jabs your German Shepherd puppy will be able to go down outside. Your puppy will then need a booster between 6 and 12 months old. If you live in the USA at 12 weeks old your German Shepherd puppy will be due their booster for the combined 5in1 vaccine against hepatitis, distemper, parainfluenza, parvo and coronavirus and a vaccine against rabies and leptospirosis. If you live in a high risk area, they may also need to be given the vaccination to help immunize them against Lyme. If applicable at 16 weeks your German Shepherd puppy may need to have a fourth combined 5in1 vaccine. A minimum of three combined injections are required in the USA. Check with your vet what date they will be able to be out down outside. By 10 weeks old your German Shepherd puppy will be able to control their bladder a lot more. Potentially up to several hours. This is great time for you to introduce them to the big wide world and develop their social skills which you have already been building the foundations. When taking your German Shepherd puppy out try to introduce them to as many other friendly dogs, humans and noises you can. This will help your German Shepherd puppy to grown into a confident well-rounded dog. At 3 months old your German Shepherd will go down from four daily meals to three. These three portions will be larger than what they are used to which may cause stomach upset. If your German Shepherd puppy does get an upset stomach, try going back to four smaller meals for a couple of days and they try the three larger portions again. This can be a challenging time as your adorable German Shepherd puppy turns into a furry crocodile. Luckily the teething stage is only a phase as with human babies and short lived. In most cases your puppy biting should stop around when they are around 7 months old and have their adult teeth. You maybe noticing your German Shepherds gorgeous ears fluctuating between floppy and pointy. By the time your puppy has finished teething their ears should tick up all the way. This usually happens around months. As they grow their cartilage becomes stronger. Some puppies need another month or so to help them cope without going out for frequent toilet breaks. Even when your German Shepherd puppy is toilet trained occasional accidents are normal. German Shepherds do have large ears but they tend to grow into them as they get older. German Shepherd puppies will begin to grow their new adult coat between 4 and 6 months old. To make way for their adult coat all the puppy hair has to go. For several weeks you will notice an increase in shedding. This is a completely normal part of growing up for your German Shepherd. Being a double coat breed German Shepherds dogs have a topcoat and an undercoat. Twice a year your pup will shed their undercoat. Usually in spring and again in fall. They also shed in general days a year so be prepared for a lot of fur! They will very much look like a smaller version of their adult selves. Although your German Shepherd may look older on the inside, they are still very much a puppy. If you are looking to get your puppy neutered or spayed the recommended age is 6 to 9 months. However, it is common for some female puppies to get spayed at 4 months old. Summary: Your German Shepherd is bound to give you so much joy and happiness throughout its life. There will be challenges along the way but remember this is completely normal. German Shepherds are such an amazing breed and you will have a loyal friend for life. Related Posts. Even though you can train a German Shepherd at this age quite easily, the amount of commands that you can teach is quite low, and they are partially just for looks. Though 10 weeks is the point where that growth starts decreasing, and halves at around 4 months or so, before completely stopping. Overall, for female German Shepherds average weight is 8 to 9 kg 16 to 18 lbs , for male dogs it is 10 to 12 kg 20 to 24 lbs. And still, some owners are struggling with that problem. So what should you do, in that case: First of all, for many young German Shepherds the ears are not consistently up. There may be periods when they are up, and sometimes they are just leaning on one side. It is completely normal — they are gradually developing into an adult, and their body changes relatively. A good solution would be just to wait and see. If the ears have been damaged, whether by accident, or by tampering with them, you should definitely take your dog to a vet clinic, where vets will decide what to do. Lastly, if the puppy is older than a year or half a year , and the ears are still not up, then you should, as always, consult a vet. They may operate on the ears if necessary. Behavior It is important, that before the puppy passes the 10 week age mark, it should already know bite inhibition before everything else. Nobody wants an aggressive German Shepherd, does anyone? Should go before every other command, as these tricks also induce patience for the German Shepherd. Learning them first will prove to be beneficial in further training. Lie down. Recommendation: walk the dog for about half an hour or more first, so that it would be tired and thus would be more focused on the task. Additionally, you should never blame your dog if it does something wrong — just repeat the command, until it works out. Then, greet your dog for doing everything correctly. A puppy will never learn anything in a strict and unwelcome environment. But it will surely remember everything if you make it a good and relaxing time, or some sort of a game. In the end, we wish you best of luck with your 10 week GSD, and thank you very much for reading.

Sign up for BoxerBriefs to get news delivered right to your mailbox! Get them early for holiday gifts! We are an organization dedicated to the rescue and adoption of Boxers in the metropolitan-Atlanta area, and to provide support and education for Boxer owners. We are operated and managed by a group of dedicated volunteers, and we are funded by adoption fees, fundraisers, and gifts from generous donors like you! Atlanta Boxer Rescue, Inc. If you are interested in adopting a Boxer in Atlanta, you've come to the right place. Take a moment to learn about the Boxer breed, including some of its history. When you are ready to move forward, familiarize yourself with everything you need to know before you adopt. Some Frequently Asked Questions are answered on our site as well. We strive to support your adoption to make it a success for you and your new Boxer friend. All of our Boxers have had a check-up with a veterinarian, been spayed or neutered, and brought up-to-date on vaccinations. We have also done our best to evaluate our Boxers for temperament, socialization, and house-breaking. We are always looking for great volunteers to help us. If you are interested in being a foster home for a Boxer in need, thank you! The number of Boxers that we can save depends on the number of willing volunteers like you. Please complete our Foster Application or contact us for more information. We have a lot of resources to help you. Sign up for our newsletter , contact us about any questions or concerns you might have, or seek comfort if you've lost your Boxer friend. We can't do this without you, so please consider a donation or a purchase from the ABR Store! Petey Donor Spotlight: Doreen Murotsune For many of us who give our hearts, time, or dollars to rescue, we are first inspired by the love of a single special dog. Hana belonged to friends of Doreen, but Doreen and her boxer, Benjamin, fell in love with her. Benjamin and Hana were best friends, and Benjamin was always on the lookout for Hana and ready to protect her from any yappy Chihuahua who tried to intimidate her. In addition to being an active Strut Your Mutt teammate for each of the past 5 years, Doreen browses the boxers in our care and sponsors many dogs whose stories warm her heart. She not only sponsors dogs with single or repeat financial gifts, but also inquires about dogs with prescription diet needs and then purchases those diets on an autoship schedule, having the food mailed directly to foster homes. Planned Giving If you have ever loved a dog, you know that — while their lives are short in comparison to ours — the love you share is timeless. By including NorCal Boxer Rescue in your Will or Trust or naming the organization as a beneficiary on certain accounts, you ensure that for years to come, NCBR is able to continue rescuing boxers, providing them the care they need, and uniting them with families who will love them forever. Dogs are an incredibly important part of our lives. You can make them a part of your heritage. Click here to learn about the different options. Growing Old with You We know that the best place for an old dog is home with loved ones. Click here to find out more about the Growing Old with You program. Grey Muzzle Thank You! We are so honored to be a Grey Muzzle Organization grantee again this year! We know that many of you have a soft spot for frosted faces, but that the cost of caring for a senior boxer has given you pause when it comes to adopting one. We hope that this support will give you the security you need to give your heart away to a beautiful older soul. Thank you, Grey Muzzle, for trusting in us and for supporting our efforts! We are grateful for your partnership! Thank you, Hoven Foundation. Each dog who enters our lives is a gift. They bring us untold joy and share with us their unconditional love. They teach us to be better people. For nearly 10 years, The Hoven Foundation has not only appreciated the gift that each dog represents, but they have given back generously. The continued support of the Hoven Foundation has meant the difference between life and death for countless beautiful souls. Thank you to the Hoven Foundation for what you give to our dogs and, in turn, to all those whose lives those dogs touch. Join Our Mailing List! NCBR is a c 3 nonprofit and donations are tax deductible. We now accept vehicle donations! Donate your car, boat, RV, motorcycle or farm equipment. Plus you get a tax deduction! Call RIDE to donate or learn more. Upcoming Events.

Read more about the pups that are currently up for adoption. Read More… Foster Dogs FBRN is being faced with an increasing number of dogs who are ill, handicapped, or need expensive veterinary care before being placed. Meet our Foster Frenchies and please consider sponsoring one of them to ensure that they receive the care that they need. Read More… Surrender a Dog Life has thrown you a curve ball and you must surrender your French Bulldog… we are here to help! Read More… Volunteer We welcome you to join us in our efforts to rehabilitate and rehome needy French Bulldogs. We have many options for you to choose from, depending on your circumstances, time and resources. Our organization is composed solely of volunteers who nurture and foster these dogs as well as provide education and training. Our goal is to place healthy and happy French Bulldogs into forever homes. Read More… Contact Us Learn about the many ways that you can get in touch with us. He has a Staffie sister, Lettie, who he adores and who has taught him so much with her gentle patience. He has doggie friends at daycamp he sees once a week. He is the best snuggler ever! He used to be a resource guarder, but will now bring you his toys for a treat! He loves our daily walks and meeting people. Thank you FBRN for picking us to be his family- we love him so much! Despite being mostly blind and deaf, Ham is thriving in his golden years, especially with his folks now working from home. Thank you FBRN for our goodest good boy! We are so grateful for every day with him. She had cherry eye surgery in March right before Covid quarantine and the surgery was a success. A gigantic thank you to FBRN for allowing me to adopt this perfect little nugget. All Rights Reserved. A c 3 Non-Profit Organization. Tax ID: .Powered by Geeks4Rent. Vocality level 3 in 5 Disclaimer: While the characteristics mentioned here may frequently represent this breed, dogs are individuals whose personalities and appearances will vary. Please consult the adoption organization for details on a specific pet. Temperament The French Bulldog is a clown in a lapdog. They enjoy playing and entertaining their family, as well as cuddling and snoozing with their favorite person. They are amiable, sweet, companionable, and willing to please. A short walk on lead is sufficient to meet most of its physical needs. Frenchie snores and may wheeze and drool. Require minimal coat care Facial wrinkles should be regularly cleaned. Brachycephalic syndrome stenotic nares, elongated soft palate Intervertebral disk disease CHD seldom causes symptoms or problems Allergies History Where are French Bulldogs from? In the nineteenth century, the Bulldog was fairly popular in England, especially around Nottingham. The French women, especially, were attracted to these little Bulldogs, especially those with erect ears a common but disliked feature in England. Dog dealers brought more of the clownish little dogs to France, where they soon became the rage of Paris. The dogs were dubbed Bouledogue Francais. How big do French Bulldogs get? Some Bulldogs are quite small weighing less than 25 lbs, however, dogs in this breed on average, weigh 28 lbs. What are some French Bulldog facts and information? Facts French Bulldogs are best known for: Bat ears.

