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Available Puppies Who We Are We, at Eternal Frenchies Chicago, want to establish our presence as more than just breeders: We are also a family-owned business that is absolutely in love with the French Bulldog breed. We want to promote Health, Professionalism, and Knowledge in the breeder world. Aside from that, we love to see the smile on your face when we provide you with your next partner and family member. We believe every experience with us should be memorable and amazing. We make it happen! Eternal Frenchies Chicago was created because we wanted to be the change needed in the breeder world. From seeing puppies of other breeders in poor conditions to being horribly bred, we decided it was time for a change. We want to raise standards and expectations that were held in the French Bulldog breed. We understand the market is flooded with breeders who do not put a focus on the overall health of each puppy, and that is what we are focusing on changing. Eternal Frenchies Chicago works with a network of breeders to provide you exactly what you are looking for! If you are looking for a specific type of French Bulldog or English Bulldog, we can help! We work with a network of breeders that we know are able to provide you healthy puppies or adult dogs. If we feel a puppy that has been given to us is unhealthy in any way, we will ensure their optimal health before allowing them to be put into their new home. You can count on us to provide you the best. We offer assistance with payment plans or guidance for financing any of our puppies! We offer full AKC registration, full vaccinations, and any other special accommodations you may request as part of your purchase. Delivery options available if need be, however pick up is always preferred so that you may interact with your puppy before taking them home! We focus on Health, Temperament, Socialization, and overall health of each and every puppy. We ensure every puppy leaves our home understanding what love and happiness is! Support us by sharing our business or purchasing your next puppy with us! Delivery options are available for select puppies, or we can guide you on how to pick up your puppy if you are out of state! Follow our Social Media platforms to see available puppies or feel free to send us a text! We Help Other Breeders Not finding what you're looking for with us? Still contact us! We work with a network of breeders and may be able to provide you with your next partner! We do thorough checks on all puppies or adult dogs coming from other breeders as we ensure optimal health of every puppy we sell. Button We Educate and Assist Our team will ensure you are properly educated and answer all your questions on the French Bulldog breed. We also provide you the necessary information needed to start your journey with your new puppy. We come with knowledge and experience, and we would love to share it with you. We take our time to understand your needs regarding your future furbaby, and its here waiting to go home with you. French Bulldog Puppies for sale in Chicago, IL We are breeders of Frenchie Puppies in Chicago We are re-defining the pet store, with transparency and a focus on socialization, health, and temperament. Just as people want to know where their food comes from, so should they know exactly where that Blue french bulldog puppy for sale near you came from as well. By fostering proper socialization, we reduce transitional shock and encourage stability, ensuring your new Frenchie becomes a loving, well-adjusted companion. .So we offer the strongest Health Gaurantee in the industry. To read more about where why you should never chose a frenchie from a faceless entity. If this decision is important to you, then stick around and learn more about our French Bulldog program and the various colors and personalities we produce. Also check out our Education blog before taking home your puppy to ensure that you are well prepared. We have answers. Experienced breeders and businesses usually charge higher fees because of their expertise. When you search through Uptown, you can be matched to puppies that fit your budget. What kind of dog is a French Bulldog? Designed in the s to be a lapdog, Frenchies resemble their bigger cousin, the English Bulldog, but are smaller and sweeter in demeanor. They have large heads, expressive eyes, and perky ears which make them very memorable. Today, the French Bulldog maintains its reputation as a great apartment dog and is a favorite among city dwellers. Why are Chicago French Bulldogs so expensive? Due to the way their bodies are built, French Bulldogs find it difficult to breed on their own. Their narrow hips make natural conception and birth almost impossible. They need to be artificially inseminated and to deliver the puppies, a C-section is required. The medical assistance and expertise needed for breeding Frenchies are the reason for its high price tag. Can I only find a match with French Bulldog breeders in Chicago? You are free to search the entire Uptown Puppies network to find the best French Bulldog puppy for you! Experienced breeders and businesses will know how to best deliver the puppies to their new homes. You can arrange for pick up at the nearest major airport, or pick up your new puppy from their kennels and get the chance to meet the parents! How do you screen French Bulldog breeders in Chicago? There a lot of Chicago-based breeders and businesses that contact us on a daily basis, wanting to join our network. Once they are in, they take our legally binding Breeder Pledge. Our goal is not to just to sell -- we want to connect families with ethical businesses so they are guaranteed a healthy French Bulldog puppy. These irresponsible businesses also tend to ruin the breed by not following the standards. What is a puppy mill like for French Bulldog puppies in Chicago? These illegal businesses spend very little in canine healthcare to maximize their profit. Puppies from puppy mills often have very short lifespans or suffer from health and behavioral issues that are very difficult to treat. Are there any French Bulldog puppies in Chicago right now? Uptown Puppies will help you find the perfect French Bulldog puppy within your area, price range, and availability.

Kenya Labradors breeds the best, so YOU will live with the best. Kenya Labradors is solely dedicated to "breeding excellence" in order to offer you the most outstanding family pets and champions of conformation, hunting, agility, and obedience. We specialize in English-type chocolate and black Labs of exceptional quality and brilliance. See our website for photographs, pedigrees, and information! Why Labradors? Our home is on 20 acres in the gorgeous Santa Margarita Valley on California's central coast. With all this land, we could have chosen ANY breed of dog.Why did we choose Labradors? We chose to love, train, breed, and show only English-type Labrador Retrievers because we believe no other dog will suffice. These fabulous dogs fulfill our every criterion for the perfect canine companion. They are magnificently built for stamina and agility. They are off-the-charts bright and eager to please — loving, easy to train, and full of personality. Kenya Labradors are filled to the brim with SO MUCH love, devotion and intelligence — sure to become an important member of your family. It was an easy choice for us. We started with one dog, as many people do. Read our story. Now we strive to produce the best quality Labs possible, specializing in chocolate and black colors with the English-type conformation. Kenya Labradors are beautiful, bold looking dogs, and especially athletic. They love to swim, play catch, and retrieve, but can just as easily kick back to watch movies with you. Our Labs are super friendly "people dogs", good with young children and the elderly, and for aounnncing to welcome visitors. That's a BIG title and with good reason! It is also one of the most popular assistance dog breeds in Australia, Canada, United Kingdom, United States, and many other countries, as well as being widely used by police and other official bodies for their intelligence and desire to please. Please contact us for a phone appointment. We don't post our phone number here because we are often outside with our dogs, and paying proper attention to numerous phone calls became quite a challenge. Establishing a first contact by email allows us to agree upon time where you will receive our full attention. We appreciate your understanding on this. Simply click on "contact us" or fill out the quick form — at the bottom of every page. Unless we are at a dog show or hunt trial, we will get back to you typically within the day. We look forward to meeting you! Sorry, we do not ship. Kenya Labradors does not sell puppies via the Internet or to pet dealers. You must be physically present to purchase a Lab puppy from us. We also do not cross-breed Labs to make designer dogs. We breed amazing English Labradors and take great pride in doing that one thing well. Come and see for yourself. You just might fall in love! Santa Margarita, CA .Why buy a puppy that could have health issues later in life? Please buy and shop responsibly, or adopt a dog in need. Are they doing OFA clearances on hips, elbows, eyes, and heart at 2 years of age? Do they recommend not to spay until 2 years of age to ensure hormones help growth plates close properly? Are they showing their dogs in some type of AKC sanctioned event? Conformation, hunt tests, agility, fun sports such as dock diving, etc? This shows the breeder is dedicated to the dog, not the check from breeding. Does the dog have AKC titles? From Canine Good Citizen, to Trick Dog, to Championship Conformation titles — you want your breeder to be helping make the breed better. They should be in every generation, not 3 generations ago. Does it destroy toys, does it eat the wall, do they have to be crated, do they counter surf, are they walked on a simple slip leash or a harness? Nothing against doodles, but ensure your breeder is doing proper health testing and x-rays. You as a buyer need to know that down the line this could lead to health problems and vet bills that could have been avoided. Just because your dog is registered does not make it well bred. You want your breeder dedicated to the breed and only whelping puppies that meet this minimum criteria for well bred dogs. We pride ourselves on having a very select, well-planned breeding program, producing top quality Labrador Retriever puppies that you will be proud to own, and love to live with. All of the dogs in our breeding program come from excellent pedigrees, with Champion bloodlines. However, we feel that the most important job our Lab puppies have is bringing years of joy and companionship to their humans. Summerland Labradors was established in , and through selective breeding we strive to not only improve our own breeding program with every litter being better than the last, but our goal is to better the breed as a whole. Our objective is to produce a Labrador Retriever that excels in all aspects of life and conforms to the highest standards of the American Kennel Club. Health and soundness is of great importance in our breeding program, therefore all of our adult Labradors have had their hips and elbows cleared through the OFA, have their hearts cleared, are PRA and EIC tested, and have their eyes cleared through a Veterinary Ophthalmologist before they are considered for breeding. Generally, we only have litters a year, so we will occasionally have Labrador Puppies available as outstanding family companions. Our Lab puppies are lovingly raised in our home under the watchful care of our whole family; they are well socialized around children, different textures, surfaces and noises to ensure that you get the sweetest addition to your family. When you are ready for an incredible addition to your family, we encourage you to Contact Us to be notified of our next available litter, as our Lab puppies are often sold before they are born. We would love to invite you to compare our testimonials with other Labrador Retriever breeders in Southern CA. We invite you to view pictures and read some of the touching letters we received from Read Testimonials Read More About Us We are a large family that loves Labs! We began breeding Labradors simply for the love of the breed. My wonderful kids are involved with the care of our pets and the socialization of the puppies. Some of our Labs have been trained to surf! They even drive from Arizona and Las Vegas Nevada! Acts Help Heal and Protect your Pet for life! Learn more click here! A lifetime of Nu Vet is cheaper than one major vet visit. Puppies and dogs that are on Nu Vet have beautiful coat and skin and are far less likely to ever suffer from allergies. Nu Vet Plus is an immune system builder that will help strengthen your pets immune system as well as the cardiovascular, skeletal and nervous systems. It will help protect pets from the side effects of vaccinations and the stress of new and different environments. Your righteousness is like the mountains, your justice like the ocean depths. You care for people and animals alike O Lord. Psalm

Watch Us In Action! About BRLA Boxer Rescue Los Angeles, a c 3 non-profit founded in , is funded by donations, driven by volunteers and committed to helping Boxers in need find loving homes and to help people looking to provide homes, find the Boxer that fits them best. Our mission for every adoption is a responsible lifetime match. All Boxers available for adoption are cared for in one location. Adoptions are scheduled by appointment. When you see a candidate posted on our Available Dogs page that has profile information that matches you, an adoption application should then be submitted. If your profile is a potential match to the Boxer candidate we then set up a virtual face to face interview to discuss in more detail. If we have a good pre-match an appointment will be made to come to BRLA and meet your candidate. Our adoption team will do introductions and test for compatibility to hopefully make a responsible lifetime match. You can adopt to save a life. You can donate to help us save lives. We are funded solely by private donations which are desperately need to house, feed, take care of routine medical and to be able to take on any medical needed to give a Boxer the second chance they deserve. You can save a life. All visits to our kennel for adoption or volunteering are by appointment only. A Few of our Featured Boxers. Petey Donor Spotlight: Doreen Murotsune For many of us who give our hearts, time, or dollars to rescue, we are first inspired by the love of a single special dog. Hana belonged to friends of Doreen, but Doreen and her boxer, Benjamin, fell in love with her. Benjamin and Hana were best friends, and Benjamin was always on the lookout for Hana and ready to protect her from any yappy Chihuahua who tried to intimidate her. In addition to being an active Strut Your Mutt teammate for each of the past 5 years, Doreen browses the boxers in our care and sponsors many dogs whose stories warm her heart. She not only sponsors dogs with single or repeat financial gifts, but also inquires about dogs with prescription diet needs and then purchases those diets on an autoship schedule, having the food mailed directly to foster homes. Planned Giving If you have ever loved a dog, you know that — while their lives are short in comparison to ours — the love you share is timeless. By including NorCal Boxer Rescue in your Will or Trust or naming the organization as a beneficiary on certain accounts, you ensure that for years to come, NCBR is able to continue rescuing boxers, providing them the care they need, and uniting them with families who will love them forever. Dogs are an incredibly important part of our lives. You can make them a part of your heritage. Click here to learn about the different options. Growing Old with You We know that the best place for an old dog is home with loved ones. Click here to find out more about the Growing Old with You program. Grey Muzzle Thank You! We are so honored to be a Grey Muzzle Organization grantee again this year! We know that many of you have a soft spot for frosted faces, but that the cost of caring for a senior boxer has given you pause when it comes to adopting one. We hope that this support will give you the security you need to give your heart away to a beautiful older soul. Thank you, Grey Muzzle, for trusting in us and for supporting our efforts! We are grateful for your partnership! Thank you, Hoven Foundation. Each dog who enters our lives is a gift. They bring us untold joy and share with us their unconditional love. They teach us to be better people. For nearly 10 years, The Hoven Foundation has not only appreciated the gift that each dog represents, but they have given back generously. The continued support of the Hoven Foundation has meant the difference between life and death for countless beautiful souls. Thank you to the Hoven Foundation for what you give to our dogs and, in turn, to all those whose lives those dogs touch. Join Our Mailing List! NCBR is a c 3 nonprofit and donations are tax deductible. We now accept vehicle donations! Donate your car, boat, RV, motorcycle or farm equipment. Plus you get a tax deduction! Call RIDE to donate or learn more. Upcoming Events. Alka Alka is a very sweet girl who needs a family that will help her feel safe in the world. Once you have earned her trust.My foster mama says I am a darling and petite beauty with a warm and affectionate personality. While energetic and spry, I am content.Please come back to Ava's profile page as her foster family gets to know her better. His heart is functioning acceptably but as he grows the defects may change, for the better or for the worse. NCBR will not accept applications.She walks well on a leash. Loves people and attention and would thrive in a home where the humans are present. She would do well in a calm home and responds well to.Read More Adopted Canella Canella loves to be with her humans and loves giving and being hugged. She will jump up very gently on you and put her paws on either side of your stomach, or if you are stilling down she'll put her.She is super energetic and loves playtime with toys or just rolling around on the ground. She was very timid and shy at first and would flatten on the ground if.Please come back to Darla's profile page as her foster family gets to know her better. They call me "Handsome Man Dave". I am a bit on the smaller size at 48 pounds but I am a solid ball.I love following my foster parents around the house whether it is out to play or into the bathroom to keep them company lol! I love.Please come back to Finn's profile page as his foster family gets to know him better. Hi, I'm Frankie! I've been in foster care for over a year and I'm ready to find my forever home! My foster mom says.He loves to let you know when he's ready for dinner or treats with a low growl and occasional bark. His tail is wagging the whole time letting you know he's in.Read More Adopted Gracie Gracie is sweet and lovable. She enjoys going for short walks and is very well behaved on a leash. She loves her daily zoomies so a fenced in yard would be ideal. She enjoys being with her people and is.Please come back to Gronk's profile page as his foster family gets to know him better. She is social, snuggly, and snorty. She enjoy walks, riding in the car and chewing on her morning Kong. She is a fast eater so she is learning to take her time with a.Please come back to Hazel's profile page as her foster family gets to know her better. He loves to smile and show off his playfulness. He prefers to hangout with his person wherever they are and doesn't like being left alone much. He would thrive being a.I love to play with my chew toys especially the squeaky ones. I wrestle all day with my sister Julie and new foster dog family. I usually win! Read More Adoption Pending Jane Please note: Puppies will only be adopted to a home with a preexisting adult dog, no children under age five, no unfenced pools, and where the puppy will not be home alone for long hours. Do not fill out an.He is very smart and engaged with his human. He is learning everything for the first time and is a blank slate for any training or activities his new family wants to do with him. I just love playing with my brother Jake and new foster dog family. We sure do love.A bit timid with new people but warms up quickly. She loves to play wrestle with her foster brother but also loves to cozy up on your lap and snooze. She came from a family with children, does well with the children in our house, and already knows the basics. Lacey knows "sit", "down", and picked.Please come back to Lizzie's profile page as her foster family gets to know her better. She is pretty mellow and calm, and loves to give kisses and