full grown mini goldendoodle puppies

From there we began showing dairy goats, angora goats, and pygmy goats in 4-H, FFA, and open shows from .When my son went off to college, we decided to sell off our dairy goat herd and focus on our Pug Breeding Program. Once we were able to focus on our Pug Breeding Program more we began to search for pugs of unique colors that we didn't already own. In I quit my job, and started breeding pugs full time. My new job title is a "Stay at Home Pug Mommy". Instead we retire them and they live out the remainder of their lives here at Tipping Point Farm, playing, eating, sleeping day after day, and spending time with our family. After all, Pugs are the ultimate companion and mans best friend. They will always be there for you no matter what, whether they are trying to cheer you up, steel your food, or give you kisses. With such a large demand for our pugs, I have now brought in my mom's dogs to be a part of my breeding program, so everyone is able to have their own Tipping Point Farm Pug. My Mom owns a farm thirty minutes away from me where she lives and raises her own pugs with help from me. On February 11th, , my first pug, "Cheese", the one who started it all passed away suddenly. The whole family was devastated after learning of her passing and spending so many years with such a great dog. I was heart broken, I lost my best friend. This one dog was the reason behind my whole pug breeding program. I loved this dog so much that I wanted to breed pugs so everyone could have "their own Cheese". After all, Pug love is like no other, you are their world and they become a family member. Even though Cheese is no longer here with us, I know that I am lucky enough to have got to spend so many years with her and have her daughters, grand daughters, and great grand daughters. When it comes to our pugs, Health is our 1 priority and then of course color! From day one, we are directly involved with our puppies, we help them come into the world and love them everyday till they go to there new family. Please feel free to call or email me anytime you have a question or are interested in a pug. Thank you for taking the time to read the Story behind our farm. We are looking forward to hearing from you and your family and to adding a new member to your family. I apologize for this and will be back to keeping up with my website for .As soon as we learned of the diagnosis, we made arrangements to meet with the surgeon. Unfortunately after the scans were taken, a spot was found on his liver which gave him a terminal diagnosis 2 months without chemo, 6 months with chemo. In March of he opted to start a chemo regiment every 3 weeks to hopefully extend his life expectancy. During the next few months him and I created a bucket list of things he wanted to do, which we were able to complete in between his visits to the hospital and chemo treatments. In August his cancer was reassessed to see if the chemo treatments had been working. The results were heartbreaking, the chemo hadn't worked and his body was full of cancer. Within a month of this heart breaking news my fathers health deteriorated, he was back and forth between hospice and the emergency room until he lost his battle to cancer on September 22, .My fathers loss has been extremely difficult, but I am now able to start focusing on my breeding program once again. As of right now we have big plans for .For more information about our plans, please contact me with any inquiries regarding current and future puppies or keep checking back for updates. We appreciate your patience and look forward to adding the newest fur-member to your family. Life Span Did You Know? The Pug, or Pug Dog, is famous for its flat-faced appearance and large, soulful eyes. They are an ancient dog breed that originated in China over 2, years ago. They were originally developed as a refined pet of Chinese royalty along with the Pekingese and the Shih Tzu. During this time, the Pug was considered a national treasure that outsiders could only access if one was gifted to them. Dutch traders from the s can be credited with bringing the Pug onto the world stage when they brought some back to Europe with them. The Pug made its way to the United States in the s. Now, the Pug is a popular dog breed worldwide. They are a popular companion that provides their owners with plenty of love and laughter from their comedic and playful antics. The Pug is a playful and outgoing dog breed with a charming personality. They tend to be very loving towards children and also get along well with other pets and dogs. They are a companion breed at heart known for their gentle nature and sociable personality. They love to give love and receive it in return. Their sensitive nature makes them intuitive as well and Pugs will often sense the moods of their owners and react accordingly. They crave attention and affection from their owners and are big fans of napping. This dog breed is often described as an ideal house dog and they are moderately adaptable. They will do well in homes of any size, including apartments. The Pug also adapts well to city or country life and are a good fit for singles or families of any size. Although they are highly adaptable to various living situations, they are less adaptable to climates. Pugs are very sensitive to the heat and overexertion, so they are best-suited to moderate climates. They also love to be with their families and will not be happy if left alone for a long time. As with any dog breed, the Pug has some health conditions to be aware of. In particular, corneal ulcers and dry eye are some potential eye problems that can occur. Additionally, Pugs can be susceptible to hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, and encephalitis. Asking the breeder about the genetic history of the parents and to see health clearances can help allay concerns for some of these health issues. Pugs are also big foodies. They love to eat! Their love for food means this dog breed is prone to obesity. As a brachycephalic dog, their large head and short snout often cause respiratory problems, which can limit their exercise at times and contribute to weight gain. This will cause them to quickly gasp and snort, which can sound relatively alarming. These episodes are usually not harmful as your Pug is just clearing their palate and throat. The Pug tends to be easy to train and is a good fit for owners of any experience level. They are eager to please their owners and tend to pick up on commands quickly. They are sensitive souls and their feelings can be hurt easily, so they will not respond well to harsh corrections. This dog breed responds best to consistent training that focuses on positive rewards and will benefit from participation in puppy training classes. Pugs have a smooth, glossy, and short coat. Their fur is fine and soft. Although their coat is generally low-maintenance, it will shed throughout the year. Aside from brushing, Pugs only need occasional baths on an as-needed basis. Because Pugs have ears that drop down, they can be susceptible to moisture, dirt, or debris. Checking their ears regularly and cleaning as needed helps to keep them healthy and comfortable. The same goes for their iconic face wrinkles. Daily brushing is ideal, but if your Pug is not allowing you to do that, a few times a week should be sufficient. Getting your Pug used to these grooming tasks as a puppy will help make it a positive bonding experience and a much easier process throughout their life. This dog breed has a low to moderate energy level. Generally, daily walks and some play sessions are enough exercise for this dog breed. They may have short bursts of energy as they have a very playful nature, but they will tire easily. Some Pugs can handle a little more activity and even compete in some dogs sports like agility, rally, and obedience. Make sure you check with your vet first before jumping into dog sports with your dog. A full-grown Pug will usually stand 10 to 11 inches tall at the shoulders and weigh between 14 and 18 pounds. This dog breed generally lives for years. The Pug was a popular pet of the Buddhist monasteries in Tibet. Featured Pug Article. Blue pug puppies for sale are often very energetic dogs, and they tend to chase after small items. In fact, they love being around their humans. However, they can be quite stubborn so you must be sure that you are going to have them in your home before you give them to someone else. Blue pug puppies for sale are in high demand right now. That is because most people in the United States love this breed and want to have them as pets. Since the demand for these pups is quite high, you will find plenty of dogs for sale that you can choose from. This will allow you to get one that has the qualities that you need to make your home the best one in the neighborhood. You can get the blue pug puppies for sale at local dog kennels and shelters. At these places, you will also find hundreds of other puppies that require homes. They may not be puppies that are for sale, but they will do well with you if you take care of them well. They will be really happy to be part of a family. There are many ways to buy a blue pug puppy for sale. You can purchase them online, from a breeder, or at a store. When you do your shopping, you should know that you can get them at a very reasonable price. It is best to compare the prices of different places to get the most affordable prices. You can purchase pug puppies for sale from a breeder that offers them in the local area. If you are just getting your hands on the breed, then you should probably go to the first place that you think that you might like. If you would like to buy from a breeder, you will find lots of them, just go to the first one that you can find and ask the breeder about how he came by the pug pups for sale that he has. The Internet is also a good idea to find out more about where the pug pups for sale are being sold. You can find out information about the dogs and their owners and where they were purchased. When you have this information, you can find a breeder that is right for you and that you will like. Blue pug puppies for sale are usually quite expensive. You will want to make sure that you have enough money to buy the pup that you are looking for. You can purchase several of them. You should not have to wait too long to get one of these dogs. You can usually have a great experience if you will be able to find one for a reasonable price. Blue pug puppies for sale are really nice and lovable dogs. These dogs need a lot of love and attention so that they can be able to live a long life. While they are not as expensive as some of the other dogs for sale, you will still want to make sure that you get the pup that you are looking for. Blue pug dogs for sale — do you have one? Are you prepared to give your beloved pet the chance of a long life ahead of him? Do you know exactly what you would like to give your pup for his new home? If not, then how about now? Well, maybe just a little bit of the latter. And, as the puppy gets older, you may wish to consider buying him from another country that is more hospitable to him. You can find blue pugs for sale online at many reputable breeders. Do you know what type of home he would like? He can go in with you if you go to a pet store and buy a puppy there. Blue pups are a special kind of dog and will need special attention. Pugs are very lovable dogs. They have a nice sweet temper and will never turn into a terror. They like to spend a lot of time cuddling and petting, and they love to be loved back. If you are looking to have a Pug in your family, the best bet is to get him from a reputable breeder, since this breed tends to have a high rate of genetic diseases. You might be surprised by the health problems that the puppies from these sources may get, so be sure to do your research first. A blue pup will actually make your eyes appear bigger than they really are. Pups that have black eyes tend to be a lot brighter than pups that have blue eyes so that the eye will appear to have a smaller tear duct. When purchasing a pup from a breeder, ask them for advice on what foods and fluids are good for him. Blue pug dogs for sale — do you own one of these? Are you ready to give him the home and love he deserves? The best way to do this is to do a little bit of research, be open-minded, and get it from someone who knows what they are doing. Do not rush this decision, you can end up losing money, heartbreak, and a real headache if you buy a puppy without doing your homework. Take your time and try to get a pet for your life with care. If you are looking for blue pug puppies for sale , then you have come to the right place. There is no doubt that these are the most lovable dogs in the world, and they make wonderful additions to any family. They are also among the easiest to care for and train, so if you are interested in getting one, this should be your priority. However, before purchasing a pup, you should find out a bit more about the costs associated with doing so. First, before you purchase the pup, you will have to visit a breeder. You can also go online to locate reputable breeders in your area. When visiting a breeder in person, ask questions about his breeding practices. Blue pug puppies for sale can be purchased from a pet store or a private dealer. It is important to ask questions when buying from a private dealer, as he may not be as forthcoming as you would like. While visiting the premises, check out the blue pug puppy in person. A well-socialized pup will be calm and quiet and will be well behaved even under different circumstances. It is also important that you feel comfortable with your breeder. Chances are that you may already know people who have given or taken the pup from them but be wary of those who have never owned dogs before. You need to feel confident that your new puppy will fit in with your family, and that you can take care of it. Be wary of those who are simply pushing you to buy right away, as it is possible that the breeder may not have had time to properly evaluate your blue friend before placing the puppies for sale. Blue pug puppies for sale come in various colors. The more purebred the pup is the more valuable he or she will be. Make sure that the breeder can provide documentation of previous good breeding. Ask the breeder to show you some of his or her pups, preferably over three months old. Pay attention to how each of the pups is behaving and interacting with the other dogs or people in the household. You want to know if it is socializing properly before making the final decision. It is extremely important to ask about vaccinations when buying a blue pug pup. Your breeder should be able to provide you with copies of the necessary vaccinations and sometimes even details about administering the shots. This can be a problem if the dog runs around the house and into everything he can get into. Make sure that your blue pup receives plenty of exercises, whether he stays on a leash or not. He will develop a chasing instinct if he feels that there is no way for him to escape your presence. Share this:.

Dogs are a tremendous physical and emotional help to those who need assistance due to physical limitations. Dogs can be trained to not only help a blind person walk, but also open doors, retrieve items, and many other daily tasks. Voted the most popular dog breed for the 28th year, Golden Retrievers are often used for emotional support animals or service animals. However, this specific video is about a seeing eye dog — well, a puppy right now — for another dog. Yes, you read that right. This sweet Golden Retriever was lucky enough to get his own tiny assistance dog. Sadly, in , Charlie had to have an eye removed due to glaucoma-related pain. Then, in , Charlie started having pain and discomfort in his remaining eye. Adam and his wife, Chelsea, knew the eye would have to be removed. Despite being a very expensive surgery, the Stipes emptied their retirement plan to take care of their beloved pet. Now going on eleven-years-old, Charlie has adapted pretty well to the loss of both his eyes. The couple decided to add a puppy to their family. They had two reasons: they wanted a puppy to grow up with their newborn son, and they wanted a companion for Charlie. As any dog does with a new addition, Charlie had to get used to this new pup in his space, but Charlie and Maverick soon became best friends. The Stipes decided to share the bond and fun times these two had together, so they made the dogs their own Instagram account and started sharing pictures and videos. Maverick and Charlie were instant hits and received more than 20, followers in the first day alone. The antics of these two famous dogs are so much fun to watch. The bond they share is much stronger than just companions — they are now family — what a sweet story about the friendship these two dogs have. If you liked this, share it with a friend. Dogs are a tremendous physical and emotional help to those who need assistance due to physical limitations. Dogs can be trained to not only help a blind person walk, but also open doors, retrieve items, and many other daily tasks. Voted the most popular dog breed for the 28th year, Golden Retrievers are often used for emotional support animals or service animals. However, this specific video is about a seeing eye dog — well, a puppy right now — for another dog. Yes, you read that right. This sweet Golden Retriever was lucky enough to get his own tiny assistance dog. Sadly, in , Charlie had to have an eye removed due to glaucoma-related pain. Then, in , Charlie started having pain and discomfort in his remaining eye. Adam and his wife, Chelsea, knew the eye would have to be removed. Despite being a very expensive surgery, the Stipes emptied their retirement plan to take care of their beloved pet. Now going on eleven-years-old, Charlie has adapted pretty well to the loss of both his eyes. The couple decided to add a puppy to their family. They had two reasons: they wanted a puppy to grow up with their newborn son, and they wanted a companion for Charlie. As any dog does with a new addition, Charlie had to get used to this new pup in his space, but Charlie and Maverick soon became best friends. The Stipes decided to share the bond and fun times these two had together, so they made the dogs their own Instagram account and started sharing pictures and videos. Maverick and Charlie were instant hits and received more than 20, followers in the first day alone. The antics of these two famous dogs are so much fun to watch. The bond they share is much stronger than just companions — they are now family — what a sweet story about the friendship these two dogs have. If you liked this, share it with a friend.

Use tab to navigate through the menu items. The Brass Tacks This is where you learn a little about us, and more about how to purchase a puppy from us.That would drive me nuts! Ready Set.Our puppies will have dewclaws and tails done, will be current on vaccinations and worming appropriate for the puppies age at pickup or delivery. We do ENS with our puppies, we affectionately call it baby exercises, daily from day 3 to day .To create Super Dogs! Healthier and Smarter Dogs! Click here to learn about ENS. All our babies also come microchipped, with a pre-paid membership, all you have to do is mail it in. They each come with a goody bag with their AKC limited papers and a lot of info to help you raise a cherished family member, not just a dog you have for a while then re-home. Also in the bag is some items to help baby not miss mommy and its siblings so much, like toys, food and a blanket that smells like home. Speaking of home, we are located in Central Texas outside of the little town Luling which is about an hour South of Austin or an hour East of San Antonio, or 2. Our puppies are available for local pickup and possible local delivery for a fee. We are also able to meet you at the San Antonio or Austin Airport if you wish to fly down and pick up your baby yourself. Some people fly back, and some rent a car and drive home. There are also companies who provide door to door delivery of puppies for a fee. Deposits can be Cash, Venmo, or PayPal. Deposit can be transferred to a different litter in the future, if your circumstances change or the puppy you were looking for was not in that litter, with the understanding the price may be different based on parentage, color, sex, and quality. I have tried to address as many topics as I could think of, I'm sure I forgot some, feel free to shoot me an email or text with any questions and I will get back to you as soon as I can. For this reason, we included these online Boxer breeders for you to check as well. Thus, you can also check a Boxer breeder here. The great thing is that it has an online marketplace to search for a Boxer puppy from any of the states. Since they cover all kinds of breeds, you may find an available puppy through this website. Another thing to note is that you also need to prepare for other costs. In short, aside from the actual cost of the puppy from a breeder, you still need to spend money on other items. Like a new baby in the family, your pup needs some items and some changes. A new puppy at home is a concern for all the family members. Thus, they need to prepare for it as well. As you have your meeting, try to make a schedule of tasks and distribution of responsibilities. Prepare your home. Preparing a home for your Boxer puppy means making it a safe place to play and live. Thus, you need to secure every item that can potentially harm your pet. Moreover, you need to secure your items that your pet can damage, such as shoes, carpets, floor mats, and so on. Shop for supplies. Like all other puppies and babies, Boxer pups needs items for its daily life. The essential things it needs would be beddings, food, and food bowls. You also need to buy a leash and collar for identification. Create a schedule. Besides your pet, you also have your responsibilities. Try to schedule how your pup should do for the day and when you need to pay attention. The great thing about creating a schedule is that it will benefit both you and your pet. Choosing a Good Boxer Seller and Breeder The best Boxer puppies only come from those who take an extra mile in caring for them. Below are certain qualities that you should look for in a Boxer puppy breeder. The Boxer breeder should only breed Boxer puppies. A single breed should be the first thing to remember when searching for a reputable Boxer breeder. Every breed has a mating season to which they breed. If the Boxer breeder sells quite a lot of pups but only has a pair of parents, you can think that it forces the parents to mate so they can have puppies to sell. The Boxer breeder should train pups in their first weeks. Every reputable Boxer breeder gives all the pups around eight weeks at least to stay with their parents. In such a time, the breeder should train the pups before it moves to its new home. The Boxer breeder would continuously be in touch. Other states. You will be able to find all their current contact information, as well as a link to their website, so you can see what puppies they currently have available for sale. We provide you with all this information so that you can research each breeder individually and find the one that has your perfect puppy available! If you are considering getting a Boxer, you'll want to check out the incredible book "The Complete Guide to Boxers". It's written in an easy-to-understand way but still has the expert knowledge to help any new owner successfully raise their Boxer from puppy to old-age. It's widely available, so pick up a copy if you see one, here is the link to grab one on Amazon. If you can't find the perfect Boxer puppy in your state, try checking at your local animal shelter or rescue organization. Many Boxers young and old need a loving home and adopting one can be a great way to save a life. We are so happy that you have chosen Local Puppy Breeders to help you find the puppy of your dreams. In addition to visiting us often here, you can check us out on Facebook , Twitter , and Pinterest for more information, pictures, and videos!