German Shepherd Itching Constantly? None of us want to see our German Shepherd itching like crazy and constantly in discomfort. Or, worse—in pain from their own skin! But there are solutions for German Shepherd allergies and dry skin that you can use right now to help your dog from itching like crazy. And you can do them right now, too! Although food is rarely a cause of dry skin or allergies, in many dogs a change in diet dramatically decreases itchy skin. While there are plenty of sensitive diets on the market you should try Purina Pro Plan Focus Sensitive Formula which has no soy, wheat, peas, or corn. German Shepherd itchy skin might also happen if your current feeding routine lacks proper nutrition. Choosing a sensitive or hypoallergic dog food is a quick way to help your German Shepherd from itching like crazy. If your dog has special medical conditions, check with your vet first to make sure a change in diet will help with their scratchy and itchy skin issues. Look for a shampoo that contains coal tar which moisturizes and calms the red, irritated skin. Beware… Over bathing can cause more irritation by stripping the skin of natural oils and removing the protective layer. This can increase itching and scratching. Only bathe your dog with the medicated shampoo as needed to control their symptoms. They are also convenient and easy to use throughout the day. Look for a spray that contains aloe vera and vitamin e, both of which moisturize the skin. I use this spray for my itching German Shepherd and her skin felt moisturized and looked healthier after only a few applications. For areas you think are infected or extremely irritated, try a thicker cream that also offers pain relief, like this Sulfodene ointment. My GSD immediately shows signs of relief upon application! Use soft strokes and a brush with rounded tips. Specifically, try a rake brush that removes the dead undercoat. My GSD loves the rake brush, and this helps her to have the excess dead hair removed so that her skin can breathe more. This reduces the efficiency of the oil glands and causes your GSD to itch constantly and like crazy. Add Anti-Inflammatory Supplements to their Diet Research shows that omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids help reduce skin inflammation and increase skin moisture in some dogs. You want o use a blended oil like this salmon oil with hemp oil blend because it produces outstanding coat and skin results that help your dog to itch less while giving them a shiny, healthy coat. It may take 4 to 6 weeks or even several months for your dog to feel the benefits of an omega supplement and for you to see the benefits. Begin before the cold seasons to avoid having a German Shepherd itching in winter or because of allergies. Most dogs enjoy the oil as a treat on top of their usual kibble. My German Shepherd itches and licks her paws a lot in spring because of grass and pollen allergies. Use a brand that has ingredients to help with scratching and itching. You need a wipe with soothing ingredients found in them, such as Tropiclean Oxy Med Allergy Relief Wipes that give your dog clean skin to lessen irritations. Use these dry skin tips! Deicing solutions and salt on the walkways increase skin dryness. Remember, in the winter your German Shepherd needs special attention to their skin: Be sure to keep paw cleaning and wiping products by your door. Upon returning from every walk use them to remove any debris. Brush them thoroughly to help distribute their natural oils after walking outdoors in winter and apply an anti-itch spray and ointments if necessary. Run a Humidifier Adding moisture back to the air helps some dogs decrease their scratching, especially during the winter months and in dry climates. Especially if they enjoy lying close to the heat! Humidifiers come in a variety of models and sizes and both in a cool mist and warm mist options. Avoid Using Room or Fragrance Sprays Some German Shepherd allergies are brought on or worsened by unnatural, chemical-laden room and fragrance or perfume sprays. Avoid using these items, including the plug-in room fragrance models, if you suspect your German Shepherd has allergies or is itching constantly. The chemicals can even cause allergies to become worse in German Shepherds or they can develop breathing problems when you use too many chemicals products around them. Switch to a more natural cleaning option when possible. Use the following helpful information to understand why your GSD may have allergies and what contributes to allergies and scratching. German Shepherds are prone to a variety of skin problems because of flea or insect allergies, food allergies, inhalant allergies, and skin contact allergies. Some GSDs are also itchy because of medicine allergies either over the counter or prescribed and even genetic allergies. This leads to a lower quality of life and possible serious medical and health complications. Itchy German Shepherd? Use this list to see if your dog might have an allergy to one or multiple items that causes them to itch like crazy: Food Allergy wheat, unusual proteins like bison, kangaroo, etc. Parasite Allergy fleas, ticks, etc. Environmental Factors cold weather, dry air, fragrance sprays, commercial cleansers, carpet powders, mold, etc. Always seek vet advice when in doubt. You can also provide temporary and sometimes long-term relief using the process of elimination and the home treatments for skin problems previously listed. How to help my German Shepherd from itching and scratching? Treating a German Shepherd with itchy skin at home can help decrease their itching and scratching so they are more comfortable and regain healthy skin. Your GSD might just need a change of diet or a quick spray of anti-itch solution. There are simple ways to help your German Shepherd from itching and scratching like crazy. Most of the treatments you can order from home and apply right away. Share it! She has a Bachelor of Science degree, with Honors, and has been training dogs for over a decade. Related Posts. While they sound like they are insects similar to fleas, they are actually more like spiders, just in parasite form. As well, the longer you wait to seek out diagnosis and treatment, the more likely a minor issue with mites will turn into sarcoptic mange, or scabies, a much more serious condition. As Veterinary Partner explains, because the mites feed on dead skin, they like the more hairless areas on your dog like the ears, belly, or joints. Unfortunately, sarcoptic mange is not easy to diagnose because the symptoms are quite a lot like other skin allergies and conditions that can affect a German Shepherd. Your veterinarian may need to rule out other issues and do several tests. Even after a firm diagnosis is made, your dog will probably need a range of treatments, including antibiotics, topical shampoos or solutions, oral treatments, dips, and topical itch-relief products. You can see how severe the mange issues can become and also how effective treatment can be once a proper diagnosis is made. The big difference between scabies and Demodex is that the scabies mite is a definite invader, while the Demodex mite is always present on the skin. Typically, as long as your German Shepherd stays healthy with a strong immune system, the mites will live peacefully inside the hair follicles. But if there is any disruption to the immune system function, the mites may start to cause itching. The most common warning sign besides intense itching is patchy hair loss. In fact, current estimates indicate as many as 10 percent of all dogs alive today may be suffering from some degree of food allergies. Interestingly, food allergies in people are also on the rise. While researchers are not completely sure what is causing this uptick in interspecies food allergies, there are several suspects, from GMOs genetically modified organisms to global toxins. Certain foods are known to be more prone to causing food allergies in German Shepherds and other dog breeds. Chicken, fish, beef, eggs, dairy, soy, wheat gluten , rabbit, pig pork , and lamb are some of the most frequently cited food-based allergens. However, a German Shepherd may also have sensitivities to additional foods. For example, peanuts are known to be more prone to fungus, which can cause intense allergies in some dogs. Veterinarians who specialize in allergies and immunology are not sure exactly why dogs have sensitivities to foods that might ordinarily be a big part of their diets such as chicken and lamb. Even if your dog previously was able to eat the food item, over time sensitivity can develop and it may be necessary to remove that food from the diet going forward. One theory is that commercial livestock operations often give breeding animals and young animals antibiotics to try to ward off illness and infection. Some breeds are also naturally more likely to have food allergies and German Shepherds are one of those breeds. Your veterinarian will likely do some allergy testing to narrow down the search. Another option many veterinarians prescribe is to adopt a limited ingredient diet to see if the symptoms clear up on their own. Rather, it is important to rule out both behavioral as well as environmental causes to see what causes the itching to clear up. Behavior reasons why your GSD might be scratching Some German Shepherds may actually just need more enrichment, exercise, activity, or playtime. Because the GSD is such a sensitive and intelligent dog breed, these dogs can start to self-harm by chewing at the skin if they get bored or lonely. Boredom can lead to other destructive behaviors like digging , chewing things around the house, and barking. Systemic reasons why your GSD might be scratching Problems with thyroid function, endocrine disruption or immune system malfunction can also cause skin that dries out and becomes itchy. Sometimes testing reveals a hidden metabolic or systemic disease or sensitivity that is the real cause of the itching. Environmental reasons why your GSD might be scratching German Shepherds can be very sensitive to environmental toxins, including exposure to herbicides or pesticides or insecticides, toxic house or lawn plants, air pollution, seasonal pollen, mold or mildew, and similar triggers for scratching. It can be worth taking a second look at your lawn care and gardening products as well as what may be growing in and around areas where you and your dog walk regularly. Regular brushing and grooming can help you spot developing problems before they get out of control. Going forward, when you brush your dog each week, take time to examine the skin, ears, paw pads, tail, and belly areas, joints, and face for any signs of skin redness, hot spots, irritation, or inflammation. As well, it often helps to keep a journal so you can record what happened just before your dog experienced a bout of scratching. Does your dog seem to itch more after meals or yard time? These are valuable clues that can help quickly diagnose and treat the scratching issue. German Shepherd Itching Constantly? There are many different types of hypoallergenic and sensitive dog foods. These have been specially formulated to reduce the risk of allergic reactions as far as possible. By reducing the number of issues that their system has to contend with, you are likely to alleviate their itchiness. Common allergens found in dog foods are dairy proteins, chicken, lamb, beef, eggs, gluten, and soy. As well as this any chicken meal, fat, eggs, cartilage, grains, lentils, peas, potatoes, flaxseeds, fish, and yeast. If your dog is allergic to any of these things then their bodies will produce antibodies and antigens as part of its immune response. If you suspect that this is one of the problems with your dog, your vet may ask you to do an elimination trial. This is where you feed your dog a carefully controlled hypoallergenic diet for between 8 and 12 weeks. This diet cannot contain any foods that your dog has consumed in the past and does not allow for your dog to be fed with treats or supplements. Your vet may also perform a serum IgE test, which is a type of blood test. This will give them an indication as to what foods your dog may be sensitive to. Alternatively, your dog may be itchy if they are not being fed appropriate nutrition. They may be deficient in vitamins, carbohydrates, proteins, or fats. The blood test will indicate this to your vet too. This can also cause itchiness. It is vital to feed your dog the correct diet to keep them healthy and well. This will also help to improve the quality of their coat, making it shiny and luxurious. We recommend using an oil blend, such as salmon and hemp. This is unlikely to trigger an allergic reaction and will work beautifully to produce a healthy coat and skin. To feed it to them, all you need to do is pour a little of the oil over the top of their kibble at mealtimes. You will not notice results immediately after you begin to feed the oil blend to your dog. It is likely to take somewhere between 4 and 6 weeks to notice the benefits. We strongly suggest that you begin to incorporate this fatty supplement into their diet before the cold season begins. This will help to reduce the chances of your German Shepherd becoming itchy and ill over the winter. These will help to boost their immune and digestive systems. Probiotics will also help to reduce the inflammatory response of their bodies to any allergens present in their environment. There is evidence to suggest that these supplements can also help to protect your dog from immunological attacks. Change their shampoo There are many different types of medicated shampoo that are ideal for treating itchy dogs. These will help to soothe their inflamed skin and reduce the itchy sensation. They are super simple to use and relatively inexpensive to purchase. Your shampoo should contain a compound known as coal tar. This is commonly used as a treatment for eczema and psoriasis as it is incredibly soothing on broken and irritated skin. It is also a highly effective treatment for overly oily fur and dandruff. You can purchase coal tar shampoos designed for both human and canine use. You should not wash your dog too often as this can also lead to problems. If you over wash your dog, you can strip the natural oils out of their coat and off their skin. This can actually lead to even more itchiness and further complications. It is a good idea to bathe them every months, or more often if recommended by your veterinarian. You should always rinse your dog twice thoroughly to ensure all of the shampoo residues have come off of their coat. Use moisturizer There are many different moisturizing skin sprays and ointments available to treat your German Shepherd. These help to keep their skin hydrated, therefore reducing irritation and itchiness. Sprays are highly convenient to apply throughout the day and will not cause you much inconvenience. You should look for sprays and ointments that contain Vitamin E and aloe vera. Both of these are very moisturizing and will massively help your dog. Apply liberally to areas that seem most affected. These sprays are clinically formulated to have veterinarian quality impacts from the comfort of your home. For really itchy and affected areas, it is wise to use an ointment or thicker cream for more of an impact. This can also be applied to small cuts and sores for instant relief. It will also help to eradicate any loose hairs that may be causing them irritation. We recommend grooming your German Shepherd with a rake brush with rounded tips, 2 to 3 times per week. During shedding season, in the spring and fall months, you will need to brush your dog every day. This is because