to get attention. Her hind legs are limited in mobility due to her severe back problems. She absolutely must have.Please come back to McQueen's profile page as his foster family gets to know him better and follow his recovery. Imagine, two hauntingly large eyes staring at you.Please come back to Naija's profile page as her foster family gets to know her better. Read More Adoption Pending Naomi My foster mama tells me I am a darling bundle of joy who dishes out oodles of love and affection. As a stunning, spry, playful, athletic, youthful and darling beauty, I adore being around my people. Cuddles are my jam.Read More Adopted Nevada Nevada is a friendly outgoing puppy that loves to cuddle. She enjoys having another dog to play with. Nevada looks forward to going on walks and she loves her toys and treats. Nirvana is a big, powerful girl but also a love around the house. She is very smart and already knows several commands, such as.Read More Accepting Applications Olive Olive is very sweet and mellow with humans, and loves head rubs, belly rubs and general love and affection. She is dog and leash reactive, so will need some training and patience when on walks. She enjoys playing fetch with.Read More Accepting Applications Pablo Sir Pablo is a gentle giant that loves human and dog interaction but can be a couch potato too. He would be a great office dog, that's his daily routine right now. He's a typical boxer who thinks he's a.He is sweet, silly, snuggly, and ridiculously cute. He is just about everything that is good in a dog. Petey loves to entertain himself and others with his playful attitude and his puppy-like.Take a look at cutie patootie, Roxanne! She is a 45 ball of muscle. Roxanne is a happy go lucky girl that loves zipping.Read More Hospice Schatzie Schatzie loves to be held and is very affectionate. She will walk up to you and rest her head on your hand or lap. She is slowly learning how to play catch after watching our resident dog and loves holding.Please come back to Skye's profile page as her foster family gets to know her better. Read More Adopted Slade Slade is as sweet as they come. Slade is excellent on the leash; she will stay right on your hip and frequently look up to give you a glimpse of her big, beautiful smile. On her walks, Slade is very.Please come back to Star's profile page as her foster family gets to know her better. Read More Accepting Applications Stormy Stormy is a compact version of the sweetest, silliest, squishy faced, white boxer girl. She is all wiggles when greeting you. She is super soft and loves scratches, snuggles and being close. Stormy is smart, curious and adventurous but silly.Read More Hospice Tank is living out his days in his foster home. Because of anxiety, she has failed in several foster homes, mostly because she had issues with being left. She has been in her current foster home almost two months and is doing.Please come back to Toby's profile page as his foster family gets to know him better. I am so happy in a home with those that love me. I don't mind having other dog friends, but not sure I like to share my humans with them. I absolutely love to.Hello, my name is Tripp! I love walks, car rides, but I especially love playing with squeaky toys. Handsome man Zach is a big, good looking white boxer who has an impressive boxer wiggle and loves snuggles. Zach has been living with.Zeus is very smart and playful, he loves toys and learns routines quickly. Zeus loves to play chase and tug anytime. He is learning.She is super soft and loves scratches, snuggles and

They are intelligent, patient and well-mannered companions who often have funny personalities and a love of children. Despite their aggressive looks, they are calm and friendly so they do not pose a threat as long as they are properly trained and socialised from a young age. Their unique look has led to some common health issues, so be sure to educate yourself before committing to owning one. Neonatal During the first 4 weeks of your Bulldog's life, they should spend most of their time with their mother and litter-mates. It is highly unusual for the puppy's owner to care for them during this time and is best left to a responsible, reputable breeder. Your puppy's body will double in weight as their muscles, organs and bones develop. Nutrition During the neonatal stage, your Bulldog puppy will get most of their nutrition from their mother's milk. At around 4 weeks introduce a few dry kibbles mixed with warm water to your puppy. Health During this time it is important to monitor your Bulldog for any infections, diseases or birth defects. Puppies are unable to urinate or defecate by themselves initially, so their mother helps them but may additionally require your assistance. Keep your vet's contact details close by and educate yourself thoroughly on this stage of puppy development. By the end of this period, your puppy will be mobile and will explore the world mouth first — be sure to keep choking hazards and toxic foods out of their reach. Behaviour During most of this time your Bulldog will be asleep or inactive, but they will soon be playing with their brothers and sisters. After weeks they will go through as much sensory development as a human baby does in a few months. It is important to avoid disturbing the puppies' mother as she will be likely be protective, but some interaction with the young pups is normal so they become used to human touch. Weaning When you take your English Bulldog home usually at around weeks you should provide them with lots of stimulation and attention. This is a formative time for your puppy and will be when they learn to walk, play, bite, hold their bladder, and interact with others. English Bulldogs are intelligent and crave affection but are stressed by loud voices, so do not scold them excessively or they will likely run away from you. Establish boundaries early as your puppy will only become more stubborn as they get older. Nutrition During the weaning stage, you should slowly introduce into their diet a nutritionally complete dog food which is appropriate to your Bulldog's moderate size and young age. This breed tend to be greedy eaters so care should be taken to avoid overfeeding them to prevent bloat. Monitor their bowel movements for oddities as they may require a special diet. You should also familiarise yourself with lists of toxic foods and plants to avoid. Colostrum, rich in natural antibodies, proven to enhance immune response 2. DHA from omega-rich fish oil helps nourish brain and vision development 3. Colostrum proven to balance intestinal micro flora, helps protect your puppy from common intestinal upsets 4. Highly digestible quality ingredients for superior nutrient absorption 5. Easy rehydration of kibble for weaning 6. Scientifically proven antioxidants to boost immune defence 7. No added artificial colours, flavours and Know more Health During this time you should provide your puppy with a small, shallow bowl of clean water and refresh the contents frequently. Regularly touch your Bulldog puppy between their wrinkles as this will become a necessity later in life — many Bulldogs get skin infections if they do not have special lotion applied to their skin. Monitor your puppy's breathing during play and allow regular breaks to avoid exhaustion. Behaviour Due to the changes in their environment, your Bulldog will be under a significant amount of stress. It's important that you provide lots of attention and affection, however, due to their stubborn nature you should establish your dominance early. It is recommended that for Bulldog puppies you should normalise taking things from their mouth and removing food from their bowl to avoid possessiveness later in life. You should also start toilet training and leash training early to avoid bad habits forming. Puppy By the time your English Bulldog reaches puppyhood their personality will be well developed and you will have an easy-going and fun friend. Your bulldog will be relatively energetic and enjoy playing tug-of-war, but care should be taken not to overly exert them on hot days or they will have difficulty breathing. Nutrition Your Bulldog puppy's diet should be based around a high quality, nutritionally complete puppy food. It is particularly important that you make sure you do not overfeed your pup as Bulldogs can become incredibly lazy. No added artificial colours, flavours and preservatives Know more Health English Bulldogs are moderately energetic but are quickly exhausted, so only take short and relatively brisk walks with them when the weather is not hot or humid. Many develop breathing problems due to their short snout, and they don't do well in humid climates as they may develop skin conditions. You can keep them cool on a hot day by bringing them into an air conditioned room. After around 8 weeks your puppy will be due for some vaccinations, so they will need a checkup at the vet and to arrange for boosters after that. Behaviour English Bulldogs are friendly, but even as puppies they can be intimidating or act aggressively around strangers who invade their personal space. You can combat this by taking them to obedience classes and getting them into good habits early. Training your Bulldog early to release things from their mouth is essential as they have incredible jaw strength from their heritage as bull fighting dogs. Discourage jumping from ledges and stairs as these can result in long-term shoulder and back problems. Recommended Articles. This food appeals to those who pay attention to where their food comes from. Halo contains fatty acids and antioxidants but no DHA like most puppy foods. This recipe also contains legumes peas , which are ingredients of concern in canine diets, as we mentioned in a previous review. However, as we mentioned earlier, those fancy terms are primarily for advertising, not an actual reflection of the nutritional quality of the food. Also, grain-free diets come with their own cause for concern due to the high legume content. Although pet food makers use various sources for protein, dogs tend not to care whether the meat in their diet is cage-free or what form it comes in whole, meal, or by-product. English Bulldogs are prone to obesity, which is not healthy for any dog but is particularly dangerous for this breed. Flat-faced dogs, including Bulldogs, are prone to breathing issues related to their unusual anatomy. Being overweight makes these problems worse. Most foods come with a suggested feeding guide, but to be safe, ask your vet to help you calculate the ideal daily calorie intake for your bulldog. Your food choice may be somewhat dictated by any emerging medical concerns your pup is experiencing. Allergies, with their accompanying skin and ear problems, are one of the most common issues. We listed several allergy-friendly diets on our list for this reason. Do Your Research Before You Buy A Puppy Yes, you want to feed your English Bulldog puppy a healthy diet, but food can only do so much if your little dog comes with a host of inherited medical conditions. Our best value pick, Purina One , is both cost-effective and convenient. Royal Canin Bulldog features breed-specific nutrition. Merrick Classic Healthy Grains is free of ingredients from China and loaded with nutritious extras perfect for the Bulldog. We hope our reviews of these puppy diets help you navigate the crowded landscape of the pet food industry as you search for the best option for your wrinkly baby dog. She got her first cat at 5 years old and at 14, she started working for her local veterinarian. Elizabeth spent more than 20 years working as a veterinary nurse before stepping away to become a stay-at-home parent to her daughter. Now, she is excited to share her hard-earned knowledge literally--she has scars with our readers. When not writing, she enjoys reading, watching all sports but especially soccer, and spending time outdoors with her family.Read more Advertisement. Puppies with allergies Physical Traits That Will Impact Your Choice Having a very short muzzle can present some challenges with lifting up and munching on food. English Bulldogs can also struggle sometimes with swallowing their meals, and with taking in sufficient oxygen while they are busy eating. Bulldog puppies often also have teeth that are overly crowded together in their smaller mouths. Rounded, triangular or other unique-shaped kibble are ideal, avoid the traditional large square bits. And if your English Bulldog puppy is still having a tough time with chewing, mix dry kibble with some wet puppy food. Portion sizes Begin by following the amounts listed on the packaging. How often to feed English Bulldog puppies Little and often is always the best approach when feeding a puppy. I start my puppies off with four meals a day, spread evenly over the daylight hours. Best dried food for English Bulldog puppies These three brands make some of the best food for English Bulldog puppies. You will notice each food is enriched with special nutrients, minerals and vitamins. Those that your English Bulldog puppy needs to develop healthily in every way. Royal Canin Bulldog Puppy dry dog food Royal Canin creates tailored recipes for the unique needs of different puppy and dog breeds. This has the same unique S-shaped kibble. Best canned food for English Bulldog puppies The best food for English Bulldog puppy can end up being a combination of dry puppy food mixed with a bit of wet puppy food. It also makes learning how to grab and chew the dry kibble just a bit easier! For both puppies and adult dogs, wet food can be more palatable than dry kibble. It is designed in a complete and balanced nutrition puppy formula. A great choice to mix with the Purina Pro Plan dry kibble, to help your English Bulldog puppy learn how to grasp and chew solid food! There are no artificial ingredients or by-products in this wet food either. Packed with vitamins, lutein, taurine and fish oils, your English Bulldog puppy will have the nutritional support to make the extra work of eating worth it. This is a great choice to mix with Royal Canin Bulldog puppy dry food for a little extra mealtime incentive! Best food for English Bulldog puppies with food allergies Treating food allergies in puppies often requires two phases: allergy testing and a limited ingredient diet. One of the known triggers for food allergies in dogs is grain. So the best puppy food for Bulldogs who have food allergies is often a grain-free diet. Plus DHA and plenty of vitamins and minerals to help with digestive support and immune system health. The kibble is a unique triangle shape which can be easier for your puppy to grab hold of and pick up. Best food for English Bulldog puppies with sensitive stomachs Finding the best dog food for English Bulldog puppies can sometimes be a challenge because of their unique anatomy. This can sometimes lead to digestive disruption. A limited ingredient diet may ease tummy upset, gas, diarrhea and other symptoms of a sensitive stomach. There is very minimal processing and no artificial additives of any kind. The kibble is both round and rectangular, offering a nice mix of shapes to help your English Bulldog puppy grasp it more easily. There is no corn or beef, both of which can be a source of digestive upset in puppies. This limited ingredient puppy food comes in two recipes: chicken and oats or lamb and rice. Both recipes include plenty of glucosamine and chondroitin, calcium and phosphorus. As well as vitamins and minerals to support healthy joints, bones and immune system. However, we selected them for inclusion independently, and all of the views expressed in this article are our own. It is very important to keep in mind that English bulldogs are somewhat different to most breeds. And correct feeding technics are of utmost importance during and after their full development. Your English bulldog puppy does not know anything about nutrition. He only knows what tastes good. It is up to you to know what and how to feed your buddy, so he will get everything he needs to stay healthy and happy. Best Diet for English Bulldogs Best Nutrients for English Bulldog Puppies Your English bulldog puppy needs proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins and minerals for uptime growth and health Your puppy uses proteins for growth and repair of muscles, bones and other bodily tissues. They are also used for production of antibodies, enzymes and hormones. Vitamins and minerals participate in muscle and nerve function, bone growth, healing, metabolism and fluid balance. English bulldogs also need plenty of fresh, clean water. Adequate water intake also helps prevent formation of urinary stones, which is a potential problem for this breed. Food Brands for English Bulldogs We recommend to new English bulldog families to avoid drastic changes in the food of the puppies. We recommend the puppy keeps using the same food the breeder used before delivery. In our case, we like to use Royal Canin Bulldog Puppy. We have used several other brands over the years. And, so far, Royal Canin has worked great for our puppies and adults. When feeding our English bulldog puppy, we take into consideration several factors. Such as the amount of protein and fat they should receive in the first few weeks of age. There are other brands in the market that may provide the same or similar amount of protein and fat. However, you should consider important things such as ingredients of the food, allergies it might cause. As professional breeders of English bulldogs, we always let our clients know about the food we give to our puppies. In addition to other supplements that we use. That way, the new owners of the English bulldog puppies can continue with the same process. But, we do understand that a lot of times people may decide to go a different route. Both for the type of food and feeding technics. Sometimes, based on what they may consider, it is correct or better for their English bulldogs. Or perhaps after receiving veterinarian advice. Our recommendation is to continue to use the one we use. Feeding Frequency for English bulldogs The number of times you feed an English bulldog puppy is also very important. The younger the puppy is, the more often one has to feed the puppy. For breeders, it is a lot of work due. Mainly due to the fact that we have to care for the puppies since day one. We have to rigorously continue feeding them at least every two 2 hours. Usually, when we release our puppies; they will be at least eight 8 weeks old. And they will be eating solid food. At this stage, it is recommended to feed the puppies three 3 times a day. Once in the morning, afternoon, and early evening. Sometimes due to a matter of schedule or advice from friends, breeders or veterinarians; families will feed the puppy two 2 times a day. This will make things a little easy for the family training the English bulldog. If this is the case, the correct amount of food should be provided to the puppy. Always based on their body weight as well as the age of the puppy. A feeding guide or table should be available to you on the bag of food you use. In most cases it is recommended for an English bulldog to be on the puppy formula for the first year of life and then a gradual change to an adult formula containing the same nutrients should be given. It is important to keep in mind that if you as an English bulldog puppy owner encounter any issues with your dog such as allergies or other common illnesses among bulldogs, then veterinarian advice should be taken. Should I give supplements to English Bulldog Puppies? This food will provide the puppy with the nutrients needed to have a long, healthy life. But as breeders, we use other things to supplement the diet of our English bulldogs so that we can keep them away as much as possible from common illnesses among them. The use of the right type of supplements from an early stage in the development of the dog is key when raising English bulldogs than with a lot of other breeds. This is due to the fact that English bulldogs have a weaker skeletal system and a lower immune system than other breeds. Having the presence of supplements will help the puppy to develop into a healthier adult. Eggs, cod liver oil, chicken breast, some vegetables are also great for them. Along with the food we use, we also recommend the multi vitamin NuVet. It helps with a lot of the common issues the English bulldog breed encounters during their life. For detail information on NuVet and how to order instructions, please visit our website and click on the link on top that says NuVet. If you think you still have questions about the right food to feed your English bulldog puppy or the correct supplement or multi vitamins you can use; please feel free to contact us. Remember that English bulldogs are the best breed in the world; therefor quality food, treats and supplements are ideal when having them as pets. Share this post.