Breeds The link has been copied! The German Shepherd has long been prized for its working ability. Police, military, search-and-rescue teams, and families alike have loved and used this intelligent and obedient dog for a variety of tasks. And the Border Collie is known as the smartest dog breed in the world. What happens when you put these two dogs together? Shollie Shepherd x Border Collie Main Characteristics As a cross between two intelligent working dogs, you can expect the Shollie to be a smart, energetic pup. These dogs are great for active families where they have space to run and receive adequate exercise each day. Their size can vary since German Shepherds tend to be larger than Border Collies. However, Shollies usually stand between 20 and 24 inches at the shoulder and weigh between 70 and 90 pounds. Both parent breeds come in a few different colors and Shollies can have quite a variety of color patterns. However, one thing is for sure. They will have a thick double coat that sheds twice a year — six months in the Spring and six months in the Fall. History of the Shollie The idea that crossbred dogs are inferior to purebred dogs has been waning in recent years. In fact, the popularity of designer dog breeds, the hybrid cross of two purebred dog breeds, has been spiking rapidly. One of the most well-known designer dog breeds is the Labradoodle. This Labrador Retriever Poodle mix set off the whole Doodle dog craze of crossing all sorts of dog breeds with Poodles to create more hypoallergenic versions of dogs. That and the fact that the crosses end up looking somewhat like adorable teddy bears have made these crossbred dogs extremely popular. It is unclear who decided that crossing a Border Collie with a German Shepherd would be a good idea or why. But the resulting hybrid has been making a splash in the dog community. What Does a Shollie Look Like? Border Collies are usually black and white and German Shepherds can come in a wide variety of colors though they are commonly black and brown. The Shollie can have black, brown, fawn, sable, or white hair and are almost always a mix of at least two colors. Many have an intriguing mottled pattern. Their bodies tend to be lean and athletic and they are fairly large dogs. Despite their size, they are gentle and loving and tend to be good with kids. Most Shollies have brown eyes, though they can also be hazel, blue, or amber. They usually have black noses with long muzzles. Exercise Needs Both parent breeds were bred as working dogs and needed energy and stamina for this purpose. This makes the Shollie an active dog that requires at least one hour of vigorous exercise per day. They will love having a large yard where they can run freely. If this is not available, access to an off-leash dog park would be ideal. As intelligent dogs, they love exploring new areas. They will adore accompanying you and your family on hiking adventures or participating in agility classes or other canine sports. Border Collies top the charts of Obedience and Working Intelligence. This measure looks at both how many repetitions the dog requires to learn a technique as well as how likely they are to obey a known technique. The higher their score, obviously the more trainable they are. German Shepherds are well known for their trainability. Though there is always some unpredictability with crossbred dogs, you can bet a child of these two breeds will be easy to train. Since both parent breeds are super intelligent with an eager-to-please attitude, the resulting hybrid ends up the same. But owning an intelligent dog comes with a responsibility. They need a job to do or some other form of mental stimulation. Otherwise, they will find something to entertain themselves in their boredom — which may spell disaster for your furniture! Luckily, they enjoy mental stimulation in various forms. Learning new tricks, participating in agility or canine sports, puzzle toys , playing with your kids, and even exploring areas of your large backyard count. If you have to leave them alone for a long period of time, leave them with a puzzle game or toy. This will help give them something to do and keep their mischievous streak at bay until your return. All in all, the Shollie is a fantastic dog when it comes to training and obedience. Are Shollies Independent? Some dogs are content to sit at home awaiting your return from a long day at work. The Shollie is not one of them. They are loving, sociable animals who will give you their whole heart. In exchange, they expect a certain amount of love and affection. It only makes sense, right? If you live alone and work outside the home all day, a Shollie may not be a good choice for your companion. They can become anxious or depressed and this will often come out as bad behavior like digging or chewing up shoes. On the flip side, Shollies are wonderful for families. They love playing with little children and will adore living in a household where there is almost always someone around to offer them an ear scratch. After a long day working or playing, they love nothing more than to cuddle with you on the couch or at least curl up at your feet while you relax in the evenings. They can get a little protective of their families especially their little people. If they feel threatened at all, they may display territorial behavior — even if that means protecting their little charges from Grandma! German Shepherd Surprisingly, there is one man and one dog to thank for the development of the German Shepherd breed. Max Emil Freidrich von Stephanitz dreamed of becoming a gentleman farmer. However, he was pressured by his affluent family into joining the military instead. During his time as a cavalry officer in the German countryside in the midth century, the incredible sheep herding dogs caught his eye. He was impressed by their intelligence and responsiveness and distressed by their dwindling numbers. As modernity approached, the need for sheepherding dogs was waning, but Von Stephanitz decided to do something about it. Thus, he bought a large estate near Grafath in Bavaria and set out to find the right dogs to create his formal breed. The right dog turned out to be one dog that he bought at a dog show in April of .The four-year-old dog, Hektor Linksrhein, had a wolf-like appearance and demonstrated superior intelligence and depth of character. Von Stephanitz renamed the dog Horand von Grafrath and used him to sire innumerable pups. Virtually every German Shepherd living today can be traced back to this dog. And von Stephanitz did things right. He bred carefully, looking to cultivate both beauty and brains in a time when they were mostly concerned with brains. His quest ultimately created a dog that is handsome, intelligent, obedient, and loyal. Not to mention both loving and easy to love. This medium-sized dog is descended from the old Roman sheepherding dogs and the Spitz-type herders of the Vikings. They routinely performed well in informal competitions among sheepherders back in the s. Eventually, official sheepdog competitions started running in the late s and early s. Border Collies have consistently dominated these competitions over the years. These dogs are energetic and capable of holding their own for over 50 miles in a day. Their rough, shaggy coats protected them from the elements when they spent days on end outdoors with their charges. Even the white markings on their coats serve the purpose of making it easier to spot them in the dark. As they grew in popularity, they began being exported from Great Britain all over the world to people who were looking for good working dogs. But in America, they caught the eye of obedience exhibitors. In , the North American Sheepdog Society was formed with the purpose to promote and protect the breed. Overall, the Border Collie has impressed generations of farmers with their smarts, energy, and willingness to please. Should I Get a Shollie? Now that you know a little bit about Shollies and their parent breeds, your interest may be piqued. However, as with every dog, they require the right type of home and living conditions to be happy. Here are a few things to ask yourself to help determine if your home is the right environment for a Shollie. Do You Have an Active Lifestyle? Shollies like to snuggle with you while you watch TV, but only after a long day of hard work or play. Remember, both parent breeds were developed as working dogs that needed enough energy to traverse dozens of miles in a day. Thus, Shollies require at least an hour of vigorous exercise each day. They need lots of active time and attention. Thus, a home with a large yard or a farm is a more adequate home for these pups. And they will love spending time with people who are active and on the move. The nice thing about adding a dog like this to the family is that they help encourage being active! Fi smart dog collars make it easier than ever. Shollies are very sociable, which means they want to spend time with their families. Are You Committed To Training? You still need to spend time with your Shollie teaching them what is expected of them and how they are to behave. But beyond the basics, you should continue to spend time training your Shollie. They love the mental stimulation of learning new tricks and they are so smart that they are the perfect dog for this. Do You Have Allergies or Asthma? This is a big one as Shollies have a lot of hair. If you or someone in your home has allergies or asthma, this could be a big problem. Both parent breeds have a double coat, which means there is a soft undercoat for warmth and a longer protective coat over the top. Translation — the dog has a lot of hair and they will constantly be shedding it. You can control their shedding somewhat with regular grooming sessions. But you will never get it all. Are Shollies Aggressive? Shollies are a little reticent of strangers. They love their families and can be a little protective if the occasion calls for it. However, they are not aggressive or violent by nature. The Verdict on Shollies So, is a Shollie right for your family? If you are an active family, have a large yard, and are willing to spend time training and stimulating your dog, the Shollie will make a fantastic companion for your family. If you live alone in a little apartment and spend most of your time at work, a different type of dog may be a better fit for your lifestyle. For additional pet-parenting tips, head over to TryFi. And don't forget to check out TryFi's innovative Fi Dog Collar , which offers GPS tracking, activity monitoring, and escape alerts to keep your furry friend safe. Try the Fi Dog Collar today! The link has been copied! You might also like. Border Collies are the canine superstars of training. They are superior at obedience, agility, and herding. This especially bright workaholic enjoys being trained and kept occupied with activities. Working brings them happiness, but lack of work sparks unhappiness as well. They are eager to please and work hard. If you have enough time to devote to long obedience and agility training sessions, you are in for a firmly trained companion. Border Collies need a lot of exercise. Both breeds are strong and fast, so a Border Collie and German Shepherd mix will definitely be a strong and athletic pooch. No matter which breed traits dominate, any Shollie is a dog that loves and needs exercise. In cases when the Border Collie side of the crossbreed is more expressed, the owners will need to start putting their running sneakers on more often. Mental exercise is extremely important too so make sure you have enough mentally demanding tasks and games. Border Collies are affectionate dogs, perfect for families with children on the older side. Although relaxed among people they know, strangers can make them shy a bit. They are steady, confident, and courageous. The loyalty to their families makes them delightful protectors. Being overprotective of his family can make a German Shepherd dog a bit untrustworthy towards strangers. Photo by Vivienstock on Shutterstock Does that mean that a crossbreed afraid of strangers has more Collie Traits and the one barking at them is more of a GSD? Keep in mind that any dog can be a good dog. They can be a good fit for families with children and even with other pets. Leadership Border Collies require that you show interest in their training and give a lot of affirmation and encouragement. Keeping their attention is pretty easy if you have prepared a variety of training activities. German Shepherds start their training early in their lives. Work ethic? These guys are on point. A Shollie is a dog that needs a consistent leader to show him what to train and how to do it and reward him if he does that right. If that happens there is a great chance that checking your training regimen is the best place to start. Health The biggest health concern in German Shepherds is hip dysplasia. While GSDs from 50 years ago had a lot fewer issues with their hips, due to irresponsible breeding now every fifth dog has hip dysplasia. Obesity, over-exercise, and injuries can all contribute to hip problems, but the issue is an inherited one and sooner or later it will become clinically significant. Hip dysplasia is a common disease in Border Collies as well, but the main difference is that it develops in older dogs that had pretty active lives and their joints simply wore out. The photoreceptors in the eye start dying out and what starts as night blindness can result in complete blindness within 12 months of the onset of symptoms. German Shepherds are more susceptible to cancer than most other dog breeds. Most frequent neoplasia cases in GSDs include hemangiosarcomas, melanoma, lymphoma, and osteosarcomas. The condition makes the left side of the heart become overly loaded with blood and can ultimately lead to heart failure. Generally speaking, both breeds are pretty healthy. The diseases they are recognizable for are inherited. If there is a health certificate from their parents they are free from such diseases you can be at ease. The life expectancy for a Shellie is somewhere between 10 and 14 years. In both cases, the coat consists of an outer layer and a soft undercoat. The rough type is medium length and the smooth one is a short coat. Photo by Christin Lola on Shutterstock Their grooming requirements are pretty basic. Weekly brushing is enough to prevent matting and distribute the coat oils equally all over the body. German Shepherds are dogs with a medium-length coat with a softer inner layer and hard outer layer. Brushing them every days is enough to remove loose hairs. During shedding season they need to be brushed more frequently. So basically your Shollie is pretty low-maintenance when it comes to grooming. Just a medium-coat that might need an extra brush once in a while. Size Expect your Shollie to be between inches cm with a weight of around pounds kg. Border Collie is a middle-sized dog breed. Adult males have inches cm height and females have inches cm. A full-grown dog of this breed weighs between pounds .German Shepherds fall under the medium to large-sized dogs category. The breed standard for adult males is inches cm and for females is inches cm. They can weigh somewhere between 50 pounds kg. Border Collie and German Shepherd mix dogs have higher chances of being middle-sized dogs, while some male individuals with more significant GSD anatomic trains can be considered a large breed. Cost Depending on your location, it may not be so easy to find a Shollie in your local shelter. These dogs are perfect for a house in the suburbs or the farming fields. Share your experiences with your Shollie in the comments down below! Disclaimer: This blog post does not substitute veterinary attention and does not intend to do so. I am not a veterinarian or pet nutritionist. If your dog shows any sign of illness, call your vet. Post navigation. Is The Shollie For You? The special thing about these dogs is their spectacular looks, more similar to a purebred than to a designer breed. They have aspects of a German Shepherd, with beautiful coats, large and athletic bodies, and expressive eyes. The only things that betray them are the less hairy tail and the floppy ears, both inherited from the Border Collie. Most of these dogs have a tan colored coat, but you can also find black and, in some rare cases, white Shollies. Of course, that thick, long coat will need regular brushing to avoid tangles and poor skin health. The German Shepherd is a highly active breed, developed for work and activity which means they require regular physical exercise. Thus, the combination of these two breeds results in an explosion of high energy! As an owner, you need to make sure your Shollie gets the activity and physical exercise she requires. Just take a look at these beautiful dogs and how they enjoy themselves playing: And the best way to do that would be to adapt an active lifestyle yourself no, this dog is not suitable for couch potatoes like you, Josh. While being playful, Shollies also do quite well on their own, so you can leave them alone at home for short intervals without worrying about them destroying furniture or getting too lonely. So, what activities can you give a Shepherd Collie mix to keep her happy and healthy? Something as simple as giving your dog some fresh air at regular intervals throughout the day should be more than enough to keep him satisfied. How often exactly? According to doctors of veterinary medicine like Amy Moore and Charlotte Cummings, a Shollie requires at least 2 walks every day or a minimum of 2 hours of activity on the daily. Both the German Shepherd and the Border Collie are known for their affectionate nature. A Shepherd Collie loves playing with her owners and will often eagerly await the next time you pick up the ball for a fun round of fetch. Despite being naturally loving and sweet towards their owners, however, the Shollie can manifest a wary side. How can you prevent this type of behavior in your Shollie? Exposing your pup to crowded, high activity environments early on. But it will make them more capable of controlling their impulses when a guest or visitor walks into your home. Police and military forces all over the world commonly use the aid of German Shepherds for a variety of tasks that would otherwise be impossible for people to perform! Sniffing out bombs, illegal substances, and other security threats are just some of the nifty tricks that German Shepherds can be taught. Border Collies, on the other hand, are known to be some of the smartest and most trainable dogs around. This breed quickly takes a number of tasks and jobs with simple repetition. With this type of lineage, you should know that the Shepherd Collie is just as smart. This dog breed loves mental exercise and will often look for something to stimulate her ever active mind. So as her owner, you should be ready with a few cognitive puzzles, games, and tasks that will help give your dog the mental exercise that she needs. For instance, before taking him out for your next walk, think about the place you plan to visit. Instead of going for the typical trail you always follow, consider other areas with more varied smells, sounds, and sights. Something as simple as exposing your dog to new sensory experiences can give them that well-deserved dose of cognitive training. What about dogs that are frequently left at home? As much as possible, I advise you bring your dog along with you when you run errands or go out because this can also give him a chance to stretch his mental muscles. Just hide the kibble in areas of your house where your dog is free to explore, and it will keep your Shollie thoroughly entertained for hours on end. So, how do you go about teaching your Collie Shepherd Mix to alert you in case of an intruder or threat? The first step would be to teach them to stop barking on command. Once your Collie Shepherd perfects this, you can then start teaching her when barking would be acceptable behavior by simulating an intruder or threat. Ultimately, what you want to teach your dog is the ability to discern between harmless guests and potential intruders by showing them the way that threats would behave. So your Shollie should know not to bark or alert you in these instances. Watch this video for more advanced tactics on stopping people aggression in dogs. Some dogs are more predisposed to certain health problems just because of their build and lineage. Responsibly bred Shepherd Collie Mixes will live up to 15 years of healthy life with little to no incidences of disease or illness! Of course, the parent breeds do have their own health problem predispositions that can be passed on to the mix. For instance, German Shepherds are notoriously prone to hip dysplasia. Border Collies, on the other hand, are known to be commonly afflicted with epilepsy. What a Shollie really needs is an owner who can keep up with their high energy, their wit, and their affectionate nature. About Alexandra Animalso I was raised to be a dog person. My first Shepherd grew up as I did and wanted to be where I was at all times. I got my second dog as a 16th birthday present, and her loyalty for me was just as strong as my first. I hope that my contribution to Animalso will help others find dogs who give them that same unconditional love. To create this hybrid, the parents must be one purebred Border Collie and one purebred German Shepherd. Both of these breeds are certified by the American Kennel Club so breeders should be able to provide paperwork for both parents. This energetic, intelligent, loving breed is becoming very popular with people who want a solid working dog or a loyal companion. As they are crossbreed, the characteristics they inherit from each parent will be different in each puppy. The overall appearance of this breed tends to lean more towards the German Shepherd parent. With their muscular large bodies, they are often mistaken for purebred German Shepherds. Their floppy ears and Collie tail will give them away as crossbreeds. Although a Shepherd is their most common appearance, each puppy will inevitably be different in appearance. No matter how they look, these dogs will have strong muscles and high levels of stamina, great for herding cattle. Fully grown, they should be around 21 to 27 inches tall and weigh around 70 to 80 lbs. If they lean more towards the Collie parent, they may be shorter and weigh less as Collies generally only weigh around 40 lbs. Colors Their coat will probably be a solid tan color with black patching and points. Coat They will have a straight, dense, medium-length coat, as both parents do. If they take after their German Shepherd parent, it will be a double coat. This means that it will be noticeably thicker especially in the winter months. If they are working dogs, this double coat will be great for working in cold weather. The best way to make an educated guess about their temperament is to look at their parent breeds. Highly energetic and extremely intelligent, these dogs are very eager to learn. Despite this, German Shepherds are not naturally aggressive and are actually very loving dogs that are loyal to their families. It is true that this loyalty can lead to them being protective and so they will often bark at anything strange in their territory. Border Collie Temperament A Collie was also bred as a herding dog and is one of the most common dogs used by farmers in the United Kingdom to manage their flocks and herds. Like GSDs, Collies are also energetic and very intelligent; ranked number one across all dog breeds. The downside is that they always need something to do otherwise they get bored very quickly. They are more playful than the German Shepherd but may have more issues with separation anxiety. With both these breeds in mind, we can definitely say that this hybrid is well above average in energy and intelligence. They make fantastic working dogs as this provides them with a job to do and plenty to keep their mind active. They will want to be with someone most of the time. Leaving an energetic and intelligent dog alone is a recipe for destructive behaviour such as chewing on furniture and barking. If you do just want this dog as a companion animal, be prepared for lots of exercise, playtime, and training sessions. These dogs can be protective so plenty of socialization from an early age will help. Lots of different people coming in and out of their space is very important. This will reduce the likelihood of them becoming defensive to new people. If they are the only dog in the house, be sure to socialize them with lots of other dogs to prevent guarding behavior over you and your family. Both parent breeds are comfortable around other animals, especially livestock or cats. They can live happily with other dogs and having a doggy friend may help keep them entertained. This mix is a great family dog as long as it was socialized with its family from a young age and not left alone with young children. All family members should be consistent with training to prevent the dog from receiving mixed messages and diluting the effect of training. As with all dogs, it would be unwise to leave young children alone with them. This breed is usually a food-focused dog which makes it easy to train with treats. Some mixes may also respond to toy-focused training which would be great if your dog is going to be a working dog or even train in agility or obedience. They will require a lot of socialization with people to reduce any guarding behaviors and aloofness. Naturally, this breed is not an aggressive breed but it is always good to socialize a puppy with other puppies to teach them canine manners. The Border Collie Shepherd Mix should be easy and enjoyable to train because they are so intelligent. If they are companion animals, you should definitely look into interactive feeders, plenty of toys for chewing and other games. For games which will stimulate your mix, fetch will be an important one. They need exercising for at least two hours a day, time in the garden, playtime, and other forms of mental stimulation. If they are working dogs they may get most of this on the job but as a companion animals, they will need this provided in other forms. Grooming should be completed a minimum of two times a week; especially if they have a double coat from their Shepherd parent. They should also have all the normal care that a dog requires: Ears cleaned Claws cut Treatment for fleas and worms Checked for ticks especially if they are out in fields or long grass on a regular basis Someone best suited to owning this breed is either at home most of the day or works with this dog. These mixed breed dogs are a very high-energy hybrid. This means a fenced-in backyard is a must so they can go out when they please and work off some energy. These dogs are not suited to living in apartments or houses without gardens. If they are working as a herding dogs, they will be able to run off a lot of that energy doing their job. If they are a guard dog or companion animal, they will need to be out of the house exercising for at least two hours a day. You should walk your dog a minimum of twice a day for at least one hour each time. These dogs are great off-leash as they are highly intelligent and should master recall pretty quickly. It means they can run off steam while running circles around you. Agility classes are also an excellent way of burning off steam and excellent as a form of mental stimulation, especially for this breed as they have a great body type for agility work. Grooming and Shedding If your dog does have a double coat, you can expect seasonal shedding. This is where they shed loads of fur twice a year in the Spring and Fall to make room for the new coat growth. Even if the coat is not double, these dogs will still shed quite a bit throughout the year and so will need brushing a minimum of twice a week. With lots of treats and positive reinforcement, grooming should be a good bonding time for you and your pup. You should take your dog to be professionally groomed a few times a year, especially around shedding season if they have that double coat. This will help prevent matting and keep their coat super healthy. Feeding and Diet The Border Collie German Shepherd Mix, when fully grown, should be fed one and a half cups of good quality dry food twice a day. This can also have wet food mixed in with it. Good quality dry food will have a very high percentage of protein. Things to avoid in dry dog food are any type of food dye, rendered fats, and corn or wheat gluten. People with working dogs often swear by a raw food diet. This is where the diet is made up of unprocessed meats, bones, fruit and vegetables, some dairy, and eggs. Known Health Problems All dogs are prone to certain health conditions and age-related issues. With little planning ahead you could get reimbursed for every vet bill from now on! Other names for these dogs include Border Collie Shepherd mix and a Shollie. The mix breed will usually be athletic and agile, extremely intelligent and quick to learn commands, while displaying a protective and watchful nature. German Shepherd The breed were designed to be a working dog with an athletic physique and noble character. Some of their personality traits include loyal, confident and courageous. The German Shepherd is the second most popular breed in the United States. They need a lot of mental and physical stimulation to ensure these clever dogs behave. How big do German Shepherd Collie Mixes get? To get an idea of the size, we need to look at both the Border Collie and the German Shepherd. German Shepherds can be between 22 and 26 inches in height and 50 and 90 pounds in weight. Border Collies can range between 18 and 22 inches in height and 30 to 55 pounds in weight. So the size range for a German Shepherd Collie mix is between 18 and 26 inches in height and 30 and 90 pounds in weight. What do German Shepherd Collie Mix look like? A German Shepherd Collie Mix can have a variety of different colors. Having said that, the most common shade tends to be solid tan with patches of black. German Shepherds are usually black and tan but Border Collies have a variety of possible coat colors. Therefore, a Shollie could have any combination of black, sable, white, brown and fawn. They should be almond-shaped. Their nose will be black and their ears should be large and triangular in shape. So you can expect a German Shepherd Collie Mix to be a willing learning and eager to please their pet parents. We can say with some degree of certainty that a German Shepherd Collie Mix will be quite loyal to their dogs owners given this is a quality associated with both parents. Giving both breeds are members of the Herding Group, they could be prone to herding small children or other small pets. This is a trait that is associated with the Border Collie. While German Shepherd Collies are loyal and protective, you should never leave one of these dogs alone with a child. The same could be said for any breed of dog no matter how tall or small. These hybrid dogs have a playful nature which they can often get from their Border Collie parent. They should be sociable with other people and other pets. As a general rule, they should learn new commands within five repetitions and obey a first command 90 per cent of the time or better. They require a lot of exercise — regular walks or runs with their dog owner, trips to the dog park, games or playtime in the back yard, as well as mental stimulation. As the saying goes, a tired dog is a happy dog. They need around 12 miles of exercise every week. Are German Shepherd Collie Mix hypoallergenic? Do German Shepherd Collie Mix shed? A Shollie is usually a high shedding dog that will require brushing every day to maintain the health and quality of their coat. By doing so, pet parents will remove dead hair as well as debris. A German Shepherd Collie Mix will blow out its coat twice a year, which will be a challenging time for a dog owners with dog hair all over the home. How long does a German Shepherd Collie Mix live? German Shepherds can live between seven and 10 years. Border Collies have an average lifespan of 12 to 15 years. We can deduce that a German Shepherd Collie mix will have an average lifespan of around 10 to 12 years. German Shepherd Collie Mix health problems Mix breeds are generally considered healthier dogs that purebreds. However, some hybrid breeds can still be susceptible to some health problems. The price can vary between each breeder, who may value certain traits above others. Other potential costs include dog food, pet insurance, grooming, vet trips and much more. Applies to all dog food recalls in the U. Adopting an older dog will decrease the price tag. Lancaster Puppies in Columbus, OH. Owners will have a lot on their hands when grooming this hybrid dog. It is a heavy shedder, making it hard for owners to clean up while trying to keep their coat healthy. The German Shepherd Border Collie mix sheds more often as it grows old, so owners must brush its fur daily to remove dander and dead hair. Here are some of the most recommended grooming equipment to maintain the coat of the German Shepherd mixed with Border Collie: Slicker Brush Slicker brushes are great combs to remove tangles and mats on long-haired dogs. The slicker brush can save owners time when brushing the coat of the German Shepherd Border Collie compared to regular combs. Detanglers Before using a slicker brush, owners will notice that the Border Collie German Shepherd mix has a lot of tangled hair. Dematting sprays can relax and soften the hair to make it easier for owners to untangle the knots. Owners must resort to this solution if the tangles are hard to remove despite the use of detanglers as dogs are not fond of sharp objects. Owners must avoid buying shampoo based on the odor or the low price. Owners must be aware of its coat type and skin to help them find oils and specialty ingredients that will be beneficial for the Border Collie mixed with German Shepherd. Grooming Wipes The German Shepherd mixed with Border Collie is an energetic dog that will be dirty when it finishes playing outside the