they will be losing a huge quantity of fur and will need some assistance to ensure the dead hair does not just collect in their coat. If your dog lives indoors, they are likely to shed slightly less than outdoor dogs. Ideally, this brush will have a double row as these will remove the most hair with ease. Use soft but firm strokes in the direction of hair growth. We recommend using a rake brush. This is because German Shepherds have 2 coats of hair, and this type of brush will remove dead hairs from their undercoat. Neglecting to brush your dog will result in a thick blanket of hair growing over the skin and preventing adequate air circulation. This means that their oil glands can become clogged and can make your dog incredibly itchy. Wash them often This is a particularly important step during allergy seasons such as late spring and summer. If your dog is sensitive to pollen and goes outside, they will drag the pollen back in with them on their fur. This can cause them to have continuing allergic reactions, even when indoors. This will reduce the amount of grass and pollen that they come into contact with and can reduce allergic reactions. Invest in a humidifier If the air is particularly dry, this can cause your German Shepherd to itch too. This is particularly prevalent during the winter months when electric heaters and log fireplaces are running. Humidifiers work by introducing more moisture into the air. This can help to alleviate some skin conditions and improve the overall health of your dog. They can emit either a warm or a cool mist, and some are capable of both. You should place the humidifier close to where your dog spends most of its time. This will help to ensure they get as much benefit from the humidifier as possible. It is a good idea to place the humidifier out of reach of your dog to ensure they do not knock it over and hurt themselves. Do not point it directly at your dog as they may become wary and move if any mist or discharge from the humidifier is suddenly sent their way. Do not use fragrance sprays The respiratory and olfactory systems of dogs are far superior to that of humans. Their sense of smell is more than times stronger than a human, meaning that they are incredibly sensitive to odors. There are many smells, such as ylang-ylang, which can actually irritate and cause harm to your dog. If your German Shepherd is already itching, their symptoms may be worsened by the use of room fragrances or perfume sprays. We do not recommend burning scented candles or incense in the vicinity of your dog. In extreme cases, you may wish to consider stopping using aerosol deodorant and perfume sprays. Change your household cleaning products Commercially available cleaning products can cause your dog to itch. Many chemicals can trigger allergic reactions or respiratory issues in your dog. There are lots of naturally formulated cleaning products available that will reduce the reactions in your dog. Look for products that are fragrance-free and hypoallergenic. Allow all surfaces that have had chemicals applied to them to dry completely before you let your dog near them. Other home remedies for itching A completely natural way to treat your dog is through the use of apple cider vinegar. Use this as a rinse to alleviate symptoms of itching. Dilute it in a ratio with purified water and put it into a bottle. Wash your dog as normal with a mild castile soap and then rub the apple cider vinegar into their fur. Ensure all areas of their body are covered, paying close attention to their belly and legs. Take care not to get the vinegar into their eyes as this will hurt them. Do not use this on open wounds or raw skin as it will burn and hurt your German Shepherd. Do not rinse this off, instead allow it to air dry on their skin and fur. This can also be applied topically throughout the day to alleviate itchy hotspots. It can also be used to clean out their ears and can be ingested for digestive issues. Apple cider vinegar is an anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, and anti-bacterial agent. You may want to consider incorporating olive oil into their diet. Olive oil is high in vitamins K and E, as well as antioxidants. Do this 2 to 3 times per week to help alleviate itchiness and improve the quality of their fur. Another good incorporation into their diet is plain yogurt. Take care to ensure that this is one that has no additives or sugar, as these will be bad for your dog. The yogurt will contain probiotic cultures that will help to maintain a healthy bacterial balance in their gut. It can help to prevent yeast infections and skin issues. For small dogs, add in a teaspoon of yogurt 2 to 3 times per week. For large dogs, feed them 2 teaspoons. Coconut oil is another great and easy home remedy. Apply it topically to dry skin as a moisturizer or give it orally to your dog as an immune booster. It is also really useful as a human moisturizer and is delicious to boot. We have all heard of oatmeal baths for chickenpox, but did you know that this can be done for dogs too? Grab some oatmeal and place it into a high-powered blender and blend until a powder has formed. Fill your bathtub with warm water and pour in the oatmeal powder. Allow this to combine for a few minutes and then bring your dog in. If possible, allow your dog to soak in this bath for 15 minutes. Performing this bath regularly will help to reduce the overall itchiness of your dog and make their life more comfortable. You can also make herbal tea soaks for your dog. These can be done with chamomile, calendula, and green teas. All of these teas have soothing properties and will help to reduce itchiness. This is particularly useful for dogs with red raw skin that cannot stop itching. To make this soak, fill your tub with warm water and throw in around 5 tea bags. Leave them to steep here for minutes and then take the bags out of the water. Bring your dog into the bath and allow them to soak in the tea for around 5 minutes. If the itching is localized to smaller regions, steep a couple of tea bags in a jug of warm water. Allow it to cool and then pour over the affected patches and allow the tea to air dry. For more natural home remedies, take a look at this video. Learn About German Shepherd Scratching From a Canine Veterinarian In this YouTube video , you can watch a canine veterinarian examining a German Shepherd dog patient who is struggling with ongoing itching and scratching issues. Hormone imbalances, illness Shedding German shepherds shed year-round. They have a thick double coat that helps regulate their body temperature. As the weather changes, about twice a year, they blow their coat, which results in lots of shedding. When they are blowing their coat, or shedding more than usual, they may scratch more often as they try to remove the excess fur. You can help de-shed them by brushing them often with an undercoat rake. It can also help to give them a bath in a conditioning, Ph balanced, de-shedding shampoo. If you lack time, consider a professional groomer a few times a year to help keep them well-groomed and less itchy. If your dog suddenly starts to shed more than usual or their fur is getting thin and dull, you may need to visit the vet. Illness, stress, dermatitis, and infections can all contribute to excess shedding that requires medical care. A few times a year is usually enough for most dogs. However, if they get wet, dirty, exposed to allergens, or have irritated skin, it can trigger lots of itching. To remove the itchy triggers from their skin and fur, its best to give them a bath using a rubber bath brush , which will help loosen fur and debris and gently massage their skin. When bathing, consider using a conditioning shampoo made with oatmeal and aloe to relieve the skin from irritants. Be sure to follow with a conditioner to protect their skin and coat and dry them off, which will also help remove any dead fur. Parasites Parasites such as fleas, mites, and ticks can all cause excessive itching as well as a problem in your home and yard. Dogs infested with parasites experience intense itching and some even have allergic reactions all over their body but especially at their belly, rear, hocks, elbows, and ear flaps. Dry Skin Dry, flakey, itchy skin can be caused for many reasons, including allergies, illness, infection, heat or air conditioning, being exposed to a household cleaner or soap, change in diet, or even needing more omega oil in the diet. Infections Itchy dogs are more prone to bacterial and fungal infections due to their constant scratching and licking. These infections also cause dogs to itch, creating a painful cycle of itchiness. Infections can usually be identified by intense itching, redness, sores, and may even have a foul odor. One of the keys to helping a dog recover from a skin infection is to stop them from scratching. This can usually be done with a combination of antibiotics or antifungals from your vet as well as anti-itch shampoos and sprays. Nutrition German shepherds tend to do best on a high-quality food that is easy to digest and nourishes the skin and coat. However, not all dogs thrive on the same food. There are many opinions about which dog food is best but what works great for one dog is sometimes a disaster for another. When feeding your dog, looking for a high-quality food for large breed dogs usually over 50 pounds that is AAFCO labeled complete and balanced for the life stage of your dog. Many foods created for sensitive dogs are free of corn, wheat, and soy yet still contain some grains, while others are grain free. Environmental Allergens Controlling the itching in dogs with environmental or seasonal allergies can be difficult. Depending on the severity of the problem, you may want to consider allergy testing and immunotherapy. Food Allergies Food allergies are far less common in dogs than environmental allergies. According to Tufts University, "Food allergies occur when an animal's immune system misidentifies a protein from a food as an invader rather than a food item and mounts an immune response. The end result of this response can be itchy skin or ear and skin infections in some pets, while it may cause vomiting or diarrhea in others. Which means every time your dog eats the offending food, it triggers an immune response and may worsen every time your dog eats that particular ingredient. Dogs are also far more likely to be allergic to the protein in a food chicken, beef or eggs than grains. In fact, allergies to rice or oats are rare and allergies to other grains, uncommon. So, if you keep rotating foods but are feeding the same protein or beans and legumes, that could be the problem. We hope these tips help your dog live itch free. Please feel free to share them with your friends with itchy dogs. And for good reason! They are characterized by not only their smarts, loyalty and courage, but also the thick fur coat that protects them. However, their coat makes them very susceptible to developing skin issues. If you are a parent of a German Shepherd, stay informed by being knowledgeable about why they get skin allergies and what you can do for them. They are allergic to fleas, especially to their saliva. When bitten, they will constantly itch and their skin will be inflamed. You will most likely see red spots almost immediately. Flea control would greatly help. A few of the things you can do is give your dog a refreshing bath in either a pool or a bathtub. This way fleas are washed away. Do make sure you fully submerge the dog in the water. Controlling fleas can not only prevent German Shepherd skin allergies but they can also avoid serious health problems such as tapeworms, anemia, dermatitis and bacterial infections. Learn how Wild Earth can help your dog live longer and visit the vet less. Steps for properly eliminating fleas from your German Shepherd: Bathe your dog using a hypoallergenic shampoo. Use a loofa for scrubbing his body. Make sure you cover his eyes with a dry cloth. Scrub vigorously to make sure it penetrates through his skin. Scrub for up to 5 minutes and make sure you include the genital area, tail and belly. These are the places where fleas tend to gather. Rinse using a hose a dry him off with a towel. Food Allergy Do you know that the number one cause of allergy in German Shepherds is the meat in dog food? When they develop this allergy, the skin is most likely the place where the inflammations would appear. If remain untreated, it could progress to infections or secondary bacterial infections that may be accompanied by alopecia or crusting. Food with real ingredients containing antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals are a good choice. Skin allergies may not be completely avoided but your German Shepherd will not likely develop skin irritations related to food if he is consuming the right diet. Environmental Allergy German Shepherds, as a dog breed, are really prone to skin allergies. Pollen-related allergies are one of the most common. This happens usually in the summer or in the fall. Many dog owners will use Benadryl for dogs to help alleviate pollen allergies that are common during the spring season for many dogs. Pollen allergies could lead to Atomic Dermatitis. This is usually a genetic condition caused by dust, trees or pollen. The dog may also experience ear infections when the allergy is not treated. Claritin for dogs is commonly used to help alleviate this type of allergy but it is recommended that you speak to your veterinarian prior to giving anything to your dog. Eye drops for dogs are common for helping to remove environmental allergies from the eyes and face of your dog. When you notice these, your dog may have an allergy. Symptoms also include flaky skin, hot spots, hair loss, dandruff, sores and dry skin. You need to watch out for skin allergies affecting either the ears or the eyes. Smelly ears or teary eyes could lead to painful infections when not treated. It would be best to consult a veterinarian right away for the proper prescription. Other Treatment Options For German Shepherds Most environment-related allergies are treated with over the counter treatments. Buying hypoallergenic or sulfate-free shampoo would be best for your German Shepherd. You can also choose a shampoo with either aloe vera or tree tea oil as the ingredients. These will provide a calming and soothing effect on their skin. Consult your veterinarian for antihistamine prescriptions for your dog. You may also visit a nutritionist so they could devise a good diet plan for your canine. Learn about our healthy protein food excellent for your German Shepherd. Managing Skin Problems with German Shepherds Fatty acids, zinc and antioxidants may reduce the symptoms. You may also regularly vacuum or wash the dog in hot water to remove the allergens. Keep an eye on them! We love our pets like family and hate to see them uncomfortable. Fortunately, by keeping an eye on their activity, watching how they react to their diet, bathing them regularly, and giving them a supplement if you think they need extra support, you can go a long way toward helping them live a more comfortable life! In this article:. Bees, hornets, and wasps Environmental Hygiene Most environmental allergies also known as inhalant allergies in German Shepherds are seasonal, which means your dog may only be prone at certain times of the year. However, the exceptions to this are molds, mildew, and house dust mite allergies, as these can occur yearly. Here are the common environmental allergies in German Shepherds due to their genetic tendency to become sensitized to: Tree pollens oak, ash, cedar, etc. Grass and weed pollens ragweed House dust mites Mold spores and