Updated on 13 July Pros Intelligence When you think of a German Shepherd , a hard-working, muscular dog comes to mind. However, German Shepherds are one of the smartest breeds in the dog world. They were ranked third out of breeds in a study in .Only the Border Collie and Poodle are more intelligent. Usually, it takes five repetitions to teach a GSD a new trick and these dogs will follow the first command 95 per cent of the time. If you bring home a German Shepherd, you will have a brainy dog on your hands. Lola pawsofshire is an example of a German Shepherd that is quick to learn new commands. Lola is very intelligent and easy-going. She has never destroyed the house, and rarely kicks up a fuss about anything. We do a lot of mental training with Lola too as opposed to psychical exercise so she is very good at switching off and knowing when is chill time and when is play time. German Shepherds work alongside the military and the police, while they were the first American service dogs. Experts suggest keeping the commands short and sweet will help to make the training process a little bit easier. They have an eagerness to please, which helps too. When we rescued Phoenix, he walked terribly on lead, constantly pulling and lunging towards people and dogs. He just needed someone to set boundaries and help him direct his energy. We have trained him to be a very obedient dog and to get walks off lead perfectly and can even do a few tricks. German Shepherds have a desire to protect and have got a reputation for being great family dogs. The degree of loyalty depends on the amount of work that you put in during their puppyhood. With their eagerness to please and willingness to follow commands, you can strike up a strong relationship with your GSD pup which will cultivate their loyalty to you. German Shepherd owners who can establish themselves as the parental-type figure in the home can grow a companionship with their dog that is full of love and mutual respect. Freja the German Shepherd is extremely loyal to her owner. A GSD will never stab you in the back, it will always have your back. You have a unbreakable bond with your dog and they will support and help you during their whole life. I will have a long life companion. Great guard dogs While these dogs can make great family pets due to their caring and loving personalities, German Shepherds are universally recognised as one of the best types of guard dogs. Classed as medium-to-large sized dogs, a German Shepherd can grow to be cm 24—26 in tall and kg 66—88 lb in weight. They have very powerful jaws and their bite strength is second only to their compatriot, the Rottweiler. The GSD is a bold, courageous and fearless dog, all characteristics that make it ideal to guard the home. They are quick to learn commands and if trained properly, they will back off if a welcome stranger enters the home. German Shepherds are very loyal and committed. They will protect their owner, family and their house. They are amazing guard dogs and great family pets that will surely keep you safe. They are naturally protective and loyal twords their owners and will stick by you with everything. Beauty This breed can serve a purpose, whether it is guarding your home, assisting those in need or working alongside the police force. For all their admirable traits, perhaps their best is their beauty. These dogs are long, elegant animals that have a lush coat. Their wide head and square muzzle give them a powerful stature, while their pointed ears and big brown eyes give them an alert appearance. With a gentle, sloping bushy tail, the German Shepherd is a breathtaking breeds. Cons Beauty the German Shepherd Photo: beauty. These German dogs require a lot of exercise. Experts recommend at least two hours a day of exercise to keep your GSD happy. Depleting their energy levels can result in a better behaved dog at home — GSD have a reputation for chewing furniture. While committing to multiple, lengthy walks might be a con for some dog owners, it could also be a positive for those with the free time to pursue an active and healthy lifestyle. If you are unable to give your GSD the necessary exercise due to work commitments, you may want to consider hiring the services of a dog walker. German Shepherds also require much of your time to keep them healthy and calm. If left unexercised, shepherds tend to become very hyper, anxious, and not well tempered. You need to have lots of time open to exercising your dog such as walks, runs, and socializing them daily. One of the biggest issues facing the breed is hip dysplasia. A lot of GSD owners have encountered this problem and it is a reoccurring theme with the breed. They are also susceptible to epilepsy. It is a common hereditary disease found in these working dogs and can result it seizures. German Shepherds have also been known to suffer from bloating otherwise known as Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus which occurs when gas builds up and makes it difficult for a GSD to breathe or sends their body into a shocked state. The price can vary depending on each breeder. For GSD from certain bloodlines, you can expect to pay quite a bit more. Aside from the initial cost, feeding your German Shepherd and regular trips to the vet can hit your budget hard. Prepare for lots of hair around the home! They shed heavily year round so you will need to be prepared to get the vacuum out on a regular basis. They have a thick undercoat which blows out twice a year, which can be a particularly challenging time for a GSD owner. Three or four times a year should suffice! The amount of times I have to hoover my house daily is ridiculous. I could easily hoover 5 times a day and there would still be dog hair everywhere, and I mean everywhere. It gets stuck in the carpets, in the laundry, I find it in my food. I even bring it to work with me and find it in my work diary. I bathed Lola the other day, ended up clogging the drain up and had to go out and buy drain unblocker before I could use my shower again. Shedding season is even worse. Hair everywhere, enough to make a new dog friend made of her hair for her. Aside from this, Lola gets near daily brushes using an undercoat rake and a slicker coat. Doing so tends to keep the hair under control, but you still find it everywhere. By observing other dogs interact with their fellow pooches or humans, a GSD can learn the proper way to behave. Her attention is on loud noises or even something like wind, but we try and remain patient with her at all times. We use positive reinforcement training only and will continue on this path for the rest of her life. By Chris German Shepherds are iconic and classic dogs that adore affection and companionship. In many ways, German Shepherds are the ideal pet for those who love adventure, road trips, and playing outdoors. German Shepherds are an excitable dog breed that loves spending time with their family and small children. They are fun-loving dogs who enjoy the thrill of adventure and can adapt to nearly any situation. However, they come with a few of their own issues. German Shepherds can be susceptible to health conditions like hip dysplasia and epilepsy. This dog breed is also loud and may spend plenty of time barking. With the right amount of love, attention, and training, a German Shepherd can make a dog owner and family happy. Read on to find out more about the German Shepherd pros and cons of ownership. Pros German Shepherds are stunning dogs with lively personalities and vibrant coats. These dogs love spending time with the family and will gladly cuddle, show affection , and play well into the nighttime hours. German Shepherds are also highly vigilant and are ideal protectors and guard dogs in case of an intrusion. There are many positives to owning a German Shepherd, including plenty of affection, constant playtime, and an enhanced sense of safety. Loyalty There is no dog breed as loyal as the German Shepherd. This dog adores their owners and families and will spend as much time as possible making them happy. These dogs thrive on praise, attention, and adoration. They will also do nearly anything to get them. German Shepherds rarely leave their owners, choose other people to be around, or abandon them. The owner and German Shepherd go for a walk. Stunning Features This dog breed is stunning and has a coat of fur that comes in many colors. Some German Shepherds may have nearly solid black fur , while others have various colors. German Shepherds have stunning features like warm, chocolate brown eyes and a resilient body type. Black German Shepherd running. Training Is Easy German Shepherds are easy to train, which is why they are often used by police departments in the United States. German Shepherds are constantly willing to please and want to do anything possible to make their owners happy. Because of this eagerness to please, German Shepherds accept commands and instructions. Owner trains her train German Shepherd. Adapts Well This dog breed adapts well to changes in routine and nearly thrives on new adventures as they come up. There is nothing more exciting than a vacation for a German Shepherd. All the new sights and smells can make a German Shepherd excitable and engage their need for something new. German Shepherd runs on the water. Highly Intelligent German Shepherds are highly intelligent and love to engage in the part of their brain that enjoys puzzles and solving riddles. This dog breed will engage in hide-and-seek or spend hours digging holes in the backyard if it needs to engage its brain. It can be hard to hide from a German Shepherd since they are so intelligent and often used to locate missing persons and items. German Shepherd hyper actively plays with a ball. Loves To Stand Guard German Shepherds are very protective and love to watch for potential dangers and threats to their families. German Shepherds will alert to anything they deem even mildly threatening and will use their bodies to shield those they love to protect them. German Shepherds can be very protective of young children and check on them multiple times a night. German Shepherd approaching his owner. Loves Small Children German Shepherds are especially loving to small children. This dog breed loves playing outside and will spend hours running in the yard, chasing children, and playing catch with toys. German Shepherds will also do anything to protect small children and enjoys laying down with young children at the end of the day. German Shepherd looks after the baby. This dog breed will also give you gifts they find like sticks from outside or their favorite toys. German Shepherd smiles upon seeing his owner. Cons Although charming and loving dogs, German Shepherds may not be right for every household or family — especially those that are busy. German Shepherds require plenty of work, attention, and affection, which some families may not be able to give during their busy schedules. In addition, German Shepherds may have some health conditions as they get older and require more cleaning due to their stunning, long hair. Read through our list of negatives to German Shepherd ownership to decide if a German Shepherd is right for you. Needs Constant Tasks German Shepherds need nearly constant work to maintain their happy demeanor. When left without toys, tasks, or other things to keep their mind engaged and happy, they may start to show signs of emotional distress or depression. German Shepherd nudges his owner to show affection. Constant Energy German Shepherds have constant energy , and this can be exhausting for some dog lovers and families with older children. The constant energy in a German Shepherd may have them running around the house at odd hours and make for mess and destruction. A big boy German Shepherd enjoys a beach visit Barks Frequently German Shepherds are hyper-vigilant and always on the lookout for danger , meaning they may bark a lot to alert their families of threats. A family with young children may get annoyed with the constant noise, and some small children may have trouble sleeping if their dog barks all night long. German Shepherd barks aggressively at the stranger. Plenty of Shedding German Shepherds are notorious for shedding. This dog breed is not hypoallergenic and can cause a lot of issues for families with allergies. German Shepherd sits with his owner in the field. Health Issues German Shepherds are known to get hip dysplasia as they get older. This usually manifests with noticeable hopping, cracking noises, and trouble holding their own weight. German Shepherds may also get epilepsy or other seizing disorders. Separation Anxiety German Shepherds are known to have some separation anxiety. This can manifest as whining, crying, and general unhappiness. Although difficult, a German Shepherd can be left alone for eight hours but should be checked on frequently to prevent damage or property destruction. German Shepherd lying on the ground. Expensive German Shepherds are highly sought-after dogs. Due to this high demand, this dog breed is expensive and may require reservations years in advance. It can be challenging to get your hands on a German Shepherd, especially a puppy. German Shepherd puppy is under crate training. Socialization Your German Shepherd may need a lot of socialization with other dogs and humans. These dogs prefer to live in a place where there are plenty of visitors and friends who can spend time with them. Without the proper socialization, your dog may start to become sad, depressed , and lonely. Two German Shepherds lying on the grass after a training. Final Thoughts German Shepherds are affectionate, loving dogs who adore spending time with small children. This dog breed will gladly spend hours playing, running around the yard, and standing guard for their loved ones. German Shepherd thrives in adventurous environments and will enjoy running around, listening to your commands, and playing with the family. However, German Shepherds can have health conditions and other factors that may make them a challenging pick for busy dog lovers. Although German Shepherds are charming, this dog breed may be susceptible to health conditions like hip dysplasia and epilepsy. German Shepherds are also loud dogs who enjoy alerting their owners of visitors, friends, or intruders. This dog breed can be overwhelming for first-time dog owners and may be too much responsibility for those who live busy lives. By considering the German Shepherd pros and cons of ownership above, you can decide whether they will be ideal for your family and needs. My wife and I love playing with our active miniature Labradoodle Max. We want all Oodle puppies to be healthy and happy, have lots of fun and be part of the family. Load More. This is greatly linked to their high intelligence and trainability. GSDs will be happy in a home with a large yard, but they can easily adapt to apartment life as long as they get enough daily exercise. They will also adapt to different weather conditions and diverse living conditions. People link dog loyalty to pack behavior , which does not imply dominance but a sense of family group. But pack behavior also points to a basic dog characteristic of social animals. German Shepherds are known to develop strong bonds, show affection, protect, and stick with family through thick and thin. GSD loyalty has also been nurtured over the centuries by training in their original herding role. But, like all other breeds, German Shepherds are not all affection and loyalty. They also come with their fair share of drawbacks that are worth noting before bringing one home. On the contrary, it means knowing them well before committing to be their parent. As one of the most popular dog breeds in the US and the world, and with its many great qualities, purebred dogs definitely come with a fat price tag. Expending energy comes with a myriad of health and overall well-being benefits for German Shepherds and all dogs. A poorly exercised GSD can quickly become overweight and develop destructive behavior due to boredom and unused energy. On average, adults require around 2 hours of exercise daily. That can be divided between morning and evening walks and other engaging activities at home or as part of training. This behavior was inherited from their wolf ancestors as a hunting and survival skill. Since German Shepherds live with us and cannot show their hunting skills whenever they feel like it, prey drive is tamed through training. But as the saying goes, where there was fire, ashes remain. German Shepherds can put out their hunting instinct once in a while. Risk his life chasing moving cars or bikes. Become a stalker of other smaller animals. Focus on moving things and fail to concentrate on training or commands you give. My German Shepherd chasing squirrels — clearly needs more prey drive training! On one side, they are rated slightly above average in their ability to be friendly toward other dogs. On the other side, you should be extra careful if you want to keep cats and smaller pets like rabbits or birds. Remember that GSDs have a strong prey drive and are likely to see smaller animals as merely game. To prevent this, you should gradually introduce your doggo to a cat early in life and gradually. But you may want to avoid pet rabbits and birds altogether if dealing with a fully grown GSD. That is especially true if breeders test their dogs for possible genetic-inherited conditions before breeding. Nonetheless, the breed is associated with several health conditions, including:. German Shepherds were my very first breed. This noble-looking male has a beautiful rugged head, intelligent expression, and rich coloration. My experience with German Shepherd temperament Temperament and behavior stem from what the breed was designed for To understand a breed's temperament and behavior, ask, "What was he developed to do? The German Shepherd was developed from various sheepherding dogs. German Shepherds were also developed as military messenger and sentry dogs, and as personal protection and police dogs. The breed also excels at search and rescue, bomb and drug detection, and guiding the blind. Certainly you would expect high intelligence, high self-confidence, trainability, and an ability to focus. All of those traits are what you get in an ideal German Shepherd. One of the most capable and trainable breeds in all of dogdom, an ideal German Shepherd, when properly raised by a confident owner, can be a magnificent companion. There's a good reason my first dogs were German Shepherds! Unfortunately, it can be difficult today to find a German Shepherd with an ideal temperament. Or at least an ideal temperament to be a good family companion. Different lines have different temperaments Today, the temperament of a German Shepherd often depends largely upon what kind of line he comes from. Some breeders, you see, produce working lines of German Shepherds with high-drive temperaments — vigorous and intense. These dogs are ideal for competitive protection-dog sports. But not so much for the average family companion, unless you were to look carefully for an individual pup in one of those litters who didn't inherit that high-drive temperament. Other breeders produce show lines that match a detailed standard of conformation for the show ring. These dogs are softer-tempered than those from working lines. That sounds nice and yet.I've worked with far too many German Shepherds from show lines who were hyperactive, skittish, spooky, or downright dopey. This happens when breeders focus on appearance more than temperament and trainability. My recommendation for a good family dog If you're looking for an easygoing family companion, I would avoid both strict show lines and strict working lines. Instead, you might look for more of a generalist breeder who focuses on calmness and high trainability. These breeders might prove their dogs' trainability by participating in non-protection dog sports such as obedience, rally, or agility. Or, if you want a truly mellow Shepherd, you might consider a longhaired or perhaps a solid white German Shepherd. These dogs are seldom bred for aggressive dog sports, so they tend to have a milder temperament that fits well into many families. Just be careful with the whites. A good number of them are too soft, which can result in timidity or skittishness. I hope you can see.Because if you don't know what you want, and what you don't want, and if you don't ask the right questions, you're likely to end up with a German Shepherd that isn't at all what you were looking for — and possibly one who is too much for you to handle. Such an intelligent expression — confident and inquiring. Pros and cons of German Shepherds The Good Thrives on challenging activities and exercise Loyal to his own family Looks imposing and has a reputation that bad guys don't want to fool with, so makes an effective deterrent Highly intelligent and versatile — can learn almost anything The Bad Can be hard to find one with a family-oriented temperament and a decent chance of staying healthy Needs plenty of exercise and interesting things to do Needs careful socialization Destructiveness when bored or not exercised enough Potential aggression toward other animals Constant shedding — days a year Legal liabilities insurance issues, increased chance of lawsuits High risk of serious health problems Keep in mind that the inheritance of temperament is less predictable than the inheritance of physical traits such as size or shedding. Temperament and behavior are also shaped by raising and training. Books by Michele Welton "Respect Training for Puppies" or "Respect Training for Adult Dogs" is a step by step guide to help you bring out the best in your pup so you can enjoy a calm and well-behaved dog, no matter what his age. Get your book today. A healthy dog is a happy dog, so buy your copy today. How big are German Shepherds? Males stand about inches at the shoulder and weigh pounds. Females stand about inches and weigh pounds. Some German Shepherds are considerably larger than that, but shouldn't be. This breed is supposed to be athletic and agile, not giant-sized and ponderous. Larger dogs can have more joint problems and a shorter lifespan. Are there different "types" of German Shepherds? Officially there's only the one breed. But I explained in the Temperament section that there are different lines of German Shepherds with different temperaments. Those lines can also LOOK very different from each other. Show lines Those of us who admired the strong, noble look of German Shepherds from decades ago are saddened at what has been done to the appearance of modern show dogs. If you go to a German Shepherd specialty show in the United States or Canada, you'll see tall narrow bodies, long narrow heads, and such excessive curvature of the rear legs that the dog's back slopes downward from shoulders to tail. You could roll a ball down that back. In my opinion, these are misshapen caricatures of a German Shepherd. To make matters worse, show lines produce more than their share of spooky and low-intelligence dogs, which is what happens when you over-focus on appearance rather than temperament and trainability. In contrast, the West German show line has a more normal shape. There are many West German bloodlines in the United States. Just be aware that these dogs aren't couch potatoes: they do have plenty of energy and some working drives that will need to be exercised. Solid black German Shepherds are less common, but when combined with a rugged build, makes for a very handsome dog. It's true that working lines are often too strong-tempered and intense for the average family. But if you're an experienced owner who knows how to be in charge and if you provide firm rules and plenty of physical and mental exercise, working lines can make great companions. Knowledgeable working dog breeders can point you toward the pups in their litters who are calmer and have less working drive. These dogs were used by the military and border patrol, so they're tough, not recommended for the average family. Pet lines? You might be thinking, "Must I choose show line or working line? Isn't there another choice, like a line specifically bred to be a good pet? Some breeders emphasize high trainability, competing with their intelligent dogs in non-protection sports such as obedience or agility. Other breeders emphasize "old style" German Shepherds with a more rugged build. But avoid breeders who boast about their "giant" German Shepherds. Packing more weight onto the frame and joints of a breed that's supposed to be medium to large is a huge pun intended mistake. German Shepherd with long hair. This particular dog has a minimalist long coat — just some ear tufts and a body coat that's slightly longer than normal. Shorthaired or longhaired When you're thinking about the different types of German Shepherds, you should also consider the two types of COAT: The normal coat is short hair. But German Shepherds also come in a longer coat. Both coats are the same breed. Unfortunately, in the United States, long coats are frowned upon by the official clubs and show-dog breeders. Long-coated dogs can be registered, bred, and shown in certain activities such as