house. Wet wipes are essential for dog owners that want to prevent mud and grass inside their residence. Microfiber Towel Human towels do not absorb all of the water on a dog. Because of its heavy coat, the German Shepherd Border Collie mix will likely be dripping wet despite a heavy rinsing. Microfiber towels can help remove water on a Border Collie German Shepherd cross better than human towels. The legs and hips of Border Collie German Shepherd will deteriorate as it ages. The hybrid dog will experience problems at an earlier rate depending on its activities as well. It may also be born deaf if one of its parent breeds already have hearing problems. Epilepsy The Border Collie breed is widely known for its tendency to suffer from epilepsy more than other dog breeds. The Border Collie German Shepherd mix may inherit this health problem as well. Epilepsy happens when the dog is experiencing episodic seizures. Fortunately, it is a rare disease among dogs. Degenerative Myelopathy When owners notice that the Border Collie German Shepherd mix is starting to walk funny on its back legs, it can be a symptom of Degenerative Myelopathy. This disease currently has no cure. Irresponsible breeders are the most likely reasons for the health issues of a German Shepherd mixed with a Border Collie. Owners must make sure that they are adopting a healthy puppy from a reputable breeder to avoid dealing with a sickly puppy. If the hybrid dog is exhausted from more training than usual, owners can go for 4 cups a day. Bloat and diabetes are two main health problems that can affect a Border Collie crossed with a German Shepherd as both parent breeds may also suffer from them. It is essential for owners to avoid overfeeding this hybrid dog and prevent nutritional imbalances. In such scenarios, products such as Nutra Thrive dog food supplement can be a solution to regain the proper balance of nutrients. Dog owners and lovers must also keep in mind that they need to seek food for the best large breed dry dog food instead of best dry dog food for small dogs. Whatever you do, make sure you steer clear from the worst dry dog food. Try to learn more about the difference between poor-quality and premium-quality chows by checking our best dry dog food guide! The dog food must include joint supplements because large dog breeds are prone to hip dysplasia and other joint ailments. To avoid this, give them kibble that is rich in calcium since puppyhood. Pooches that have entered their golden years will maintain their health properly only if given the right amount of the best senior dry dog food! Dog food must also contain a moderate amount of calories to avoid obesity, which is a common problem among large breeds. The dog food chosen by owners must also have large kibble to avoid letting the dog eat too quickly, which may result in life-threatening conditions like bloat. Here are a few of the most recommended large breed dog food in the US: Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula The Blue Buffalo Life dog food is perfect for the German Shepherd mixed with Border Collie because it is full of ingredients rich in antioxidants like kelp, blueberries, sweet potatoes, and carrots. Deboned chicken is also its main ingredient. This brand does not have wheat, soy, or corn. Wellness Core Dog Food The nutritious proteins included in the Wellness Complete Health dog food for large breeds is beneficial for the German Shepherd crossed with Border Collie because it has all the nutrition it needs. This brand contains deboned chicken, salmon meal, and deboned whitefish, which gives the dog food a delicious flavor. It also includes flaxseed, which is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids. It also provides for different probiotics for the German Shepherd Border Collie mix. Dog for Dog contains vitamins and minerals to give your Border Collie mixed with German Shepherd the nutrition it needs. This whole-grain brand also contains glucosamine, which helps keep joints healthy. Owners on a budget will find this product affordable. It also helps prevent nutrient deficiency with its vitamins and minerals. The brand also comes with glucosamine and chondroitin, which is good for joint health. Eagle Pack Natural consists only of natural ingredients with no artificial colors and preservatives. It also includes eight probiotic strains to keep the hybrid dog healthy. Pro Plan Focus Weight Management Large Breed This brand is beneficial for large dogs because it can supply them with many complex carbohydrates to sustain their energy levels. It is also helpful for the joint because of it contains glucosamine. This brand attacks specific health issues like joint problems or bloating that a German Shepherd mixed with Border Collie may cross. This brand contains joint supplements, probiotic supplements, and fruits and vegetables rich in antioxidants. It is a natural and grain-free product with no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. It contains antioxidant-rich vegetables and fruits, as well as premium proteins. This brand is a grain-free product that will give your hybrid dog enough nutrition for its daily activities and exercises. There are a plethora of good choices for them out there, but make sure to find some of the best dry dog food , for example, Wellness Core Dog Food , Dog For Dog Food , or Nutra Thrive dog food supplement. Puppies and senior dogs have different food requirements, so go through the best puppy food brands in case you own a little munchkin and best senior dry dog food for grandpa and grandma pups. A checkup with your vet will help you opt for some of these. Both of its parent breeds are also very active. This hybrid dog does not do well indoors and needs to have a lot of time running and playing with its owners. An owner of a German Shepherd crossed with Border Collie must commit their time to engage this dog in activities if they want to avoid it from becoming bored and destructive. This dog will become aggressive and timid if it does not participate in mental and physical activities. Its daily exercise requires about 60 minutes of running and playing outside of the house. If you happen to raise a Border Collie German Shepherd mix as a calm and independent dog, 2 hours of separate walks daily can keep it satisfied. This guide is dedicated to all the owners of this outstanding breed! They have a thick double coat that helps them adapt to cold climates and will be the perfect guard dog for a family with a fenced-in backyard. They are energetic dogs so they should have long walks every day. They love water so be sure to take them along next time you go for a dip in the pool or at the beach! The German shepherd is a very intelligent and obedient breed. The Border collie on the other hand is known to be one of the most intelligent dog breeds as well as easy to train and quite skilled in herding. They were first mixed in the s and have been a favorite ever since. Physical appearance: color, size, coat length The German Shepherd Border Collie Mix has long legs that allow it to sprint at great speeds just like its parents! It usually weighs somewhere around 70 pounds. They can vary in height depending on what height each parent was at full maturity which varies by breed. Males should be larger than females though! As for coloration, it may vary, but both parents and many of their ancestors tend to be black and tan or sable which is a yellowish brown color in color. The fur also tends to vary from short and smooth, similar to the German Shepherds, to longer and wavy like the Border Collies. However, it is not uncommon for these dogs to have medium-length fur as well! Special traits: Some traits of this breed are very similar to both of their parents. They are intelligent, active, athletic, friendly, loyal, and protective just to name a few. It will also have some unique characteristics that are particular to itself alone. They will always retain their herding instincts but may or may not be good herders in your home! You can train them easily with lots of patience and encouragement. They are certainly not on the small side so would certainly deter any unwelcome person from entering your home without permission! Dogs are extremely agile and have very sharp senses. This mix is very athletic and loves to run around. They need a constant supply of high-quality nutrients to ensure their proper growth and development as puppies and throughout their lives. It is important that the diet you choose for your dog supplies him with the right balance of all necessary nutrients, including proteins, carbohydrates, minerals, and vitamins. In general, you will find that most good quality commercial dog foods provide just that — especially those aimed at working breeds such as GSDs and BCs. As is true for all living creatures which depend on other organisms plants or animals for nourishment, food provides the basic ingredients required by the body cells to carry ing out the necessary functions. This type of mix breed has a thick double coat, but it also sheds. Shedding may not seem like a big deal, but these dogs are perpetual shedders which means their shedding persists throughout the year. The downside to this is that you will have to brush your dog regularly in order to manage the constant shedding. Generally, double-coat breeds require brushing two times per week, while single-coat breeds only need to be brushed once a week at most. It has an intense drive to work with people, and in addition to having the boldness of the German shepherd, this dog is equally curious and exploratory. This means that they are hardworking, will try to herd your children if they become too boisterous, and need plenty of exercises to keep them out of mischief. They are more than willing to please their owners, so if you want an obedient dog that will follow your commands easily then this may well be the breed for you. If you are looking for a medium-sized dog that will protect your home as well as make great company, then this is definitely one breed that might suit you perfectly! This breed is a healthy one although some diseases are common for this breed. Make sure to always check out if the parents of your dog are free from these problems. It is very important because if both parents have good hips but you get offspring with bad hips you will never know when they will start developing issues with their joints which is very painful in our opinion. So it is better to be safe than sorry. This mix inherits the majority of its traits from both breeds. Herding dogs tend to have hip problems more than most other types of dogs so that may be something to look out for. However, they rarely inherit epilepsy or eye problems which are common in German Shepherds and Collies. It can lead to arthritis of the hip joints, which is very painful for the dog. If your dog suffers from dysplasia, there are many things you can do to help him cope with it. This includes pain medication, regular exercise, weight control, and sometimes even surgery. It is most common in large breed dogs with deep chests, such as the German Shepherd Border Collie mix. Again, treatment includes pain medication, regular exercise, and weight control for your dog. The condition occurs when food and gas form an obstruction somewhere along the digestive tract. If his stomach flips over, then that bloat becomes life-threatening pretty fast. This is a dog that really wants to please its owner, so establishing yourself as the boss pretty early on in life will go a long way toward having him become your best friend later on down the road. Early socialization for this kind of pup is crucial if you want it to grow up to be a well-rounded dog. They are intelligent, agile and athletic. Their energy needs to be occupied with exercise every day. The best way to channel their energy is through physical activity or training with your dog. No matter what age your German shepherd Border collie mix is, they will be able to exercise. It does not matter if you have a puppy or an adult, they will benefit from exercising daily. German Shepherd Border Collie Mixes need 30 minutes of exercise every day to maintain their physical and mental well-being. If your dog is still growing, he will require more than 30 minutes to keep them from getting bored or frustrated. You can take your dog out for a walk, run, jog, swim or play a game of fetch with them to fulfill their daily exercise requirement. If your dog is left home alone, he can destroy furniture, urinate, bark or howl to keep himself entertained. They have no hereditary problems with their joints and muscles. Their life expectancy is between 12 to 15 years. Reaction In Different Types of Weather Conditions: If you are looking out for how your German Shepherd Border Collie mix reacts in different weather conditions then here you will find different responses in different weather conditions which you must know, if you are looking out for a family pet. They are very active but not the kind of dog who loves to roam around in summer. They may find their way through much shady areas or even better if you can keep them in your house or indoors, where they will have access to open water for drinking. If you are living in a place that is hot all around the year with no chance of thunderstorms or rain then it is better not to look out for German shepherd Border collie mixes as they are very sensitive towards heat. They have a thick coat of fur, so they can adapt themselves to cold weather as well. Their sense of curiosity and playfulness will keep them going throughout the day during winter. They love to run around with their family members or alone. You must provide them with a safe and warm shelter so that they can have a better sleep at night. They will also be keenly looking out for the things which you throw for them to play with. They are very loyal and affectionate dogs who love to be with their family members at any cost. If you live in a thunderstorm-prone area then taking care of a German shepherd Border collie mix becomes a very difficult task as they will not stop barking every time there is a thunderstorm around. They are very responsive if their family members are around. If you think that there is no way out for them to understand their surroundings which makes them act weirdly, then it is better to keep them indoors during thunderstorms. They are to be chewed slowly and carefully. First off they are very smart, so training them should be relatively easy unless you opt not to! They will also learn new behaviors quickly and therefore can easily be taught tricks as well. They also inherit protective qualities from both breeds which makes them great guard dogs. They are strong enough to do their job but still gentle enough with children. And because they love being active they make excellent jogging or hiking companions too! However, one downside is that this mix does tend to shed quite a lot year-round and a fair bit more during shedding season typically late winter so be ready to vacuum often! Well, then again there are so many reasons why this crossbreed rocks. These dogs have been the targets of many people who would like to own one. There has been a lot of debate going on about this breed and whether it is good for you to get them as a pet or not. They are faithful and trustworthy companions. German Shepherd Border Collie mix adapts well to their environment, making them easy to get along with other household pets such as cats, dogs, and other animals. The German Shepherd Border collie mix is intelligent enough that training them would be easy to do. This mixed breed has an affectionate personality that makes them perfect for families who would like a dog that gets along well with kids and elderly people alike. Another interesting fact about these dogs is that they can be great watchdogs. They are very good at sensing people who would mean harm and will not hesitate to sound the alarm of any suspicious activity going on around your homes or properties. If you want this type of breed as your pet, make sure that you have enough space in your property where they can run around freely and get adequate exercise every day to keep them healthy and fit. Without proper exercise, they may become too energetic which could lead them to develop chewing habits because it makes them feel relieved from the stress caused by a lack of activities. Cons of having German Shepherd Border Collie mix These very loyal mix dogs tend to get easily attached so much so that if something happens and they lose their owner or the person they got attached to, they might get anxiety and develop depression. Owners have heard their pets howling in the middle of the night as if they were crying because of something that happened. They need a lot of attention from their owners which means you need to be with them most or all of the time. Just like all types of dogs, the German Shepherd Border Collie mix needs proper training so make sure to provide them with what they need to live a better life. Final Thoughts: German Shepherd Border Collie Mix makes great companion animals, but you will need plenty of space for them! They need room to run around and burn off some energy which means your yard must be big. If you live in an apartment then this might not be the right pet for you. However, if you live on a farm or somewhere with plenty of room, they will be very happy! These dogs also need to be trained early and often. They are smart breeds which means they can easily learn bad behaviors as well. Early training will help curb bad behaviors before they start appearing so train them now rather than later. Having these dogs in your lives can be both beneficial and cause some problems so make sure to weigh both sides before finally making a decision. It is wise to do research first about this breed before actually getting one so that everything would go well with you and your new pet. In the end, have in mind that if you take good care of these creatures they will return you with all their love and loyalty. Be prepared for some shedding too! These mixes shed pretty much all year round so there is always hair around the house. A brush or comb should take care of most extra fur though! When fully grown male dogs can reach anywhere from inches tall at the shoulder whereas females can reach inches tall at the shoulder. As for weight, those numbers are about lbs and lbs respectively! These dogs will be larger than either parent so you will need plenty of space for them to roam around! Border Collies and German Shepherds are two of the most popular breeds in the world. When their genes combine, you get a beautiful dog that both look like one of these wonderful breeds, but also has some of the best qualities from each breed infused into their adorable tangled coats. Their intelligence and hardworking nature make them great choices for families with older children who can appreciate how much work it takes to train and care for such an intelligent dog. But even though they tend to be calm dogs when fully grown, puppies can be very active — especially during the first six months after which time they tend to settle down and become much calmer. Post navigation. Where did the German Shepherd Border Collie mix come from? So their history is the combined history of those two breeds! Based on their heritage, it may be assumed that the hybrid was the result of a desire for the ultimate large dog. One that has athletic ability, agility and a protective yet playful nature. There, early Collies were bred to do much the same thing that they do today. Herd and protect livestock. Sheepdogs such as the Border Collie have been in existence for centuries. Modern Border Collies are still excellent working dogs, especially on ranches. Formed to create the ultimate herding or guide dog. In a climate where working outside often meant braving cold weather and damp conditions, the Shepherd dog had to be tough. The GSD eventually became a refined herding breed known for its stamina and work ethic. The AKC formally recognized the breed in .Later, Shepherds became associated with military, police, and service work. All sectors in which you can find them working in today. Nor what color or length their coats will be. Along with the standard colors that are associated with the parent breeds. Adding another level of possibility is the fact that hybrids may look like a mix of their parents. Height and Weight The German Shepherd and Collie mix has the potential to be a medium or large-sized dog. If the pup takes after its GSD parent, then it may mature to somewhere between 80 and 90 pounds. If she takes after her Border Collie parent, then she may only get to about 40 pounds or so. Most pups will fall somewhere in between. You can expect German Shepherd Collie crosses to reach roughly inches at the shoulder. This is a soft undercoat is below a rough top coat. Or it may come out somewhere in between! No matter which parent it resembles more, a Shollie will require weekly brushing. These needs will increase when seasonal shedding occurs. This is a high shedding dog, that will leave fur and dander around your home. They are unfortunately not suitable pets for a home with human dog allergy sufferers. Bringing a hybrid dog into your home, especially a large one such as the German Shepherd x Border Collie? Are German Shepherd Mixes Aggressive? German Shepherds are often found in the police and military sectors. This line of work has made the breed a bit notorious for being aggressive, and unfairly so. German Shepherds should not all be viewed as aggressive dogs. Police and military dogs are highly trained and intelligent animals. Border Collie German Shepherd mixes are naturally very inquisitive dogs. They do not enjoy sitting without a job to do or a game to play. This can sometimes result in destructive behavior. Especially if a Collie is kept cooped up and without toys or other enrichment activities. With all of this in mind, it is likely that a German Shepherd Collie mix will need to be kept as a working or sporting dog. Unless you will be able to exercise him frequently and provide him with things to keep his busy brain focused. Although a hybrid puppy may be an equal mix of its purebred parents. There is also the possibility that the puppy will take after one parent more so than the other. German Shepherd and Border Collie Health Any type of dog, purebred or hybrid, may be afflicted with inherited or age-related health conditions. Such as hip or elbow dysplasia, eye diseases, allergies, and skin irritations. German Shepherd and Border Collie mixes, however, are particularly prone to the conditions that their parent breeds often develop. One thing to note is that both German Shepherds and Border Collies are both prone to hip dysplasia. So Shollies may be especially at risk of developing this condition. This can help to determine what health problems their offspring may be afflicted with. Additionally, be sure that the breeding stock have good hip scores. Shollies can make great family pets for active homes that are interested in positive reinforcement training. For starters, Shollies are medium- to large-sized working dogs that have pretty high exercise requirements. Weight gain is especially concerning for this hybrid, as it is prone to developing hip dysplasia. They need to have something to occupy their intelligent minds, or they may turn your home into a giant chew toy! Border Collie German Shepherd Mix Puppies There are a lot of factors to consider when deciding whether to bring a Shollie puppy into your home. Absolutely not! If you get a Shollie puppy, their naturally intelligent and highly trainable nature means that you can socialize it to other animals and people. Make sure you meet both parents and are happy with their temperaments and health tests carried out by the breeder. Socialize your pup thoroughly and you could end up with a wonderful companion for many years to come. German shepherds were initially bred in Germany in the 19th century and were officially recognized as a breed in .Border collies are primarily sheepdogs that were officially recognized in the British Isles in the 19th century. Both dog breeds are considered highly intelligent, trainable, and agile. This is why German shepherds have been widely adopted as working dogs and are often seen in military and police roles. Border collies frequently compete with great success in sheepdog trials and are considered among the top sporting dogs. Exactly when the Shollie emerged and precisely what breeders were trying to achieve with the new breed is unclear. But the result tends to be a relatively large and athletic dog that is highly intelligent and protective. Thanks to these traits, the Shollie makes an excellent family dog. It is important to remember that, unlike with purebred dogs, when you mix dog breeds, the results are always a bit unpredictable. Shollie Appearance You can expect Shollies to be fairly large dogs with a lean and athletic physique. According to the breed standard, German shepherds tend to measure 22 to 26 inches tall, with males generally an inch or two larger than females. Border collies are a bit smaller, measuring from 18 to 22 inches. Nevertheless, you will rarely see a Shollie that measures less than 20 inches. They typically weigh around 70 to 90 pounds. While these big dogs are gentle, their substantial size means they can misjudge their strength and could accidentally hurt children or older, more fragile individuals. Shollies can be almost any color combination of their parents, including black, brown, golden, and white, and they are almost always a mix of at least two different colors. They often have attractive mottled patterning. Border collies have a warm undercoat with a protective outer coat that tends to be longer and can be either smooth or shaggy. German shepherds also have a warm undercoat with a longer overcoat. You can expect a Shollie to have a similar double coat, probably with quite long hair. This puts them at a fairly high risk of overheating in hot temperatures. They also tend to shed a lot, and their hair can easily become matted if not brushed regularly to remove shedded hairs that have clung to their coat. Shollies look their best when they receive daily brushing. Most Shollies will have brown eyes and a face with a fairly long muzzle. They can either have the pointed ears of a German shepherd or the floppy ears of a border collie. Shollie Temperament: Athleticism Both German shepherds and border collies are working dogs bred for herding, so they are bred to be active. You can expect their Shollie offspring to have a lot of energy and need quite a bit of exercise. Shollies need a minimum of one hour of exercise per day, preferably split into two or three shorter sessions throughout the day. They will appreciate being taken to off-leash dog parks where they can run around without being restricted by the leash. In addition to this, these dogs will love to accompany their family on outdoor adventures, such as hiking trips and walks. They are agile and intelligent and will be able to look after themselves on hiking trails. Shollie Temperament: Trainability Both border collies and German shepherds are highly intelligent, and their offspring tend to inherit this characteristic. They learn quickly and are highly adaptable. Shollies can generally figure out what is needed from them quickly in new situations. Bred as training dogs, Shollies also tend to be easy to please. More independent and stubborn breeds might know what you want but still not give it to you; this is not the case with the Shollie. They can easily become bored if they do not have tasks to keep them occupied. This is why it is always a good idea to teach them tasks, even if they will be living as a family pet. They will also benefit from complex toys like puzzle games to keep them occupied when left alone. If they are left alone for too long without something to stimulate their brain, they may just find their own entertainment. This tends to be the destructive sort of chewing and digging. Shollie Temperament: Independence Shollies tend to want to be part of the family. They will quickly bond with the people they spend a lot of time with and become protective of them. They will often be on alert when other people or animals approach and can display territorial behavior if they feel threatened. They tend to have an affinity for children and enjoy playing with them, though they should always be supervised around small children. Threats to their little people, in particular, can bring out their protective instinct. Are you worried your dog is overly possessive? Watch out for these important signs. These dogs have a tendency to become anxious or depressed if they are left alone for long periods of time. They are not the type of dog you can leave alone at home for several hours while you are at work. Considering a day care service for your dog? Read our tips for choosing the best day care for your dog. When you are at home, be prepared for plenty of love and affection from your Shollie. These dogs will love to be close to you, whether that means sitting at your feet or snuggling up with you on the couch if you let them. They can live anywhere from 13 to 15 years, which is an impressive lifespan for such a large dog. But, as is the case with many large dogs, they can also suffer from joint issues, in particular hip and elbow dysplasia, which is when the joint socket becomes malformed. The best way to avoid this problem is with a healthy diet and plenty of exercise. Ensuring that their calorie intake matches their energy output is key. Overall, Shollies are among some of the healthiest dogs that you will come across. Should I Get A Shollie? Whether or not a Shollie is the right dog for you depends on a variety of different factors. Consider the following questions when determining whether or not to adopt this crossbreed. Where Do You Live? They will do better in a place with a large backyard where they can keep themselves occupied. Shollies need a lot of exercise. They need a minimum of one hour of exercise each day, preferably spread out over a number of short sessions throughout the day. Do you have the energy to walk your dog every day? Shollies are very social animals, and they can become depressed and anxious if they are forced to spend a lot of time on their own. Is there generally someone at home at your place, or is the house empty for several hours at a time when everyone goes to work? Will your dog get the companionship that they need in your house? If not, be prepared for lots of destructive behavior when your Shollie is left alone. Are You Committed To Training? Luckily, Shollies are intelligent and eager to learn, which means even new dog owners should be able to train them fairly easily. But Shollies are also working dogs, and they often need the mental stimulation of having a task to do to keep them occupied. This means training them is not just about controlling their behavior; it is also about keeping them occupied. This is why it can be useful to teach your Shollie tricks. Is this something that you will be willing to do? If not, perhaps a smaller and more passive breed is better suited to your lifestyle. Do you live somewhere that is likely to be too hot for them? There is no escaping the fact that Shollies are shedders, and dealing with dog hair is a fact of life when you have one of these dogs. If you suffer from allergies or asthma, you might want to consider a different dog. Do you have someone who can take in your Shollie when you travel? Alternatively, do you have access to a large kennel that gives them plenty of room? Your dog will suffer if they need to stay in a small cage for a few weeks while you are away. Can You Afford A Shollie? Dog ownership, regardless of the breed you choose, can be surprisingly expensive. While you may already realize that the cost of their food will add up, this is just the tip of the iceberg. Yes, Shollies are excellent dogs, as they are intelligent and trainable pups with a friendly temperament. They are high-energy dogs that need lots of exercise, love, and affection, so they are a big commitment in terms of time, but otherwise they are relatively low maintenance. Are Shollies aggressive? Any dog that has been through traumatic situations can become aggressive. So, if you are adopting an older Shollie that may have come from a difficult home, speak to the adoption agency about any behavioral issues that they might have and how to properly handle them. How much is a Shollie puppy? How much a Shollie puppy costs will depend largely on where you get them from. You may be able to find a Shollie at a local shelter, in which case you may only need to cover the administrative costs of the service. Do Shollies bark a lot? They can be trained not to bark when it is not necessary, for example, when people pass your home. If your dog starts barking a lot for no apparent reason, it can be a sign that there is something wrong health-wise. Which is better, male or female Shollies? Whether you should get a male or female Shollie depends on your priorities. Females tend to be a bit smaller, and they are also more focused on tasks if you want a working dog. Males tend to be more easygoing and less likely to engage in excessively protective behavior. The Verdict On Shollies When you are a first-time dog owner, you are often told to steer clear of the more athletic dog breeds, as they tend to be a handful and need an experienced hand. But if you are looking for a pup to accompany you on all of your adventures, this can be disappointing. If the above sounds like you, then a Shollie, a border collie and German shepherd mix, might be the right pup for you! Shollies are very energetic and athletic dogs that will quickly become part of the family. You will probably want to take them with you on all of your weekend adventures. What you do need, however, is the time and space in your home to take on this boisterous new member of the family. Share your thoughts with the community in the comments 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.