mildew Other pet dander, such as cat or human skin These allergies also cause atopic dermatitis atopy , which causes red, itchy skin, rashes, hot spots, hair loss, and infections. Likewise, you should also look at their environment. Although dogs can have similar symptoms, they mainly suffer from itchy skin pruritus , especially around the face, paws, tummy, and armpits. Your German Shepherd will continually scratch, lick, or bite his skin, making it red, sore, and prone to infection. He may also try to rub himself on furniture or the floor to help relieve symptoms. Wrong Diet German Shepherds are predisposed to gastrointestinal problems. One example is Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency, which affects the normal digestion of food. They are also at risk of bloat GDV , a life-threatening condition. German Shepherds are also more prone to food allergies than other breeds, along with Labradors. Did you know that some GSDs have been lactose intolerant since their birth? As they begin experiencing digestive issues, you can confirm the level of lactose intolerance. There is nothing unusual about these foods other than they have been the most common ingredients in dog foods for years, so dogs have been repeatedly exposed to them. The skin condition can worsen and open the way for maggots to enter the body. In aged dogs, this can lower the appetite and also impact every organ of the body over time. Besides, some dog allergies, for example, seasonal pollen allergies, can temporarily go away. Some symptoms can also be a sign of a completely different condition. Here are a few questions to ask yourself if your GSD is itching too much due to environmental reasons: Did you recently change your floor cleaner? Is there another dog with a skin condition next to your GSD? Do you find red spots on the belly? In these cases, your German Shepherd might have a problem with the environment and needs immediate cleaning. When your German Shepherd passes watery stools, it can often be the case of a food allergy. Well, there are chances for your German Shepherd to itch so much due to multiple causes too. How to Treat An Itchy German Shepherd When a German Shepherd itches more than usual, it reddens the spot, and most importantly, it can lower the appetite and movement over time. The best way to treat an itchy German Shepherd is to identify the underlying cause and choose a suitable plan of action. GSDs with dermatitis need medicines and medicated baths, while those with environmental allergens need regular cleaning to eliminate allergens. Contrarily, those with food allergies need a change in diet. Here are some treatment options for your German Shepherd to control the itchiness: Medications. Antihistamines or corticosteroids anti-inflammatory can be prescribed to block the allergic reaction and help relieve symptoms. Immunosuppressive agents are also an option, but they must be used wisely due to possible side effects. Antibiotics can also be given for secondary bacterial infection. Omega-3 fatty acid supplements, such as fish oil, have effectively treated skin allergies as they can improve the response to steroids and antihistamines. Medicated shampoo or cream. These can help with severe itching and inflamed skin. Some therapeutic shampoos also contain anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal agents to help your dog. Frequent bathing can help to remove allergens from the fur. Holistic medicines or natural treatments. Some dog owners opt for alternative therapies such as essential oils like chamomile or aloe vera. Always consult a vet familiar with their use if you wish to try these. Immunotherapy also known as hyposensitization. A series of weekly injections allergy shots is given to your German Shepherd to introduce the allergen to desensitize him to it, for example, pollen. Hypoallergenic diet. This contains a novel protein, such as kangaroo, duck, or venison. Feeding new foods will prevent a continuation of the over-response. Prevention Tips Even though German Shepherds are susceptible to allergies, here are some prevention tips. Some of these tips can also be used if your dog already has his diagnosis to help to relieve his symptoms: Flea prevention treatment. Regularly vacuum carpets. To help prevent fleas and dust mites, vacuum carpets daily. You should do this at least weekly with hypoallergenic, non-toxic detergents. Regularly grooming. For ease, I use the FURminator de-shedding tool from Amazon, which does a great job as it gets right through to the undercoat and safely removes loose hair. Check out my article on how to reduce GSD shedding for some cool tips! Avoid pollen. Walk your German Shepherd before dawn and late afternoon to early evening, as this is when pollen is at its lowest. Wipe his paws and body after his walk to help remove pollen and other allergens. Feed a nutritious, high-quality diet. Some of the preservatives and additives in commercial dog food may also cause allergies or intolerance. To prevent this, always make sure you feed your German Shepherd high-quality food. Opt for the most expensive you can afford. Feed dog food with only one or two protein sources. This can help give you more choices later on, should your German Shepherd develop an allergy. Use an air purifier. Air purifiers help create a cleaner, healthier environment by capturing tiny particles such as dust, pollen, and mold spores. The latest model also comes with Wi-Fi enabled. Use a dehumidifier. Dehumidifiers take moisture out of the air in your home. Drying out the air keeps allergy triggers to a minimum, subsequently relieving symptoms. In other instances, environmental and food allergies can also provoke a dog to itch regularly. Sometimes, a medicated bath does the job. Most dog breeds, including German Shepherds, scratch with an aim to perform a self-cleaning of the body and ears. If your German Shepherd is prone to direct heat or extreme cold, he may scratch quite frequently, and this is only a reaction to the environmental allergen temporary. You can see bald patches on various parts of the body. Vets might recommend medicines along with medicated baths and changes in diet. German Shepherds are prone to allergies. They are a high-risk breed predisposed to skin allergy known as canine atopic dermatitis CAD. The most common allergies are caused by fleas, food, environmental triggers such as pollen, dust mites, or mold , or contact with other irritants. Final Thoughts I can only imagine how frustrating it must be to have a German Shepherd itch so much all of a sudden. The situation worsens when you have multiple dogs at home. Although the German Shepherd breed is predisposed to different forms of allergies, they can still live a long, healthy, and happy life with the right treatment to control the symptoms. Related Posts You May Like:. When determining why your German Shepherd may be itchy, there are three primary reasons behind it. Fleas and lice commonly attach themselves to dogs, and can cause extreme discomfort and even self-mutilation through efforts to relieve the discomfort. The same applies if your dog has recently visited the veterinarian, though this is not as common as after returning home from a kennel. While your GSD may be allergic to one particular thing that he may have ingested, chances are that if there is an allergy present from food that it has to do with a change in his regular diet. Itching due to a food allergy is usually due to something that your dog will have been consuming for a while versus just on one occasion. Environmental allergies Environment allergies, also called Atopic dermatitis , present when your dog is allergic to some type of an environmental substance. This could be an airborne substance like pollen, but it could also be from dust mites, which are found in literally every household. Environmental allergies are most often present in dogs at least 6 months old, but they are more common in dogs that are at least 1 year old. These allergies can begin as seasonal in nature. They may begin in the spring and then taper off as fall approaches. Dust mites can also be a cause of itching. They can be found gathering in places where dead skin cells accumulate most often — places like furniture, bedding, carpeting, throw rugs, and stuffed animals. Dust mites can be found in just about every household. They are most prevalent from August to November when houses are closed up because of cool evenings and increasing humidity. However, be aware that, while seasonal, dust mites can still show up in the winter when heaters are stirring up dust. Go through the following steps and you will be able to isolate the most common cause for your GSD being itchy. Has your German Shepherd had the same food throughout his life? If this is the case, speak with your veterinarian. Have the seasons recently changed? YES — If the dog is middle-aged, then not likely a seasonal allergy. Seasonal allergies begin to show up after 6 months to 1 year of age. YES — If the dog is 6 months to 1 year old, then his itching is likely due to a seasonal allergy. NO — A seasonal allergy is probably not the concern here. They will show up the vast majority of the time when spring has just arrived. The exception here are dust mites. If you suspect that dust mites are the culprits, then talk with your veterinarian, as you will not be able to see them. Dust mites are only visible under a microscope, and even then they still look very small. This often causes excessive paw licking, recurring ear infections, hair loss and redness in the groin area. You will also notice seasonal allergies recurring each year, and worsening as the years pass. You will need to check your dog and look for signs of skin irritation. Not a small task, but a necessary one. Evaluate whether it is very dry and brittle, or if there is excess dander present. Look closely underneath his lips and examine the gums. Check to see if there are any types of ulcerations or lesions anywhere. Look closely for any redness that could indicate an ear infection. Pay close attention to the spaces between his pads and see if they feel particularly rough or if there are any unusually hard areas on the surface. Flea eggs magnified Flea eggs can also be difficult to see, so clean the comb out over a white piece of paper. The eggs are dark in color, so they will be easier to see on a white background. If you do not come across any fleas or flea eggs, then there is a good chance that you will come across a louse. Louse, singular for lice, are about the size of a small sesame seed. You will need to purchase a good quality flea shampoo to treat your dog effectively. Regardless of whether your dog has fleas or lice, a flea shampoo will be effective to treat the issue. Most flea shampoos contain either pyrethrins or organophosphates, which are both effective at getting rid of both lice and fleas. Pyrethrins are pesticides that are found naturally occurring in some types of chrysanthemum flowers, while organophosphates are chemical compounds made from phosphoric acid and alcohol. This will greatly cut down on the number of flea eggs or lice present and will make sure that the shampooing will be as effective as possible. Also make sure to put the flea-infested hair into a sealed bag and throw it away outside in the garbage. Do not dispose of the hair in an indoor garbage can in the event that some of the fleas or lice manage to escape. If some do manage to get out, you will just have another problem waiting to happen. You may also choose to use a topical insecticide. Two popular and effective topical insecticides are: Frontline Plus : This will kill all of the fleas on your dog within 12 hours. It kills live fleas as well as any contained in unhatched eggs. Advantage II : This product will also kill the fleas on your dog within 12 hours, and it will also stop fleas from biting almost immediately. A few popular brands are: Capstar : An effective oral pill, it begins to kill fleas within 30 minutes of dosing and will kill them before they lay eggs for a full month. However, some dogs love the taste — others, not so much. Also, treats will never work as quickly as a topical or oral medication, so these are not recommended if your GSD has on ongoing severe case of fleas. Thankfully, you are in a position to be able to find the root of the problem and do something about it. Most GSD itching issues can be effectively managed as long as you are proactive in paying attention to what may be causing the issue. By following a few simple steps, you will be able to put an end to it sooner than later. Fleas Fleas are a common culprit for itching dogs. They cause your German Shepherd a lot of discomforts. Previously flea-free dogs can pick up these external parasites from other dogs or outdoors. Some dogs have strong reactions to fleas. These flea allergies can cause your dog to scratch until they break the skin. When a dog scratches so much that he breaks the skin, it can cause a secondary infection. If your dog is bleeding or has caused open wounds, he will need to be looked at. Dirt and bacteria can get inside these wounds. A vet might even need to prescribe antibiotics. Lice Dogs can also get lice. Lice are small, external parasites that look a lot like dandruff to the naked eye, but up close, they are white, grubby, wingless insects. Environmental allergies Similar to humans, dogs can have allergic reactions to elements in their environments. The most common environmental allergies are airborne pollen and dust mites, both of which can be seasonal allergies. Dust mites are at their worst in the Autumn months. German Shepherds also can be allergic to certain items in your house such as carpet fibers, air fresheners, and shampoos. The condition they develop is called contact dermatitis, which is essentially a skin allergy. Fungus Ringworm is a common fungal problem in dogs. Ringworm is characterized by a circle of scaly, red skin; fur loss; and dandruff. This fungus can be passed from pet to human as well as from pet to pet. So, caution is advised if you suspect your dog may have ringworm. German Shepherds are not particularly predisposed to ringworm, however, dogs who have open wounds may be more prone to get the fungus. How do vets treat skin allergies in German Shepherds? Your veterinarian might recommend immunomodulatory medications. These are available either as a daily pill Apoquel or a Cytopoint injection given every weeks. Source: PetMed Apoquel can significantly reduce itching, and also decreases the associated inflammation, redness or swelling of the skin. Along with these, antibiotics or antifungal medicines are often required to treat the skin infections that result from allergies. Home remedies for German Shepherd itchy skin The first thing you will want to do is to determine the cause of the allergy. This will take some time. You can begin by eliminating any new substances that your GSD came into contact with before he started having symptoms. Check price on Amazon Use a Humidifier Winter months are notoriously bad for dry skin in both humans and dogs. Fireplaces and heaters sap moisture from the air and from the skin. Check price on Amazon Vacuum daily In addition to these measures, if your dog has a dust mite allergy, you will want to vacuum regularly and clean fabric surfaces often. Remove the carpet Your carpeting is something that may trigger allergies in dogs. A dog carpet allergy can be caused by the material itself or by a substance either on or in the carpet In extreme circumstances, you may even need to replace the carpet with tile or hardwood flooring. Common hypoallergenic dog food recommended by GSD owners include:.