obedience and agility. But they're not welcome in the conformation ring, where judging is based on appearance. Some long-coated Shepherds have essentially a short body coat with only minor feathering around their ears, on the backs of their legs, and on their bum and tail. Other long-coated German Shepherds have long hair across most of their body. Do long haired German Shepherds have a different build or temperament? Yes, often they do. Because they're not welcome in the conformation ring, their structure hasn't been deformed like that of their shorthaired brothers. And because they're seldom seen in protection dog sports, their temperament tends to be softer and milder, which fits well into many families. German Shepherds are active dogs, but should not be hyperactive. Fetch games are a great way to exercise this breed. How much exercise do German Shepherds need? German Shepherd puppies and adolescents up to 18 months old should have moderate exercise only — multiple walks, fetch games, or if there is a compatible playmate playing with another dog. But the growing bones and ligaments in a young dog can be irreparably damaged by too much exercise or the wrong kind of exercise. At this age, there should be no forced running beside a jogger or bicyclist. Restrict jumping as much as possible. Once the dog is mature, the amount of exercise needed will vary according to the dog's energy level. But all German Shepherds, to maintain fitness, need brisk walking every day and all-out running in a safe, enclosed area as often as possible. Dogs from working lines typically want a lot more exercise. Mental exercise is even more important for German Shepherds. Mental exercise means the dog gets to participate in interesting activities that keep his intelligent mind stimulated. This might be a dog sport such as agility, rally obedience, musical freestyle, tracking, flyball, herding, or schutzhund. It might be interactive dog toys, or a homemade obstacle course, or learning tricks, or playing games such as Hide 'n Seek. Handsome black German Shepherd, attentively awaiting your next words. Are German Shepherds easy to train? Some are easy to train, while others are more moderate. As we've seen, different lines have different temperaments. German Shepherds from working lines are typically more assertive and stronger-willed. A "tougher" German Shepherd will be more challenging to train unless you pay closer attention to building the right Leader-Follower relationship with the dog. That doesn't mean "softer" German Shepherds are automatically easy to train. Some dogs with soft temperaments are skittish or shy, making them just as challenging as a strong-tempered dog. In general, though, a sound-tempered German Shepherd who is a good fit for family life should be easy to train. Just establish the right Leader-Follower relationship and the dog will be happy to work with you. This is taught in my puppy training book, Respect Training For Puppies 30 seconds to a calm, polite, well-behaved puppy. Are they friendly with strangers? Most German Shepherds are reserved with strangers. As the breed's national club says, a good German Shepherd has: "a certain aloofness that does not lend itself to immediate and indiscriminate friendships. The dog must be approachable, quietly standing its ground and showing confidence and willingness to meet overtures without itself making them. Without proper guidance from the owner, a German Shepherd's natural aloofness can morph over the line to suspiciousness, distrust, and even aggression or fearfulness. When you own an aloof breed, you need to socialize the dog thoroughly. This means a careful program of teaching him to pay attention to you and mind you in the presence of other people and other dogs. He doesn't have to like them, but he must accept them. One thing I should mention: many German Shepherds who bark and lunge at strangers or other dogs aren't being either protective or aggressive. Rather, this kind of reactivity can be the dog's attempt to hide his own insecurities behind a blustering facade. At the other end of the spectrum are German Shepherds who tuck their tail between their legs, and try to hide behind you or run away whenever a stranger or another dog approaches. Sometimes this is just inexperience with the world, but sometimes it's an inherited form of shyness. German Shepherds who are genetically shy can be helped by socialization — but not "cured. There are also legal liabilities to consider when you acquire a German Shepherd. For example, your homeowner insurance policy might be cancelled or the rates hiked, because people are often quicker to sue if a "guard dog breed" does anything even remotely questionable. Are German Shepherds good with children? If the dog was raised with childen and if the children are well-behaved, most German Shepherds with a normal temperament are fine with them. But if you have young children, you need to be especially careful about bringing an adult German Shepherd with an unknown background into your home. That dog should have a stellar temperament vouched for by experienced rescue personnel. Also I wouldn't be comfortable with some high-drive German Shepherds around toddlers. These vigorous, intense dogs could send a toddler flying without even meaning to. Are German Shepherds good with other pets? Most German Shepherds are fine with other dogs and cats in their own family, if introduced to them when the dog is young. I've had multiple German Shepherds living harmoniously with my Chihuahuas and cats. And some German Shepherds are dominant, or aggressive, toward other dogs of the same sex. My dog Luke, for example, would never dream of harming a female dog — but he would have loved to engage any strange male. Only a firm Respect Training program kept his behavior under control. Long-coated German Shepherd. Keep their feathering combed out to avoid painful mats and tangles. Grooming: Do German Shepherds shed a lot? Are they easy to groom? About shedding.I have good news and bad news. The good news is that German Shepherds have only one shedding period a year. The bad news is.In other words, German Shepherds shed constantly. How is this different from most breeds? Most breeds shed a few hairs here and there throughout the year. But the vast bulk of their shedding occurs only twice a year — for three weeks in the spring as their thicker winter coat switches over to a cooler summer coat, and for three weeks in the fall as the summer coat switches over to a winter coat. Not German Shepherds. They shed a TON during those spring and fall coat-switching seasons. Plus they shed moderately the rest of the year. So year-round, you'll find hair on your clothing, on your carpets, and under your refrigerator. Frequent vaccuming will become a way of life. You might be wondering, "How can a shorthaired dog shed so much? They have a short outer coat harsh to the touch , plus a woolly undercoat for insulation. Breeds with a double coat always shed more than breeds who simply have an outer coat but no undercoat. German Shepherds come in a long coat, as well as a short coat. Both coats shed heavily. Now, about grooming.How much grooming is required depends on whether a German Shepherd is shorthaired or longhaired. We've already talked about the temperament usually good of longhaired German Shepherds. As far as grooming goes, they obviously need regular brushing and combing to prevent mats and tangles. The longer the coat, the more work it will be. But even if your Shepherd has a short coat, you're not off the hook when it comes to brushing. With a constant shedder, you should brush as often as possible to pull out the shed hairs before they end up on your floor and furnishings. Ironically, longhaired German Shepherds often seem to shed less than the shorthaired. That's because some shed hair gets caught in the long coat instead of falling out. The trade-off is that you need to brush out that accumulated hair regularly or it will tangle and fuse into a matted mess. Longhaired dogs need trimming Along with brushing and combing, longhaired German Shepherds need trimming every few months. Focus on the longish hair around the dog's private parts. Otherwise whenever he goes to the bathroom, the result is going to be unsanitary, both for the dog and for your house. Remember, anything that sticks to long hair eventually ends up on your floor or furnishings. So keep your dog's private parts trimmed short. Gray sable pattern How long do German Shepherds live? Are they a healthy breed? German Shepherds typically live years. Some do live to 13 or 14, but usually with chronic health issues such as arthritis. And sadly, many don't even make it to age .As a long-time German Shepherd owner, I know first-hand how many health problems this breed suffers from. Crippling joint diseases, autoimmune diseases, digestive diseases, skin diseases, heart and eye diseases.It's a good idea to have pet insurance when you own a German Shepherd. Here is a complete list of health problems in German Shepherds. The most common color in German Shepherds — black and tan, in the saddleback pattern What colors do German Shepherds come in? The most common colors are black and tan, black and red, black and cream, or black and silver. These colors cover the dog in one of these three patterns: Saddleback — the black overlays the dog's back and sides like a saddle. The rest of the dog is tan, red, cream, or silver. Usually there's some black on the face, as well. Blanketback — the black extends further down the shoulders and hips. Honestly I don't know why this pattern is called bicolor, which simply means two colors. As we've just seen, the other two patterns also have just two colors. Another common color is sable, which is an overall shade of gray, golden, or red, with black-tipped hairs that create a "dusted with black" effect. A less common, but perfectly acceptable, color is solid black. Many blue dogs look as though they've been dusted with flour. Liver German Shepherds have inherited a color-modifying gene that changes their black pigment to brown any shade from light to dark. For example, if a German Shepherd would have been a black and tan saddleback — except that he inherited a modifying gene — he becomes a blue and tan saddleback, or a liver and tan saddleback. Blue and liver are considered serious faults by the official German Shepherd clubs and breeders who show their dogs in the conformation ring. But you can still register these dogs and compete with them in activities such as obedience and agility. Controversial color: solid white As with blue and liver, you can register a white German Shepherd and show him in competitive activities such as obedience and agility. But you can't show him in the conformation ring. Well, the Powers-That-Be say white is an unacceptable color because German Shepherds were developed to be herding and guard dogs. White dogs, they say, are too visible to make effective guard dogs. On the other hand, white dogs blend in too much with the sheep or snow instead of being clearly visible to the human shepherd. If you love the white color, you might be pleased to hear that White Shepherd enthusiasts have formed their own club, which holds its own conformation shows. Do German Shepherd ears stand up on their own, or do they have to be cut or taped to make them stand up? Ah, you're thinking about cropping, a surgical procedure to make the ears stand up. That's done with Doberman Pinschers, but not with German Shepherds. A Shepherd puppy's ears prick up naturally — they're never cropped. German Shepherd puppy with perfectly normal ears at this age. If the pup inherited normal genes, the other ear should come up shortly. But German Shepherd puppies aren't born with pricked ears. In some pups, the ears start to prick up at 6 or 8 weeks old, while others don't start until 12 or 14 weeks old. Often the ears don't go up smoothly. In other words, they don't suddenly pop straight up. Typically one ear will go up halfway, and stay like that for a few days. Then the other ear may start to prick while the first ear straightens all the way up. A few days later, just as the second ear straightens up, the first one suddenly flops back down. This can be a trying time for new owners who worry that their pup's ears will never stand properly. Rest assured, it's normal for German Shepherd puppy ears to go up and down for a month or two, especially during the teething period. Unfortunately, some puppies do inherit poor genes for ear strength and often those ears will never come all the way up. They're called "soft ears. I had a German Shepherd with one soft ear. It flopped sideways on top of his head, while the other ear stood up beautifully. Of course I loved him dearly anyway! Most German Shepherd puppies start out with floppy ears and dark coloration. I'll be happy to show you how to raise and train your new family member. Or check out my training tips to teach your German Shepherd puppy to be well-behaved. Also see my advice on German Shepherd health care , including feeding and vaccinations If you don't have a German Shepherd puppy, but you want one.I can help you with that, too. German Shepherds are extremely common in the United States, the 2nd most common of all breeds. So they're very easy to find. The problem is finding one with the best chances of developing a stable temperament and the best chances of staying healthy through the years. THAT is harder to do. First, you need to think about the different types of German Shepherds we talked about earlier. The different temperament types and the different build and coat types. You'll remember.Or you can just hop onto Craigslist and buy a puppy from someone who "just breeds pets" or "just had one litter. Not unless the seller has done the proper health certifications on the puppy's parents. One huge difference between a responsible breeder and an irresponsible "puppy producer" is — health certifications. One parent should have a certificate showing them to be clear of degenerative myelopathy. This is the fastest way to rule out all the bad breeders. No certificates equals irresponsible breeding. Many years ago, I had a dear German Shepherd with this devastating disease. Believe me, you do not want to go through that. If a seller can't show you those certificates, the puppies are higher risk for health problems. You might choose to accept that risk. But then you need to be willing and able to pay a couple thousand bucks for future surgeries and lifelong meds if your German Shepherd ends up crippled, paralyzed, or stricken with heart disease. Because of their popularity, and because so many owners acquire one without doing diligent research, German Shepherds are often available from dog rescue groups. German Shepherd crosses and mixes are frequently found in animal shelters. However, shelter personnel can be over-zealous in labeling every medium- to large dog with a vaguely shepherd-ish look as a "German Shepherd cross. Did you know there's a quick and simple DNA test that can tell you definitively which breeds make up any given dog? What breeds are similar to German Shepherds? The Shiloh Shepherd looks like a large German Shepherd, which is not surprising since the Shiloh was developed 50 years ago by crossing German Shepherds with larger breeds. Compared to German Shepherds, Shiloh Shepherds tend to have a calmer, more easygoing personality. Compared to German Shepherds, most White Shepherds have a softer, more sensitive personality. White Shepherds are fine watchdogs, but seldom aggressive. In fact, if a White Shepherd is going to have any temperament fault, it's more likely to be timidity or skittishness. The Belgian Shepherd is recommended only for experienced owners. Compared to the German Shepherd, a Belgian is more agile, graceful, and elegant. Belgian Shepherds are highly intelligent, but also easily bored and prone to obsessive behaviors. This is a demanding breed that needs ongoing supervision and structured activities. An expert researcher and author of 15 books about dogs, she loves helping people choose, train, and care for their dogs. To help you train and care for your dog Dog training videos. Sometimes it's easier to train your puppy or adult dog when you can see the correct training techniques in action. The problem is that most dog training videos on the internet are worthless, because they use the wrong training method. I recommend these dog training videos that are based on respect and leadership. Respect Training For Puppies: 30 seconds to a calm, polite, well-behaved puppy. For puppies 2 to 18 months old. Your puppy will learn the 21 skills that all family dogs need to know. If your dog is over 18 months, you'll want Respect Training For Adult Dogs: 30 seconds to a calm, polite, well-behaved dog. Again your dog will learn the 21 skills that all family dogs need to know. Teach Your Dog English Words is a unique Vocabulary and Respect Training Program that will teach your adult dog to listen to you and do what you say. Related posts you might enjoy. These dogs are known to be capable and smart working dogs that add a lot of fun and love to your family. It could be said that there is no ideal dog. All dog breeds have their pros and cons that we must considered in order to know which is the dog that best suits our lifestyle and needs. So, what are the German Shepherd pros and cons? Keep on reading to find out. Also known as Alsatian, this dog originated in German in the late s as a strong and intelligent herding dog. Later, it became one of the most popular dogs and the parent to one of the most popular breeds in the USA. It is a working dog that can also help the blind as a reliable guide dog, chase criminals, sniff out illegal substances at the airport and in malls, visit the sick as a fun dog, and herd sheep. They were able to help find survivors and comfort rescue forces. American German Shepherds are slightly different from their German counterparts. They have become more accustomed to family life and will show slightly different behavior. The dog usually lives up to 14 years, with an average life of 10 years. The male reaches a maximum weight of 90 pounds, while the female will be slightly lighter, weighing around 70 pounds. German Shepherd Pros and Cons There are several differences between members of the same breed, so these traits might not be common in every German Shepherd dog you encounter. Here are the pros and cons of the German Shepherd. Here are some of the advantages of getting a German Shepherd. Strong body German Shepherds have strong muscular bodies to be able to herd sheep. Due to its history as a herding dog, you can expect a lot from this strong and smart dog. It likes to stay active and will appreciate daily walks and play sessions that you both can enjoy together. Long Life Span German Shepherds can live up to 14 years. As long as you keep an eye on your dog, take them to the vet, pay attention to their diet, and make sure that they exercise regularly, they will have a long healthy life. Some health problems are expected at an older age, just like other dog breeds. Intelligent If you take a moment to think about all the things that the German Shepherd can do nowadays, you will realize how highly intelligent this dog breed is. This dog loves to have a job. German Shepherds were the first service dogs in the United States. They were also used to help the blind, the deaf, and people who suffer from seizures. Dogs can detect epileptic seizures 45 minutes before they occur. This dog is an excellent rescue dog and can sniff out survivors in buildings collapses as well as avalanches. They will go out of their way to warn you in case of danger. In addition to being highly trainable, a German Shepherd also has a desire to please. This means that you can teach your dog to do anything you want. Obedient This dogs understand the rules and will follow them. They will always listen to orders, and this qualifies them as excellent show dogs. German Shepherds take part and succeed at agility and obedience competitions because they are easy to train. To make sure that your dog is following your orders, you should be the alpha leader. In general, German Shepherds are easy going and will listen to whatever you tell them to do. Loyal German Shepherds are loyal dogs and will go out of their way to help you in case of danger. These dogs make great family dogs with a strong desire to protect their owner. A German Shepherd is approachable but takes time to trust strangers. Once you have established a good relationship with your puppy, you will have a loyal life companion. All the time you spend with your dog as a puppy will be reflected in a lifetime of loyalty where your German Shepherd will always try to keep you safe and happy. Your dog will usually identify the parental figure in the house and have a huge love and respect for you as a protective parent. Excellent guard dogs, they can have an aloof attitude and can even become a little aggressive if they feel danger. This dog is extremely protective of its owner and will do their best to protect you in case of danger. It has a powerful jaw and will not hesitate to attack anyone who might threaten you. This is why it will work for you if you live alone and need a companion to keep you safe. The German Shepherd is a courageous and fearless dog. Beautiful In addition to its exceptional personality, this dog is also very beautiful. It has a lush smooth coat and bold yet loving eyes. The pointed ears give this dog an alert appearance while the face shows its good nature. Combined with their gentle yet strong personality, German Shepherds are very beautiful. The puppies look lovely and innocent, and the adult dogs are also a delight to look at. Various Colors There are different types and color variations of German Shepherds you can choose from. The most common colors are black and tan, but you can find black and cream, black and red, blue, gray, sable, and even white German Shepherds. White is not considered a standard color for the breed by the American Kennel Club, but you can still get a white dog if you want to. Clean Taking care of a German Shepherd is pretty straightforward. As a matter of fact, 4 to 6 baths a year would be enough. Too much bathing strips the hair of its natural oils and make it less healthy and more prone to falling and excessive shedding. You can give your dog a bath whenever they get into mud or if you feel that they need special cleaning. Use a mild dog shampoo and a special brush to remove the tangled hair, mats, and knots. One of the pros of owning a German Shepherd is that you will not have a problem traveling with your dog and take him wherever you want to go. German Shepherds Cons Despite all the amazing traits of the German Shepherd, owning one comes with a few disadvantages. German Shepherds need a lot of daily exercise, love to run, and enjoy long play sessions. If you keep your dog in an apartment, you should take it out for regular walks. Not getting enough exercise can make your dog too aggressive or depressed. Giving your dog the needed physical stimulation every day will keep them in good health and will also decrease the tendency for less desirable behaviors like barking or chewing. The dog suffers from separation anxiety if you tend to leave them for long periods on their own. German Shepherds are family dogs and enjoy playing and interacting with everyone in the house. If you tend to spend long hours away from home, your dog will become too depressed and bored because they need human interaction. Dogs that suffer from separation anxiety when left alone for too long will chew on furniture pieces, a common trait of German Shepherds. They will also bark and act a little bit aggressive. An under-exercised and ignored dog will show you that it needs attention by engaging in destructive behaviors. Health Problems Like many other dogs, German Shepherds are prone to hip dysplasia , especially when they get older. This condition is too painful and deprives the dog of moving properly. This dog can also suffer from epilepsy , which leads to seizures. Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus or bloat is one of the common health problems in German Shepherds. It usually happens when the dog drinks a large amount of water after eating or exercises vigorously after a big meal. The stomach fills with gas and then twists, so it can be very painful. If left untreated, the blood will not be able to travel back to the heart, and the dog can go into shock. However, their ears are also prone to infections and checking the ears once a week is strongly recommended to prevent health problems. They Shed a Lot A typical German Shepherd has a dense medium-length coat to protect the dog from rain, snow, and dirt. The outer layer could have straight hair or can be curly or wavy. The luscious coat of the German Shepherd comes with a few cons. German Shepherds shed a lot all year long, so you need to invest in a good vacuum cleaner that handles pet hair and dander efficiently. In addition to regular shedding, the dog loses its heavy undercoat twice a year, which can be a serious problem for German Shepherd owners. Regular grooming and cleaning the hair regularly will help you deal with this issue. You should brush the hair at least 3 or 4 times a week to keep the shedding under control. Needs Socialization German Shepherds are generally quite nervous around strangers. Their aloof nature makes them great guard dogs, but they can become a little too anxious when they meet people for the first time. Early socialization is essential to help your dog overcome their natural fear. Your German Shepherd is a smart dog and can pick up proper behavior by watching how humans and other dogs interact. As long as you socialize your German Shepherd with other pets, dogs, and children since puppyhood, there will be no serious issues. German Shepherd puppies are quite expensive and need special care and treatment. Final Thoughts All future dog owners should first consider all the pros and cons of owning a German Shepherd. A German Shepherd is an exceptional dog. Bringing one to your home comes with lots of pros because this dog is easy to train and will always put your life first. However, you should be able to give this dog the attention it needs. They also need lots of physical stimulation and should always be given a job to do. Related Content. German shepherd origin German Shepherd pros and cons Advantages of owning a German Shepherd are abundant. GSD owners report that the breed is easy to train, highly intelligent and can be trained to a high standard. Pros of German Shepherds include the dog's desire to please the owner which helps during training. German Shepherd breed has many other advantages, including the dog's willingness to protect the owner and to guard the owner's posessions, including the home where a German Shepherd lives. German Shepherds are very protective of their families and can be trained for personal protection. German Shepherds are perfect dogs for active owners who can spend most of the time with the dog. GSD dogs can be trained for a variety of jobs, from personal protection to search and rescue and so much more. Despite many positives associated with owning a wonderful companion dog such as the German Shepherd, there are some negatives that need to be taken into consideration. Cons of owning a German Shepherd include the dog's grooming needs. Due to abundant shedding German Shepherds need to be brushed frequently and owners of GSD can benefit from having a good vacuum cleaner that will help to control the amount of dog's hair around the home. German Shepherds are very active and without sufficient exercise the disadvantage is that the dog may display unwanted behaviors that include damaging furniture or recreational barking. This working dog needs to have a job to do. The original purpose of the breed was to be a shepherd dog and owners of GSD dogs need to understand that this breed is not ideal for sitting around the home with nothing to do all day long. City dwellers may find that German Shepherd is not an ideal breed for a small apartment. The large and energetic dog benefits from having lots of space to run and an ideal home for a German Shepherd should have a yard where the dog can run around and explore. Disadvantages of owning a German Shepherd is that this large dog requires daily training and mental stimulation. Disadvantages of owning a German Shepherd include the breed's health problems. German Shepherds are predisposed to certain genetic diseases that include hip dysplasia. High impact exercises such as jumping should be avoided to minimize the risk of joint problems down the road. German Shepherd litter size: 5 to 10 puppies How long do German Shepherds live? German Shepherd life span: 9 to 12 years How much does a German Shepherd cost? German shepherd is a large working breed that is loyal to the owner. This German dog breed is exceptionally intelligent and easy to train. German Shepherd is among the top five most intelligent dog breeds. Fearless and alert temperament of German shepherd makes a good watchdog. For German shepherds, their work is their life. These dogs are often used by the law enforcement services as well as by the rescue teams. German shepherds are still used for herding today among other jobs. Are German Shepherds good with kids? A properly socialized German Shepherd makes a loyal and even tempered family dog that can enjoy the company of sensible kids. Tireless German Shepherds have plenty of energy needed for playing with active kids in the yard. German Shepherds are naturally protective and intelligent dogs that can be wonderful companions for active families. Keep in mind that German Shepherds are not recommended as apartment dogs - the large working dog breed is happiest in a home with a yard and a job to do. German shepherds make an excellent companion and a family dog as long as you properly train and socialize the dog. Socializing a German shepherd helps to achieve that stable and confident temperament that German Shepherds are known and valued for. Introduce your puppy to people of different age groups, take the GSD German Shepherd Dog with you wherever you go - to a busy street, to the park, to a mall, anywhere the dog is permitted. Make sure to keep the dog comfortable during your outings as your goal is for the dog to feel comfortable in different environments. Introduce your German Shepherd to people that frequently visit your home, to your friends and relatives. Some people argue that when training a GSD as a guard dog, there's no need for the dog to feel comfortable around strangers and therefore socializing it with various people is not necessary. The reality is if your dog is spending his days locked in the backyard, without seeing other people or the outside enviroment, the dog may become fear-aggressive, and will not be able to distinguish a mailman from a burglar. By socializing the dog you are helping the dog to distinguish which situations are safe and which situations may be out of ordinary and when his guarding instinct needs to kick in. Nanuq is the name of the German Shepherd Alsatian on the picture. We learned from Nanuq's owner that he is a very special dog. Nanuq is gentle around kids, friendly with every dog and human that he meets and will never show aggression. Nanuq is very capable of defending himself when necessary and at the same time he would never be the one to start a dog fight. Well-socialized German Shepherds such as Nanuq can set an example of a well-mannered dog in various situations, making their owners feel proud. For example, a mailman approaching your home should not be considered a threat. But a stranger trying to enter the property should get his attention. This is why it is important to socialize the dog so that he would be able to understand which situations are safe and which require his attention. German shepherd's original job was to protect the herd from any dangers. The dog's family becomes his herd and as a result this breed does so well as a guard and protection dog. It is a natural instinct of your German Shepherd to react to any changes in the environment and to be alert. A German Shepherd that is not properly socialized will react to each stimuli. As a result the dog will be getting stressed out by everyday situations, for example any time a neighbor walks past your property or if there's an unfamiliar dog on the street passing by. This is the reason why early socialization is so important. A properly socialized German Shepherd will be confident when walking on the street and seeing other dogs passing by, nor will the dog try to attack the neighbor. Be sure to provide enough socialization to dog to build his confidence in the world around. The GSD then can distinguish a dangerous situation from a situation that should not alarm him. Naturally there will be less needless barking as the dog will not react in an alarmed way to normal everyday events. One of the most unrated aspects of a German shepherd is his gentle personality. Despite the large size, German shepherd makes a good house dog. The gentle serving nature is what leads to the German shepherd's most amazing role of guiding the visually impaired. A guide dog helps a blind person to avoid situations that might endanger his blind partner. German Shepherds can also serve as hearing assistance dogs. These dogs are trained to alert their deaf or hearing-impaired human partner to important sounds, like the person's name, a baby's cry, the alarm clock's ring, the oven timer's buzz and the fire alarm's wail. When the German shepherd hears the sound, the dog is trained to go to the person and give a signal, such as a nudge of his nose which indicates that he heard something that the deaf person needs to know about. Then the German shepherd will indicate the source of the sound so that the owner can respond appropriately. A well-trained service dog can do most of the tasks that would otherwise force a person to hire a human helper. Intelligence, loyalty and courage made the breed perfect for a variety of different tasks. The German shepherd's reputation as a police dog is legendary. The reason is versatility. German shepherds are often used for search and rescue, narcotics and bomb detection. See video below for more detailed information about this working dog breed. German shepherd shedding Do German Shepherds shed? Yes, German Shepherds are famous for abundant shedding. The dog's coat changes twice a year and each shedding period lasts about a month or more. To keep your animal looking tidy and to reduce the amount of dog hair clinging to your clothes and furniture, daily brushing is recommended especially during the heavy shedding months. Brushing your dog outside may help to reduce the amount of dog hair you will need to clean up after you brush the dog. Check Price Using a Furminator deshedding tool helps to keep a German Shepherd shedding to a minimum. See German Shepherd Furminator review video below. In the video, a German Shepherd owner is using a Furminator brush on his German Shepherd for the first time. White German Shepherd German shepherds come in a wide range of colors. Black and tan, black and red, black and silver, sable, solid black and even solid white German shepherds. Solid white German Shepherd is the same breed, and the only difference is the color of the coat. When the German Shepherd breed was newer, all-white puppies were frequently born to dark-colored parents. Most German breeders and many American breeders killed the white pups at birth because they were considered defective and could not be registered or entered in shows. Now, German Shepherds of any color, including white German Shepherds are welcome in Agility, Obedience, Rally, and other companion competition events. In the Conformation ring, however, dark, richly colored shepherds are generally preferred, and white German shepherds are disqualified. Solid black German Shepherds are often called Lacquer Blacks. Solid black color can be almost invisible in dark surroundings or at night. The coat length can range from short to long and have the appearance of feathering, flowing or skirting. Regardless of the color of your German Shepherd, your four-legged friend should have the stable temperament that we expect from the breed. German shepherd grooming How often should you bathe a German Shepherd? Bathe your German shepherd every month or so. Be sure to completely wash out the shampoo to prevent skin issues. Thoroughly dry your dog before going outside after a bath. Wipe the dog's ears with clean, soft towel after bath to help prevent ear infections. Dog shower attachment From an early age get your German Shepherd accustomed to having his teeth brushed only use toothpaste formulated for dogs. Brush the dog's teeth every day to prevent dental issues. Provide your German Shepherd with chewable treats that help to keep teeth healthy. Trimming German Shepherd nails is an important part of grooming. If you notice that your pet's nails are too long - it may be painful for the German shepherd to walk. Trim your GSD's nails when you hear clicking sounds as the dog walks on a hardwood floor. Dog ear wipes provide an easy way to keep your dog's ears clean. German shepherd training Start training your German Shepherd as soon as your dog enters your home for the first time. It is important to establish rules from the very beginning, especially with a large breed such as German shepherd. Basic obedience training for German shepherd is a must. Basic commands help you to have a good control over your GSD. If you like teaching your German shepherd the basics, you will probably enjoy teaching the dog advanced skills even more. Advanced skills are needed for show dogs. Playing and walking with your German shepherd helps to raise a physically healthy animal. Training your German shepherd basic commands and helping your German shepherd to memorize names of different objects - such as his toys will help your puppy to develop intellectually. Some German Shepherd owners provide a dog with one new toy at a time and keep repeating the name of the new toy. Let the dog play only with this toy for a few days until the dog clearly associates the toy with the name of the toy. This way you can build your German shepherd's vocabulary from an early age. Do not rush this process and stay consistent. Once you achieved success, keep moving forward. Whenever your dog did something wrong - stay calm and do not call your German shepherd to come to you. If you do that - the dog will associate you calling it with a punishment. It is best to ignore the bad behavior and praise the good behavior. Use one word commands and only say the command once. If you say the command more than once, the dog will think that the command consists of more than one word and as a result may ignore the command if you only say it once down the road. If you let your dog to sleep on a couch today, then it is reasonable to expect the same behavior tomorrow. If your house rule is - no dogs on a couch then be sure to enforce it at all times with no exceptions. Clear house rules are important for you and for your dog. Stay consistent and patient and you are going to achieve success. If your German shepherd is easily excitable and hyperactive, you can help to fix this problem by ignoring hyperactivity and rewarding calm behavior. Learn more about training a German shepherd puppy by watching the video below. German shepherd personal protection training German Shepherds are among the top breeds used for personal protection. Highly intelligent, strong and naturally territorial German Shepherd can be trained to protect the owner and the owner's family. Personal protection involves advanced training techniques and you will likely need to enroll your dog in training classes that specialize in personal protection. Special equipment such as protective clothing will be used during training. Be sure to do a thorough research on training techniques that the school uses and get in touch with people who had their dogs trained for personal protection in that school. Ask questions and take your time before you select the right dog training school and instructor to train your dog. Selecting the wrong instructor can be a disaster for your dog and for you. Do your homework and research before you commit your GSD to the training. Protection dog training is a costly and time-consuming process. Protection dog training may take about a year and sometimes even longer. A properly trained for protection German Shepherd will be able to protect you in any environment, not only in the artificial environment where the dog got the training. The dog will be able to think independently from you rather than rely on your commands during a real life situation when you may not have the time or opportunity to give the dog any commands. At the end of the training you and your dog will have a partnership type of relationship rather than a master-servant type of a relationship. Protection dog training involves educating not only the dog but also the owner will need to gain a lot of knowledge of how to handle a personal protection dog in order to enable the dog to do its job right. The dog in turn will be able to protect your family members from attacks, abduction attempts, and during home invasion if of course the dog was trained not only for sport but for real life situations. These types of dangerous situation require that the dog makes independent decisions in a quickly changing situation. To get the dog to the level where he is able to make the correct decisions based on real-life threats, the owner needs to develop a mutually understanding relationship with the dog that completed the training. Keep in mind that the fully trained dog will need to complete re-fresher courses every twelve to eighteen months which can add up to expenses already spent on training the dog initially. There are plenty of dog trainers that claim that they are able to train your dog for a real life protection. Pay close attention to how the training is conducted. Are the dogs trained only during the daytime and on the same territory? If so - the dog may not properly react at night and in a different setting when the real attack takes place. Are the trainers always wearing protective sleeves and the training attacks are following the exact same set routine every time? Is the dog only trained to respond to one attacker? If you have a positive answer to any of these questions then the protection training is done for sport rather than for a real life attack situation and the dog can not be considered to be a trained protection dog. Best dog food for German Shepherds Feed your German shepherd twice a day. Make sure that you are feeding your German shepherd quality dog food that does not include corn for protein as some German shepherds may be allergic to corn protein. German shepherds need to have access to clean drinking water throughout the day. Pick a high-quality dog food made for large-breed dogs. Cheaper dog foods contain too much fat or vegetable protein, and this can lead to rapid growth which in turn can result in hip or elbow dysplasia. Lower quality ingredients may result in vitamin and mineral deficiencies that can cause skeletal complications later in life. An active pound 36 kg adult German Shepherd needs to eat approximately four cups ml of premium dry kibble food or two-and-a-half pounds 1 kg of fresh meat and bone each day. Owning a German Shepherd pros and cons Remember the following basic requirements if you are thinking of getting a German shepherd dog: the dog requires daily exercise, training, and of course your time and attention. Without enough exercise your German shepherd is more likely to get joint diseases as well as become destructive. Lack of regular exercise leads to weakened muscles and heart. Exercise your German shepherd by walking, running with dog pals, playing fetch, swimming, etc. They are very active dogs with tremendous learning capability. German shepherd is a big dog and at least basic training is necessary to provide the owner with a good level of control over the dog. The German shepherd enjoys both mental and physical stimulation and can greatly benefit from training lessons with either the owner or a dog training professional. You are also building your dogs trust by walking the dog, feeding him and by playing dog games with your German shepherd. Bonding with your German shepherd is a process and as you are spending time with your dog, the bond grows into a lifelong friendship. If your German Shepherd spends a lot of time in the yard, it is a good idea to provide the dog with a comfortable dog house. A dog house helps to protect the dog during inclement weather. If you live in a warm climate, choose a dog house with good air flow to keep the German Shepherd comfortable during hot days. Due to their emotionally stable nature German shepherds make a great addition to families with children. German shepherds are protective of their family, and can be very territorial. Before you get a German shepherd, research the temperament of the puppy that you are planning to get. The temperament of the dog is shaped by the genetics and the environment in which the puppy grows up. Socializing the dog from an early age, providing the dog with plenty of positive interaction with humans and other dogs is very important for raising a well adjusted dog. Cons and pros of owning a German Shepherd - video Where to get a German Shepherd You can get a German shepherd puppy from a reputable breeder or from a German Shepherd rescue. In both cases it is beneficial to learn as much as possible about the dog's temperament to ensure that the dog is a good fit for you and your family. Breeders provide their puppy buyers with complete health records for their pup, a four-generation pedigree, and the proper paperwork to register the dog. Be sure to find out whether the breeder conducted an x-ray testing for hip and elbow abnormalities prior to breeding and ask to see the results. Another option is adopting a German Shepherd from a shelter or a German Shepherd rescue organization. Many wonderful dogs end up there through no fault of their own. Dogs are given up for adoption for many reasons, most commonly because of changes in the owner's situation. A dog owner finds a job in a new town and the family can not take the dog with them. A family member develops an allergy to the German shepherd. The owner dies and no one in the family is willing to take the dog. When you adopt a dog from a shelter or rescue organization, there may not be much information available about the German shepherd's past. Ask the person handling the adoption to tell you as much as possible about the dog's behavior while he was in their care. German Shepherd puppies are sometimes found in shelters or German Shepherd rescue organizations, but most of the dogs are either adolescents or adults. There are some advantages to getting an older dog. The older German Shepherd may already be housetrained and may know some obedience cues and have other good skills. If you are set on getting a German shepherd puppy, then you may need to wait a while to get one from a shelter or from a German Shepherd rescue organization. In case you are selecting a pup from a litter of multiple German Shepherd puppies, be sure to pay close attention to the way puppies interact with one another. Observing the puppies will help you to understand each dog's inborn personality traits that will normally get more prominent as the puppy matures into an adult German shepherd. There's also a very simple puppy personality test that you can try and it will help you to quickly assess the character traits of all puppies in the litter. Inborn temperament along with the environment where the dog is growing up will be the main factors that determine the character of the full-grown German shepherd dog. If you invest your time and energy into developing your German shepherd from an early age, treat the dog with respect and expect the same from the dog, you will enjoy years of rewarding experiences with your German shepherd in return. Choosing a German shepherd puppy will be easier if you already know what you'd like your dog to accomplish. If you are looking for a German Shepherd to participate in competitive sports such as Obedience, Agility, Tracking, or Herding then seek out breeders whose German shepherds have proven their potential in the sports that interest you. The same approach works in case you are looking to exhibit your German Shepherd in Conformation shows. You would need to narrow your choices of German shepherd breeders to those whose dogs have proven accomplishments in Conformation shows. Conformation shows are competitive events where German shepherds and purebred dogs of other breeds are judged against the written Standard of Perfection for their breed. The Standard describes the ideal appearance, gait, and temperament of the breed. Males and Females are judged separately, and the winner in each sex is awarded from one to five championship points. The number of points is determined by how many dogs compete. Winners in both sexes are then judged together, along with champions, and the dog among them is selected as the Best of Breed BOB for that day. That dog then goes on to compete against the other BOB winners in his group. German Shepherds are in the Herding Group. A Conformation dog must be kept in peak of health in order to win. To find the right German shepherd for protecting your farm animals from predators you would naturally go to a breeder whose dogs have a proven record of related protection work. Temperament, structure and talent can all be inherited and passed down from German shepherd parents to pups. Training and the right kind of stimulation can enhance and strengthen a German shepherd's inherited potential. To excel in a particular activity or sport, the potential must be present from the beginning. As you are choosing a German Shepherd puppy for a certain activity or sport, it would be a good idea to bring someone experienced in the field to evaluate the pup or dog before you make the final decision. For example, Obedience trials test a dog's response to his handler. The German shepherd must obey verbal commands and hand signals immediately, precisely and willingly. The handler is allowed to