Categories Dog Training German shepherds make incredible pets! However, the German shepherd is a large and muscular dog that can potentially do a lot of harm to smaller animals. So if you have other pets, such as a cat, you may wonder if they can coexist. German shepherds can absolutely get along with cats. However, this depends on how you raise the dog and the effort you put into socializing them. Whether you have a German shepherd or plan to get one soon, there are things to consider if you also own a cat. Read on to learn how to ensure the two animals will get along. To say a German shepherd naturally dislikes any animal would be a mistake. Though they may look a little scary, GSDs can be as friendly as any dog breed. Also called a prey drive, this refers to how dogs may naturally want to chase or hunt smaller animals. Now, it might be seen as an inconvenience for anyone who wants a dog besides hunters! This natural drive can encourage your German shepherd to see smaller animals as things to chase. This could be bad news for your cats. However, this only serves to highlight the importance of socializing your German shepherd. Depending on how well you socialize your dog, it very well could be the reason your dog sees your cats as friends rather than potential food and prey. Both animals are obviously different species and will have different habits, tendencies, and approach to others. We need to remember this natural inclination when helping our German shepherds get along with cats. German shepherds are smart: Wicked smart. They are consistently ranked as one of the smartest dog breeds. This means proper training is all they need to get along fine with cats or other animals. German shepherds are loyal: When you treat a German shepherd well, it will want to please you. It will respond quickly and happily to any training, which is best for everyone involved. This breed is particular protective, especially when it comes to the people or animals that they love. In other words, they look after their pack. The Personality of Cats It takes two to tango, or to get along. A lot of cats tend to be quite aloof, while others can be surprisingly affectionate. However, if you have an impatient cat or one that does not like affection, it might not get along with a dog. After all, dogs tend to be quite physical with their affection. So a cat might end up losing patience over being licked or bothered. In a study, researchers found the five main personality traits of cats, dubbed the Feline Five. The five include neuroticism, extraversion, dominance, impulsiveness, and agreeableness. Why Cats and German Shepherds Are Similar And according to the five feline traits, German shepherd and cats are more similar than you may think. In fact, I would argue that these dogs have all five traits too. Plenty of owners believe that German shepherds are neurotic and sensitive dogs. As a result, they can grow neurotic over small sounds, digging, or scratching. German shepherds can also be very extraverted dogs, depending on your dog. And if properly trained or socialized, they have a better shot at being extraverts. Dogs are all innately friendly animals and the GSD is no exception. Given the sheer size and power of these dogs, is it really a surprise that German shepherds possess a dominant personality too? And because German shepherds are some of the smartest dogs , they tend to do well with obedience and training. This makes them very agreeable dogs if properly trained. Their loyalty goes deep and the dog will take every opportunity to please their owners. Unless your dog has been socialized with cats, they make act aggressively. However, German shepherds that are raised in a home with cats tend to get along just fine with them due to their unwavering loyalty and devotion to the pack. In fact, Rover calls them one of the top five most loyal dog breeds! German shepherds also have a natural protective instinct , which makes them much more likely to keep the cat safe than to do harm to it. But of course, the dog must be very familiar with the cat and see the animal as a pack member. Because of these two signature traits that define the German shepherd, it can be easy to make the two get along. Or at the very least, cohabit in a civil manner. Of course, there are plenty of variables, including the personality of your cat. And a lot of it depends on how well and often you socialize your dog with the cat. However, often it is up to their owners to shape their temperament and behavior. But any breed can learn to get along with cats, and German shepherds are no exception. However, there are a few steps to take to get your German shepherd to like cats. Start Socialization Early One of the best ways to ensure your German shepherd gets along with cats is to socialize them from when they are puppies. A German shepherd that is around cats from a young age will see them differently from an adult that has never been socialized. According to the American Kennel Club, socialization should start as young as 3 weeks of age. That early window of development is going to be crucial to seeing good results. Socialized dogs enjoy a much calmer and happier life than those that miss out on it. In fact, with how intelligent German shepherds are, they can quickly learn how to get along with cats. Below are a few tips to help you along your way. And, the results may not always be what you might ideally want. However, remaining patient and understanding with your German shepherd through it all will only make things better. Keep the Rewards Flowing: German shepherds are brilliant, and rewarding them only serves to speed up any learning. By rewarding positive behavior , you can see better results far sooner than without an abundance of rewards. And by rewards, we of course mean treats! Focus on the positive and keep up the treats. Your attitude toward the process will have an effect on how your German shepherd responds. They can reads moods quite easily. Does Age Matter? Generally, introducing a puppy German shepherd to a cat will go more smoothly than doing so with an adult GSD. During this period, both animals are more adventurous and willing to explore. But again, this mostly depends on socialization. An adult or adolescent German shepherd that has been socialized early on can pull from prior experience. It likely already feels comfortable and safe around others, so will be less likely to show aggression. Still, we should cover a few tips that will be important regardless of what age you introduce your German shepherd to cats. Introducing Your German Shepherd to Cats We have put together some key tips and suggestions for ensuring your German shepherd and cat have a safe and productive introduction. While there are plenty of ways to do this, these suggestions come from real owners with success. We believe these are important, regardless of whether your German shepherd is a puppy or adult, or has been socialized or not. Supervision Is a Must You will want to have as much control over the situation as possible. Though the chance for aggression may be low, it is always better to play it safe. So we recommend being present from start to finish. We even would suggest continuing to be present for all future interactions, until you are absolutely sure your German shepherd and cat get along. In a lot of cases, you may scare the two animals from wanting to play with each other. This will just give you the opposite of what you wanted. Instead, start with short meetings. Maybe even just a minute at first. Our goal is to get your GSD and your cat acquainted with one another, not to become fast friends from day one though that would be perfect! Remember — patience is key! With that said, below is a quick outline for a natural progression of getting your German shepherd and cat acquainted with one another. After all, both animals rely heavily on their sense of smell. We recommend that both your German shepherd and cat have recently been bathed. Multiple scents can make for a confused sensory experience for both pets. While they are swapping scents, watch for any changes in behavior. Is either party showing signs of aggression? Then call it a day and separate them. Separated Awareness: A good next step is to let your German shepherd and cat be aware of each other, but have a barrier between them. This can be a baby gate or whatever you see fit. Just make sure the two can see each other through the barrier. This can let them grow used to each other without the risk of one chasing down the other. Always be sure to reward any calmer behavior or even signs of gentle curiosity. Make sure to bring out the good treats during this process! Try doing this for about minutes for a week or so, and decide if you can move on to the next step. If there has been no aggression, your pets might be ready. Together At Last: But not forever. For the first face-to-face meetings, we still want you to have complete control over the situation. Even if the two are finally familiar with one another, anything can happen at any moment. To be safe, we recommend still having a leash on your German shepherd. That way, if anything escalates, you can maintain control quickly and easily. Again, try this for about a week for only a few minutes at a time. Friendship Unleashed: Only once you are sure that there is no aggression or chasing from your German shepherd can you let them spend time together without a leash. Still, we strongly advise supervising from start to finish. Only once your pets have spent several peaceful months together can you possibly leave them alone together. Have you had luck getting your GSD and cats to be friends? If so, what steps did you take to foster their friendship? Share your experience in the comments below. Things can get crowded quickly, especially if you own a cat too! Read more here. However, there are different things to consider, along with training, when bringing the two together. Are German Shepherds Dangerous? Not only for your kids, but other pets such as cats. Post navigation. Aug 4, Share Although the rivalry between dogs and cats is a tale as old as time, it is normal for dogs and cats to get along with early socialization. The trick is finding a dog breed that will either ignore the cat or love it naturally. If you like German Shepherds, you might be wondering if this big breed gets along with cats. Instead, be proactive in socialization and temperament selection to find the right German Shepherd and cat. Read on to learn more about how German Shepherds react to cats and learn tips about early socialization. In comparison to more aggressive breeds, German Shepherds are naturally good with cats. That being said, individual German Shepherds may act uneasy around cats or act out right aggressively. In other words, it can be hard to predict if a German Shepherd will get along well with cats since individual personality is the biggest determiner. Because they are less aggressive than some breeds, you have better luck socializing German Shepherds. Naturally, German Shepherds are really loving, but they were originally bred as herding dogs. Their herding background means they have a natural instinct to chase, herd, and protect. Even if German Shepherds are not meaning to be aggressive, cats may often interpret their behavior as such. Luckily, German Shepherds, especially when they are puppies, respond to training well. With early socialization, German Shepherds have a great chance of getting along with cats. Only through socialization efforts can you trust that a German Shepherd will get along with your furry feline friend. Background As their name suggests, German Shepherds were originally used as herding dogs. It was their job to help keep herds together and defend them from predators. Today, German Shepherds still retain this herding drive. When around cats, they can chase and even nip at their tail or heels. If your cat takes off, the German Shepherd is especially likely to behave in this way. Image Credit: lancegfx, Pixabay Personality German Shepherds are known for having one of the most lovable personalities. Today, this dog is considered one of the most popular breeds because it is intelligent, courageous, and responds very well to training. Additionally, German Shepherds are known for being sensitive and lovable, which is why they make perfect guard dogs for families. They get along great with children, but they will protect if necessary. With the right owner, German Shepherds easily become one of the most socialized and lovable dogs. Trainability In terms of trainability, German Shepherds are considered one of the best. They have a high desire to please their owners, and they are very intelligent, which makes it easier for them to pick up on commands. Especially in the first 3 months of their lives, German Shepherds have a great capacity for being trained. Because German Shepherds are intelligent and eager to please, training these dogs is not as difficult as it could be with other breeds. The earlier you socialize your German Shepherd, the better. The best time to socialize your German Shepherd is during the first 3 months of its life. If the German Shepherd is socialized sooner rather than later, it is much more likely to be kind and gentle around cats. Image Credit: Africa Studio, Shutterstock Factors That Affect Socialization To get the best result out of socialization training, there are some factors you need to consider. Age and temperament are the two most important. Age The most important factor to think about when you are socializing your German Shepherd is its age. The younger your German Shepherd is, the easier socialization will be. If you already have a cat in your home, it is best to get a German Shepherd puppy as opposed to an adult German Shepherd. Start training your German Shepherd how to properly behave around cats as soon as possible. Temperament Think about the temperament of both the dog and cat in question. If you know that your German Shepherd is aggressive around other animals, bringing it into the home will not be a good option for the cat. Step 1. If the German Shepherd is not yet trained, the meeting can go bad, even if the German Shepherd is not trying to act aggressively. Image Credit: marcin jucha, Shutterstock Step 2. Have two clean cloths and rub one along the back of each animal. Then, bring the cat cloth to the dog and the dog cloth to the cat. Allow them to discover the cloth on their own. Pay attention to how the animals behave. Does either animal seem anxious or overly excited? This will give you a good clue about how the animals will respond to one another. Continue this process until both the cat and dog are calm around the cloth. Step 3. Allow Them to See Each Other Once the animals are comfortable around the scented cloths, allow the animals to see one another but not be in the same room. You can do this by putting one animal on a side of a glass door and the other animal on the other. Do this a couple of days for 5 minutes at a time. Separate Them With a Pet Gate After the animals get accustomed to seeing one another, you can bring them both inside, but still keep them separated with something like a pet gate. This ensures that both pets are safe, but they also have the opportunity to see and smell one another. Step 5. Leash Meeting Once you are ready, you can let the German Shepherd smell the cat while on a leash. As both you and your cat get more comfortable around the German Shepherd, you can select a longer leash and eventually take the dog off the leash completely. Take your time with this process and give both pets treats for good behavior. Final Thoughts If you want to have both a dog and a cat, German Shepherds can be a good choice, but you need to take the time to slowly introduce the two animals to one another after extensive training. With early socialization, most German Shepherds get along great with cats. Some dog breeds are better suited to be kept around cats, which is why it is so important to do your research into the characteristics of each dog breed before making the big decision. No two dog breeds share the same personality, so it is vital not to make any pre-judgments about a particular breed of dog before reading the facts. In this article, you will see the background and characteristics of a German Shepherd while also answering the big question of whether they are good with cats. German Shepherds are renowned for being one of the highest-energy dogs out there, which comes with a lot of work for the owner. You must have a pretty big garden for them to exercise in, and daily walks are a necessity. The personality of a German Shepherd is usually aloof but not aggressive. A well-socialized German Shepherd is a guaranteed best friend and will leave you as a happy dog-owner. German Shepherds and cats A tale as old as time itself that possibly outweighs all hatred felt in the past: cats vs. If there were to be one dog that could rise above this battle, it would be the German Shepherd. Sure they may be big, but German Shepherds are intelligent enough to know the difference between playtime and protecting their owners. But does this gentle behavior mean German Shepherds can rise above this war that has appeared to be unstoppable for so many millennia? The answer to this question depends on how you raise your German Shepherd and whether they are correctly socialized. The term socialization is thrown around a lot in the world of dogs. It essentially just means exposing your pup to different people and animals from a young age. However, check out the next paragraph to figure out in more detail how to properly socialize your German Shepherd and some other relevant factors that contribute towards their social awareness and ability to deal with cats. How to get your German Shepherd to resist the instincts While some dogs seem to prefer meeting new humans and animals more than others, all of them can be trained to respond to these situations appropriately. Everyone gets scared or worried when doing new things or meeting new people, including your German Shepherd. The longer you spend completing an activity and getting used to it, is how you begin to relax when partaking in it. This is exactly what socializing is when introducing your German Shepherd to new animals, people, and settings, preferably from a young age. To do this, you must expose your German Shepherd at a young age to the other previously mentioned things that they are not used to being around. You can begin to socialize your German Shepherd and cat by putting the bowls close to one another. You could also put your puppy on one side of the door and your cat on the other. The first interactions Before you even introduce your puppy to your kitten, it is vital that your German Shepherd can follow the sit, stay, and leave it commands. These three commands are needed so that you will still control the situation when the face-to-face interaction finally happens. The first interaction between your German Shepherd and cat should hopefully be short and maybe even peaceful. Put your pup in a kennel, and once they are on a leash, place the cat in front of him for no more than 10 minutes. If the aggression is still going, then it is recommended you pick up your cat and walk away. Your puppy really enjoys your presence, so they will associate this loss of your company with them not being kind to the cat, which will hopefully alter future encounters. Follow these steps for a couple of weeks daily, and gradually increase the interaction time between them, so it slowly becomes more and more familiar. When each pet can comfortably spend at least a half-hour with one-another, then it is time to repeat the process without a leash on your dog. You must keep a very close eye on your dog in this stage to avoid any injures to your cat. Sign Up We only send quality info with absolutely NO Spam Other helpful tips to strengthen their relationship German Shepherds are one of the most energetic dog breeds and love to run around and just generally go crazy. If your pup gets plenty of exercises, then there is less of a chance of them irritating or possibly harming your cat. If you are adopting, make sure to ask the shelter if your German Shepherd was raised around cats. It is vital to either spray or neuter your German Shepherd before hitting puberty at around six months. German Shepherds respond well to positive reinforcement through things like pats and dog treats due to their intelligence. They need to know when they are doing good. Frequently Asked Questions If you have any remaining questions about German Shepherds and cats in general, feel free to consult below. Can a German Shepherd harm my cat? If you do not follow the steps mentioned above, then yes, a grown German Shepherd could undoubtedly harm your cat as they might see them as a threat. If your pup is well socialized, they will have formed a healthy relationship with your cat, and you will have nothing to worry about. My German Shepherd is now old, and I am thinking of purchasing a cat? Although it is tough to socialize an adult or senior dog, it is still possible. To undergo this, it is recommended that you take your dogs to a school instead of attempting to teach them this at home as it is too risky to put a kitten in the environment of an un-socialized German Shepherd. If the trainer deems your German Shepherd as a lost cause regarding socialization, then it is advised that you do not purchase a cat for the sake of its safety. What to do if my cat is causing the issues and not my German Shepherd? However, if this is the case, you can simply follow the previous steps but replacing your dog with your cat. Your cat might not show it, but they do love your presence! Use these same tactics to get your cat to understand that they must become best friends with your new puppy. I have tried all your steps, and nothing is working. What should I do? It is better to do this sooner rather than later so that your pets are socialized from a young age when it is easiest to learn new skills. The only set-back of this is the price, as this challenging job can often set you back a fair amount of money. Are German Shepherds good with cats? Animals can also sense your energy, so if you stay positive and forward-thinking, so too will your German Shepherd and cat in their first few meetings. Relaxed humans usually mean relaxed animals. You can imagine if you introduce a cat to your large German Shepherd that has never even seen another animal before, it will not be a fun meeting. But if your German Shepherd is well-equipped and has dealt with cats and other animals before then, they are bound to become best friends. It just depends on you and how you follow the previous steps when socializing them. Similarly, if your cat has never seen a dog before, they are bound to be cautious and afraid, which is why you must expose them to all these things from a young age. Finally, for the safety of your cat and dog alike, if your pup has grown too old and can no longer be socialized, it is a wise decision not to purchase a cat. No matter how much you want an adorable furball crawling around your house, it is likely that an unsocialized German Shepherd will react terribly to this and will put your cat in danger. Posted on Last updated: June 5, The battle between cats and dogs is as old as time itself. And German Shepherds and cats are no different. They are very different species, and both view the other as potential prey. But cats and dogs can get along — it is all about how the process of bringing these two species together is managed. The breed can also impact how difficult it or easy it is for cats and dogs to get along. But are German Shepherds good with cats? The short answer is that they can be. More About German Shepherd Dogs Different breeds of cats and dogs have different temperaments or tendencies. Individual temperaments will play a role as well but are more likely to affect how long it takes the two to get on or how well they get on rather than whether they can get on at all. These versatile dogs are intelligent and courageous. They are working dogs and tend to do very well at anything for which they are trained. They are very affectionate family members and good with kids as well as strangers. GSDs are also high-energy and love to play. They need a lot of exercise to stay happy and minimize bad behavior. I have a series of articles on how different dog breeds get along with cats: Can Poodles and Cats Get Along? As working dogs, it is in the genes of a GSD to help herd and keep the flock in line. Indeed, they will nip at the ankles of any lamb who strays from the group. In this way, their behavior can be similar to terrier dogs like Jack Russells , who are bred to chase and catch animals. So when a GSD sees a fluffy cat making quick moves, it will have a strong instinct to chase that creature and nip at its ankles. This is also why some GSDs can become a bit obsessed with a cat and follow them around. However, GSDs can be trained to manage this natural instinct to prey. This can be achieved through socialization. Without socialization, a GSD will only know a small number of people. When it encounters others, it will potentially be scared and uncomfortable. Learning how to deal with new situations helps them to develop belief in themselves — just like humans. Each new socialization experience should make the one after easier. Socializing a German Shepherd dog can take many forms. It can include things like introducing your dog to new sounds, new sights, new objects, and new places. Critically, this should include different people and different animals. Age Do German Shepherds get along with cats? Age has a big role to play in whether German Shepherds are good with cats. The younger both animals are, the more likely they will be able to get along. Kittens and puppies, like humans, are far less set in their ways. There is always the potential for older pets to get along or to mix an older pet with one that is younger, but this is usually an easier process when both pets are younger. If your German Shepherd dog is older, ask the shelter owner or previous owner if it has had any time around cats. And also, ask if they have had any bad experiences with cats, as this could have a major impact on their ability to get along with your cat. Temperament Do German Shepherds like cats? That all depends. How sociable are both animals? How much exposure has each animal had to other animals? However, those animals with more experience in sharing and being around other animals may adjust more quickly. Cats tend to be far more cautious than dogs — but of course, all cats are different. What is your cat like in new situations? Is it quite bold or timid? Prey Drive As a working breed of dog, German Shepherds have a high prey drive. They will have a strong instinct to chase after fluffy objects, particularly if they make sudden moves. A German Shepherd with a higher prey drive will find it more difficult to get along with a cat, and vice versa with a lower prey drive. If the GSD is a bit older, you or its owner will probably have a sense of how strong their prey drive is based on how they react to other animals on walks etc. A GSD that has been spayed or neutered will feel less need to show dominance to a cat. If your dog is neutered or spayed, then German Shepherd and cat friends become more of a possibility. Introducing a German Shepherd With Cats The first step is to feed the two animals in close proximity to each other. However, put your puppy on one side of a closed door and your kitten on the other. Once your puppy is at this stage, try a 5-minute meeting while your puppy is in its kennel. Keep this up for a couple of weeks, and each time gradually increase the amount of time that the animals are together until you reach 30 minutes. The next stage is to do the same with your dog out of the kennel but on a leash. Continue the same process as before until reaching 30 minutes. Then follow the same process with your dog off the leash. If your dog becomes aggressive at any point in this