Learn more » Congratulations on your new golden retriever puppy! You now have a beautiful, smart, and loyal dog who will love you for life. To make sure they grow into a healthy and happy companion, you need to feed them the right amount of food. At months old, which is usually when they are ready to leave their mother, a golden retriever puppy should be eating 3 cups of dog food divided into three meals per day. This is based on a typical large-breed puppy food. Different brands will give a feeding guide on their packaging. However, how much and how often to feed your golden retriever will keep changing during this time of rapid growth. Golden Retriever Puppy Feeding Timeline Image Credit: PxHere All puppies are different as are the foods, but some general guidelines for feeding your golden retriever during their first year are: 0—6 weeks: A golden retriever puppy can start eating solid food when they are 3—4 weeks old. Give them a total of 3 cups of dog food per day by their third month, 3 to 4 cups by the time they are 6 months old. The AKC recommends waiting until large breed puppies are at least 12 months old before switching them over to adult dog food and more likely 18 months. The amount will depend on their weight and activity level, but a rough guide is 1—2 cups per meal. Image Credit: Kinek00, Shutterstock Large breed puppies like golden retrievers should eat three to four small meals a day for the first 3—6 months of their lives. Smaller portions spread throughout the day are easier on their tummies and help prevent bloat, a serious condition that can be deadly for dogs. It also helps them maintain their energy level throughout the day. Puppy food has more calories and fat to support their growth, as well as extra vitamins and minerals for their developing immune and nervous systems and bones. The protein source matters, too. Puppies need animal-based proteins like chicken, beef, or lamb for their growing muscles. Choose a Large Breed Formula: Large breed puppies grow quickly, which means they need extra support for their bones and joints. Formulations for large breeds contain the correct calcium and phosphorus ratio for strong bones and glucosamine and chondroitin for healthy joints. They can help you choose the right food for your puppy based on their age, weight, and activity level. But puppies need to be fed on a schedule to prevent them from overeating and becoming overweight. How do you know if your puppy is getting enough to eat? After that, their growth will start to slow down. He Has a Healthy Appetite: A healthy puppy is interested in food and eager to eat. He Has Plenty of Energy: A well-fed puppy is full of energy and ready to play. Make the most of mealtime with these tips: 1. It also helps other aspects of puppy training, such as potty training and crate training. Image Credit: Alena Marchuk, Shutterstock This means leaving food out all day for them to graze on whenever they want. Leave food down for 10 minutes and then pick up what is not eaten. If they have not eaten anything, offer it again in an hour. Slow them down by scattering their kibble around the bowl, using a puzzle feeder or snuffle mat. This will help them learn to eat slowly and enjoy their food more. If your puppy is not drinking enough water for your liking, try adding a bit of broth to their bowl to make it more appealing and help them stay hydrated. Resist the Urge to Sneak Them Table Scraps Puppies are experts at giving those big, soulful eyes that make it hard to say no. But resist the temptation to give them table scraps or human food. Aside from teaching them bad manners, it can also lead to health problems, like obesity. A lot of human foods are not safe or healthy for dogs. For instance, garlic and onions are toxic to dogs. Oily food can upset their stomach, and carbs add a lot of calories. This helps them learn that mealtime is a specific time and place and not something that happens all over the house. Let Your Puppy Eat in Peace. This includes other pets in the house and small children who might want to bother them or try to steal their food. Otherwise, meals can become a stressful experience for your puppy instead of a happy one. Conclusion Feeding your golden retriever puppy the right amount of quality dog food will establish a strong foundation for their health and happiness. In addition, make mealtimes more meaningful by turning them into lessons and bonding moments between you and your dog. The puppy phase is over before you know it, so enjoy it while it lasts! Read the full disclosure here. Being a large and energetic dog, your golden retriever has a ravenous appetite and can eat a lot. However, overfeeding is never good and could be avoided with the help of a golden retriever feeding chart. Knowing how much to feed your golden retriever is always tricky but essential for their well-being and health. Goldens are prone to obesity and joint problems, which can only be exacerbated with an inadequate feeding plan. So, stay with me to find the right feeding plan and meal schedule for your goldie. Most first-time owners think their puppies should be chubby. In truth, golden retriever puppies are supposed to look lanky and act like they are always hungry when fed the correct amount of food. To encourage proper growth and development without making your pup obese, you will have to know how much to feed a golden retriever puppy. For example, cheaper foods use fillers and have a smaller amount of calories, thus you will have to feed more than you would when using premium large breed puppy foods. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. We all want our golden retriever puppies to be healthy and happy. We envision them running through a verdant field chasing a ball. Full of energy with the beautiful, lustrous golden coat. But, just like us, eating the proper food in the proper amounts will help your golden properly grow and thrive. After all, what we eat impacts how healthy we are. How much you should feed your golden retriever puppy will vary depending on the quality of food you feed, his age, his weight, his general health, and his activity level. Your golden will be growing for up to two years. And the amount of food during that time will have to be adjusted depending on his needs. Because most people feed kibble to their pup, this article will focus on that. Kibble is convenient and cost effective. Instead, they should be lanky and full of energy. They should love to eat their food with gusto. Instead, you should be able to feel his ribs when you pet him there. There should just be a thin coating of fat under his skin. And he should have a defined waistline. Of course you should check with your veterinarian to make such adjustments. And remember a young puppy should get only so much exercise a day. Their joints and bones are developing and can be damaged if the exercise is too extreme. Assuming you have an eight-week-old puppy, he should receive three to four meals a day. From eight weeks old until about five or six months old, three meals per day are advisable. Of course, feed at the same intervals every day and split the total amount per day in half to be given at each feeding. After about six months of age through adulthood, two feedings per day are the norm. Always check with your vet regarding how much and how often to feed. These are just guidelines. Feed him at the same distraction-free location so that he focuses on eating. As much as goldens love to eat, a young golden puppy is also very easily distracted. This can lead to possible health problems, including joint and bone problems. Goldens can easily become overweight. Free feeding can also lead to a picky eater. Some puppies figure out that if their buffets are always there, and they can just go graze at will. Most foods you purchase will have guidelines on their bag or box. When you first get your puppy, feed him the same food that the breeder or rescue fed him for a few weeks. Then, if you want to change his food, do so over at least 10 days. Add more of the new food and subtract more of the old food each day. After about five days, you should be giving him approximately 50 percent of the new food and 50 percent of the old food. Switching food over such a period of time will help prevent stomach upsets and diarrhea. Overfeeding will result not only in him becoming overweight but it will also make him grow too fast. Periodically—even weekly— test whether you can still feel his ribs without them protruding. You can then increase the amount he eats. You should also feed his last meal of the day at least 90 minutes before his bed time so that he can digest his food and potty before bed. A well-balanced, high-quality food should provide all the nutrients he requires. Golden puppies require a formula made for large-breed dogs. Puppy formulas for large-breed dogs regulate their growth. Eating too quickly can lead to digestive upsets and even bloat, which can be deadly. I rescued my golden retriever Riley when he was about six months old. To say that he ate as if it were his last meal would be an understatement. He had a voracious appetite. I bought one of the maze bowls to slow him down. The kibble is placed between each section of the bowl, and he had to forage for his food. It worked! He ate at a more normal pace. Of course, dogs should be given free access to fresh water. Other Feeding Options Although I concentrated in this article on feeding kibble to your new puppy, there are other options. There are some drawbacks to them because they may not be nutritionally complete, may be cost prohibitive, or may be too time-consuming to make. Wet Food Canned food alone or mixed with kibble is an option. But wet food alone is very expensive. He may become a picky eater. Feeding raw is controversial. Dehydrated raw foods reduce some of the risks. The ratio of calcium to phosphorous is crucial to puppy development. Homemade Diet Cooking for your best friend can be very appealing. And many people do. You know what ingredients and their quality are. But it has its drawbacks. Of course, the amount you feed is important for his growth rate and general health and well-being. But there is no one-size-fits-all in determining how much to feed a golden retriever puppy. Any amounts you see are just guidelines. Adjust them as necessary regarding your own special puppy. Do you have a golden retriever puppy? How did you determine what and how much to feed him? Please leave your comments in the section below. 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. Debbie has been training dogs for over 24 years and has nationally ranked obedience and rally dogs, agility dogs, trick dogs, and therapy dogs. Post navigation. They are famously loving and playful family pets, always eager to jump in the pool or snuggle up with you on the lounge. They are patient and energetic dogs who are easy to train, making them excellent service animals as well as loyal companions. If you are bringing a Goldie into your family, you might also be aware of their reputation as food lovers. Your Goldie might want to eat anything and everything you put in their bowl — and maybe even anything left on an unattended plate. In this Golden Retriever feeding guide, Hypro Premium will take you through everything you need to know when it comes to food options for your pup. The best food for most young puppies is milk. If you are weaning a puppy, you can start to mix in a little dry kibble with their puppy milk to create a paste. You can feed this mix to your puppy up to four times a day, slowly reducing the amount of milk you mix in. Over time, your Goldie puppy will get more comfortable with solid foods, until you no longer need to include any milk in their diet. While chubby little puppies are cute, your Goldie should not build up too much excess fat once you start feeding them solids. Goldies go from a small 4kg puppy at 7 weeks old to an almost 30 kg adult dog in the space of only 10 months. At six months old your puppy will still be growing, but more slowly as they reach most of their body development milestones. This is why appropriate feeding in the first year of their life is vital to the overall health of your Goldie for years to come. Over time this can increase to up to 4 cups a day at 10 months old, though females should usually only need 3 cups a day. The amount you feed your puppy is often dependent on their size and sex. While they may have some growing left to do, it depends on your dog. Some Goldies will continue to experience growth spurts before their second birthday, while others will stay the same size. Large breeds can be at risk of growing too fast, which can make them more vulnerable to skeletal and weight problems when they get older. Golden retrievers are especially prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, which can be avoided through diet control. You should feed your Goldie between 3 — 4 cups of food per day over two meals. Adult dogs and puppies have different nutritional needs. This is important to take into consideration as you are establishing a feeding schedule for a Golden Retriever puppy. Puppies require more calories to support their rapid growth than adult dogs, but they also have much smaller stomachs, which means they get fuller faster. Because of this, puppies can easily overeat, especially Golden Retrievers. You can help your puppy avoid overeating by allowing them a short amount of time to eat, and then removing their bowl. All puppies grow a lot during their first year, but large breed puppies are more likely to suffer from negative health consequences as a result. In order to provide your Golden Retriever puppy with the most appropriate food to support their rapid growth, consider choosing a large breed puppy food. Goldie puppies need lots of protein, fibre, and fatty acids to support the development of their bodies and provide them with energy. These foods also take into account the difference in nutrient digestion between small and large breeds. Too much of these nutrients can cause your large breed puppy to develop skeletal abnormalities. So how much do you feed a Golden Retriever? Your adult Goldie could need anywhere between and 1, calories per day. The amount of food you feed your dog will be determined by a few important factors. The first thing to consider is the sex of your dog. On average, your male Golden Retriever will need slightly more food than a female dog. Senior dogs will usually be less active and so will need less food. Goldies in particular can have a lot of variation in the amount of food they need on a daily basis. No matter how much you feed your dog, it is ideal that you feed your adult Golden Retriever two meals a day at evenly spaced time intervals. Feeding your dog twice, once in the morning and again in the evening, can be useful for establishing a routine and avoiding overfeeding. This routine can also include exercise, and is useful for encouraging healthy behaviour around food and toilet training. Special Considerations Your Golden Retriever could be predisposed to several health conditions that are important to consider when you make decisions about their diet. Firstly, Golden Retrievers are known for their beautiful coats, but their skin can often become infected. Goldies love swimming, but this can cause problems if water irritates their skin. They can also be susceptible to atopic dermatitis, which causes extreme itchiness, resulting in licking and biting behaviours in dogs that can cause even more damage. For dogs prone to skin and coat issues, a fish-based diet can help alleviate symptoms. Fish contains plenty of fatty acids, which support coat and skin health, and rarely triggers any allergic reaction in dogs. Goldies often benefit from healthy grains in their diet, especially as avoiding them can actually leave your dog more vulnerable to nutritional dilated cardiomyopathy, or nutritional DCM. This heart disease is common in Golden Retrievers, and can be triggered by consuming too much grain-free pet food that contains legumes like lentils and peas. You should consider feeding your Golden Retriever foods that are full of grains and proteins like chicken or fish. These are the benefits and drawbacks of the three most popular options — wet food, a raw food diet, and dry food. Wet food can be a great option for dogs that need plenty of protein and fat, like working dogs or dogs with certain health conditions. It also hydrates your dog while they eat, which can be useful for dogs suffering from any illness. For dogs with highly restrictive diets, raw food prepared by you can be a great way to avoid allergens. You can have complete control over a raw diet, which does require a lot more work on your part, but can have great results. For instance, a Golden Retriever with heart issues should eat a low salt diet, which can be easier to achieve if you are preparing their meals from scratch. However, low quality kibbles tend to be made up of a lot of low quality fillers, which can be hard for your pup to digest. Whatever option you choose for your Goldie, make sure it is suitable for large breeds and contains high quality ingredients. This will help prevent degenerative health disorders in the long run. Your Golden Retriever will probably love food, and will probably try to eat anything you put in front of them, which means you need to help them avoid the negative consequences of overeating. Golden retrievers, like other large and active breeds, need plenty of exercise. Not only is this vital to their physical health, but it also ensures they grow up well socialised and mentally stimulated. As your Goldie grows from a puppy to an adult dog, the amount of meals they need a day will reduce as their digestive systems become more developed. Your dog will need two meals a day, once in the evening and once in the morning, from the age of 6 months. There is also info on how to keep your puppy and your adult at his or her optimum weight. Scroll down to find growth charts to make sure your puppy is growing at the proper rate and is within the right weight range for his age. If you are looking for information on what to feed, go to How to Choose a Dog Food. Unlike with human children, a puppy that is overfed will grow too fast before they grow too fat. A good example is where a smaller puppy at 10 weeks was overfed and his growth was compared to a puppy that was correctly fed. The growth of your puppy needs to be controlled. General Guidelines for Puppies Below are some general guidelines on how much to feed puppies. Most dog food bags suggest feeding too much. Increase to about 3 cups a day by 5 months for boys and by 6 months for girls. Golden Retrievers at this age are supposed to look lanky and all Golden Retrievers act like they are starving when fed the correct amount. If left to eat as much as they want, they will all grow too fast. In the wild, dogs do not have unlimited access to eat as much as they want. They work for their food. Caloric Needs Greatly Decrease at About a Year When puppies reach about months, their caloric needs begin to decrease. Some males might need 4 cups if active and are fed a less expensive food. Make sure you take into consideration the number of extra calories being fed as treats. You should be able to feel their ribs, but not see them even when the dog is wet. If you can see the ribs, increase their food. Decrease the food if you cannot feel them. I always tell people that it is better to underfeed than to overfeed, especially when feeding puppies. Weight Range Charts Following are charts of how puppies should generally grow in weight. Keep in mind that very few puppies need to be at the top of these ranges and if you cannot feel ribs, your dog is overweight even if she is in this weight range. If your dog is still a puppy and she is over these weight ranges, you are feeding her too much. Female Golden Retriever Weight Chart Here is a chart of how girls should generally grow in weight: 2 Months — pounds.