command the GSD once, and then must give no further cues until the exercise is finished. Between the exercises the handler is allowed to praise and pet the dog, but the dog must remain under the handler's control. There are several levels of difficulty in Obedience, with a title to be earned at each level by attaining three to ten qualifying scores at that level. A qualifying score in Obedience is or better. A perfect score is .Obedience levels include Novice Obedience, Open and Utility level. In Rally, the German shepherd and handler heel together around a course of numbered stations, each with a sign indicating an exercise for the handler and the dog to perform. About fifty exercises test the dog's and handler's teamwork skills. In Rally the handler is permitted to talk and encourage the dog. For Agility, dogs are judged on speed and accuracy over a course of jumps, tunnels, ramps and other obstacles. Each German shepherd is timed as he individually races over a numbered obstacle course as directed by his handler. In Agility the dog performs the jumps and obstacles and the handler does not. An experienced Agility German Shepherd learns to respond instantly to subtle movements of his handler's shoulders, hips, and knees on the course, as cues for changes in direction or pace. Types of German shepherds There are two types of German shepherds: the working line German Shepherds and the show line German Shepherds. There is a significant difference between the temperaments of the two types. The show line German shepherds tend to be more calm and mellow. The working line German Shepherds are more hyper and high energy than show line dogs. Working line type of German shepherds do well with more active owners that spend plenty of time exercising the dog, playing and walking with this active animal. Be sure to select the type of German Shepherd that matches your level of energy. For example, if you are a couch potato then it would be a mistake to get a working type German shepherd. The reason is that a working type German shepherd that is not sufficiently exercised will turn into a frustrated animal and as a result such dogs tend to damage furniture or shoes which is a sign of a dog that is frustrated. Working line German Shepherds are more appropriate for people who enjoy running, exercising and other physical activities that can provide enough exercise for your dog. German shepherd health issues German shepherds tend to have joint problems as they age. If you notice that your dog is beginning to have trouble walking take it to the veterinarian. Your veterinarian can prescribe the appropriate medication that will help your aging dog with the joint pain. German shepherds are also predisposed to hip dysplasia. For healthy German Shepherds and for German Shepherds with joint issues or arthritis, getting a good quality orthopedic dog bed allow him to get a good rest. The dog may start preferring sleeping in his own bed rather than trying to take over yours. Pannus, which is an inflammation of the corneas of both eyes is a common eye disease that affects mainly German shepherds and German shepherd mixes. Bloat is another dangerous condition that German Shepherds are susceptible to. Signs of bloat include the dog trying to vomit but nothing or little comes out, the dog appears uncomfortable, whining, pacing, sitting up or getting back down in an effort to eliminate the discomfort. Obvious abdominal pain, abdomen may feel tight, like the skin of a drum, heavy salivating and the dog may go into shock where the gums turn pale color, elevated heartbeat and irregular, shallow breathing may be observed. Take the dog to the veterinarian immediately if you see any of these signs of bloat as bloat can turn deadly within an hour. Call your vet and let the vet know that the dog is potentially suffering from bloat before you leave your home so that the veterinarian will be prepared to take care of the dog as soon as possible. To minimize the risk of German Shepherd developing bloat, feed the dog twice a day and use slow feeder dog bowl that helps to slow down a fast eater. The dog should eat in a calm state of mind as an excited dog swallows more air along with food, which is associated with bloat. German shepherd origin German shepherds originate in Germany and their ancestors were the shepherding dogs. The breed was created by Max von Stephanitz in .Max von Stephanitz started a breeding program using the best dogs he could find in order to create an exceptional working dog. Back when the breed was developed, shepherds needed a dog that could do more than push a few sheep around. The dog had to have a good nose for tracking a lost sheep. They needed a helper that could work all day, that was fast and could work independently. As a result the German shepherd breed was developed. Compare German Shepherd to other large dog breeds. The German Shepherd is a well-rounded breed of dog and there is a reason for its popularity among dog lovers! They are usually very easy to train and learn quickly, due to their love of learning and how much they love being with their owners. Loyalty The German Shepherd also has a reputation for being an extremely loyal breed of dog. There have been stories throughout the years describing the loyalty of the German Shepherd, from the German Shepherd who helped keep a child alive to the German Shepherd who died protecting his beloved owner. These stories of the heroism of a German Shepherd are not few and far between, either. All over the world, the loyalty of the German Shepherd is renowned and celebrated by fans of the breed. Affectionate In addition to their loyalty, German Shepherds also tend to be a very affectionate breed of dog. They are quick to bond with their owner though sometimes this bond maybe with only one person in the household! While they can vary from dog to dog in how cuddly they are, there is a universal level of affection in the German Shepherd breed and all of them generally enjoy being around their owners and being directly involved in the goings on of a household. Guard Dog German Shepherds also make excellent guard dogs , even if they never receive the proper training to do so. As part of their often extreme loyalty to their owners, the breed has very high protective instincts which makes them a great choice for those who are looking for a dog to watch over their house and deter potential thieves and attackers. Athletic Another big pro of the German Shepherd breed is their athleticism, high energy level, and good work ethic. These dogs love being active! The German Shepherd is a popular choice for those who enjoy physical activities such as hiking , running , swimming , or other sports. German Shepherds do well in the rural countryside and in the heart of the city. Provided their physical and mental needs are being met, they make great dogs for apartment or condo living. They also do well in a variety of weather and temperatures, from hotter parts of the world to some of the coldest and wettest locations. Their intelligence, loyalty, and bravery also mean they are less likely to shy away from new experiences and encounters though this can vary based on their individual history and socialization training. Family Dog The German Shepherd also has a well-earned reputation for being a great family dog. Provided they are trained from a young age and socialized appropriately, German Shepherds do very well with children of all ages and sizes. They can thrive in busy family environments and their loyal and affectionate nature means they are often gentle and patient with children. They also tend to have a higher level of tolerance than other breeds, and as long as the children have been taught how to interact with dogs in an appropriate and safe way, a German Shepherd is likely quite happy to indulge a child in their often unique play scenarios and environments. While their popularity has its own set of pros and cons which we discuss in part below , in general, the popularity of the German Shepherd makes them easy to locate if you are on the search for one. In addition to rescues, there is a large network of reputable German Shepherd breeders who strive to highlight the best of the breed while reducing the number of genetic issues the breed currently faces. Health Issues Unfortunately, one of the biggest cons to the German Shepherd breed is a plethora of health-related issues. Due to poor breeding over the years which is also discussed further down in this list , the German Shepherd tends to be prone to genetic conditions such as hip dysplasia , elbow dysplasia , and degenerative myelopathy. While there are many other potential health issues German Shepherds may face, these three health conditions are the most prominent and most common. While each of these disorders and many others have testing available for dogs that someone is considering breeding, many unethical breeders choose not to conduct those genetic tests and thus the conditions are still widely seen in the breed as a whole. German Shepherds are also prone to diet sensitivities, skin conditions, heart problems, and certain cancers. Grooming Requirements While there are certainly other breeds of dogs that require much more grooming than the German Shepherd such as the Siberian Husky or many of the Poodle crosses , the German Shepherd does still require a moderate amount of care when it comes to their coats. Depending on the coat type of your German Shepherd, they may require weekly brushing to avoid matting and at least twice per year a German Shepherd will shed heavily check out our article on how to deal with the shedding! However, they do not require shaving or any type of breed cuts unlike the Poodle and other breeds who require more specific grooming to maintain their coat health. Separation Anxiety One of the not-so-nice reputations that the German Shepherd has gained is their propensity for separation anxiety. This is largely due to their loyalty to their owners and their dislike of being left alone for long periods of time, and much of the time the anxious behaviors are not clinical separation anxiety that requires veterinary intervention but rather separation anxiety that can be dealt with under the guidance of a reputable trainer or behaviorist. If a German Shepherd is not conditioned to being away from their owners and left alone for long periods of time, they may develop anxious and destructive behaviors including chewing, digging, scratching, and excessive vocalization such as howling and whining. Poor Breeding As we discussed above, the popularity of the German Shepherd makes them easy to find but this popularity has also resulted in poor breeding and many unethical breeders who choose to breed for profit rather than for the love of the breed. There are many, many backyard breeders and puppy mills dedicated to the German Shepherd and it can be difficult to locate a well-bred dog from a reputable breeder. This poor breeding has led to many of the genetic issues the breed faces, as well as a risk for increased aggression, anxiety, and other mental health disorders in the breed. Behavioral Issues As with many breeds of dogs, the behavioral issues a German Shepherd displays are largely related to their genetics and how they were raised. In line with the poor breeding practices of many German Shepherd breeders, certain behavioral issues can be present in the breed. This can include an increased level of aggression and lower tolerance to external stimuli, obsessive-compulsive disorders such as circling and pacing or chewing of themselves or others, excessive licking , excessive fear responses, and other genetic issues as a result of poor breeding. Energy Requirements One of the pros of a German Shepherd is their athleticism and high energy levels, but this can also be considered a con for some, especially if you have two German Shepherds. If a German Shepherd is not adequately exercised both physically and mentally , they risk developing destructive habits and other behavioral issues that can be hard to fix. Vocal Dogs For some the bark of the German Shepherd is plus, but for many others, their love of barking, whining, and expressing themselves vocally might be a bit too much. This is especially true if you live in an apartment or neighborhood setting. While this vocalization can be reduced if the dogs are given plenty of exercise and mental stimulation, it can be a lengthy and sometimes frustrating experience trying to deter the barking. Investment This last con is not exclusive to German Shepherds, but the breed may be more prone to being an expensive dog to keep due to their larger size and potential for health-related issues. As a larger breed of dog, German Shepherds require a larger amount of food which can add up over time. In addition, the breed does frequently experience dietary issues so special foods with limited ingredients or more unique protein sources might also increase their food bill. Due to the risks of health issues such as dysplasias and other genetic conditions, German Shepherds also often require additional health screenings and veterinary care especially in their senior years to help manage these issues. Outside of monetary investment, German Shepherds also require a hefty dose of energy investment from their owners. As a high-energy breed, they need frequent and vigorous physical exercise. Their high intelligence also means they can get bored easily so they will need more mental stimulation as well. The German Shepherd is also very owner-oriented and so many require quite a bit of affection and attention from their owners which can sometimes be difficult for owners to deal with if they want some time alone. The benefits of getting a puppy include being able to really shape the puppy and ensure that you have a well socialized, happy, and healthy German Shepherd once they reach adulthood. The downsides to getting a puppy include having to go through the potty training process, the teething phase, and the general work that comes with having a curious young pup! The benefits of getting an adult German Shepherd include little to minimal work when it comes to potty training, less or no mouthiness, and many adult German Shepherds who have already received basic training. The risks of getting an adult German Shepherd include training issues for dogs who received poor socialization as a puppy, bad habits that have been instilled in them by previous owners and which may require some work to change, and less time with your German Shepherd as they may already be well into their adult or even senior years. Getting A German Shepherd From A Shelter With pet overpopulation at an all-time high, adopting a German Shepherd from a shelter or rescue group is a great option to help a dog who is at risk and to open up space in the shelter or rescue for another dog. Due to their extreme popularity, you can frequently find purebred German Shepherds at many local shelters. Purebred puppies are also frequently available during the peak of puppy season. There are also a variety of German Shepherd rescue groups throughout the country , and many of these groups can arrange for the transportation of your newly adopted dog through a network of volunteers. Visiting with the German Shepherd you are interested in will allow you to see if there are any concerning behaviors, and oftentimes many shelters and rescue groups have a full history of the dog and insight into their behaviors and health. While some rescue Shepherds may require a little bit of initial work, their intelligence, trainability, and need for affection usually mean they are quick to learn and adapt to their new home and lifestyle. Getting A German Shepherd From A Breeder If you opt to go the breeder route to get your German Shepherd, make sure you are very thorough in your research when choosing which breeder to get your pup from. As we discussed above, the popularity of the German Shepherd has led to a lot of poor breeding practices. Backyard breeders and those who primarily post their puppies through social media and sales sites should be avoided. Similarly, any breeder who does not allow you to come and visit the parents of the puppies or who does not want you to see where the puppies are being raised is another red flag. Responsible breeders will have contracts that go with their puppies, and they should also be providing you with the genetic test results that prove their dogs are healthy and free of any genetic defects like degenerative myelopathy. Female German Shepherds should also get breaks in between litters and there should not be back-to-back breedings so she is allowed time to recover from each litter. Unethical breeders care little for the health of their German Shepherds and many will breed their dogs constantly resulting in strain on the mother and unhealthy puppies. Good places to start your research for ethical and responsible German Shepherds include German Shepherd breed clubs , local dog clubs, the AKC website, and through word of mouth with other German Shepherd lovers. Closing Thoughts German Shepherds are a wonderful breed of dog, but they might not be the dog for everyone. Carefully considering what a German Shepherd requires and how those needs fit into your own lifestyle is part of responsible pet ownership. If you like the look but not the breed, consider finding a dog that looks similar to a German Shepherd instead. Researching where and how you will get your new pup is the next step, whether you are opting to go through a responsible breeder or adopting from a shelter or rescue. My 2 German Shepherds and 1 Siberian Husky mix keep my busy, along with my 8 cats I am also a crazy cat lady and my axolotl Fin Diesel he's all about family. We go to great lengths to help users better understand their pets; however, the content on this blog is not a substitute for veterinary guidance. Additionally, NotABully. German shepherds often have a lot of health problems. They are large in size and have an abundance of energy. Sometimes german shepherds bark a lot. Their temperament can sometimes be disagreeable. It can be hard to find a reputable german shepherd breeder. Sometimes they tend to latch to one person. You will need to be their leader. They can sometimes become aggressive. As you can see there are a lot of pros and cons to keeping german shepherds. So now you know in short the pros and cons of having a german shepherd. On average they live for around years. Most of their lifespan is going to be based on genetics, whereas some of it will also be based on the lifestyle you give them. There are 11 officially recognized color variations for you to choose from. As well as the normal black and tan, you can also get white, black, grey, bicolor and many more colors as well! In fact, this is one of the reasons that german shepherds make such great family pets. When you look at the different jobs dogs can have, german shepherds fill most of them! They can often be herders, guard dogs, and drug sniffers. They can also comfort the sick and old, and become excellent guide dogs as well! However, for your german shepherd to be like this, it is important to remember that they need to be socialized properly. Check out the pros and cons of owning a Rottweiler! They form extremely deep bonds with the people closest to them, who they see as their pack. And these bonds are unlikely to be broken for new people. However, it also causes them to become more wary of strangers. Highly Intelligent And Trainable German shepherds are both highly intelligent and highly trainable. In fact, according to Rover. Of course, training your german shepherd effectively always requires the right training course. However, there is a point where the weather becomes too cold. Find out more here. Find out how to keep your german shepherd cool. But in either case, if the weather is too hot or too cold for your german shepherd, it will be the same for any dog. Check out the pros and cons of owning a golden retriever! Anything more than that and the oil on their coat will be effected. German shepherds rarely smell too doggy. But if they do, you can always buy an effective doggy deodorant for them! Generally, when you have a dog your social life tends to improve. Not to mention that everyone sees dog owners as more trustworthy! They have healthy bodies that help aid in giving them a long and happy life. There are forums and websites all over the internet filled with amazing advice on how to look after your german shepherd! This makes german shepherds even easier to raise and learn about! If you live by the beach or you often visit the beach, then a german shepherd is a great choice for you and your family! Cheaper than replacing everything they might break. And definitely cheaper than a lawsuit against you, if they decide to bite someone. And the best part is it also has a day money-back guarantee! You can also check out a full review here , to learn exactly what the course has to offer! However, with the constraints and lifestyle some people have, they may not be best suited for your own personal circumstances! Here are all the disadvantages of owning a german shepherd. Each time to grow a coat more suitable to the season. Fortunately, there are lots of ways you can manage german shepherds shedding. They Like To Have A Job Unlike some family pets which can just lay around and spend time with your family, german shepherds are going to need a task. Sometimes There Are Health Problems Unfortunately, like all pedigree dogs, there are some health problems that can occur, especially as they begin to get older. Health problems can often mean higher vet bills, and additional care needs to be given to your pup. Some common health problems that occur in german shepherds include dysplasia, arthritis, and deterioration in the rest of their joints as well. A big dog with a lot of energy can quickly become unruly and hard to control. They Need Lots Of Exercise Having a big dog with lots of energy goes hand in hand with giving them a lot of exercise. When you have a german shepherd ideally they should be let off the lead for an hour a day to run around. Fortunately, not all german shepherds bark and there are things you can do to stop them barking. Find out how to stop a german shepherd barking at night, barking at strangers or barking at other dogs. If left unchecked, this wariness can cause them to bark and growl at strangers and other dogs. As well as a lack of training, poor breeding can also cause this to happen as well. Check out this guide on how to socialize your german shepherd. Oftentimes people will breed and breed their german shepherds to make money. Toys like KONGs which can entertain them are a great place to start. This is can become problematic as it causes massive amounts of stress to your german shepherd, and they often end up becoming destructive. But they are going to consume a lot of your time. They Tend To Favor One Person A german shepherd will normally favor the person that provides them with the most care and spends the most time with them. They Can Be Aggressive Aggression will occur in all dogs, but it does seem to be more common in german shepherds. Anything you leave lying around that they can get their paws on could end up being destroyed. Remember though, all dogs can be like this when left alone too long. Then you have to pay for insurance, food, travel, and training for them as well. So after reading all of this, you may be wondering if a german shepherd is going to be the right choice for you and your family. You Like A Challenge Owning a german shepherd can be a challenge. FAQ Now you know all of the pros and cons and as you can see owning a german shepherd is going to be an amazing experience! However, here are some of your most frequently asked questions! If you do have to leave them, make sure you take them for a big walk and that they have plenty of water before you go. On top of this, puppies and seniors dogs should only be left for a couple of hours at a time and no more than 3! German shepherds are known to be extremely vocal dogs, so a lot of the time they do bark a lot. The good news is with proper socialisation and training you can either teach them not bark, or teach them to be fantastic guard dogs. Are German Shepherds Dangerous? All dogs are dangerous! And german shepherds are no exception. German shepherds are not known to bite or attack their owners anymore than any other breed of dog. However, if they are pushed they will try to protect themselves, and obviously german shepherds are going to do a lot more damage than other dogs. Which is one of the reasons you may see german shepherd attacks on the news more often Can Two German Shepherds Live Together? Of course two german shepherds either male or female can live together! If two puppies are raised together they can often create their own pack and become unruly and disobey commands. The difficulty with owning a german shepherd really depends on you as an owner. However, they have strong personalities and if you let them walk all over you they will. Recap Now you know all the pros and cons of owning a german shepherd. I hope you found this article helpful! And make sure you check out the rest of the website.