process, remove the cat and yourself from the situation so that your dog learns that type of behavior means it is left on its own. Carve out some space for the cat, such as a spare bedroom. Make sure this space is a safe place for your cat and also contains water, litter, toys, and other things that help a cat feel comfortable. Start with total separation between the two animals. There is no point introducing your German Shepherd to a cat until it has been trained. It needs to be able to stay, and importantly it needs to be able to stay calm when it meets the cat. The first and most important step in a controlled introduction is the swapping of scents. Have one clean cloth for your cat and one for your GSD. Run the cloth on the areas of each animal where there is the most scent. For cats, this is the top of their head, cheeks, and chin. For dogs, this is their armpits and on their sides. They should be left to discover this cloth themselves rather than you giving them the cloth. Watch how each animal reacts to the new scent. Does your cat become nervous? Does your GSD become over-excited? Each day, do scent fresh clothes again and leave them near the animals. Ideally, keep this up until both animals are calm around the scented cloths. Then you are ready to move on to having the animals see each other in a controlled way. Check out my guide to How to Look after a Kitten , 6 Best Kitten Wet Food Options, and 8 Best Kitten Dry Food Options Have your cat inside the house and your dog outside with some type of door with glass on it between them so that they can see each other. Do this daily for about 5 minutes at a time. After a few days, do the same thing but inside the house. If they behave well, give both pets treats. The final stage is interaction with no barriers. However, your GSD should be on a leash. Start off with a very short leash. Then extend the leash as your cat gets more comfortable and if your GSD behaves. Treats should be incorporated here as a reward for good behavior. Remember that your GSD will only chase a cat that is running. So it is important that your cat remains as calm as possible. Take your time to remove the leash completely. Allow your cat to lead the process here — is it comfortable? And make sure you stay in the room the entire time. Puppy School can be a great option for a new GSD that is struggling with its behavior. They are only acting on their instincts. Give your German Shepherd lots of attention. They can get jealous if they see you spending lots of time with the cat and less time with them. Stay positive even if it takes some time to move between the different stages. For different temperaments, the stages can take different amounts of time to complete. If one of the animals starts reacting badly to the other, move back to the previous stage. If you have been trying to introduce the two animals for a considerable length of time without success, consider taking them to a cat or dog trainer. Ensure that each animal has their own space and that it can get away from each other. For dogs, this could be the backyard or a large crate. It is key that both pets are able to leave a stressful situation and go somewhere safe asap. Do respect the animal which has been in the house for the longest. The older pet will have the hardest time adjusting to this new situation. The short answer is yes but. German Shepherd dogs and cats absolutely can get along, but they are not guaranteed to do so. Much will depend on the temperaments and past experiences of each animal. However, as an owner, there are many things you can do to encourage their relationship. Start by following a set introductory process as above and following our key tips as you move through the different stages. Your pets will be best friends before you know it! That means if you click through on most of the links and end up making a purchase I will receive a small commission. This will not affect the price that you pay. I wanted to make sure that you were aware of this. But, keep in mind that GSDs are intelligent, highly trainable, and incredibly social. Just as with other dogs and any other animal they can share a home with a cat peacefully. German Shepherds can be good with cats, but it depends on your particular German Shepherd. Many German Shepherds can get along fine with a cat with proper socialization and training. Keep in mind that individual dogs could react to their feline counterparts differently. Many German Shepherds share their homes with cats and are actually friendly with one another. But, here are some of the critical factors that might make your German Shepherd more likely to integrate well with cats: 1 Age The younger your GSD is, the more open they will probably be to living with a cat. It also helps if the cat is young so that neither of them is already set in their ways. Growing up together just tends to make things easier. Are they wary of or playful with new animals they encounter? Keep in mind that if they tend to be nervous around other animals, their instinct to protect themselves might drive them to be aggressive. Have they had plenty of exposure to cats before? Your dog could have had plenty of exposure to other animals without incident, but is their personality suited for sharing a home with a cat? Do they insist on always being the center of attention? How do they feel about sharing their space as well as their toys? That means they have an instinct to chase after cats, especially those who make sudden movements and run away very quickly. Generally, a higher prey drive may make it more difficult for your German Shepherd to love a cat. Before you begin, your GSD should have at least gone through basic training and already responds to your verbal cues obediently to make this introduction easier. Then, use the other towel on your cat, paying special attention to the area around the face. Then, place the cat-scented towel near your dog and vise versa. Pay attention to how each of them reacts. Even better, give them a treat or praise them when they sniff the towel in order to develop positive associations with the scent. Step 2: Expose Through Glass Anywhere you have a glass door is a perfect place to do this. Start with 5-minute sessions and increase the length of time in subsequent sessions. This way, they get some contact and can sniff each other while keeping them both safe from any possible aggressive reactions. Keep the leash short and maintain control, then increase the slack little by little as they show positive behaviors. Throughout this process, make sure that you give plenty of praises or treats for actions that you want to reinforce. While you maintain control over your GSD, keep an eye out for your cat and lookout for signs of stress and discomfort. If they walk away, let them and try again another time. Use your judgment to determine how quickly you can go through each of the steps. Observe both animals and proceed as you see fit. Your German Shepherd might instinctively lunge or even growl at the cat when they first meet. Similarly, the cat might hiss and scratch. Stay calm. Your pets will always be able to sense your energy. Sometimes, the best you can hope for is a safe and peaceful co-existence. The short answer is I doubt it. At her very first vet appointment a couple of days after I brought her home at 8 weeks old, we came out of the examining room and there was a lady sitting in the waiting room with a small crate on the floor. My dog went up and sniffed at the crate then jumped back and growled. That was my first clue. Allie also has a very strong prey drive and whenever she sees a cat she wants to pounce and chase and sometimes she growls. However, I know many other German Shepherd owners, whose dogs have a different temperament than my girl, and their dogs do wonderful with cats. I know one person who has 3 German Shepherds and 2 cats and they have no problems. The temperament of the German Shepherd and the temperament of the cat is key to their ability to get along or simply co-exist. This varies on a case by case basis. Final Thoughts German Shepherds can get along with cats, but it all depends on the individual dog and cat. Each situation will be different. Apart from the right temperament and proper socialization, it takes a good introduction for cats and dogs to be friendly with one another.

Sometimes referred to as the "king of dogs," this extremely large dog breed is known for being strong yet elegant, with a friendly, energetic personality. Striking in the show ring, this breed is also popular as a family pet. Coat colors can be brindle, fawn, blue, black, harlequin and mantle. Merle patches are normal. No patch should be so large that it appears to be a blanket. Goldendoodles of any generation are usually friends of everyone and strangers to no one which makes them an ideal family dog. They are cheerful, trustworthy, gentle, affectionate, smart and highly trainable animals that have a keen desire to please. F1 Goldendoodles - is a mix between a full Golden Retriever and a Poodle. F1 Goldendoodles typically have a wavy, curly to straight coat and can weight an average of the parents weights. They are little to no shedding and great for people with allergies F1B Goldendoodles - is a mix between an F1 Goldendoodle and a full Standard Poodle. F1B Goldendoodles typically have a wavy to kinky or curly coat and can weight an average of the parents weights. The F1B Goldendoodles are hypoallergenic. The entire Lengacher family was friendly and obviously love their dogs. The youngest daughter helped us decide on a new name for the pup, Sophie. All of the paperwork was ready, Sophie was clean, healthy, and very playful. We would definitely recommend any pups from the Lengacher family! The adoption process was so quick and easy. Our baby girl Dora came with her first round of shots, chipped, and some dog food along with a pack including shot records and vet visits. The puppies were kept in a very clean environment and seemed like they socialized regularly with the puppies. Our sweet girl is 6 months old and is incredibly loving. If you are looking for a F1B goldendoodle Lester and family is highly recommended! Our puppy Knox is beautiful and has been a great asset to our family! We had such an easy and great experience and would get another puppy with no worries! Thanks again for all you did! Send Message received. We will be with you shortly! Lifespan Sociability In general, Great Danoodles are one of the more expensive crossbreed puppies. The Great Danoodle is a fairly rare crossbreed and the demand for them is high. These dogs are intelligent and obedient. They would make a wonderful family dog and do equally well as a guard dog. They were first bred in the s. There is evidence that the Great Danoodle was first bred somewhere in the early s. This makes it one of the most stable crossbreeds available, particularly if you get one from a reputable and experienced breeder. They have ancient origins. The Standard Poodle breed was first recognized more than years ago, while the Great Dane has origins that stretch as far back as 3, B. While a Poodle has a reputation as a spoilt and pampered lap dog, they were commonly bred in the past as hard-working sport dogs. Great Danes were often bred for the same purpose, so the combination of these breeds makes for a highly intelligent, hard-working animal, with a long and revered history. They have infinite coat variations. The wavy coat of the Great Danoodle can come in many different lengths, and the colors are almost infinite, coming in solid or multicolored variations of black, white, blue, red, grey, etc. The combination of the curly, dense fur of Poodles with the wiry, sleek coat of Great Danes makes for a wide variety of coat differences. They are amazingly loyal and easily trainable and love to be around people. They have a deep, unconditional love and trust for their human owners, and while both males and females are highly sociable, the females tend to latch onto one owner. They will often suffer from separation anxiety if left alone, as they are social dogs who love regular interaction. They love to be in packs and are playful and full of energy with other dogs. Provided that they grow up with other dogs and cats around and are socialized from an early age, they are unlikely to hunt or display any aggression toward other animals. They will need a large amount of food to maintain a healthy and balanced diet, but they are prone to overeating and will need to be carefully monitored to prevent getting overweight. Depending on the type of food they are getting, a good gauge of daily requirements is at least 4 large cups of high-quality dry dog pellets per day. Like all dogs, Great Danoodles need constant access to fresh, clean water. An easy way to get adequate hydration for your dog is to add high-quality wet food into their diet. Great Danoodles also need a source of essential fatty acids , which are good for their coats, internal organs, and nervous system. They will need a large amount of protein, which will supply them with energy and assist with skin, nail, bone, and muscle structure. That said, carbohydrates like wheat and corn should be avoided. Most dogs need around calories per pound per day to maintain a healthy weight. This can be altered depending on how active the breed is. For a Great Danoodle, their large size and high energy levels mean they may need a fair bit more. Around minutes of brisk walking three times a day is optimal, but once a day is suitable on occasion. Their large size is better suited to homes with large yards for them to run around in, but even this is not an adequate replacement for regular exercise. Their highly trainable nature makes them easily take to a leash, and with the right kind of training, Great Danoodles will love to run alongside you on a leash. Indeed, their large, strong bodies and abundant energy levels make training essential, as they can easily sweep you off your feet if they get too excited. General play cannot be counted as exercise unless they are playing fetch or some other form of high-intensity play. Long walks or runs are the best forms of exercise for a Great Danoodle to burn off any excess energy. That said, they will love the mental stimulation provided by ball games. The use of treats also helps, and this breed can be taught a variety of tricks when trained with repetition and consistency. Female Great Danoodles tend to mature earlier and are thus are ready to train quicker than males. That said, they can become moody and obstinate at times, whereas males generally have a more consistent temperament for training. Both males and females love to impress their owners by responding to commands and calls. In general, it is on the shorter side and is thick and wavy. However, it can be more like a Great Dane coat, in which case, it will be short and wiry. In either case, this breed is known to not shed much, so they do not need frequent grooming. The occasional brush and regular bath are all a Great Danoodle needs for a healthy coat. That said, regular exercise and a healthy and complete diet will go a long way in mitigating many common ailments associated with both breeds. Big dogs tend to have more issues with joints and muscles in general, and regular checkups at the vet are a good idea to keep on top of any issues that may arise, especially with older dogs. Great Danes have huge frames, and it is not surprising that they experience joint and bone diseases like hip dysplasia, and this can be passed down to Great Danoodles. They also commonly suffer from cardiomyopathy, which is a disease that leads to the enlargement of the heart. Unless you intend to breed, neutering a male dog has many associated health benefits , including preventing testicular cancer, reducing aggression, and stopping them from wandering. Similarly, spaying a female helps prevent uterine infections and breast cancer, and doing so before her first heat will mitigate these complications even more. Minor Conditions. However, they do not stay small for long. These dogs respond well to training and display tempered obedience most of the time. They tend to love anyone they meet unconditionally, unless they perceive the person whom they are interacting with to be a threat. Being large and powerful, a Great Danoodle spends most of their time in active mode. However, this crossbreed is more likely to be caught snuggling on the couch or trying to fit into the lap of a family member than running around and exploring. Are These Dogs Good for Families? These dogs get along well with children, both during play and snuggle time. They are not aggressive, yet they can hold their own when around rambunctious kids who are roughhousing in the backyard. They are protective over younger kids and will watch over them in social settings. Whether it is another dog, a cat, or even a pet bird, Great Danoodles can get along with them in the right setting. They do not have high prey drives and would rather sniff and snuggle with a cat than chase one down. If introduced other types of animals while still young, this crossbreed can get along with them. On the other hand, like most dogs, a Great Danoodle that is not well socialized may not get along well with any other animals. There are many different things to consider when deciding whether your household can handle caring for one of these dogs. You should know what this crossbreed must eat, how much exercise they need, the type of training they are good at, how to groom them, and more. Look for a food product that includes animal protein from chicken, beef, or fish, as the first and main ingredient. The food should be free of artificial flavors and colors because these offer no nutritional value and could harm health as time goes on. Your Great Danoodle should eat between 3 and 4 cups of dry food, or the equivalent of wet food, each day. These dogs can enjoy fresh fruits and veggies as snacks and for extra nutrition. Fresh, clean water should always be available, especially when the weather is hot. In addition, free time outside at the dog park or playing fetch is a good idea. About an hour of physical activity outside the house should be the goal every day. When the weather is bad, exercise can be accomplished indoors through games such as hide-and-seek. Interactive toys and puzzles will keep this mixed breed busy both mentally and physically when other forms of exercise are unavailable and when the family is gone from the home. These dogs are smart and eager to please and can learn quickly. Obedience training should begin while this dog is still a young puppy, at about 12 weeks of age, and it should continue throughout their lifetime. Some Great Danoodles can be a bit stubborn and may require a bit of extra patience. But with practice, even the most stubborn dog can learn to come, sit, stay, and heel at least. Tricks are always a welcome challenge for most Great Danoodles and can be practiced both inside and outdoors. Not only can these dogs master obedience training, but they can also be trained to show, guard the house, and compete in agility contests. These dogs do not require trimming and they rarely develop tangles. They may need to be bathed occasionally if they spend time outdoors. They should get enough exercise outside that their nails will stay naturally trimmed. Clean their ears with a cotton ball a couple of times a month. Owners should understand these things so they know what signs and symptoms to look for that could signal a problem developing. Minor Conditions. It is a combination of the Great Dane and the Poodle. The resulting dog is usually large and athletic, with a thick coat that can come in a variety of colors. While the exact origins of the Great Danoodle are unknown, it is thought that this hybrid first appeared in the United States in the s. Since then, they have become increasingly popular as both companion animals and working dogs. They can also be the perfect pet because they are intelligent and friendly. They are also used as service dogs, therapy dogs, and even as hunting companions. As a result, they can inherit the best of both breeds — the athletic build and gentle nature of the Great Dane, combined with the intelligence and low-shedding coat of the Poodle. This mixed breed typically stands inches tall at the shoulder and weighs between pounds. They have a straight or slightly wavy or curly coat that can be either short or long and come in a wide range of colors, including black, blue, silver, cream, brown, apricot, and red. Great Danoodle — Temperament Like both of its parent breeds, the Great Danoodle is an intelligent and active dog that loves to play and has a strong bond with its family. However, the Great Danoodle inherits some of the best traits of both breeds, making it an even more versatile and loving companion. For example, the Great Dane aspect of the Great Danoodle gives it a calm and gentle demeanor, while the Poodle side provides the energy and playful nature that makes this breed so special. As a result, the Great Danoodle is an ideal pet for families with children or active adults who are looking for a fun-loving and loyal companion. Great Danoodle — Training Needs The Great Dane Poodle mix, also known as the Great Danoodle, is a large and friendly dog that makes a great companion for active families. The Dane part of the mix is likely to inherit some of the independent streak common to most large breeds, so early socialization and obedience training are essential. The Poodle component means the dog will probably be highly intelligent and quick to learn new tricks; however, they may also require more patience and consistent training than some other breeds. Overall, the Great Danoodle is a smart and affectionate dog that will thrive in a home where they are given plenty of exercise, love, and attention. When raised in a loving home with plenty of attention and exercise, the Great Danoodle can be a gentle giant. This breed is intelligent and can be eager to please, making them easy to train. For this reason, it is important to make sure that your Great Danoodle receives plenty of socialization from an early age. With the right training and socialization, the Great Danoodle can be a devoted and loving companion. This breed loves to play and will enjoy a good game of fetch or tug-of-war. They also need plenty of space to run and should be taken on long walks or runs daily. In addition, the Great Danoodle benefits from having a yard to play in. Without enough exercise, this breed can become bored and destructive. As a result, it is important to make sure that your Great Danoodle gets plenty of exercise every day. Great Danoodle — Mental Stimulation The Great Dane Poodle mix, also known as the Great Danoodle, is a large and intelligent breed of dog that needs plenty of mental stimulation. This breed loves to learn new tricks and will excel in obedience training. They are also quick to learn new commands and respond well to positive reinforcement. In addition, the Great Danoodle benefits from having a job to do. This breed is happiest when they are given a task to perform, such as fetching the newspaper or guarding the home. Without enough mental stimulation, this breed can become bored and destructive. They are also prone to separation anxiety if left alone for too long, so they are not the best choice for families with busy schedules. As a result, it is important to make sure that your Great Danoodle has plenty of toys and games to keep them occupied. This breed has a thick coat of hair that requires daily brushing to prevent matting and tangles. They also shed heavily and will require weekly vacuuming to remove loose hair from the home. In addition, the Great Danoodle needs to be bathed regularly to keep its coat clean and healthy. Hip and elbow dysplasia are both hereditary conditions that can cause joint pain and mobility problems. Bloat is a condition that can cause the stomach to twist and fill with gas, leading to pain and potentially death. While these conditions are serious, they can be controlled with proper medical care. Great Danoodle — What should they Eat? This mixed breed is a rather large dog that requires high-quality dog food. They do best on a diet of dry kibble or raw meat. They also require plenty of exercise and should be given two to three meals per day. In addition, the Great Danoodle benefits from having a diet that is high in protein and low in fat. This breed is also prone to bloat, so it is important to avoid giving them large meals or treats. Instead, give them small meals throughout the day to prevent this condition. Great Danoodle — Are they Dog Friendly? The Great Dane Poodle mix is very friendly. This breed loves to play and will get along well with other dogs. They are also social creatures and enjoy being around people. This breed is gentle and loving, but they can also be protective of their family. As a result, the Great Danoodle makes an excellent companion for any family. Great Danoodle — Are they Child Friendly? But are they good with kids? In fact, many Great Danoodles are patient and tolerant enough to be wonderful therapy dogs. That being said, every dog is an individual. With their calm and gentle dispositions, Great Danoodles are typically great with kids of all ages. This should occur until everyone is comfortable with each other. Great Danoodle — Do they Drool? The Great Dane Poodle mix, also known as the Great Danoodle, is a large breed of dog that is known for drooling. This breed has a very thick coat of hair that traps saliva and moisture, which can cause them to drool. In addition, the Great Danoodle has a large mouth and tongue, which can also contribute to their drooling. While this breed is known for drooling, it is important to keep their coat clean and dry to prevent infection. Great Danoodle — Barking Levels Any dog owner knows that barking is a normal part of canine communication. However, some breeds tend to bark more than others. This can be problematic for apartment dwellers or those who live in close proximity to their neighbors. Luckily, there are a number of mixed breeds that are known for being relatively quiet. One of them is the Great Danoodle! While Great Danes are known for being quite vocal, Standard Poodles are actually one of the quieter breeds. As a result, Great Danoodles tend to inherit the best of both worlds. They inherit the size and sweetness of the Great Dane with the quiet nature of the Standard Poodle. While the dog does enjoy spending time outdoors, it is not necessarily dependent on warm weather for exercise. The Great Danoodle does quite well in colder climates, thanks to the thick coat of fur that covers its body. The coat helps to insulate the dog against the cold and can even protect against snow and ice buildup. As such, the Great Danoodle makes an ideal companion for those who live in cooler climates or who enjoy spending time outdoors in all seasons. This is on par with other large breeds of dogs, such as the Labrador Retriever and the Golden Retriever. These include diet, exercise, and genetics. Therefore, it is important to consult with a veterinarian as a pet owner. This will ensure that your Great Danoodle is receiving the best possible care. With proper care and nutrition, this mixed breed can enjoy a long and happy life. If you are interested in registering your Great Danoodle with the AKC, you may do so as a mixed breed. While the Great Danoodle is not currently recognized as a separate breed, this may change in the future as the popularity of the breed increases. This breed is not currently recognized by the AKC, which means that there are no set standards for pricing. When searching for a Great Danoodle puppy, be sure to do your research to find a reputable breeder who can provide you with a healthy and happy pup. Final Thoughts Great Danes are some of the most gentle and loving dogs you could ever hope to meet. Poodles, on the other hand, are known for being highly intelligent, trainable, and eternally cheerful. Great Danoodles combine the best features of both breeds.