There are also a lot of scammers out there. Poorly bred puppies from non health tested parents are being sold for vastly inflated prices and non existent puppies are being sold to unsuspecting purchasers based on photos lifted from good breeders' websites. Current Covid guidance permits a buyer to collect a puppy from a breeder provided social distancing is maintained. Do not agree to meet at a service station or supermarket car park to collect a puppy. This is a common arrangement suggested by puppy farmers. We are grateful to Ruth Turner for permission to share this advice. Labradors must be at least 8 weeks old when they leave the breeder; 2. Puppies must be registered with the Kennel Club - there is no viable reason why not! Deposits should only be paid if the puppies are born and should be a reasonable proportion of the total cost. Be wary of non refundable deposits. You must see the mum with the puppies, but not necessarily see the dad. Make sure the breeder is giving you a puppy pack, which contains information about rearing your puppy and also a contract of sale, there are guidelines for this on the Kennel Club website; 9. Most breeders will want to meet you and your family before confirming a booking. If because of current circumstances the breeder does not wish you to come into their home, please ask to see video footage of the pups with mum and their surroundings, preferably in real time. Try and buy from an Assured Breeder, this will ensure the parents are health tested and the property has been visited and approved by a Kennel Club Assessor, but remember not being an Assured Breeder does not mean the breeder is not a good one. Recommendation is always a good indicator of a good breeder too. Beware of some online puppy selling adverts especially on sites such as Gumtree, local Facebook groups, and other similar sites. Her knowledge has been invaluable to me, and encouraged me to undertake a Diploma course on puppy care! All the puppies on both of my visits prior to collecting Charlie were all obviously very happy and well cared for. I know that Maria will be at the end of the phone to give any advice as needed, although the hand over pack was very detailed. Some lovely momentos were given too such as his first collar and favourite toy. I highly recommend Gillhambrook Labradors M Seymour Maria has so much knowledge and is very supportive and helpful with adopting new puppies!! We are so excited and grateful to Maria for giving us a new family member.K Botley Maria has advised us on all aspects of introducing our puppy into our home. She has been brilliant from the start, keeping us updated with pictures and videos G Best When we decided to get a puppy, we wanted to buy from a local breeder who genuinely wanted the best for mum and puppies. And preferably with the added benefit of a cat in her home! With Maria we found exactly that. She has been wonderful throughout, providing weekly updates and photos of the puppies leading u to getting ours. A thorough hand over with one month insurance, puppy food to get us started and a health check and vaccination and microchip from her registered Vet. She also made herself available to answer any questions we had since getting our little girl. Interested in Gillhambrook Labradors? Why not contact us using our contact form, we are always available to answer any questions you may have.

Although a playful pup sounds endearing, consider how many games of fetch or tag you want to play each day, and whether you have kids or other dogs who can stand in as playmates for the dog. Although it hardly seems possible when you look at a primped-up Poodle in the show ring, the breed was originally a water retriever, a job that requires jumping in the water to fetch waterfowl for hunters. In fact, the English name poodle is derived from the German word pudel, or pudelin, which means to splash in the water. And in France, Poodles are called Caniche, a name derived from chien canard, meaning duck dog. There are three sizes of Poodle, all considered part of the same breed: going from smallest to largest, these are the Toy, the Miniature, and the Standard. The Standard is probably the oldest of the three varieties, and some still carry on the Poodle tradition of working as a water retriever. No matter the size, Poodles are renowned for a playful but dignified personality and keen intelligence. Despite his regal air, the Poodle is no snob. These are people-friendly dogs who want to stay close to their families — they get lonely when left by themselves for long periods — and are always up for a good game. This is especially common among the smaller varieties — Miniature and Toy Poodles — who are more likely to be coddled and untrained. The Poodle coat needs a lot of upkeep to stay beautiful and healthy. Most Poodle owners take their dogs to a professional groomer every three to six weeks. If you want to save money on grooming expenses, you can learn to do it yourself, but it takes time and effort. Poodles have weepy eyes that can stain the surrounding hair. To cut down on stains, gently wipe down the face daily with an alcohol-free pet wipe or washcloth dipped in warm water. To get a healthy dog, never buy a puppy from an irresponsible breeder, puppy mill, or pet store. Poodle History The Poodle is one of the oldest breeds developed especially for hunting waterfowl. Most historians agree that the Poodle originated in Germany, but developed into his own distinct breed in France. Many believe that the breed is the result of crosses between several European water dogs, including Spanish, Portuguese, French, German, Hungarian, and Russian water dogs. After that, the breed arrived in Gaul where it was used for his hunting abilities. Yet another theory is that the Poodle descended from dogs that were brought out of the Asian steppes by the conquering North African Berbers and eventually found his way into Portugal in the 8th Century with the Moors. Whatever its ancestry, this is a very old breed. Illustrations of Poodle-like dogs adorn Egyptian and Roman artifacts and tombs dating from the first centuries B. The drawings and statues show dogs that look very much like modern-day Poodles, bringing in game nets, herding animals, and retrieving game from marshes. The Toy and Miniature varieties were created by breeding small Poodles to each other, not by breeding Poodles to smaller breeds. The French used the larger Standard Poodle for duck hunting, and the mid-sized Miniature Poodle to sniff out truffles in the woods. They trained Poodles to perform tricks, dressing them in costumes and sculpting their coats into fanciful shapes to add to their stage appeal. Wealthy patrons took note and started clipping, decorating, and even dying their own Poodle companions. The Kennel Club in England registered their first Poodle in , with the first British club for Poodle fanciers arriving on the scene two years later. The Poodle Club of America was founded in , but disbanded shortly thereafter. Poodle enthusiasts reestablished the club in .Poodles were fairly rare in the U. By the mids, however, the Poodle had become the most popular breed in the country, a position he held for more than 20 years. Poodle Size There are three sizes of Poodle: toy, miniature, and standard. The Toy Poodle stands up to 10 inches tall, and weighs about six to nine pounds. The Miniature Poodle stands 11 to 15 inches tall and weighs 15 to 17 pounds. The Standard Poodle stands 15 inches and taller usually 22 inches ; males weigh 45 to 70 pounds and females weigh 45 to 60 pounds. Some owners and breeders think the smaller Toy and Miniature Poodles are a bit more high-strung than the Standard; however, other breeders and owners disagree with this theory. An outstanding trait of the Poodle is his intelligence. He is often said to have human-like intelligence, an amazing cleverness that astounds his owners. Of course, smart dogs can be difficult to live with. They learn fast — good habits and bad — and they remember everything. Health clearances prove that a dog has been tested for and cleared of a particular condition. You can confirm health clearances by checking the OFA web site offa. More severe signs occur when a dog is stressed or when potassium levels get high enough to interfere with heart function, causing severe shock and death. Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus: Commonly called bloat, this is a life-threatening condition that affects large, deep-chested dogs like Poodles, especially if they are fed one large meal a day, eat rapidly, drink large volumes of water after eating, and exercise vigorously after eating. Bloat occurs when the stomach is distended with gas or air and then twists. The dog is unable to belch or vomit to rid itself of the excess air in its stomach, and the normal return of blood to the heart is impeded. Blood pressure drops and the dog goes into shock. Without immediate medical attention, the dog can die. Suspect bloat if your dog has a distended abdomen, is salivating excessively and retching without throwing up. He also may be restless, depressed, lethargic, and weak with a rapid heart rate. Cushings Disease Hyperadrenocorticism : This condition occurs when the body produces too much cortisol. It can be due to an imbalance of the pituitary or adrenal gland, or it can occur when a dog has too much cortisol resulting from other conditions. Common signs are excessive drinking and urination. If your Poodle exhibits these two symptoms, take it to the veterinarian. There are treatments to help with this disease, including surgery and medication. Epilepsy: A common cause of seizures in all varieties of Poodles is idiopathic epilepsy. It often is inherited and can cause mild or severe seizures. Seizures may be exhibited by unusual behavior, such as running frantically as if being chased, staggering, or hiding. Seizures are frightening to watch, but the long-term prognosis for dogs with idiopathic epilepsy is generally very good. Canine hip dysplasia is inherited, with environmental factors sometimes playing a large part in its development. Over time, there is degeneration of the joint that can cause arthritis and pain, even lameness. Excess weight, excessive or prolonged exercise before maturity, a fast growth rate, and high-calorie or supplemented diets can contribute to the development of canine hip dysplasia. Veterinary care includes nutritional supplements, medication and, in some cases, surgery. Hypothyroidism: Hypothyroidism is caused by is an under active thyroid gland. Legg-Perthes Disease: This is another disease involving the hip joint. Many toy breeds are prone to this condition. When your Poodle has Legg-perthes, the blood supply to the head of the femur the large rear leg bone is decreased, and the head of the femur that connects to the pelvis begins to disintegrate. Usually, the first signs of Legg-Perthes, limping and atrophy of the leg muscle, occur when puppies are 4 to 6 months old. The scar tissue that results from the surgery creates a false joint and the puppy is usually pain free. Patellar Luxation: The patella is the kneecap. Luxation means dislocation of an anatomical part as a bone at a joint. Patellar luxation is when the knee joint often of a hind leg slides in and out of place, causing pain. This can be crippling, but many dogs lead relatively normal lives with this condition. Early in the disease, affected dogs become night-blind. As the disease progresses, they lose sight during the day. Many affected dogs adapt to their limited or loss of vision very well, as long as the surroundings remain the same. Optic Nerve Hypoplasia: This condition is a congenital failure if development of the optic nerve. It causes blindness and abnormal pupil response in the affected eye. This genetic condition is difficult to diagnose and often is mistaken for hypothyroidism, allergies, or other conditions. When a dog has SA, the sebaceous glands in the skin become inflamed for unknown reasons, and are eventually destroyed. These glands typically produce sebum, a fatty secretion that aids in preventing drying of the skin. Affected dogs typically have dry, scaly skin with hair loss on top of the head, neck, and back. Severely affected dogs can have thickened skin and an unpleasant odor, along with secondary skin infections. Although the problem is primarily cosmetic, it can be uncomfortable for the dog. Your vet will perform a biopsy of the skin if SA is suspected. Treatment options vary. The main symptom is excessive bleeding after an injury or surgery. Other symptoms include nosebleeds, bleeding gums, or bleeding in the stomach or intestines. There is no cure, and a blood transfusion from the blood of normal dogs is currently the only treatment. Research is underway for new treatments, including medication. A vet can test your dog for the condition. Dogs with this condition should not be bred. Poodle Care Poodles do just fine in any type of home, from apartments to estates, so long as they have regular exercise and plenty of human companionship. They prefer to live indoors with the family, particularly the smaller Toy and Miniature Poodles, since they have no trouble getting their ya-yas out in the house. That goes for Toy and Miniature Poodles as well. Many owners of small dogs skip training, and wind up with a badly behaved dog. Poodle Feeding Recommended daily amount: Standards, 1. Note: How much your adult dog eats depends on his size, age, build, metabolism, and activity level. It almost goes without saying that a highly active dog will need more than a couch potato dog. Limit treats, keep him active, and feed in meals rather than leaving food available at all times. Keep your Poodle in good shape by measuring his food and feeding him twice a day rather than leaving food out all the time. First, look down at him. You should be able to see a waist. Then place your hands on his back, thumbs along the spine, with the fingers spread downward. You should be able to feel but not see his ribs without having to press hard. For more on feeding your Poodle, see our guidelines for buying the right food , feeding your puppy , and feeding your adult dog. Many allergic people are able to keep a Poodle with no reaction. The hair is curly, wiry, and dense, and this unique texture can be trimmed, clipped, groomed, shaved, and otherwise manipulated into all kinds of fanciful shapes. Poodles are high-maintenance dogs. He requires regular grooming, every three to six weeks, sometimes more often, to keep the coat in good condition. If you are considering a Poodle, consider the upkeep of the coat and expense of grooming. There are many ways to style the coat for easier care. In fact, many owners simply shave it off. Even when clipped short, your Poodle will need to be brushed , bathed , and trimmed every