He wanted a breed that could excel in the rainy climate and rugged terrain of the Scottish Highlands. Marjoribanks perfected the breed for over 50 years, keeping meticulous notes and records of his work. Bloodhound and Irish Setter were eventually added to the mix to produce the Golden Retriever as we know it today. Poodle Breed History: While commonly associated with the French, the Poodle actually originated as a duck hunter in Germany over years ago. Eventually, Poodles made their way from the lake to the life of luxury as they were the breed of choice by French nobles, and eventually royalty across all of Europe. To this day, the Poodle is still the national dog of France. The Toy Poodle started in the United States in the early 20th century to be a city-dwelling companion dog. Goldendoodles followed suit and quickly caught on as one of the most popular varieties of Doodle! The size of the Goldendoodle breed is determined mostly by whether the Poodle parent was a standard, miniature, or toy. On top of that, the gender of the puppy and the genetics of the parents play important factors as well. There are three basic sizes of Goldendoodles—toy, mini, and standard. Teacup, Toy, Mini, Medium, Standard Toy Goldendoodles are the smallest and usually weigh less than 20 pounds and stand under 15 inches tall. A Miniature Goldendoodle will weigh in at around pounds and stand roughly inches tall. The Standard Goldendoodle, will weigh approximately pounds and stand about inches tall. In addition to those three sizes, there are two additional sizes used to be more specific. Teacup Goldendoodles describe dogs on the very small end of Toy Goldendoodles. Medium Goldendoodles describe dogs somewhere in the mid-range of Mini and Standard. Their fur can range anywhere from shaggy, like the Golden Retriever to curly like the Poodle and usually is of medium to long length. A minimum of brushing once per week is required for the Goldendoodle breed, with the ideal frequency being every other day if not every day for more curly-haired dogs. Are Goldendoodles Hypoallergenic? Do Goldendoodles Shed? While this can be true, due to the unpredictability of genetics, there is no guarantee that any particular dog, or litter of dogs will be hypoallergenic. Sebaceous Adenitis Of course, this is just a list to give you a general direction. You can read up more about the several health concerns on the club sites and further resources on the Golden Retriever and the Poodle club. Disclaimer: This is not medical advice and you should ask your vet if you have any questions pertaining to a specific case. Since many dog breeds are the product of poor breeding, it can be debated whether or not your average Goldendoodle really has the best of both worlds. While these two breeds are not a contrast in terms of temperament, they are different in various aspects. Of course, Poodles are no guard dogs but they can definitely be more suspicious of strangers or at the very least, be quite reserved with them. With the family, both dogs should ideally be calm according to their respective breed standards. However, the Retriever side needs to be physically exercised and mentally stimulated. Make no mistake to assume the Poodle is a couch potato, they can be quite active too. Is it better to get a male or female Goldendoodle? As with any dog breed, whether you should get a male or female dog depends on a lot of factors. You also have to make sure your potential new dog gets along with the existing dog which is often a real challenge, especially with rescues. Part of that is owed to fact that females are generally smaller than males. However, there are very calm males out there while females can have lots of behavioral issues, depending on their previous environment and training or lack thereof. Which is better: Goldendoodle or Labradoodle? Both breeds are created with the Poodle as foundation and the Golden Retriever on one side and the Labrador on the other side. The Goldie and the Lab are two of the most popular dogs in the United States and various other countries around the world. Do Goldendoodles Shed? Yes, Goldendoodles shed. Goldendoodles are not hypoallergenic dog breeds. Photo by Lopolo on Shutterstock If you have canine allergies, you can definitely react allergic to this crossbreed and you should not believe any breeder or rescue that tells you otherwise. It may very well be that you react to other dogs while not reacting to the Golden Retriever Poodle mix but that is sheer coincidence. How Much Do Goldendoodles Cost? That does not scare breeders away from charging absurd amounts for their mixes. Yes, breeding can be expensive. Selecting the perfect stud, going to the vet for check-ups, health testing, puppy food, socialisation and club certificates or the lack thereof are all costs associated with breeding. Do not shy away from going the extra mile and paying more for your dog of choice. Do you have a Goldendoodle? Share with us your experiences in the comments below! The resulting dog is a genetic gamble in terms of health and temperament and offers no advantage to a health-tested, properly selected purebred puppy. Check out my article discussing the most relevant scientific study on this topic. Pin This: 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. Reviewed by Monica Tarantino Dr. Monica Tarantino, DVM, is a small animal veterinarian and writer with five years of general practice, emergency medicine, and geriatric pet health experience. She is certified as a Fear Free doctor. They are the ultimate combination of good looks, smart wits, and playfulness. Thanks to their poodle heritage, they shed little and are hypoallergenic. Goldendoodles make an ideal family dog due to their extreme friendliness and social personality. They vary in fur types, colors, and size, so there's no doubt that you'll be able to find one that suits you. Read on to learn more about these high-spirited dogs that'll brighten your day! Their adorable name was coined in .While not officially a registered breed of their own, Goldendoodles are considered a "designer breed" because each of their parents is a purebred, but different breeds from each other. Poodles don't shed and are very athletic and intelligent, while Golden Retrievers are lovable and playful family dogs. The mix makes the Goldendoodle a great choice for a lifelong pal, especially for those with mild pet allergies , though no dog is completely hypoallergenic. It should be noted, again, however, that Goldendoodles are a mixed breed, and it's difficult to tell which traits they will eventually inherit. After all, every dog is a unique individual, regardless of breed. Continue to 2 of 11 below. Get a Goldendoodle! It is important to realize, however, that all dogs have dander dead skin cells , saliva, and urine, where allergens exist, so there is no guarantee a Goldendoodle won't set off an allergic reaction. Regular baths and grooming sessions can help reduce the chances of your pooch setting off your allergies. Continue to 3 of 11 below. With a heritage of two retrieving breeds, Goldendoodles love to play fetch, accompany you on a jog, race around the dog park with the other pooches, or tussle with the kids. These dogs are great companions for active families. There are several different sizes of Goldendoodles, depending on whether their poodle half was toy, miniature, or standard, and their weight and size can vary from 15 pounds up to 60 pounds depending on their parents. Most love going on long walks, runs, and hikes with their owners, but of course you'll need to pace yourself if your Goldendoodle is on the small side. If you like bringing your pup along on outdoor adventures, consider the Goldendoodle for your next dog. Continue to 4 of 11 below. This breed loves to socialize and be near their owners; marry that with a penchant for playfulness, and you will have a buddy to enjoy plenty of time together in the park. They love to play with children as well, and a good romp in the backyard is a great way to burn off some energy from both your kids and your pet. And because this is an intelligent breed of dog, you can easily teach your Goldendoodle not just basic commands, such as sit, stay, and come, but also tricks like roll over, shake, and dance. Continue to 5 of 11 below. They also typically enjoy spending time interacting with other pooches at doggy daycamps or the local dog park. But it doesn't have to be all hustle and bustle with your pet. Although this doesn't make them the best watchdogs, their calm demeanor is part of what makes this adorable canine so friendly. Continue to 6 of 11 below. In general, however, they have thick coats that are medium-to-long. Many people choose to have their Goldendoodle trimmed every few weeks, similar to poodles. This is especially helpful if your dog has longer, curlier hair that's prone to tangles. If you prefer to keep your Goldendoodle natural, it's important to brush the coat regularly to remove tangles and debris. Continue to 7 of 11 below. That's not surprising when you consider that both poodles and golden retrievers were originally bred to serve as retrievers for hunters shooting ducks. Your Goldendoodle will be thrilled to join the whole family for summer fun at the beach, lake, or swimming pool, but be sure to provide your pooch with a doggy life vest in open waters, and teach him how to enter and exit a swimming pool by using the steps. But you'll want to stand clear when your Goldendoodle decides to shake off all that water! Continue to 8 of 11 below. They can be orange, cream, dark brown, gray, or black in color, although most are golden. Some Goldendoodles are somewhat darker along their upper body, with lighter hair along their chest and belly. Some are even multiple colors. Aging Goldendoodles can sometimes seem to "fade" a little in color. Continue to 9 of 11 below. While the first of these dogs were bred from golden retrievers and standard poodles, producing fairly large offspring, there was soon demand for smaller versions of this popular canine. Today, there are three basic sizes of Goldendoodle, each depending on whether the poodle parent was a toy, mini, or standard poodle. The mini Goldendoodle is around 15 to 16 inches in height and weighs less than 30 pounds. The medium Goldendoodle, which is the most common size, ranges in height from 16 to 20 inches and can weigh between 30 and 40 pounds. The standard Goldendoodle is the biggest size, with an average height of 22 inches and weight of 50 to 60 pounds. So whatever size dog you prefer, there's a Goldendoodle to fit. Continue to 10 of 11 below. For anyone needing a little cheering up, their happy demeanor will bring an instant smile to anyone's face. Goldendoodles also do well as medical alert dogs, which are service dogs specially trained to alert their owner or even call for help when the dog senses that their person is about to experience a seizure or that a diabetic is suffering from low blood sugar. Standard Goldendoodles can also work as mobility service dogs, which help people with mobility issues stand, walk, or balance better. Continue to 11 of 11 below. Groodles is one, while Doodles is another. This breed of dog is also sometimes referred to as the Goldenpoo. But whatever you call them, the Goldendoodle is an adorable, affectionate, intelligent, and lively breed of dog. These codes refer to the genetic makeup of your dog. How do you trim a Goldendoodle's face? For around the eyes, start with blunt-tipped scissors, gently trimming away the hair above them. Cut at an angle, like a downward V. Since the cut line will be blunt, a pair of thinning shears will help it look shaggier. Next, tackle the beard by brushing your dog's fur downward and creating an oval shape with the blunt-tipped scissors. Again, fluff up anything too blunt with the thinning shears. Then, brush the top upwards and trim away anything too long. Finally, brush her ears and trim away scraggly fur, finishing with the thinning shears. How long does a Goldendoodle live? Like their poodle parents, Goldendoodles are fairly long-lived dogs, with an average lifespan of 10 to 15 years. Lifespan Sociability Most Goldendoodle puppies come from first-generation breeding and are rarely bred together. This makes a rare and somewhat difficult puppy to find. Goldendoodles can have big variations in size depending on the parents. Keep this in mind when going to see one, as you might not be unable to resist! Hypoallergenic While no dog is completely hypoallergenic, the Goldendoodle comes close. Most Goldendoodles hardly shed their coats, making them a great choice for owners with allergies. That said, they can still have dandruff, and their saliva and urine can also set off allergies. Extremely friendly Goldendoodles are extremely friendly, almost to a fault. They are known for hardly ever barking, even when there is a loud knocking at the door. Water loving Goldendoodles have an almost universal, innate love for water. They are known for leaping into any body of water they see, whether it be a pool, river, or the sea. Also, you may want to stand back when they get out, as their thick coat can shake off impossible amounts of water! They are a highly playful breed who loves to socialize and be around their owners as much as possible. They are especially great if you have children around, as they are full of energy and love to play. Related Read: Labradoodle vs. Their friendly and curious nature will ensure that even the grumpiest of dogs or cats will likely love them. Image Credit by: W. Dry dog pellets high in myriad nutrients are ideal, but larger Goldendoodles will benefit greatly from additional protein. Pellets are also great for general dental hygiene and helpful in removing tartar buildup. Dry food should be supplemented with good quality canned wet food, which is a good way to add moisture to their diet. Goldendoodles can be fairly susceptible to food allergies. Common food allergies come from foods like corn, soy, and dairy and should be avoided wherever possible. Like all dogs, your Goldendoodle needs constant access to fresh, clean water. Dogs need around calories per pound per day to maintain a healthy weight, and the average Goldendoodle weighs in at an average of pounds. Of course, Goldendoodles can vary greatly in size , and their caloric requirements need to be adjusted accordingly. Growing puppies will especially need loads of exercise and play to burn off excess energy. A common rule of thumb is 5 minutes for every month of age, twice a day until adult. This would mean a 5-month-old Goldendoodle puppy should get around 25 minutes of exercise twice a day. Adult and growing Goldendoodles love to swim, which can provide them with valuable exercise. Their playful nature and high agility are great for catching balls and sticks. Because Goldendoodles can have such variations in size, their exercise needs will vary too. For example, a miniature Goldendoodle will require far less yard space and exercise than a larger one. They are obedient and athletic and love learning and responding to commands. While Goldendoodles can begin responding to basic commands as early as 4 months of age, formal training should only begin at months. The best training method for any dog is using positive reinforcement , which is the concept that rewarding good behavior will lead to more of that behavior in the future. They will benefit greatly from agility training too, as they are amazingly agile and eager to please. Their fur type can vary widely due to their mix of genetics. They can have straight, silky hair like their Golden Retriever ancestors or the wiry, curly hair that comes with Poodle genes. Mostly, their coats are a happy medium between the two. Depending on your particular Goldendoodle, their coat may also need regular trimming. One of the best-known traits of Goldendoodles is the fact that they hardly, if ever, shed. If your Goldendoodle has curly or wavy hair like its Poodle parents, regular, daily brushing is essential. If their coat is more similar to a Golden Retriever, regular brushing is not as essential. Both Poodles and Golden Retrievers are prone to hip dysplasia, so this can be a concern in Goldendoodles. Other common issues among these breeds are eye problems and ear infections. Regular eye checks with a vet are recommended, and making sure your Goldendoodles ear canal remains dry will help mitigate any ear issues, especially if they have big, droopy ears. If you notice your dog scratching and itching incessantly, a trip to the vet is in order. It is widely recommended to neuter males and spay females unless you intend on breeding. This has many associated health benefits. For males, it can prevent testicular cancer, lessen aggression, and prevent them from wandering off looking for females, which can get them lost or injured. Spaying a female will assist in preventing uterine infections and cancer. It is recommended to spay a female before her first heat, as this will help prevent these complications. If you intend to breed a female Goldendoodle, you should wait until she has experienced at least one or two heat cycles , as it is far better for her health. Minor Conditions. Families, couples, first-time dog owners Temperament: Intelligent, loyal, affectionate, playful, energetic, social They are such social, loyal, and dependable dogs, they have been popular as family companions and have been widely used in search and rescue, therapy, and as guide dogs for the blind too. In this guide, we go in-depth on the personality and care requirements of these adorable dogs, so you can decide whether the Goldendoodle is the right fit for you. Dogs that are harder to train will require a bit more patience and practice. Proper exercise, nutrition, and hygiene also play an important role in the lifespan of your pet. More social dogs have a tendency to run up to strangers for pets and scratches, while less social dogs shy away and are more cautious, even potentially aggressive. Goldendoodle Puppies Image Credit: DiZiga, Shutterstock The Goldendoodle can be high energy at times, especially in the first couple years of their life. They have inherited this calm, friendly, and docile nature from their Golden Retriever heritage, and they are rarely aggressive or territorial. They are not known for barking much, even if there is a stranger at the door, making them ideal pets if you prefer peace and quiet. They are devoted family pets that love to be included in every activity and thus will suffer from separation anxiety if left alone for long periods. Are These Dogs Good for Families? They are social, friendly, and loyal as they come and are the picture-perfect family dog. Of course, early socialization is still essential because they can become rather attached to their owners, which may be problematic occasionally. They also do not have much of a prey drive, so even other small pets in your home are usually safe with a Goldendoodle. The food that you give your Goldendoodle should be of the best quality that you can afford, free from filler ingredients like soy and corn, with an animal-based protein as the first listed ingredient or at least among the top three. We recommend giving your pup lean meats occasionally as a healthy treat and for variety, and as with all dogs, they need to be provided with clean, fresh water at all times. They will love their daily walk followed by a play session in the backyard, and like both Poodles and Golden Retrievers, Goldendoodles love to swim, a fun activity that can also give them beneficial exercise. They are playful dogs that will adore games of frisbee or fetch in the backyard, and this will also provide them with mental stimulation, an important aspect for such intelligent animals. Puzzle toys are other valuable accessories for these dogs, and these will go a long way in helping prevent boredom. Of course, Goldendoodles are social animals, so they will enjoy walks with other dogs or social play sessions in the dog park too. They are not massive dogs but still are not suited for apartment living because they need a large backyard to play in. In fact, these dogs are often used as therapy or service dogs due to their ease of training and friendly nature. This makes them ideal for novice dog owners because they are generally ready and willing for their daily training sessions! We highly recommended positive reinforcement training methods, as these sensitive dogs will not respond well to harsh training methods. This will ensure a happier dog overall and forge a close bond of trust between you and your Goldendoodle. An often overlooked aspect of training is early socialization. Making sure your puppy is exposed to other dogs regularly early will help training exponentially in the future. Also, keep training and socialization sessions short and consistent, as this routine will also help during training. No matter the coat type, these dogs are fairly low-shedding, so keeping them well-groomed is simple. Both Golden Retrievers and Poodles are known to suffer from hip and elbow dysplasia occasionally, as well as eye problems, such as progressive retinal atrophy. Minor Conditions. Hybrid breeds are actually not new in the canine world, although having an official name for them is quite new. In fact, every single purebred dog breed we know today began as some form of mixed dog breed. Pedigree dogs like the Golden Retriever have a past full of Spaniels and other breeds. Some people believe that hybrid dog breeds dilute the purebred dog lines. However, many purebred dogs can suffer from health issues caused by a less-diverse genetic pool. Mixed breed dogs have hybrid vigor , where diversifying the gene pool decreases the chance of these nasty diseases being passed along. The Goldendoodle appeared in the United States in the s. Produced from mixing a Golden Retriever with a standard Poodle , people hoped that they would pass on the kind and clever qualities of both breeds, and be less problematic for allergy sufferers. Because they have been around for a few generations now, you can be more confident in what you are getting from a Goldendoodle than other mixed breeds. Especially if you have an F1b Goldendoodle that has one Goldendoodle parent and one Poodle parent. They have loose wavy fur, a fairly broad long face and floppy ears with silky fur. Your average adult weighs around 65lbs, and stands about 22 inches at the shoulder as a rough guide. Grooming and Coat Care Curly dogs shed less because the fur they lose gets tangled in their existing coat. Make sure you get them used to being brushed from the week you bring your puppy home. Use a soft comb to begin with, and make sure to provide lots of tasty treats every time you run it through their hair. Are They Hypoallergenic? One of the key reasons why this dog has become so popular is because of its reputation for being hypoallergenic. Unfortunately, there is no such thing as a totally hypoallergenic dog breed. This is because all dogs produce the protein fel D 1. It is not simply a case of being around pet hair. Allergies can be less of a problem for some pet allergy sufferers because these dogs have a tendency to shed less thanks to their Poodle parentage. However, not all Goldendoodles will take after their Poodle parent. Goldendoodle Temperament Many different factors can influence the temperament of a puppy. Such factors include birth order, gender, parent dog temperament, early training and socialization, the weaning process and more. Goldendoodles are a reliably bright, sociable, friendly and affectionate pet dog. But although this breed has a reputation for sweet personalities and temperaments, the best way to know for sure is to meet and spend time with each parent dog. This mix is frequently recommended as a service and therapy dog. However, even the most naturally friendly of puppies will benefit from good socialization. This breed truly has a golden personality, so much so that these dogs will make poor watchdogs at best. They are just too friendly and sociable, although they are still likely to alert you with an enthusiastic woof or ten! Goldendoodles can make a great family pet for the right family. If you have young children in the home, they can be a great addition because they are social and full of energy. They are also relatively safe to have around young kids. A study of dog bites in children showed that Retriever cross-breeds are five times less likely to bite than breeds such as German Shepherds or Dobermans. Consider how much time you and your family will have to dedicate to your dog. For example, Goldendoodles need plenty of exercise and grooming. On the other hand, they are a low-shed breed. Training and Exercise Goldendoodles are smart just like their parents and can get into mischief without early training, socialization, sufficient daily enrichment and activity. Also, because they are so friendly and energetic, socialization with people and other dogs is vital to help your pup understand how to behave when out and about. However, I frequently find them more likely to dance around their families feet than run off into the bushes. We recommend limiting exercise to short walks and play time during puppyhood. Poodles originated as water retrieving dogs, so they make great swimmers. Thus, coupled with the fact that Golden Retrievers are typically very easy to train, you should have no problems getting your Goldendoodle used to the water for some exercise. Take a look at some of our training guides to get up to speed on training. Health and Care Both the Golden Retriever and the Poodle have certain known health issues that occur more frequently within each dog breed. Any good breeder will take care to test all parent dogs to rule out passing on any known genetic health issues to puppies. Goldendoodles are prone to hip dysplasia and PRA blindness. They also have a high risk of developing bloat, which causes the stomach to twist. This is a serious problem and can be fatal. Because Golden Retrievers have a higher-than-average incidence of cancer , look for a litter with an older Golden Retriever parent to cut down your odds. The average lifespan for a Golden Retriever is .The average lifespan for a Poodle is 12 years. Other important factors can influence lifespan. These include diet, enrichment activities, exercise, vet care and lifestyle. Breeders and Puppies Good breeders health test potential parents and socialize their puppies. They spend money on vet checks, quality food and toys for the whole litter. When you visit your puppy, their parents will have a strong and obvious bond with the breeder. And a purpose beyond producing babies, such as an agility dog or a valued family pet. How much your puppy will cost is a question that can have different answers based on the generation of the puppies too. By generation we mean f1 versus f1b: F1 Goldendoodle puppies have one Poodle parent dog and one Golden Retriever parent dog. F1b Goldendoodle puppies have at least one Goldendoodle parent dog. It is easier to control important issues such as coat shedding, personality, temperament, health concerns and adult size when breeding f1b Goldendoodle puppies. Most breeders will choose to specialize in either f1 or f1b Goldendoodles, although some breeders will breed both dogs. Future litters of f1b Goldendoodles two Goldendoodle parent dogs will be f2b, f3b, f4b and so forth. One of these puppies can change quite a bit in the course of a year or two. Plus, it is important to remember that they are lively, active, and energetic dogs in general. This does not always work out well once the owner discovers how much time and energy their new puppy requires. This can result in a Goldendoodle puppy being returned to the breeder or surrendered to a shelter or rescue