Following the Labrador feeding chart by age will give you a rough idea of how much to feed your puppy. Labradors are known for their playfulness, and sweet disposition, and are good at fetch which is why you should provide them with the best nutrition to support their growth. Ensure that the food contains the right amounts of protein, carbs, fat, and vitamins. You should avoid feeding your Labrador puppy too much food as they are prone to joint issues, but also avoid feeding them less food as they will be malnourished and not reach their growth milestones. Continue reading to understand how much to feed a Labrador puppy. The amount of food that your Labrador puppy should eat depends on a combination of certain factors such as activity level, weight, type, and brand of food. Heavier and bigger puppies need to eat more food than smaller puppies, and dogs that have active lives will need more calories than those living sedentary life. Fortunately, all dog food contains a feeding guideline on the packaging to get you started. It is important that you create and maintain a feeding schedule for your puppy so that they can maintain a healthy weight and develop good habits. Consult your pet nutritionist or vet, to learn more about how much food you should give your specific Labrador. Labrador Feeding Chart By Age A Labrador can be fed between one and six cups of food depending on their level of activity, age, and type of food. The amount will differ from one puppy to the other as every puppy has there own requirements. Therefore, you should follow a feeding guideline that is indicated in the dog food brands or the one designed by your vet. As a Labrador owner, it is important to understand that the nutritional requirements of your puppy are different at each stage as they grow. Therefore, adult and puppy dogs should be trained to eat the correct amount at the right schedule. Ensure that you keep a Labrador puppy feeding chart with you. Calculating the Resting Energy Requirement RER of your puppy and doubling it can help you get the right number of calories to feed them. Feed your puppy a little amount, in the beginning, to ensure that they are ready to eat. If they are not ready, do not force the food on them. Be patient with your puppy and they will be on puppy food soon. The puppy will be relying less on the milk. When your puppy starts eating all the food you offer them, you can reduce the amount of water and increase the food amount. The puppy will start becoming active and start exploring away from the mother as they no longer rely on the mother. By the end of the week into week seven, the puppy will be able to eat just puppy food. Ensure that you feed them dry food that is full of healthy protein. They should be eating three to four times per day and need about 2 cups of food. Avoid free feeding the puppy as it may be hard to know exactly how much they are eating. Create a feeding schedule as early as possible and this will help them develop good habits in the future. Put the food out for only 10 to 15 minutes and take the bowl away if they do not finish. This can be tricky if you are working but it is important that you maintain their feeding schedule as this is a developmental stage. Three meals per day will help your growing puppy develop their digestive system and ensure that they are getting their nutrition. This is also the beginning of the teething stage and they will be biting a lot of things including hard dog food and chew toys. They should eat about two cups of food distributed over three meals. But you should still maintain feeding them two cups of food but can reduce the mealtimes to twice per day. Watch out for the amount of food your puppy eats to avoid them gaining weight. Also, ensure that they are getting enough exercise to burn off the food. So, you should transition them to adult food. Ensure that the switching process is done slowly to avoid causing vomiting and diarrhea to your puppy. Your Labrador can be fed once per day now and the amount reduced to about two cups of food. Understanding Labrador Puppy Nutritional Needs If you stick to feeding your Labrador high-quality food, be assured that they are getting all the necessary nutrients. However, it is useful to know the types of nutrients that they need and the ingredients to watch out for. Carbohydrates — healthy carbs are necessary for providing energy for your puppy. Sources like barley, rice, and oatmeal are great. Healthy carbs can also be found in veggies such as sweet potatoes, peas, and lentils. Fiber — it helps regulate the digestive system of your puppy and helps the stool become healthier and firm. Sources include spinach, chicory root, and beet pulp. Sources include fish oils, fish, canola oils, and fish. Vitamins and Minerals — are needed for improving the immune system which helps in protecting your puppy from diseases. Veggies and real fruits like cranberries and blueberries are great sources. The frequency of feeding your Labrador depends mostly on their age. Puppies need to eat three to four times per day while senior and adult Labradors can eat one to two times per day. Labrador is a breed that is motivated by food, meaning that the chance of them turning down food is low. Given their nature, it can be difficult to figure out whether they are really hungry or just food obsessed. Since they cannot regulate their eating habits, it is important that you develop a feeding schedule to prevent them from gaining weight. Both types of food provide your dog with the best nutrition they need to grow and develop. Also, check the label on the packaging and make sure that it contains the perfect balance of protein, fats, and carbohydrates. Kibble is cheaper than wet foods and stores easily as it does not require refrigeration. It also helps clean the teeth by removing tartar and buildup when your puppy chews it. Wet food also provides balanced and complete nutrition for your Labrador. It provides more hydration to your puppy as it contains high moisture content. However, wet food needs to be put in the fridge once opened otherwise it will go bad. Some dog owners mix wet food and kibble to give their dogs the best of both worlds. Therefore, most premium dog food brands have different specially formulated puppy food. Puppies can be fed with puppy food until they are about 12 to 15 months old then transition to adult dog food. When transitioning your dog from puppy food to adult dog food remember to introduce the feed gradually for about seven to ten days by mixing small amounts of the adult dog food with the puppy food. Decrease the puppy food gradually every day with a simultaneous increase in adult dog food. This will helps the pup o adjust to the new meal easily. Experienced Labrador Retriever owners will tell you that not all puppies eat a lot. Studies also have indicated that puppies eat more when fed with other puppies or in a group. When the puppy gets to a new home, they might go off the food for the first few days. They might eat a few kibbles and then leave it. Your puppy may also prefer to eat from your hand and not the bowl. However, call your vet if your puppy refuses to eat for more than four hours. Call immediately if your puppy looks unwell. There are a few reasons you need to keep an eye on because they indicate serious problems: Your pup neither drink nor eat Diarrhea. Remember, Labs do not have a natural food intake regulator so you will need to monitor them with portion control. Using a cheaper brand is a poor option at half the price. You will use twice as much and you will have to clean up larger amounts of waste in your yard. To allow for an accurate control of body weight and growth rate, this amount of food can be dispensed over 3 meals per day. After 5 months of age, the feeding regularity can be reduced to two meals per day with the commensurate increase in food quantity. The amount of food a Labrador puppy requires will increase then level out during first 14 months of their life. At months, their bone density is increasing and their growth plates are set. We do not recommend desexing you pup until at least 3 years of age. This allows for an appropriate development and supply of hormone which in turn produces proper bone, muscle and vital organ development. Table foods dispensed randomly to dogs are not nutritionally balanced. We do not offer our dogs table food at all. There will be no problems if you are feeding a puppy with a homemade diet but it should be prepared from prescribed recipes that are nutritionally complete and balanced. Diets consisting of an unplanned and indiscriminate mixture of human foods particularly including carbohydrates will likely result in obesity and even dietary-induced disease. When you Lab reaches 14months of age, it should be given an adult food that contains less energy and calcium. This will decrease the risk of obesity and orthopaedic conditions. And do not feed them coffee or tea as they can contain caffeine, theobromine, and theophylline. These toxic substances can dangerously affect the heart and nervous system. Onions, garlic, raisins and grapes can be severely toxic in labradors. Raw meat is potential source of parasites and pathogenic bacteria for your puppy. Eggs yokes are an excellent source of protein. Raw eggs contain an enzyme called avidin, which decreases the absorption of biotin a B vitamin. This can, in extreme cease, lead to skin and coat problems. Liver contains higher levels of protein, fats, carbohydrates, minerals and vitamins. Raw liver can be a source of parasites and pathogenic bacteria. Excessive amounts of liver can cause Vitamin A toxicity. Raw bone chewing will control tartar buildup on a pups teeth. However, bone chewing can cause intestinal blockages and perforations. Never use cooked bones. Commercial Puppy Foods Most commercial puppy foods are designated for small, medium, large and giant breeds. This designation can be found on the label. Puppies of medium sized breeds are less than '25 kg fully grown adult body weight'. A full grown and lean Labrador will usually weigh between 25kg and 45kg. We feed our dogs at the 'lower' level of the recommended range. The 'Hills Body Fat Index' is a very helpful body shape indicator. The same food as the bitch You should feed your new puppy with the same brand of food as the bitch received during lactation. From 2 weeks into pregnancy, our expectant mothers are fed 'Royal Canin Labrador Puppy' food. Introducing a new brand of food If you are wanting to introduce a new brand of food to your puppy, then blend it gradually with the existing brand in increasing amounts over 3 days. This should prevent food rejection and any kind of gastric upset. It is best to choose a diet designed for large breed puppies. Selected commercial feeds should contain a limited percentage of filler compounds. Pawlinglabs uses Royal Canin Labrador as our preferred option. Growing labradors Labrador pups have a very steep growth curve, and their total daily energy needs do increase as they grow. Calculate the amount of puppy food that will satisfy that need. The feeding guidelines on the commercial pet food label provides an estimated quantity of feed for several different ranges in body size. These instructions will give you an estimated starting point for the particular brand. Medium or large? Medium breeds should be transitioned to an adult diet by 12 months of age, while large breeds between 14 — 18 months of age. Mature female labradors are medium and weight approx kg. Mature males are large and weight approx kg. Their calcium and energy content should not exceed that level recommended by a registered nutritionalist. Sound skeletal development Sound skeletal development in labradors is produced by the interaction of genetic, environmental, and nutritional factors. The phase prior to weaning and the growth phase, up to 14 months are integral to sound skeletal structure. Don't take your young pup on extended distance walks and certainly not 'running' until at least 18mths of age. You must avoid stairs and slippery floors for the same reasons. Their growth plates are set at about mths of age. Feeding and Overfeeding Large breeds like Labradors are the most susceptible to skeletal disease. Feed consumption, nutrients balance and feeding methods influence our ability to produce sound skeletal development and eliminate skeletal disease. Appropriate food consumption and nutrition plays a critical role in bone development. Overfeeding will not increase or benefit the growth rate of young and growing labrador puppies. And it does not correlate with optimal adult size. However, it does increase the risk of skeletal abnormalities. The vast majority of skeletal disorders occur in large breeds including labradors and they are associated with consumption of table food and an excessive intake of a commercial food and supplementation. The large breeds like labradors are limited in their ability to cope with an excess of minerals such as calcium. The result of this over consumption is abnormal bone development and skeletal disorders. Nutritional management will be critical in the to prevention of bone and joint diseases. In most cases, skeletal disease can prevented by appropriate quantities of feed in a regulated diet with optimal nutrient levels. A complete and balanced commercial diet is essential. Dietary deficiencies will be of little concern if your labrador pup is fed with a complete and balanced commercial diet. Brands like Eukanuba and Royal Canin are specifically formulated for young, growing labradors. There is real potential for harm by over feeding and giving additional supplementation. Housing safety and activity levels Housing safety and activity levels are under the your influence. Nutrition is also under your control and it is the single most important factor affecting the development of the musculoskeletal system. Energy, protein, and calcium are the critical nutritional components affecting skeletal development. However, if they are given in excess, they will be detrimental to normal bone and joint growth. Most pet owners feed commercial dog food. These prepared diets are balanced and complete. Pawling Chocolate and Black Labradors. Made with real meat and no artificial colors or flavors how much should a lab eat? Allergies Labs can also have allergies. Some dogs may be allergic to wheat, macadamia nuts, etc. It can manifest as a runny nose, high volumes of shedding, rashes on the skin, and so on. Different dietary needs are crucial, especially if they display allergy symptoms. Avoid all types of human foods. You can give your lab puppy supplements You can get great quality adult dog food and puppy kibble from companies like Royal Canin Labrador Retriever, Blue Buffalo, Canidae Grain-Free, etc. Only adult food must be given to labrador retrievers who have crossed 1. Your puppy needs 4 small meals consisting of half a cup of food per meal till he is 2 months old. From 2 to 6 months, he needs 3 meals daily consisting of 1 cup of food per meal. From 6 months onwards , you can give your puppy 2 meals daily of 2 cups of dog food per meal. Is This A Problem? Yes, this is a major problem! Fat dogs are adorable but also extremely unhealthy. An adult labrador retriever should weigh at most pounds. Labs that are fatter than this stand at the risk of obesity, arthritis , and other lifelong diseases. Refrain from feeding your labrador too many dog treats. Onions and garlic: surprisingly, anything in the onion and garlic family is incredibly toxic to dogs. Meat with bones: if not chewed properly, sharp edges can rupture the throat, stomach lining, intestines, and other parts of the digestive tract. Other human foods and beverages to avoid giving your dog are alcohol, sugar, citric fruits, and anything with caffeine. Your labrador retriever should weigh between 55 to 70 pounds at full adulthood. Male labs are heavier than female labs, so they can fall on either side of the optimal weight spectrum. Some healthy treats for your labrador retriever are cut fruits and vegetables. Carrots, celery, cucumber, beetroot, apples, bananas, and berries strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, cranberries, etc. Dogs also love peanut butter! Veggies dipped in peanut butter also make a great snack for your dog. This is entirely up to you as dog owners. If you have the time and patience to cook meals for your dog, go for it. Store-bought food is easier and is filled with the right nutritional requirements for your lab puppy. On the other hand, with the right recipe, home-cooked food works, too. What Should I Do? A dog growling at you when you go near his food bowl is most commonly a trauma response or a way to protect his food. We often see this with rescues. House training your lab puppy is equally important to avoid food aggression. Labrador Retrievers get piddly after their meals. Dog owners must take out their lab puppy as frequently as they eat sometimes even more often to let their energy out and adult labradors less frequently. A lab puppy needs a ton of exercise. The amount of kibble you should feed your Labrador puppy will vary depending on their age, weight, and activity level. A good rule of thumb is to start with cups of kibble daily and adjust as needed. Best Dog Food For Lab Puppies: The best dog foods for lab puppies include those that are high in protein and low in fillers. The food you should feed a black lab puppy is the same as for any other Labrador puppy. A chocolate lab puppy should be fed the same food as for any other Labrador puppy. A 2-year-old chocolate lab should eat about cups of kibble daily. You should stop feeding puppy food to your Labrador at around months of age. At this point, their growth plates will have closed, and they will no longer need the extra nutrients found in puppy food. Labradors live for years. They start to slow down around 7 and may develop some health problems in their senior years. You should also increase their exercise level. Lab breeders feed their dogs high-quality dog food specifically formulated for large-breed puppies. A lab puppy should drink about 1 ounce of water per pound of body weight daily. This amount may increase as they get older and more active. A labrador needs at least 30 minutes of exercise per day. This can be a combination of walking, running, and playing. Golden labs live for years. Chocolate labs live for years same like labs of any color. Labradors lose their baby teeth between 3 and 6 months of age. You can start to transition your puppy to eating twice a day at around 6 months of age. By the time they are 1 year old, they should eat only once daily. You should stop feeding your large breed puppy food at around 18 months of age. Why Are Labs So Hungry? Labradors are a very active breed of dog, and they need a lot of calories to fuel their energy levels. They are also prone to gaining weight, so keep a close eye on their food intake About The Author Shradha Kabra Shradha is a seasoned writer at Labradorandyou. Her experience as a pet owner and dog enthusiast drives her to create meticulously researched and fact-checked content, offering valuable insights on Labrador training, grooming, and health. Each article reflects Shradha's passion and dedication, enriched by personal experiences with her beloved Labradors, Tom, and Kurt. Whether exploring breed-specific training techniques or providing product reviews, Shradha ensures Labrador owners receive the most accurate, up-to-date, and trustworthy information, aimed at enhancing their companions' health and happiness. How often and what time to feed I will show you the best puppy foods, whether dry, wet, or raw, and look at food safety, together with schedules, quantities and even a handy puppy diet chart. Best Puppy Food for Labs The best Labrador puppy food provides a diet that is nutritious, healthy, and tasty. So, what is the best puppy food for your Lab? Puppy kibble or dried food is the most popular option. Kibble is complete and can give a perfectly balanced diet. Puppy kibble and tinned dog meat combined is another common choice among puppy parents. Feeding your Labrador puppy on home cooked food or on a totally raw diet is also possible. Raw puppy food is growing in popularity, and there are pros and cons to raw feeding your puppy. People often feel very strongly that one way of feeding is better than another, and you can always find evidence to support your view. Dog breeders, veterinarians and even nutritionists have their own strong views. The dire consequences they list for not listening to them can have puppy owners very worried. The truth is that there is no good quality evidence showing that kibble is better for the long term health of your dog, or that raw feeding is better. There are risks and benefits to both, and the main thing is to ensure that your dog has good quality food to eat. Puppy kibble suits some better, and raw puppy food is better for others. Puppy Kibble for your Labrador Puppy food made into pellets is called kibble. An airtight plastic container or tin will do the job, although you should make sure it is food grade quality. Puppy kibble is the best way of feeding your Labrador according to most breeders and your veterinarian is most likely to support this method of feeding. Good puppy kibble will contain every nutrient your Labrador puppy needs in order to grow and remain healthy. The kibble pieces will be tasty, good for keeping teeth healthy, and free from additives that can provoke allergies or stomach problems. Labrador puppy kibble only needs to be fed next to water. Puppy kibble from a reputable manufacturer is intended to be a complete and balanced food. But some owners like to mix in canned dog food or even scraps of raw food with kibble. Your puppy is likely to get an upset stomach or to not have the right balance of nutrition when fed this way. Whether you decide to feed only with kibble or you want to mix it up, pick a good dried food manufacturer and stick with them. Feeding your Labrador puppy raw food has its benefits and drawbacks. One of the downsides is that there is a lot to learn. Here is a link to the articles you need to help you decide whether or not raw feeding is for you: Although I like the raw diet for my dogs, most puppies fed kibble go on to have long and healthy lives. Whatever puppy food you