three to six weeks, sometimes more often, to keep the coat clean, short, and tangle free. Even if you let a professional handle the complicated stuff, your Poodle needs daily brushing. Many Poodles have weepy eyes that stain the hair under their eyes. To cut down on staining, wipe around the eyes and face every day with an alcohol-free pet wipe or washcloth dampened with warm water. Breeds with drop-down ears are prone to ear infections because the ear canal stays dark and moist. Sometimes, this hair needs to be plucked. Daily brushing is even better if you want to prevent gum disease and bad breath. Short, neatly trimmed nails keep the feet in good condition and prevent your legs from getting scratched when your Poodle enthusiastically jumps up to greet you. Handle his paws frequently — dogs are touchy about their feet — and look inside his mouth. As you groom, check for sores, rashes, or signs of infection such as redness, tenderness, or inflammation on the skin, in the nose, mouth, and eyes, and on the feet. Eyes should be clear, with no redness or discharge. Your careful weekly exam will help you spot potential health problems early. As with every breed, you should always teach children how to approach and touch dogs, and always supervise any interactions between dogs and young children to prevent any biting or ear or tail pulling on the part of either party. No dog, no matter how friendly, should ever be left unsupervised with a child. Poodles who grow up with other dogs or pets in the house — or who have plenty of opportunities to interact with them in group training classes, dog parks, and the like — will enjoy their company. If your Poodle is used to being the only pet in the household, however, he may need some time and special training to help him accept a newcomer. Poodle Rescue Groups Poodles are often purchased without any clear understanding of what goes into owning one. There are many Poodles in need of adoption and or fostering. There are a number of rescues that we have not listed. Toy poodles double down on the froofroo rep with their tiny size and by sometimes sporting those fancy haircuts. But trust us, poodles are more than happy to get down and dirty. In fact, poodles started life as hunting dogs for the rich and famous in Europe. What made them so popular, however, is their incredible intelligence. Generally regarded as one of the smartest dog breeds , poodles are highly trainable, extremely eager to please people, and love being the center of attention through tricks and activities. None of that has changed over the years: The poodle consistently ranks as one of the 10 most popular breeds in the world. Appearance Toy, miniature , and standard poodles are all the same breed of dog, so they'll look more or less the same—except for their size. Toy poodles are the smallest of the three, standing no more than 10 inches tall and generally weighing right around 5 pounds. All three classifications of poodle have squarish bodies, generally about as long as they are tall. Poodles have a proud bearing, with heads kept high and their large, dark-colored eyes looking alert. Poodle coats come in a stunning array of colors from black, through the browns and yellow colors all the way to white. Bi-colored coats are also seen, though not hugely common. Poodles don't shed much , making them great for owners with allergies. While there aren't technically any hypoallergenic dogs , most people will find toy poodles close enough to not really quibble over it. Additionally, groomers can style a poodle's fur many different ways, and the breed has become famous for its outlandish show cuts. They tend to consider themselves a vital part of the family, have strong personalities, and learn things in a flash. They will get legitimately disgruntled if they think they're being left out of family activities. Of course, this temperament is kind of a double-edged sword. Toy poodles are devoted family pets who love to be the center of attention, learn tricks, and take walks. They're excellent in agility and obedience training and will play with children for hours. Because of their extreme intelligence, poodles are even quick to learn how to engage in more complex games such as hide and seek. On the flip side, poodles can develop common stress behaviors associated with separation anxiety. If you leave them alone for too long or don't give them the attention they deserve, these pups can be passive aggressive and do things they know you don't like—while you're there to watch. The toy poodle's teensy-tiny size makes it tempting to carry him everywhere, and he's so cute that it's no surprise owners are tempted to spoil him rotten. But, again, poodles are brilliant. A toy poodle who is carried everywhere will start to expect to be carried everywhere. As a result, every poodle owner should take full advantage of the breed's brilliance and eagerness to please, and obedience train their pet as quickly as possible. Living Needs Here is where the toy poodle's aptitude as an ideal family pet really shines. While poodles can be active dogs and will require some kind of daily exercise, toy poodles can get all their needs taken care of right there on the living room floor. Nichols says these little dogs will be happy with whatever type and amount of exercise their owner provides. Their tiny size makes them marvelous apartment-dwellers , and their innate desire to be lapdogs makes them great for seniors and people with mobility issues. Poodles of all sizes make great therapy dogs , and toy poodles in particular will love sitting near you for hours at a time. Toy poodles do great in households with other dogs, and the breed's lower prey drive , high intelligence, and friendly attitude make them ideal for houses with cats as well. Poodles love children and are eager to play, but most vets and breeders will steer households with children under the age of 10 toward the miniature or standard varieties, simply because the toy poodles are so small. They can be easily hurt by a falling child or by being handled too roughly. Always supervise children when they play with any dog and teach them how to properly interact with pets. Care No breed is perfect, and for poodles the biggest setback is going to be their grooming needs. That coat that is so shed-free and allergy-friendly? It's going to need brushing. A lot of brushing —ideally, every day. Because his hair curls in on itself, it's extremely prone to matting and, if left unchecked, can cause skin infections and have to be shaved off entirely. Aside from the brushing, poodles will need a bath and haircut every four to six weeks. While show dogs have a variety of complicated cuts to choose from, most non-show owners opt for a more standard sporting cut because of its ease to maintain. Like all dogs, you'll need to trim his nails regularly. Special attention should be paid to the ears , as their hair will grow up inside the ear canal, trapping wax and dirt and leading to infections. Because toy varieties have the same number of teeth as other poodle varieties but their mouths are smaller, it's easy for food to get trapped and decay to occur rapidly. Health Though the three varieties of poodles are the same breed, they do not suffer from the same conditions. While the standard poodle will be more prone to bloat , toy poodles can be slightly more susceptible to blood clotting disorders including Von Willebrand's disease and hemophilia , Beck says. Finally, smaller dogs can have a higher propensity for dental problems. In addition to being at greater risk for tooth decay , they don't lose their puppy teeth as easily as bigger dogs, Beck says. Reputable toy poodle breeders will conduct all health tests recommended by the Canine Health Information Center. History The poodle is the national dog of France, which is why you'll hear many people refer to the standard poodle as the "French poodle. Today in France, the poodle is known as the caniche, which translates to "duck dog. Toy poodles began to see favor by the late 18th century, appearing in artwork and in the courts of French aristocracy. The American Kennel Club recognized the poodle as a registered breed in .Jinkee , a 5-year-old red toy poodle, has more than 70, followers on Instagram. Was this page helpful? Poodles are amazing canines, capable of high intelligence , strong loyalty and having a range of emotions. Just like people, Poodles can feel sad, depressed, excited, happy, bored, overwhelmed.The Poodle is known for being one of the most intelligent dog breeds in the world within the top 5 with a unique temperament. Being so elegant, particularly the show dog, many people do not realize just how friendly and "people orientated" a pet Poodle is. They love human companionship, love to play and are truly a fantastic canine family member. Along with each Poodle having their own unique personality, owners find that their Poodle can also have some odd or particular habits or behaviors. Let's take a look at some of the behaviors of this breed and whether one should be concerned.Sleep Puppies - Poodle puppies up the age of 8 months can sleep anywhere from 15 to 20 hours per day! Their sleeping needs will decrease with age. With puppies, it is very normal to sleep quite a bit and to be extremely active while awake. It is normal for Poodles to take naps. Dogs that are left home alone during the day for more than 3 hours will usually take many more naps than ones that have companionship during the day. Senior Poodles - Senior dogs will sleep more often and naps will increase as the dog grows older. A Toy Poodle is considered to be a senior at the age of 10, a Miniature Poodle at the age of years and a Standard Poodle at 7 years old. It is important to allow an older dog to take naps whenever they wish and not to "push" playing or exercise on them. While daily walks are still very important to health, do allow a senior to rest when needed. Most Common Behaviors Seen There are many stages that a Poodle puppy enters during this fast time of growth and development. Some stages happen so fast, you can see your Poodle changing right before your eyes! Other behaviors can be present for the dog's entire life.Let's take a look at what is normal behavior for a Poodle puppy , adolescent and adult dog.The Hyper Poodle Puppy - This phase will last from 8 weeks to approximately 1 year. It will be normal for your puppy to have an abundance of energy! Poodle puppies will want to play from daybreak to nightfall. It is normal for a pup to run around the home, investigate every object they can get their mouths on and generally wear you out! Do keep in mind that a puppy will want to chew on everything, well before teething even begins. Be sure to puppy proof the house can use firm training if your Poodle is not listening to commands. Read more about how to help a hyper Poodle. The Clingy Poodle - Some Poodles can be rather shy and may wish to stay very close to an owners as opposed to venturing out even a bit to interact with others or to independently play. Over time, this can be wearing on owners and does not allow the dog to have a quality life that is full with exploration and self-confidence. Read more about what to do if a Poodle is clingy. This can be negative or positive. Some Poodles have Separation Anxiety, a term used when a dog has a difficult time coping with being home alone. Dogs who feel this way may become so happy when their owners return home that they loose control of their bladder. Since we can't be with our Poodles every moment although we wish we could , you may wish to read the separation anxiety section. The Chewing Machine - As mentioned above, puppies have an almost uncontrollable instinct to chew on everything that they can find. This is actually a very important stage, as it is a learning stage. An owner must keep the home "puppy proofed", however at the same time one must allow a puppy to explore their world, both inside and outside of the home. When teething begins, this can be an especially trying time. You may wish to read more about this in the teething section. Nipping - Nipping can become a bad habit, if training is not given to show a Poodle that nipping is not acceptable. This can interfere with many aspects, including having your dog behave when company comes over or when your dog is playing with children. Puppies naturally nip because this is the 1st form of play that a puppy learns. It will be the owners job to show their Poodle was is and what is not acceptable so that you do not have a nipping adult dog! You may wish to read more in the temperament section. Jumping on People - This comes from a good place, a Poodle that jumps up to say hello just has a lot of enthusiasm in their greetings. But, this can quickly become frustrating behavior. Read how to allow your Poodle to release pent up energy and learn self control when saying hello: When a Poodle Jumps on People. It's important to deal with this sort of behavior at the onset to correct things quickly. Learn more in the Poodle Growling section. Marking - Marking is different than having housebreaking accidents. With this, a Poodle will spray urine in the house to mark his or her territory. And the reasons behind this can be triggering very strong canine instincts. Fortunately, there are ways to stop a Poodle from marking , by using a combination of establishing proper hierarchy and responding to this in the right way. Coprophagia - Commonly known as eating feces , this is a disturbing behavior that is not uncommon with all varieties of Poodles. A dog may ingest his own poop, that of another dog or even cat feces from the litter box. Learn what can prompt a puppy or dog to do this and steps you can take to stop this. Begging - Dogs that have learned the art of begging can be relentless. If you find yourself giving in, these tips to stop a Poodle from begging can stop this behavior and lead to less stress for both you and your puppy or dog. Disobedience - Poodles can have independent streaks and if care is not taken to teach rules and guidelines, there can be issues with no obeying. Read how to address a Poodle that won't listen to turn things around. See also: Chewing and Licking at Paws - There are several route causes for this. Read how to limit this and at-home remedies to stop itching and possible inflammation. Poodle is humping a lot - This sort of behavior can come from Poodles of any age and even from those that are fixed. Why a dog does this and helpful advice regarding how to stop a Poodle from doing this. All rights reserved. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon. Share Us. High About the Breed Originating in Germany, the Poodle is one of the most popular dog breeds in the world. Also known as Pudelin, Water dog, and Canische in some places, this adorable, curly dog breed is renowned worldwide. The Toy Poodle became part of English history during the 18th century as a miniature to its counterpart the Standard Poodle. These charming and naturally hypoallergenic pooches were created by breeding a petite-sized Poodle with the smallest of the small puppies from new litters. Toy Poodles may be small in size, but they are proud animals. They have a graceful posture and lots of love to give. Appearance and Grooming With dark oval eyes, ears that hang close to their heads, and long straight muzzles these tiny pooches are well-proportioned. Though you never know what color your furry friend will be based on the litter, you can be guaranteed a mix of gorgeous colors including apricot, black, blue, brown, cream, gray, red, silver, silver beige and white. Temperament These sweet and cheerful pooches, though shy at first, love to be around people. It is uncommon for these dogs to exhibit aggressive or protective behaviors, however, if not properly trained or socialized at an early age they may become vocal and anxious. They are sure to adapt well to their new environments and into their owners' hearts quickly. Family and Companionship In general, due to their kind and gentle nature, Mini and Toy Poodle puppies are great family dogs. They are protective and loving when it comes to their family. However, due to their tiny frame, Toy Poodles are not the best Poodle for children, since they are small and fragile. These companion dogs adapt quickly to their environment and do well in large family homes or in small apartment settings. Exercise Though they are small, Miniature poodles and Toy Poodles are active dogs that require a daily walk and indoor play. Dogs that do not get to go on daily walks are more likely to display behavior problems. Training and Socialization These toy-size pups are highly intelligent and highly responsive making them one of the most trainable breeds. With patience and practice, these dogs will become well-trained and well-behaved dogs. Plenty of socialization is vital to the Toy Poodle puppy starting at a young age as it fills them with the confidence they need around people and other pets. Our Mini and Toy Poodle puppies for sale receive a start in early socialization. Our Puppy Agents and Poodle breeders interact with the puppies daily to ensure their transition to your home is smooth. The puppies and their parents also go through regular genetics health tests to ensure they are healthy and happy. Our reputable breeders are held to the highest standards. Frequently Asked Questions How big do Poodles get? Poodles come in three sizes: Standard, Miniature, and Toy. The Standard measures over 15 inches at the shoulder and most are in the ? The Miniature measures between 10 and 15 inches at the shoulder and most are in the ? The Toy measures 10 inches and under at the shoulder. How much grooming do Poodles require? Poodles should be brushed a minimum of once per week with regular scheduled grooming appointments have 5 to 6 weeks. What is the lifespan of a Poodle? The average lifespan of a healthy Poodle is between 12 to 14 years. Are Poodles intelligent? In fact, they are considered one of the most intelligent dog breeds ever. My Poodle is a color that I have never seen before. Does this mean it is mixed? Not necessarily. There are many different color poodles and some even with pattern. Multicolor Poodles are just as purebred as a solid color Poodle. Are Poodles hypoallergenic? No dog is truly hypoallergenic and the Poodle is no exception. Although Poodles shed very little they can still trigger an allergic reaction in some people from the fur, dander or even the saliva. What is the difference between Moyen and Standard Poodles? The term Moyen is the French word for medium or intermediary. It just means that these Poodles are small sized standards. In other countries, this size is considered the forth size of poodles but, in here in the United States, these dogs are recognized as standards that are simply smaller, usually between 16" and 20" tall and up to 40 lbs. Does the Poodle have a lot of health problems? Like any breed of dog, Poodles can experience certain health issues, however this breed is known for living long and healthy lives. Common health concerns arise as a dog begins to age, and common ailments for a Poodle include hip dysplasia, epilepsy, and hypothyroidism. Keep in mind that their size can make a big difference in health issues. Toys and Miniatures are at greater risk for joint-related issues. Standard poodles, however, are more likely to experience bloat, or GDV, a big-dog health concern. What is the temperament of a Poodle? Poodles are highly recognized for their intelligence and ease of training. They are active, energetic and fun-loving dogs that thrive on attention and are always eager to play. They will live long happy lives as long as they are given plenty of exercise and stimulation. They get along great with children and other pets and make excellent companions and family dogs. They are also great sportsman dogs that excel in hunting and love to swim. Where did the Poodle originate? The Poodle is often recognized as being a descendant of France, but they actually are of German origin. The Poodle breed became "set" in type in the s, and is named from the German "pudel" meaning puddle or splash. What color coat do Poodles have? Many people think that the Poodle only comes in neutral tones like white, black or brown, but they actually can also come in apricot, blue, cream, gray, red, silver, and beige. They can even come in bicolor patterns. What does it mean to have a purebred Poodle? An individual animal, bred from parents of the same breed or variety is called a purebred. This means that your purebred Poodle was bred by parents that are also both purebred Poodles. Is there a reason Poodles get groomed with strange haircuts? Today it is just a style. Years ago when these dog were bred and used for working dogs, they would cut the hair on the Poodle's hindquarters, making it easier for them to swim. The Poodle's hair around its lungs and heart remained long to provide protection from cold weather. Are Poodles sociable animals? Yes, very much so. Poodles love to be in the company of others and they prefer the company of people over other dogs. Poodle Reviews.

Saber is a certified therapy dog as well - he loves people and loves to visit. .Saber at Three Below doing therapy and some casual shots Starting to fill out! He has had reds and tans too! Good thing she never looks at my websight or she'd kill me lol: Michelle and saber winning it all st the fair news paper article Saber doing agility walked right on the equipment first time Sabers brother at only 8 months old. .Like this male Saber consistantly produces bigger and better then himself Sabers 2 year old brother and letter from owners Good Morning Robin, I figured since Max just turned 2 I'd update you. He was born on 17 Dec , to Blaze and Ziva. Had him at the vet's on Monday and he weighed in at pounds, so his weight has been pretty steady for the past few months, but he has grown taller. Currently he likes to rest his chin on the dining room table when he watches me on the laptop. Always ready in case there is an opportunity to be pet. Loves riding in the car, and gets along great with other dogs, but still apprehensive with new people, or with someone he hasn't seen in a while. I always bring treats with me to help with the introductions. Loves going with me to different businesses where allowed and has never been a problem. Great on hikes, and he carries his own backpack and supplies. The picture was taken this morning while he was waiting for his breakfast. As you can see, the silver is starting to really show. We get stopped all the time when we're out and about because of his looks, and I'm always asked if it's ok for them to take his picture because they've never seen another German Shepherd like him. I've had too many offers to sell him to count. The vet's office is really surprised at his disposition because he takes the poking and proding without incident considering his size. As always there are people worried about him because of his size, but they soon learn their fears are unfounded. Overall I'd have to say he's been a great dog. Saber sons from his first litter out of a very small female! Both at 10 months old are over lbs and 30 " high at the shoulder. The rare tri color sable male is lbs the black and silver at 10 months old. When we take them for walks they strut like the world is looking at them. I wanted to get another puppy before he passed away, so that our older dog could help raise the puppy. After a while, I found your website, and looked through it, repeatedly. I was impressed by what you detailed. Large GSDs, with calm temperaments, good health, and long lives. I then researched your reputation. I am a trained investigator, being suspicious is a career hazard. I could only find one, single complaint.I wasn't really looking for a "breed standard" GSD.I was looking for more. Another white shepherd, with a straight back and good hips. I called you, and discussed what I was looking for.A large white GSD, with a good protective drive, lower prey drive, and a mellow disposition. Well, it is a year later.And we have gotten far more that what I had hoped for. Physically, he is an amazing example of a German Shepherd. He is a solid pounds, with incredible muscle tone, and a massive head. He has yet to start filling out. I expect him to be at least pounds. In all honesty, I have been a bit startled by how quickly he grew, and how large he has become. My veterinarian, who has been practicing for 35 years, has remarked that she has never seen another dog like him. She is very impressed with his bone structure, his stance, and how proportional he is. His strong, straight back; his massive head, his size, and his strength are all things that she has noted. She has suggested that I breed him, because she believes that it would be a shame not to pass his genetics on.He is, quite simply.When we take him out in public, he creates quite a stir. People routinely approach us to compliment him, and how beautiful he is. He has been described as "gorgeous", "regal", and "majestic". The fact that our eight year old can control him in public only adds to people's fascination with him. He is very obedient, and was easy to train.He is very intelligent. He is affectionate, very loving, and very playful. Despite his size, he is quite gentle with those he loves. His protective drive is very appropriate. He is wary of strangers until properly introduced. He physically places himself between my children and other people. After being taught by our older shepherd, he now regularly patrols the perimeter of our property. I have included a few pictures. Unfortunately, it is hard to get good angles of him, because he thinks my taking pictures is some sort of game. The pictures truly do not do him any justice. We will be picking up another puppy from you. Quite frankly, I think that you have managed to produce amazing examples of what GSDs should be.Large and powerful; extremely intelligent, loyal and gentle; superior health and longevity, with a very appropriate protective drive. You have surpassed all of my expectations, and our family thanks you.Andrew Sadowski. Are they healthy dogs? Strong, rich colors are generally preferred in this working bred dog. This may be why silver grey dogs are less common. Washed out colors, including blues and livers, are considered a serious fault. The white coat color is undesirable within the official description, and even leads to disqualification from the show ring. Where Do They Come From? The black and silver German Shepherd is essentially the same as any other color of German Shepherd Dog. The history of the German Shepherd Dog, of course, can be traced back to Germany. Cavalry Officer Max von Stephanitz decided he wanted to breed the ideal herding dog. Von Stephanitz spent 35 years dedicating his life to improving the breed. Expanding from its pastoral herding roots to showing its utility as a service dog and in police and military canine units worldwide. The Genetics of the Silver German Shepherd Coat color genetics are complex, with the exact genes responsible for silver coloration yet to be fully identified. Within the German Shepherd breed, the gene for sable is dominant over all other colors and patterns. The first registered German Shepherd Dog was sable in color. While you may see a working silver sable Shepherd, that would be a very unusual color combination. Different colors Bear in mind as well that the final color of a puppy will only be clear once the outer coat has fully developed. This means that a relatively dark coated puppy could develop into a mature black and silver German Shepherd Dog. They are large dogs, weighing between 50 — 90 pounds and standing between 22 — 26 inches tall. And have a muscular, strong body, with pointed ears and a dense double coat. You may have seen parent dogs advertised as black saddle silver German Shepherds, but what does that actually mean? Any German Shepherd Dog with silver coloration is less likely to have a silverback German Shepherd pattern. Grooming The double coat of the German Shepherd does require brushing every few days to remove loose hairs. They will also shed twice a year, leaving a significant amount of hair behind! Color vs Temperament There is no link between the gene for silver fur and the typical temperament traits of the dog. German Shepherds have a reputation for being fiercely intelligent, intensely loyal, and enthusiastic about work or exercise. This is a brave and courageous breed, as well as being more aloof than some others. They are good around children they know, and often take on a guardian role for those within their own family. Training and Activity All German Shepherds are intelligent dogs, regardless of their coat patterns. Their high level of intelligence means they are a joy to train, and enjoy positive, reward-based training methods. These are active dogs, and require regular daily exercise. Mental stimulation is just as important as physical exercise for German Shepherds. Be sure to challenge yours with activities such as agility, or learning tricks, as a way to keep both their mind and body stimulated. Unfortunately, all German Shepherds can be prone to a range of health conditions. Hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia are both common in the breed. Parent dogs should have been given a score for their hips and elbows. By selecting parent dogs with high scores, you can reduce the chances of your puppy developing these conditions. This is the result of abnormal cartilage growth. Other health conditions that can affect this breed include: Degenerative myelopathy.