choose, the most important thing is portion control. How Much to Feed your Labrador Puppy? People often tell me how much their puppy weighs, and ask how much puppy food they should give him. Your Labrador is particularly at risk if they grow too quickly. The following diet chart is for kibble fed puppies and does not apply to raw fed pups. It gives you an idea of how much to feed your Labrador puppy Lab Puppy Feeding Chart The Lab puppy feeding chart below is only a very rough guide. The quantity of food you need for your puppy will vary depending on your puppy and on the brand of food you are feeding him. Labrador puppy food must be aimed at medium to large breed dogs. Check the pack carefully and look at the dietary charts. Ideally, you want the optimal protein content and the lowest amount of additives. Part of this always comes down to the cost. The healthiest puppy food is usually the most expensive and may not be affordable for some families. The Cost Of Puppy Food Some puppy food brands are more concentrated than and contain a higher proportion of proteins, essential oils, and other nutrients. The absence of these fillers means that you can often feed lower quantities of more costly food, making them less expensive than they first seem. You might also find that cheaper brands make your puppy poop more due to those extra fillers going straight through him. While some brands are beyond the budget of many families, it is usually good to buy a premium brand. High Quality Brands of Puppy Food Some brands of puppy food have developed a reputation for producing a high quality product and have many devoted supporters, including breeders that have fed them to generations of puppies. Before adopting a Labrador Retriever puppy, many owners go to great lengths to deduce the optimal food for their pup. From raw feed to canned food from a local pet store, there are plenty of dog food options for owners to consider, but which is the best dog food? Whether you feed your puppy a raw food diet or commercial dog foods, there are lots of ways for your pup to consume a balanced diet. There are plenty of sources that will describe the benefits of one diet over another, but remember that no one knows your puppy better than you. The decision to feed your dog a diet that you think is best is yours to make. There really is no right or wrong answer when it comes to selecting a food for your puppy. Your pooch will likely enjoy eating wet food just as much as they enjoy commercial dog food. So long as you feed your pup an adequate amount of food, they are likely to live a long and healthy life. If you would like specific advice about feeding your individual puppy, you may wish to consult with your veterinarian or other dog food expert. When you first bring your puppy home, it can be alarming if your dog does not touch its puppy food during the first few days at home. Is this cause for concern? Noticing that your precious pup is not eating can be a frightening realization. Prior to being welcomed to its forever home, your Lab puppy was accustomed to living with its mother and siblings. Therefore, being uprooted from this life can initially be a startling experience for a dog. Fortunately, puppies should develop an appetite within a day or two of entering their forever home-they just need a short time to adjust to their new life. If, after a few days, your puppy is still not eating their dog food, it may be a wise idea to have your puppy evaluated by a vet. Feeding A Two-Month-Old Labrador Retriever Two months old is about the earliest point at which a Labrador puppy can be brought home by their new family. When a Labrador puppy begins to eat solid food, it will not be eating a ton of food. So, owners can start their Lab puppy off with somewhere around 0. As your puppy grows older and gets bigger, owners should look to increase the amount of food for their Labrador pup. By the time a puppy is nearing three months old, it should be eating well over 1 cup of food every day. Some puppies may be consuming close to two cups of dog food at this time. This increase in size means that their appetite has also surely grown since bringing them home. By the time a Labrador puppy is around 3 months old, it should be eating close to 1. Large three-month-old Labrador puppies can be away a substantial amount of food as they are near four months old. Some puppies will be able to consume around 3 cups of food daily at this point in their lives, but most will be eating closer to 2 cups of dog food every day. If your pup seems hungry and looks to be a healthy weight, there is no need for owners to be concerned about how much food their three-month-old Lab is consuming. Your precious pooch will start to look more like an adult with each passing day. Therefore, it is essential to feed your dog enough food to promote the weight gain that makes dogs thrive. Four-month-old Labrador Retrievers should be given at least two cups of food daily. The biggest, most ravenous Labs will eat close to 3. However, only dogs on the large end of the puppy spectrum will need to eat this much at this time. Average four to five-month-old Labs should eat anywhere from 2 to 3 cups of food daily. Labrador Retriever teenagers are characterized by disproportionate body parts, distracted behavior, and dispositions that range from silly to ornery. Therefore, getting enough food to support such development is imperative. A six-month-old Labrador will surely be able to eat at least 2. This will ensure proper growth for your pooch. As your puppy reaches the point in which it is 7 to 8 months old, continue to increase the amount of food that your puppy receives. Labrador Retriever puppies that are close to 9 months old can eat more than 4 cups of food daily. However, your furry friend is more likely to consume 2. Instead, your pup is likely nearing its adult size. So, how much food should ten to twelve-month-old Labs be eating? Puppies that consume quantities of food on the low end of the spectrum should be consuming at least 3 cups of food every day during this time. On the other hand, large Lab pups that are between 10 to 12 months old could be eating 4. If your puppy is on the brink of adulthood, it would be wise to consider weaning it off of its puppy food in favor of adult dog food. All Lab puppies should be offered adult dog food when they reach maturity, as such food replaces nutrients that are essential for puppies with ingredients that benefit adults. Whereas puppies should eat food that increases their body weight, adult Labs should eat food that maintains their weight. So, if you think it may be time to switch your Labrador Retriever to an adult dog food diet, consult with your vet and find a food that is best for your adult Lab. Of course, the mature size of your pooch will dictate how much food it can and should be consuming every day. Generally, it is advisable to feed an adult Labrador anywhere from 3 to just over 4 cups of food every day. Gauge the weight and appetite of your pet to determine the perfect amount for your furry friend. Though the above recommendation will be perfect for most adult Labs, there are some instances in which mature Labradors will require more adult food. Pregnant Or Lactating Labs A Labrador who is pregnant or lactating will require substantial amounts of food to nourish herself and her litter of pups. Therefore, owners should be prepared to offer vast quantities of food to their Labrador mothers. While a typical adult Labrador will consume 3 to 4 cups of food every day, Labrador mothers should be offered around 6 cups of food at least to keep up with their enormous energy requirements. If your mother Labrador snarfs this food down and still seems hungry afterward, be prepared to offer her additional food. Especially Active Labs If your Labrador is an athletic specimen, it may need to consume more than a typical adult Lab to fuel the exercise regime that such a dog is accustomed to. Dogs that receive more than one hour of daily exercise could be considered especially active dogs. Owners can begin by offering these pooches 4. If they still seem hungry, owners can increase the amount of food given to these dogs. Once a dog reaches the golden years of its life, it is once again time to switch up its diet. Senior dogs should consume food that caters to the needs of their aging bodies. These pooches can get away with eating a low-protein diet whereas such food would not be appropriate for puppies or adults. Given that senior dogs are usually not especially active dogs, they do not require as much food compared to adult and large puppies. Therefore, supplying a senior Lab with anywhere from 2 to just over 3 cups of food daily should be plenty for your pooch. Now that you know how much to feed your Labrador, you are likely curious about the number of times that your dog should be fed every day. Some may be looking for a quick answer about how often to feed a Labrador every day, but the truth is nuanced. When it comes to feeding your Lab, it turns out that Labs of different ages should be fed different amounts of food every day. Read on to discover the perfect number of meals for your Lab. An infant Labrador Retriever should have its daily food allotment broken up into at least 4 meals every day. This will help supply these petite pups with the energy that they need to get through the day. Lab puppies that are four to twelve months old do not require as many meals as their younger counterparts. However, these dogs should still receive three meals per day to support their rapid metabolism. Feeding one meal in the morning, one in the afternoon, and one in the evening is optimal. Adult Labs do not need to eat as many meals are puppies due to their slower metabolisms. Supplying an adult Labrador Retriever with two meals every day would be perfect for these dogs. Ideally, adult dogs will be fed one meal in the morning and one in the evening. When your furry friend reaches the point in their life where they are considered to be a senior dog, your pooch will have the slowest metabolism in their life. The slow metabolism for senior Labs means that these dogs do not need to eat as frequently as they did when they were younger. In fact, senior Labrador Retrievers can get by with eating a single meal every day. One to two meals per day is ideal for a senior Labrador Retriever. Owners can see if their senior Lab prefers one or two meals each day by allowing them to try each option. Is this because these dogs are prone to obesity or simply because there are so many Labs out and about? It turns out that Labrador Retrievers are more prone to obesity than many other dog breeds. Labs have evolved to be very active dogs. If owners fail to provide their dogs with proper exercise and feed their furry friends excessive amounts of food, there is a good chance that owners will end up with overweight dogs. Why Is My Labrador Overweight? If you are someone who owns an overweight Labrador, you are not alone. Overweight Labs are still lovable pooches, but they could stand to lose some pounds for their own good. Obviously, feeding your dog less food is likely to be one of the keys to helping your canine companion to lose weight. However, you may be wondering what else you can do to help your Labrador lose weight. Well, if you do not frequently exercise your dog, then this is a good place to start. Try feeding your dog its typical amount of food but increasing its exercise to see if it starts to lose weight. For those that are still struggling to get your pooch to lose weight, be sure to cut out table scraps and dog treats from the diet of your dog. Moreover, be sure that you are not free feeding your Labrador Retriever. Free feeding is acceptable for puppies when they are infants, but Labradors that are any other age should not be free fed, for this can also result in a chunky pooch. If you fear that your dog is consuming its food too quickly, there are plenty of feeding methods to help your pooch slow down. Obesity in dogs is a serious issue. We briefly touched on this subject when discussing the best foods for Lab puppies, and the same advice will apply here. Some owners feed raw to their Labs, while others may feed kibble. Does this mean that those who practice raw feeding are likely to own healthier dogs compared to those feeding kibble to their dogs? Of course not! High-quality dog food may take many different forms. A raw diet could provide your dog with all of the nutrients that it needs, but it is not inherently better for your dog than dry food or homemade food. Ultimately, owners know their Lab better than anyone else, so they should have the final say regarding what to feed their dog. Deciding what to feed your Labrador can be an overwhelming prospect. Consult A Veterinarian Inquiring with a trusted veterinarian about the diet of your Labrador Retriever will help an owner determine the optimal food intake for their precious pooch. They may also recommend certain dog foods that can be purchased to feed a Labrador. A feeding chart will provide information related to how much food to provide a Lab based on its age. A feeding guide may even break down how much food to feed a Labrador based on its weight. There are plenty of Labrador Puppy feeding chart options and feeding guides for adults. Finding a feeding chart that was created by a trusted source like the American Kennel Club can help you make an informed decision about how much to feed your furry friend. Ultimately, a feeding guide is a good place to turn if you find yourself in need of a quick answer about the topic of how much to feed your Lab. The best food for Labrador puppies to consume in their first two to four months of life is milk from their mother. This specialised care is usually left to trained breeders or veterinarians, who are knowledgeable in caring for pups with no mother to nurse from. If you have recently brought a Labrador puppy into your family, they are most likely older than 8 weeks, and so have started to eat solid foods. You can do this by mixing some dry food with specially formulated puppy milk to form a soft mixture. You can feed your puppy this mixture three to four times a day. Over time, you can reduce the amount of milk you include in this mixture, until they are at the point where they are happily eating dry foods. Read on to learn how much you should feed a Labrador puppy as they get older. In their four months living with you, and once they are weaned off milk, Labradors are likely to reach almost half their adult weight. They will reach their full adult weight by the time they are 6 to 7 months old. With this rapid growth can come some risks. Labradors can be susceptible to bone growth disorders, like hip dysplasia and joint abnormalities that can start in puppyhood. Once your Lab puppy hits 6 months, their growth begins to slow down. Once puppyhood is over, you can move to feeding your lab twice a day instead of 3 or 4 times. Labs are still very active in their adolescent years, and so should be fed with this in mind. The transition from puppy food to adult food should happen at around 15 months. This is because, being a breed who grows very quickly, you want to ensure that you are feeding them according to their large breed needs. You need to take special care when considering what you should feed your Labrador puppy, as they require different nutrients compared to their adult counterparts. It is also dangerous for a puppy to overeat. Labradors are large breeds, which means they need plenty of nutrients and calories as they grow to ensure they go from being active puppies to healthy adult dogs. Labrador puppies need to eat food that is high in proteins and fats. Carbohydrates are also essential for supporting your active pup. Aside from nutritionally complete dry puppy food, Labrador puppies can benefit from the extra protein that raw meat can provide them with, such as lean beef, turkey, chicken, or fish. The amount of food you give your Labrador is determined by their weight, energy levels, and age. For most adult Labradors, around 1, to 2, calories per day from high quality food sources is ideal. Female Labradors, who tend to be around 5 to 10 kilos lighter than males, may need less food, as will less active dogs. Dogs who need less food, whether they are less active or simply older, will usually still need around 1, to 1, calories per day. You may want to alter the amount of food you are feeding your Labrador based on how calorically dense their food is. Adult Labradors should be fed twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening. Their daily allotment of food should be split evenly between these two meals. For most dogs, it is recommended that you exercise your dog before meal times to assist with potty training. However, some dogs may benefit from exercise after eating: especially high energy Labs with a lot of energy to burn off. You should also try to give your Labrador a high quality food that is specially designed for large breeds, especially if they are very active. For example, less active senior dogs will need to eat less food as they will not be burning calories as quickly as a lively little puppy will. Senior dogs may benefit from a higher fibre and lower calorie diet. Your dog may also develop chronic or short term medical conditions that require specially formulated food. For example, Labradors can be particularly susceptible to obesity. As a breed, they tend to be one of the most commonly obese dogs in Australia. This is due to several factors, including a genetic predisposition to unhealthy weight gain and a famously large appetite. However, plenty of Labs suffering from obesity are simply overfed and not getting enough exercise. Choosing a low carb diet is crucial to preventing obesity in your Labrador. If you are unsure about what you should feed your Labrador, you should always consult your vet. They will be able to determine if your dog is suffering from any chronic health issues, and they will be able to create a nutritional plan to help keep your dog healthy and happy for many years to come. Wet food for Labradors is often high in protein and fat, and is better at keeping your dog hydrated than other food sources. Chewing on dry food can be especially good for teething Labrador puppies. A raw diet can be a good option for your Labrador as you have more control over the kinds of food and amount of nutrients your pup is consuming. For this reason, raw diets require a lot more work on your part as an owner. Whatever you decide to feed your Labrador, all dogs need a similar ratio of nutrients in their diets. Different dog breeds will need different kinds of nutrient support as they go through the various stages of their life. It can also be easy to overestimate the amount of food your Labrador needs to stay fit and healthy — especially if they are skilled at begging! You need to make sure that your dog is eating the right amount of food for their breed, their size, and activity level. You should also avoid foods that, while delicious for humans, can be harmful or toxic for dogs. Foods like onions, nuts, alcohol, cooked bones, and artificial sweeteners are commonly included in dinners meant for humans, but can cause serious health issues for your Labrador. No matter how old your Lab is, it is important to keep to a consistent feeding schedule. A feeding schedule can help you keep track of any changes in behaviour around food that might signal illness or physiological stress.

Our Junior Showmanship days are over, but we are very proud to have taught many wonderful young handlers, and are proud that we have been able to have a positive influence on so many kids. To that end, it is always the goal for our dogs to attain the GRCA Versatility Certificate VC after their names, which requires at least one major title and accomplishments in all three venues- conformation, field and performance. We are dedicated to producing quality Golden Retrievers, with an emphasis on correct temperament, correct structure, and lifelong health. Our breeding arose as a consequence of our desire to be the breeder of the wonderful dogs we so enjoy showing! We are very proud of our small but successful breeding program. Our dogs all possess every clearance required by the GRCA Code of Ethics: hip, elbow, cardiac done by a cardiologist and current eye exams. These are simple recessives and can be eliminated with selective breeding. We offer stud service to select bitches who possess all the COE clearances and whose pedigrees are complementary. It is always our intent to bring to the future a better dog, to improve on what we have, and to conduct ourselves with the utmost in ethical behavior in all things. The Breed Standard as well as the breed purpose is the guideline we use in any litter we produce. Prism Golden Retrievers Litters We will have puppies in the summer of .A second litter in is not yet confirmed. We usually have a list of folks waiting for our versatile and beautiful puppies, and getting on a list early — whether with us or with another breeder- allows you and the breeder to get to know each other and feel comfortable with your choice of what will be a lifelong relationship. Favorite Links. But you want a healthy happy puppy from a responsible breeder. You would never support a puppy mill. Irresponsible breeders treat their dogs poorly and the resulting puppies are not healthy or socialized. With all the bad breeders in the news, how can you be certain you are not dealing with a shady breeder. At Old Wolf Ranch, we understand your concerns. Puppy mills make us sad too! We will invite you to see our home where we care for our dogs like they are our family. Our mothers and fathers all live with us. Our puppies are born and whelped in our home. Not in some shed or open air kennel. Its just plain wrong that some breeders treat their dogs badly, and you would never want to support such cruelty! Contact us today set up an appointment to see our puppies! That way you can rest assured you are dealing with a responsible breeder that loves their pets and treats them like family. When you buy one of our English Cream Golden Retriever puppies, you will get a healthy happy puppy guaranteed! Your puppy will bring you smiles and love for many years because you made the right choice to buy from a cruelty free responsible breeder!

This thoughtfully crafted dog food is formulated to meet the unique nutritional requirements of Labrador Retriever puppies up to 15 months old. It contains premium proteins and prebiotics for optimal digestion and energy. With vitamin E and minerals, it supports the immune system and overall health. The kibble size and texture promote dental health. This puppy food provides a tasty and balanced diet to support healthy growth and development, making it an excellent choice for Labrador Retriever puppy owners. This nutritious dog food is made with real chicken and eggs and provides essential vitamins and minerals for healthy digestion, immune function, and overall well-being. It also supports strong bones and healthy skin and coat. Its balanced nutrition and delicious taste make it a satisfying choice for adult Labrador dogs. This high-quality dog food offers a complete nutritional profile at a reasonable price, making it an excellent value-for-money option for pet parents seeking to provide their dogs with a nutritious diet. How to find the best Labrador dog food? Selecting the optimal dog food for your Labrador necessitates the meticulous evaluation of various factors. Look for high-quality ingredients: Choose dog foods that contain high-quality proteins, carbohydrates, and fats and are free from artificial preservatives and fillers. Choose a formula for Labrador Retrievers: Some dog food brands offer recipes designed explicitly for Labrador Retrievers, considering their unique nutritional needs. Suitability with age: Age factors matter a lot when choosing Labrador dog food. Puppies, adult dogs, and seniors have different dietary requirements, so select a formula appropriate for your dog's age. Read the online reviews to get an idea of how other dog owners feel about a particular dog food brand. You may be interested in Product. Diamond Naturals Dog Food Review An additional reason for there being specific food for puppies is the pieces are smaller which not only prevents them from choking, it also makes the food easier to digest. The pieces are richer, denser and the ideal size for smaller mouths. These ingredients are where your pup gets the nutrients they need to grow and live, nutrients that are sadly lacking in the cheaper dog foods. With foods that are a bit more expensive, your pooch can eat a more well-balanced meal and enjoy it. They eat more, they poop more, and this means house training becomes much harder for you. What you feed your puppy is a major factor in the success of your house training process. Firstly, dry food tends to be more complete and balanced with the correct amount of vital nutrients in it. The ingredients tend to be of better quality as long as you pick the right brand. Plus, dry food helps to keep teeth strong due to being a solid food, and the slightly abrasive nature of the solid food has a natural teeth cleaning effect. It also lasts far longer than cans as you need to feed less of it. Recommended Best Puppy Food For Labs And Large Breeds In this next section we give you 4 of the best foods on the market made from high quality ingredients but still available at a reasonable price. These foods will provide your puppy with all the nutrients they need in just the right mix and quantities, not just so they survive, but so they can truly thrive. Deboned chicken is high quality chicken protein, whereas the chicken and turkey meal is a concentrate. It is nutrient rich with vitamin D, vitamin B12, vitamin E, vitamin C and vitamin A as well as containing minerals like zinc, iron and calcium. It even has some fruit content like apples and blueberries. The Lactobacillus acidophilus, green tea extract and rosemary extract are all known to help prevent infections. This is a very high-quality food your puppy will truly thrive on and is our top recommendation as the best puppy food for labs. However, if price is no object, K9 is certainly one of the best foods available! K9 Natural Grain-Free Puppy Freeze-Dried Dog Food gives your puppy all the benefits of raw food, aiming for optimum levels of growth and development — not too fast nor stunted — and for lean muscle mass and peak conditioning. Its main ingredient is grass-fed New Zealand beef. And this is rounded out by whole food ingredients like flaxseed, kelp, New Zealand mussel, fruits and veggies, and hoki oil which provides DHA for EPA for healthy brain and eye development. It gets a big thumbs up from us. The first ingredient is bison and is a high quality meat product. The next ingredient is lamb meal, which has a large amount of protein in it being a meat concentrate, percent more than fresh lamb meat. The third highest ingredient is sweet potatoes, which are an excellent source of complex carbs. They contain fiber and beta carotene. In fact, this food consists of approx. This provides your puppy with a source of energy ideal for his busy puppy lifestyle. Overall, this food is highly recommended and your puppy should thrive on it. They also allow regular independent inspections of their manufacturing process and source ingredients the US, EU and NZ. So quality control is well taken care of. The large breed puppy formula contains a scientifically formulated balance of proteins, fats, phosphorous and calcium in just the right amounts and proportions to promote a healthy rate of bone and muscle development, highly important for large breed puppies where excessive nutrients can be just as harmful as malnutrition. The food also contains glucosamine and chondroitin for the health of connective soft tissues which is reassuring for large breeds, and especially Labradors, who can suffer from many joint problems in life. It also contains omega oils for healthy brain development, as well as other fatty acids known to promote healthy skin and coat. So Eukanuba large breed puppy food comes recommended. The fiber in it will help with digestion while it has antioxidants that are known to help keep your dog healthy for many years to come. Royal Canin Breed Specific Labrador Puppy Royal Canin is a very well-known brand with lots of positive reviews from past and present dog owners on Amazon. It has an above average protein content than the minimum recommended for your dog, coming in at 31 percent protein at dry weight. The protein it has comes mostly from chicken by-product meal which is considered somewhat low quality and consists of whatever is left after chickens are slaughtered. However, it does NOT — as you might read elsewhere — consist of anything from feet to beaks. According to dogfoodadvisor. After chicken by-product meal, the second ingredient in this food is brewers rice. The fourth ingredient is corn gluten meal which is a residue left over once most of the useful, starchy carbohydrates have been washed out of it. With such popularity, high ratings and reviews with so many people saying their dogs thrive on this, there must be some truth to it. The third to 5th ingredients are wholesome whole grains that provide high energy from complex carbohydrates that are easy to digest. These are far better than corn and most other sources of carbs found in cheaper foods that are hard for a puppy to get any nutrition from. Out of everything in this product, 40 percent of it is protein, which is higher than average. About 14 percent of it is fat, and of the remainder, 38 percent is carbs. And the omega oils may help reduce risk of developing arthritis. Not only this, but Labradors are a large breed and are more sensitive to nutritional imbalances than smaller breeds. You really do need to get their diet right to do the best for them. Luckily, many brands of food specifically aimed at large breeds and Labradors have been created that provide everything they need in just the right amounts, that are easy for an owner to feed by simply following instructions on the packet. I know there is a lot of conflicting advice out there when it comes to dog food and it can be a nightmare to wade through if trying to find the best puppy food for Labs. So hopefully this article has been of some use to you. A very good resource that does good work for dog food quality awareness. Check them out! Please be aware this page contains affiliate links and Labrador Training HQ receives a small commission if you make a purchase through any such links. This has no effect on the eventual price you pay and we are very grateful for your support. Disclaimer All content on this site is provided for informational and entertainment purposes only. It is not intended to be nor can it be considered actionable professional advice. It must not be used as an alternative for seeking professional advice from a veterinarian or other certified professional. Please consult a professional before taking any course of action with any medical, health or behavioral related issue. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. For a list of all the supplies we get for our new service dog puppies check out our New Puppy Checklist on the PuppyInTraining. Increase portions as your puppy grows. Be sure to follow the rule of dog treats. This is about changes over time. Nutritional deficiency or excess can lead to disease and ultimately death. You may have noticed that your dog has dandruff after changing food, but the food is really good — try adding levels of zinc and vitamin A. Your main task as a pet owner is to monitor the health of a small family member and be responsible for this life. Image credit: canva. The first one is a protein that can be found in meat, poultry, fish, yogurt, and cooked eggs. Protein is responsible for the structure of muscles and tissues, as well as the formation and growth of new cells. In the diet for a Labrador puppy, it is imperative to include carbohydrates that are found in brown rice, potatoes, and wheat. Carbohydrates supply the body with glucose, which is responsible for the functioning of the brain and nervous system. An obligatory component of dog food is fats. It is a source of energy, development, and functioning of the cells and muscles of the body. Fats are included in oil and even fish oil. Puppy food for Labs or any other dog includes a certain amount of minerals such as calcium, potassium, sodium, iron, zinc, magnesium, and others. Minerals in dog food form bones and cartilage and balance the nerves. It promotes the production of hormones in the Lab puppies, regulates the balance of fluids in the body, and transports oxygen into the blood. Like people, dog and puppy foods should include plenty of water. Water is life! Once in the body, they strengthen bones, and teeth and fill the Labrador puppy with energy. Cost point Every time you buy pet food, you think about the issue of price. Of course, cost is important when making a purchasing decision. You should be aware that higher-quality puppy food can cost more than the average price. Your dog is an irreplaceable member of your family, which must be protected and loved with all your heart. Risks and diseases Lab owners should know well about all risks and diseases that their dogs may face. Numerous studies confirm that the Labrador Retriever breed is prone to digestive sensitivities and skin allergies due to irritating foods. This leads to pruritic diseases. Skin allergies and problems with the gastrointestinal tract are severe. Labs are prone to obesity. Maintaining a healthy weight and body is considered an important point of caring for a dog. In general, Labrador Retrievers should have a taut, hourglass-shaped figure. Obesity puts additional stress on bones and joints and makes it difficult to stay healthy. To combat weight gain, you need to exercise your dog with certain physical exercises, follow a proper diet, control portion sizes, and receive treats. Another disease caused by malnutrition is Gastric dilatation-volvulus. In short, this is boating. Indigestion is a severe problem that should not be ignored. The worst risk is death from the musculoskeletal disorder of muscles, nerves, joints, arthritis, and spinal discs. Also, you should be aware that feed processing of dog foods affects the occurrence and development of cancer. Dry food is cooked at a very high temperature, which leads to the formation of harmful chemical elements in the body of the dog. Such food also contains carbohydrates, which break down into cancer-causing glucose. You can combine dog food with homemade recipe food for your pet yourself. Moreover, it is a good way of feeding your dog if the dog food at home is over or there is very little left, but you need to extend the time until the next purchase. Dogs fed solely on home-cooked or combined diets lived for about 13 years, while those fed only processed food lived for about 10 years. Like human food, it can be chewed easily. Food is broken down in the body so that key nutrients are absorbed more quickly. Such food facilitates digestion and relaxes the stomach. Reducing stress on the digestive system reduces the likelihood of bloating. If you still decide to cook homemade food, follow the rules. Study each ingredient. Cook all animal products for the exact finish to kill harmful bacteria. Risks of homemade dog food Most of the problems are caused by a misunderstanding of the nutritional needs of the Labrador. If you do not understand the effect of food on the body of your pet, which reaction is correct and which can lead to negative consequences and different stages of life, contact a professional veterinarian who can tell you in detail about the effect of food on the body of a dog and how to properly form a pet diet. What food is best for a Labrador puppy? We made for you the list of the best puppy food for Labrador puppies. We can highlight the most noteworthy products from this list. Should I feed my Lab puppy dry or wet food? Mix dry and wet food. What is better to choose — opinions are different. But if you are in doubt about which puppy food to choose, consult your veterinarian. What is the recommended amount of water for a puppy? Older pups that have been nursed require one-half ounce to one ounce of water per pound of body weight. What do you feed an 8-week-old Lab puppy? An 8-week-old puppy should be fed several small meals a day. After 14 weeks, the Lab puppy can switch to two meals a day. Food for a Labrador puppy should be full of proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals for healthy development. Giving treats is fine, but remember that Labradors are prone to overeating and gaining weight quickly. Also, try to give treats for obedience. You can choose canned food and dry food for your dog as you wish but you should always think about the effect of this dog food on your dog. Hope this article was helpful for you and that your pet will grow healthy and strong. We may receive commissions from purchases made via our links. Once they reach eight weeks, changing to dry kibble food is best. We recommend feeding a Labrador puppy dry kibble for the first months before changing to an adult food type. But to remain healthy, owners should know what to feed them. Dog owners should feed a Labrador puppy dry food kibble , wet food, or fresh human food, depending on their budget and lifestyle. There are many options for food for dogs, and it can become challenging to determine which one is the best option for the dog. We have found the best options and listed them below. They help us with our daily tasks, are always there when we need them, and bring great joy to our lives. But, it is essential to ensure that our dog gets the best nutrition possible. They have a lot of energy and need to be fed accordingly. This includes the number of calories, food type, and the number of meals per day. We will explain all of these factors to help understand what to feed these precious animals. A Labrador puppy needs high-quality protein in their diet, so they should not be fed just any type of food. This is why we recommend three food options: dry food or kibble, fresh food or human food, or wet food. We prefer using dry food or kibble in most cases, but it is beneficial to start with wet food for young puppies and transition to dry food after a few weeks. Feeding a puppy human food is possible, but it can be more expensive and requires extra work to stick to a cleaner diet at this age. We have found it to be a healthier and more convenient option for our pets. It is also a good alternative to wet food which can be difficult to store and prepare. The benefits of dry dog food are that it offers the pup a balanced diet that doesn't need refrigeration. It also offers convenience because we can buy it in bulk and store it in the pantry or freezer until needed. Dry dog food is also less expensive than wet food, which is another benefit for pet owners. Fresh Food Human Food Feeding a Labrador puppy a diet of fresh, real human food is one of the best things to do for their health and well-being. It will not only make them happy and content, but it will also keep them healthy. This eliminates the guessing game; they are only fed real, natural foods with no unknown ingredients. However, it will become expensive and require regular cooking and preparation. Wet Food Wet food is recommended for Labrador puppies when they are first born and for the first weeks while they grow. It can be either raw or cooked. Wet food is a good source of water and minerals, which are important in the early days of their life to help them grow strong bones and teeth. It should be given to a puppy as soon as it comes out of its mother's womb, but it must not be given before it starts eating solid foods because it will cause diarrhea. Once they get more mature, moving to kibbles is best. It is known for its low level of grain and carbohydrate content and high protein content. Once they reach the week mark, there are better options to help the puppy continue to develop and grow. This food also helps with digestion and weight management. It also promotes proper bone growth with antioxidants and necessary nutrients like vitamin E. The kibble is also shaped strategically to help puppies who chew fast while helping with jaw growth. Overall, this is the best food option for a Labrador puppy. It is designed for all life stages, from puppies to seniors, and we love the benefits it provides to younger labs. The product features a blend of highly digestible proteins, omega-6 fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, taurine, and glucosamine. This ensures the dog gets the nutrition they need while also reducing the risk of digestive tract problems such as bloat or pancreatitis. It also has a low glycemic index and no corn, wheat, or soy in the recipe. Dog owners can also expect an excellent protein ratio when using this food. Both veterinarians and nutritionists have recognized it for its high-quality ingredients for young puppies. The Acana High Protein formula is made with a blend of chicken, turkey, and fish meals, whole eggs, and natural beef or lamb meal. The product has a limited ingredient list with no corn, wheat, soy, artificial flavors, or preservatives. It also has no added sugar and a low glycemic index. This food also contains probiotics and prebiotics to help the pet maintain a healthy immune system. This is the perfect dry dog food for puppies after eight weeks old. This brand is also very affordable for those who want to feed their dog a healthy diet without breaking the bank. It features a patented recipe that helps to promote healthy digestion, strong teeth and gums, healthy skin and shiny coat, a strong immune system, healthy joints and muscles, and a healthy heart. This is a high-protein food option for Labradors too. It promotes lean muscle growth and improved body health with omega fatty acids, antioxidants, glucosamine, probiotics 5. It is made with high-quality ingredients and has a great taste and texture for labs to enjoy. This food is to help with puppy development and is suitable for all Labradors under one-year-old. This wet food provides the perfect balance of healthy proteins to support a dog's growth while providing the energy they need to maintain its fitness levels. This can be fed as a meal or as an occasional snack between meals. It has no artificial colors, flavors, preservatives, or added sugar. It also contains omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, which are important for healthy skin and the dog's coat. They are large, strong, intelligent dogs that need a lot of attention, exercise, and food. These dogs can be picky eaters and usually need a lot of calories because of their size. This is especially true for puppies so they can grow properly and remain healthy due to their increased risk of health issues. Food Type Labrador puppies' most popular dog foods are kibbles and canned wet food. Kibbles are the best option for a puppy because they are easy to chew and digest. Canned food is a good option for pups who have difficulty chewing or digesting dry food and would benefit from a little moisture in their diet. The food type also depends on the owner. Dry food or kibbles are faster to prepare, while serving human food to a lab puppy requires extensive prep time. Nutritional Value When it comes to nutritional value, we want dog food that has high-quality protein and carbohydrates. This will help the puppy grow strong and healthy. This is why we need to take into account the nutritional value, quality of ingredients, and taste. It should be made with all-natural ingredients that are sourced from human-grade materials such as vegetables, fruits, and whole grains. A brand should have all the essential nutrients for a pup but still, be low in toxic elements and preservatives too. Dietary Restrictions Lastly, consider the dietary restrictions of the Labrador puppy before choosing a dog food option. This includes any allergies or health concerns for the dog and shopping for something that suits them best. For example, lab puppies must reach a certain carbohydrate and protein number daily. Labradors are also known to have allergies, especially young ones, so planning around this is crucial. A puppy should be fed at least three times a day, with a meal size that is appropriate for its body weight. They should also be given small daily snacks to keep them satisfied and happy, including treats to help with training. We feed our puppies the best that we can. We want to give them all the nutrients and vitamins they need. We also want to make sure that they are getting a balanced diet. The most important thing when feeding a Labrador puppy is that they get enough calories from their food every day. In the first weeks, the puppy should eat four smaller daily meals. Once the lab reaches three months, this can be changed to three meals per day. And after months, we recommend two meals per day. The key is not to change the calories much when the meals change but to simply modify the size of each meal to fit the total daily food amount. Feeding a Labrador puppy is not rocket science, but there are some things everybody should know about what to feed them and when to feed them. We have covered this basis, but changes need to be made as they age. This leads to a common question about changing food to fit the needs of a grown adult Labrador. The dog's age will determine how quickly they grow and how much energy they need. Lab puppies can stick with kibbles for up to 12 months. Lab puppies need a balanced diet with high-quality proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, and water to ensure proper growth and development. Also, calcium and phosphorus support bone growth; omega fatty acids for a shiny coat and healthy skin; antioxidants for enhanced immunity; and prebiotics or probiotics for improved digestion. Protein And Fat Content As an owner of a Labrador puppy, keep a check on the amount of protein and fat in their food. A balanced diet with adequate protein content promotes muscle growth, bone development, and healthy brain function. When choosing the best food, look out for pet foods that contain high-quality ingredients rich in animal-sourced proteins such as chicken meal, turkey meal or lamb meal. Avoid dog foods with artificial flavors and preservatives that can cause health complications in your puppy. Avoid foods with meat by-products or fillers like corn gluten meal. Look for brands prioritizing using fresh fruits and vegetables to provide additional nutrients and fiber. Avoid artificial flavors and preservatives. When reading food labels, ensure that protein is one of the first listed ingredients, guaranteeing high-quality dog food. They also need sufficient glucosamine and chondroitin to support healthy joint development. You can ensure they receive all the necessary nutrients by choosing a breed-specific formula like best purina pro plan for labs recommended by four veterinarians in the USA. Allergies And Intolerances Some common ingredients in dog food, such as beef, corn, soy, fish, and wheat, can cause allergic reactions. If you notice symptoms such as poor skin or coat health after feeding them certain foods or treats, consult a veterinarian immediately. They may recommend a special diet or elimination process to determine the allergen. Budget While high-end, premium dog foods may seem the best option, they can also be expensive. It is a well-known brand that offers both dry and canned food options at reasonable prices Feeding Schedule And Portion Control For Labrador Puppies Learn how to properly feed and control the portion sizes of your Labrador puppy with our helpful feeding guide and puppy schedule chart. Generally, Labrador puppies should be fed times a day until they are six months old, after which you can switch them to twice-a-day feedings. The amount of food you give your pup will depend on their age and weight. Never overfeed your lab because obesity is prevalent in the breed. Therefore, watch portion sizes and adjust accordingly if you notice any significant changes. Most puppies must eat thrice a day until they are six months old. After this time, you can reduce the frequency and switch them to two larger meals daily. Instead, stick to set feeding times and portion sizes recommended by your veterinarian or on the packaging of their dog food brand. Healthy Feeding Practices For best puppy food for labs One of the best ways to ensure proper nutrition is by selecting high-quality dog food that meets all their nutritional needs. In addition to selecting the right type of food, portion control is crucial for maintaining a healthy weight in Labrador puppies. Puppy Feeding Schedule Chart: healthy food for labrador puppy Establishing a proper feeding schedule is key. Age of Puppy. How often and what time to feed I will show you the best puppy foods, whether dry, wet, or raw, and look at food safety, together with schedules, quantities and even a handy puppy diet chart. Best Puppy Food for Labs The best Labrador puppy food provides a diet that is nutritious, healthy, and tasty. So, what is the best puppy food for your Lab? Puppy kibble or dried food is the most popular option. Kibble is complete and can give a perfectly balanced diet. Puppy kibble and tinned dog meat combined is another common choice among puppy parents. Feeding your Labrador puppy on home cooked food or on a totally raw diet is also possible. Raw puppy food is growing in popularity, and there are pros and cons to raw feeding your puppy. People often feel very strongly that one way of feeding is better than another, and you can always find evidence to support your view. Dog breeders, veterinarians and even nutritionists have their own strong views. The dire consequences they list for not listening to them can have puppy owners very worried. The truth is that there is no good quality evidence showing that kibble is better for the long term health of your dog, or that raw feeding is better. There are risks and benefits to both, and the main thing is to ensure that your dog has good quality food to eat. Puppy kibble suits some better, and raw puppy food is better for others. Puppy Kibble for your Labrador Puppy food made into pellets is called kibble. An airtight plastic container or tin will do the job, although you should make sure it is food grade quality. Puppy kibble is the best way of feeding your Labrador according to most breeders and your veterinarian is most likely to support this method of feeding. Good puppy kibble will contain every nutrient your Labrador puppy needs in order to grow and remain healthy. The kibble pieces will be tasty, good for keeping teeth healthy, and free from additives that can provoke allergies or stomach problems. Labrador puppy kibble only needs to be fed next to water. Puppy kibble from a reputable manufacturer is intended to be a complete and balanced food. But some owners like to mix in canned dog food or even scraps of raw food with kibble. Your puppy is likely to get an upset stomach or to not have the right balance of nutrition when fed this way. Whether you decide to feed only with kibble or you want to mix it up, pick a good dried food manufacturer and stick with them. Feeding your Labrador puppy raw food has its benefits and drawbacks. One of the downsides is that there is a lot to learn. Here is a link to the articles you need to help you decide whether or not raw feeding is for you: Although I like the raw diet for my dogs, most puppies fed kibble go on to have long and healthy lives. Whatever puppy food you choose, the most important thing is portion control. How Much to Feed your Labrador Puppy? People often tell me how much their puppy weighs, and ask how much puppy food they should give him. Your Labrador is particularly at risk if they grow too quickly. The following diet chart is for kibble fed puppies and does not apply to raw fed pups. It gives you an idea of how much to feed your Labrador puppy Lab Puppy Feeding Chart The Lab puppy feeding chart below is only a very rough guide. The quantity of food you need for your puppy will vary depending on your puppy and on the brand of food you are feeding him. Labrador puppy food must be aimed at medium to large breed dogs. Check the pack carefully and look at the dietary charts. Ideally, you want the optimal protein content and the lowest amount of additives. Part of this always comes down to the cost. The healthiest puppy food is usually the most expensive and may not be affordable for some families. The Cost Of Puppy Food Some puppy food brands are more concentrated than and contain a higher proportion of proteins, essential oils, and other nutrients. The absence of these fillers means that you can often feed lower quantities of more costly food, making them less expensive than they first seem. You might also find that cheaper brands make your puppy poop more due to those extra fillers going straight through him. While some brands are beyond the budget of many families, it is usually good to buy a premium brand. High Quality Brands of Puppy Food Some brands of puppy food have developed a reputation for producing a high quality product and have many devoted supporters, including breeders that have fed them to generations of puppies.