center while it waits for a new home. Under the right circumstances, that new home could be yours. Because of the threat of obesity-related illnesses and their predisposition to joint developmental problems, keeping them lean from puppyhood and managing their weight is vital. The Groodle typically has a lifespan of between 10 and 16 years. On average, the miniature Groodle will live longer than the Standard version. Groodle Temperament The best groodle breeders raise their puppies in the family home. Goldendoodles are generally highly playful, intelligent, and highly trainable. They tend to be extremely attached to their family and can develop separation anxiety if left alone for long periods. These are empathetic dogs that are extremely good at learning their new behaviours. This makes them ideal as assistance , service, and family dogs since they are deeply attuned to the people around them. Groodles excel in therapy dog training courses and have improved the quality of life for people in nursing homes, hospitals and at home. However, neglected Groodle can quickly become a nuisance, as these are active dogs with high needs for companionship, exercise, and mental stimulation. However, they respond tenfold if you are ready to meet their needs. Does the Groodle get along with other animals? Some Groodles can inherit a bit of a prey drive or a tendency to chase smaller animals, so these are not always the ideal dogs for homes with small pets like rabbits or chickens. Still, they are generally very friendly and usually get on well with other animals, provided their pet parents invest in their socialisation early. Are Groodles good dogs for families? A well raised Groodle puppy makes an excellent family dog The Groodle is generally an excellent dog for stable families where at least some family members are home most of the day. Remember, although Groodles usually love children, dogs and children should always be supervised and taught how to interact safely to avoid accidents. How much does a Golden Retriever Poodle Mix cost? If you are looking for a Groodle puppy near you, avoid going for the cheapest option or puppies in pet stores and from backyard breeders. A reputable groodle breeder should provide the proper health screening to help you get the best possible dog. When trained using positive reinforcement and raised by a reputable breeder — Groodles make excellent family dogs. Buying a puppy from a puppy mill or pet shop can result in a doodle that has anxiety, reactivity, behaviour and health problems. Ethical golden doodle breeders undertake health testing such as DNA tests, temperament testing and hip scoring on their breeding dogs. They also take great care in how their breeding dogs are kept and how their puppies are raised. Any trauma that the mother experiences during her pregnancy will be passed down to her puppies through the transfer of stress hormones. Similarly, puppies that are not exposed to early neurological stimulation, socialisation, proper nourishment and experiences of positive human connection — will struggle to develop into good family dogs. Puppies raised in puppy farms and by backyard breeders come pre-programmed to be less resilient to stress and have ingrained fears and phobias that will stay with them for a lifetime. What is wrong with groodles? Groodles both standard and mini can suffer with health problems associated with the standard, mini and toy poodles along with golden retriever related illnesses. Being a hybrid cross, they are generally resilient however they will only be as healthy as their ancestors. The best groodle breeders in Australia offer health guarantees on their puppies and provide the health testing of both parents in their puppy packs. There is no difference between the goldendoodle and the groodle. They are names that are used interchangeably to describe the designer dog that comprises the golden retriever and poodle mix breeds. The goldendoodle name implies that the colour of the dog is golden, however groodles come in a variety of colours but the most common color is cream, white, golden or red. Is a Groodle better than a Cavoodle? Cavoodles and toy or mini groodles are generally better for apartment living and for families with small children. The standard and miniature groodle are both larger than the cavoodle. Mini cavoodles reach a maximum weight of around 12kg while toy cavoodles can be as small as 3kg. Standard groodles can be as heavy as 45kg when full grown! Both poodle mix breeds require weekly brushing and a visit to the groomer every 6 weeks or so. Being smaller, cavoodles are better suited to apartment living however an owner that works from home, could manage a groodle in an apartment setting with multiple daily walks and visits to the park. Cavoodle owners report that they can be yappy, while golden doodles being larger are less prone to barking at all passers-by and noises. Miniature cavoodles and mini groodles are a good option for families with small children. They are robust enough to manage being handled by small children, without the fragility of the toy cavoodle. Similarly, these mini poodle mixes are not so large that they can knock a small child off their feet, like a standard groodle can. Do Goldendoodles bark a lot? Goldendoodles can be good watch dogs; they will bark if someone comes to the door or if something strange is in their yard. They are not prone to barking without reason but this can become a problem behaviour if they are left alone for long periods of time. For this reason, crate training is recommended to encourage independence. Are Groodles aggressive? Groodles are not naturally an aggressive designer dog. When you buy your groodle puppy, meet both parents or at least see how the parents interact with other dogs and people via video. Problem behaviours like resource guarding, reactivity and separation anxiety can be genetic. Similarly, puppies raised in mills and commercial dog breeding farms can be more prone to being fearful and reactive because of the way they were raised and the stress their mothers endured during pregnancy. The best family dogs are a combination of sound genetics, ethical puppy rearing practises and ongoing training using positive reinforcement. Scientific studies have shown that dog training that involves the use of force and punishment can increase aggression and should not be used. Dog trainers that use fear and intimidation in their training will promote the use of tools such as slip leads, prong collars, electric E-collars and check chains. All of which have the potential to increase aggression in groodles. Is a Groodle bigger than a Labradoodle? A standard groodle and a standard labradoodle are generally similar in size. However poodles can vary greatly in size, therefore potential exists for a lot of variation in the size of these cross breeds. Labrador retrievers and golden retrievers are similar in size and therefore the most significant variable affecting the full grown size of either poodle mix is the poodle parent. Obviously a mini groodle will be smaller than a standard sized labradoodle and vice versa. Responsible breeders will provide this information and based on their experience with their bloodlines, should be able to provide a fairly accurate estimation of how big your dog will be when full grown. To maintain the teddy bear coated look that everyone loves, requires extensive weekly brushing and combing. If you take your groodle to the groomer with matts, they will either have to shave the dog down or if the matting is not too bad, they will charge a hefty bill to work through the matts to save the coat. If you have small children you should be cautious buying a standard groodle. The combination of high energy particularly during adolescence and being a large dog, when excited they have the ability to knock a small child over and potentially injure them, unintentionally. Are Goldendoodles healthier than Golden Retrievers? When bred by responsible breeders, Goldendoodles are generally healthier than their golden retriever relatives. Golden retrievers are particularly prone to hip dysplasia hip scoring has improved this situation , heart disease and cancer which are less common in purebred poodles. Golden retrievers also carry many genetic diseases that are unique to their breed, as does the poodle. Therefore this mix enjoys the hybrid vigour inherent in crossing the breeds because by cross breeding, breeders are less likely to double up on potentially harmful recessive genes associated with each of the respective breeds. In order for a dog to develop a recessively inherited disease it must inherit one copy of the disease from each parent. First generation cross breeding ensures that the doubling up of these recessive genes is less likely. This ethical breeding practice ensures that the resultant goldendoodle puppies will be unaffected by these diseases. This shrinks the gene pool available to them and subsequently the genetic diversity of the breed. Lower genetic diversity increases the risk of extinction through inbreeding depression. Conclusion The Groodle is one of the most popular doodles for a reason. These make wonderful family dogs with picture-perfect looks and a soft, playful, devoted demeanour. They are healthier than the golden retriever, enjoying the many benefits of hybrid vigour. If you are prepared for regular grooming sessions and quite a bit of daily exercise, this may be the doodle for you. Subscribe for free oodle information and exclusive offers on the best products for your pup! Leave this field empty if you're human: Share this. They may have small white patches over their body like on their chest or paws however these as technically Black and White Goldendoodles. Goldendoodles can only be this color if they inherit it from the Poodle as purebred Golden Retrievers are never black. Red Goldendoodle Red Goldendoodles come in a variety of shades from light red to dark red. Their coats can be anywhere from a reddish cream to a rusty brown color. Goldendoodles with lighter red coats are usually called Apricot Goldendoodles. Apricot Goldendoodle Apricot Goldendoodles have very light red coats with a peachy tone. They are somewhere between a light red and a cream. Only the Poodle carries the genes for an apricot coat so Apricot Goldendoodles are usually created by breeding an Apricot or Red Poodle with a light Golden Retriever. They are one of the most sought after Goldendoodle coat colors. Merle Goldendoodle A Merle Goldendoodle carries the merle gene which dilutes certain sections of their coat into mottled patches. This gene also affects eye color and skin pigmentation on the nose and paws so Merle Goldendoodles often have very light eye colors such as blue and often have pink patches on their nose and paws. Most of the time the secondary color is apricot, red or cream. Chocolate Goldendoodle Chocolate Goldendoodles have a solid brown coat that can range from a very light shade to a dark brown. They inherit this coat color from the Poodle side. Brown coats were originally a result of a mutation of the gene that produces a black coat. It is a recessive gene so both parents need to carry it to get a Chocolate Goldendoodle. That is why Chocolate Goldendoodles are more commonly found in back-cross generations such as an F1b, F1bb or F2b Goldendoodle. Some English Cream Goldendoodles have black noses while others have light brown or beige noses. English Cream Goldendoodles are often mistake for Labradoodles because they are so light in color. Black and White Goldendoodle Black and White Goldendoodles feature a mainly white coat with black patches. The black patches are usually located on their chest, legs, muzzle, paws or above their eyes. Black and White Goldendoodles are a type of Parti Goldendoodle. Silver Goldendoodle Silver Goldendoodles have a salt and pepper colored coat. They are usually born a darker color and start to fade to silver around 10 weeks of age. At this age, the roots of their hair will start to lighten to grey. In fact, Silver Goldendoodles go through the most dramatic coat color change out of all the Goldendoodle colors. Goldendoodle via huntleydoodle Golden Retriever Poodle Mix Temperament The temperament of a Golden Retriever Poodle Mix can vary depending on many factors such as the percentage mix of Poodle to Golden Retriever, their level of socialization, their environment as well as what training they have undergone. Overall, Golden Retriever Poodle Mixes are highly excitable dogs by nature. They love spending time around people and other animals alike and are so affectionate and gentle. Goldendoodles are keen to please which makes them pretty easy to train. They are also relatively easy to care for. The only real complaint of owners is the constant grooming requirements of Goldendoodles. Are Goldendoodles Smart? Goldendoodle are very intelligent as both the Poodle and Golden Retriever are known to be very smart. Poodles are ranked 2nd for working and obedience training out of breeds while Golden Retrievers are ranked 4th. Goldendoodles are eager to please and quick learners as they are so smart which makes them relatively easy to train. Are Goldendoodles Hyper? While Goldendoodles are an energetic and playful breed, most people would not describe them as hyper. Nevertheless, like any other dog breed, Goldendoodles can have varying temperaments and energy levels so some may be more laid-back and calm while others may be more active. Goldendoodles can be hyper if they are not given enough exercise each day. They may exhibit behaviors such as chewing, pacing or being vocal if their daily exercise needs are not met. That is why it is so important to give them lots of exercise each day. Do Goldendoodles Like To Cuddle? Most Goldendoodles love to cuddle. They are known for their friendly and affectionate nature and are also very people-oriented so cuddling comes naturally to them. They thrive on human companionship and as much as they love running around and being active, they equally love snuggling with their loved ones. Do Goldendoodles Have Separation Anxiety? Goldendoodle can be prone to separation anxiety as they are people-oriented dogs and love spending time with their families. They may become anxious or distressed if they are separated from their owners for long periods of time. Luckily, you can manage separation anxiety by gradually getting them used to being alone for longer periods of time. You can do this by starting with short periods of being alone and slowly increasing the time or you can create a comfortable and safe space for them to be left when you leave the house. This may be a den-like environment like a crate with blankets and their favorite toys. Do Goldendoodles Bark A Lot? How much a Goldendoodle barks highly depends on the individual dog. Overall, Goldendoodles do not bark as much as other smaller dogs. Look for boredom-busting dogs toys such as ones you can hide treats inside. Other options include using ultra-sonic sound devices. There are many factors that affect the lifespan of a Goldendoodle including size, gender, generation and whether they are desexed or intact. These variables mean they can have shorter or longer lifespans than the average. You can give your Goldendoodle the best chance of living a long life by exercising them daily, feeding them a healthy diet and keeping on top of vet appointments.

Our puppies are all over the world and would be happy to make you part of our puppy family. Thank you for visiting South Florida Australian Labradoodles. .We are the first multigenerational registered Australian Labradoodle in South Florida. We started in with our first mini Australian Labradoodle and fell in love with the temperament of this breed. Since then, we have held back mostly our own puppies and created the amazing lines we have today. We have generation after generation of our same lines, so our puppies temperaments are very predictable. We have since grown to our wonderful puppies being all over the world. We specialize in Mini Australian Labradoodles and know how important it is to know you are getting an Authentic Australian Labradoodle that is healthy, sound temperament, correct structure and amazing coats. All of our breeding dogs are registered and health tested to the standards of the ALAA. We adhere to a strict code of ethics, breed standard and strive to do everything with the highest integrity. All of our puppies are raised in our home and receive endless kisses by the time they go home. If you did not receive a response please check your junk mail. We raise high-quality Mini Labradoodles as well as a few other breeds. We also have partnered up with several other reputable breeders that raise mini labradoodle pups that meet our strict genetic criteria and testing. So we usually have a good selection of very high-quality puppies. View Our Available Puppies! F1B Mini Labradoodle Puppies are a second-generation cross or hybrid. The father is a Mini Poodle and the mother is an F1 Labradoodle. The F1B Minature Labradoodles usually have soft hair that is usually wavy or curly. Thes puppies are considered semi-hypoallergenic since they shed minimally. These puppies can be a good fit if a person that has mild pet allergies. Once F1B Mini Labradoodles reach 6 months old they require to be groomed once every 8 weeks or so to keep their fur healthy and to stop matting. Adult F1B Mini labradoodle dogs range in size from 14 inches in height and pounds in weight. The average life span is typically years of age. The F1BB puppies usually have curlier coats and will be totally hypoallergenic. Once the F1BB pup is 6 months they will need regular grooming every 6 to 8 weeks. F1BB Puppies are usually slightly smaller than F1B puppies and range from 12 inches in height and pounds in weight. Mini Labradoodles are known for their intelligence and the ability to be trained very easily. They make amazing family pets and love to participate in family activities like swimming, hiking, camping or just playing tag in the yard. This breed is also a good choice for people who live in apartments as long as they get at least minutes of exercise a day. So if you live near Miami Florida and are looking for a healthy and beautiful Mini Labradoodle puppy that can be delivered to you then check out our available pups now by Clicking Here. Below are some Mini Labradoodle pups that have been adopted. Mini Labradoodle vs Mini Sheepadoodle Comparison Two dog breeds, one purpose: to make your life a joy-filled journey powered by strong bonds, friendship, and unconditional love. Meet the Mini Labradoodle and the Mini Sheepadoodle. Two very adorable and friendly dogs with upbeat personalities, the Mini Labradoodle and Mini Sheepadoodle make the perfect addition to any lucky family. Your way of life, hobbies, and work schedule are all important factors that can help determine which of the two dog breeds is a good fit for your lifestyle.Welcoming a new puppy into your home is an exciting time filled with joy, cuddles, and a few inevitable challenges. One of the most common questions new puppy owners ask is, "When can puppies go outside? They are fun, easygoing, and gentle. Mini Labradoodles enjoy canine games like chase, fetch, and Frisbee, and thrive on cuddles and love. Energetic, friendly, and full of life, the Mini Labradoodles make wonderful jogging and hiking companions. They are known to enjoy a good swim, a long stroll, and are very fond of adventures. The Mini Labradoodle puppies are happy, energetic, and bright bundles of joy. They are loving and eager to please, love to play and cuddle, and are excellent training students. A cross between Labrador Retrievers and Mini or Toy Poodles, the Mini Labradoodle may take after one parent breed or the other in appearance or they may have their own unique look with an added bonus of a hypoallergenic coat.

These two breeds are very entertaining and love to please their owners. Both breeds are such clowns and are very comical. Very small in size but with the heart of any big dog. Both breeds are very loving and will have you laughing for days. They are such clowns and love the attention. We occasionally will produce other colors such as brindles, creams, whites and other colors also. Most of our frenchies are of Russian and Hungarian decent. We love these babies as if they were our own kids so producing a healthy sound pup is our main goal. All pups will be checked by a certified vet before being transported to its new loving home. They are all AKC registered coming from some of the best bloodlines sought after today. We strive to pair our clients with their perfect doggie sole mate. By owning and caring for our own babies we know the connection and joy that frenchies give to their new parents. All pups come with a 1 year health guarantee against any life threatening illness. We have a very strict breeding program and all breedings are strategically planed with genotype and phenotype in mind. We mainly produce dilutes blues dd, but we also produce on occasion chocolates bb pups also. Financing Finance Your Pet Today! Financing is available for our valued puppy parents! We partnered up with Lending USA to provide this incredible financing option available to just about everyone! The secure application is provided by Lending USA and your decision is emailed in less than business days. This can be a great way to buy your new bulldog puppy today and spread the payments out over time! Color variations Blue merle French Bulldog Blue merle French Bulldogs are one of our most sought-after puppies of all the colors. They got their name after the blue patches on their light-colored coat, which are essentially grey with a bluish shine in the light. The shade of the grey parts may vary from very light to almost black, while their base color also ranges from a yellowish cream color to light grey. Lilac merle French Bulldog Lilac merle French Bulldogs are often mistaken for blue merle Frenchies, but they are much more unique and harder to come by. Lilac merle Frenchies have very light, almost ashy or silver colored patches on their light coat. To produce this rare and beautiful color, the parents have to carry the blue, chocolate and merle gene. Lilac merle French Bulldogs usually have light-colored eyes which are glowing red. Chocolate merle French Bulldog Chocolate merle French Bulldogs have dark brown mottled patches all over their light-colored bodies. Choco merle pups also have unique genetics so they are quite rare and hard to come by. Similarly to lilac Frenchies, they are the combination of blue and chocolate but their grey shade is more of a champagne color. Breeders have managed to mix in the merle gene as well producing the Isabella merle French Bulldog, but these dogs are extremely rare. Black merle French Bulldog Black merle French Bulldogs have black mottled patches often covering most of their bodies. Their base coat is also slightly darker than in other merle Frenchies, ranging from light grey to light brown. Fawn merle French Bulldog There are a number of different variations of fawn merle French Bulldogs, like blue fawn merle, lilac fawn merle or chocolate fawn merle. The dark patches these Frenchies have are less distinct looking than in other merles, as they are only a bit darker than their light fawn base color. One of these rare traits is their sparkling blue eyes. Since the merle gene affects the skin pigment as well, when a merle patch crosses the eye area the Frenchie will have bright forever blue eyes. Sometimes only one of the eyes will remain blue, which is a phenomenon called heterochromia. Because of how dominant the merle gene is, merle Frenchies should only be bred to a dog with a solid coat color. They are insanely affectionate making them the perfect companion dogs, they just want to spend every minute of their time with their owners. They are extremely friendly with kids and other animals too; they love basically anyone they meet! Thanks to their easy-going nature, a Merle Frenchie will adapt to your lifestyle very quickly no matter where you live. As you might expect, colors that are considered common for the breed have the lowest prices, while colors which are more unique and harder to produce are more expensive as well. When it comes to Merle French Bulldogs, they are already in a higher price range, but depending on the color variation their prices may further vary a lot. Permanent blue eyes also push the prices up a bit: we charge USD per blue eye. Life Span Did You Know? While the name of this breed is the French Bulldog, their origins cannot be credited to only France. One of the facts about French Bulldogs is that the idea and reason for the creation of the breed originated in England. This adorable dog breed, which has always been meant to be a companion, started as a miniature version of the English Bulldog. This mini-version accompanied lace workers across the English Channel and into France during the Industrial Revolution. Once the dog breed became prominent in France, the subsequent successful crossbreeding of the English Bulldog, Pug, and Terrier led to the creation of the modern-day Frenchie. The French Bulldog we know today originally came to the United States with groups of wealthy Americans who came across them and fell in love while touring Europe in the late s. The French Bulldog was recognized by the American Kennel Club in and is a member of the non-sporting group. The French Bulldog is an easygoing, affectionate, and playful dog that loves their family and gets along well with children. They also love to make new friends, which means they get along well with other dogs, animals, and people. Intelligent and affectionate, this small dog breed certainly wins over hearts and earns its status as a popular companion dog. Frenchies are not known to bark much, unless you train them into it, but they are naturally alert and make excellent watchdogs. As long as they are well-socialized and trained, they tend to have an open and friendly nature. The Frenchie is a highly adaptable dog that pretty much adapts to any living situation that includes plenty of love and attention. Being a short-snouted, snub-nosed dog breed, they do not tolerate heat very well and are also sensitive to cold. This tends to make them one of the dog breeds that hate winter and you will want to make sure to bundle them up to stay warm while out on cold winter walks. Because Frenchies bond closely with their families and thrive on attention from them, they do not tolerate long periods of time alone. They can also be prone to developing separation anxiety if they are poorly socialized or you do not work with them on this when they are young. Potential health concerns to be aware of in French Bulldogs can include cataracts, cherry eye, and entropion. Good breeding practices make a big difference in the health of puppies. Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. Make sure you ask about the health and genetic history of both parents. You can also ask about any health tests or clearances. Heart and joint certifications are recommended for this breed. Playful and happy, the French Bulldog is a great fit for a novice dog owner. They are sweet-tempered, eager to please, and eager to train. Occasionally, Frenchies can be stubborn and they do tend to have big personalities. Although this can sometimes be a challenge for first-time dog owners, it can usually be overcome with consistent and patient training. Puppy training classes are always an option and offer plenty of benefits aside from training. Standard coat colors for Frenchies are Brindle, Cream, Fawn, and combinations of these. They have a short coat that will shed a little year-round. Nail trims once or twice a month keep nails from growing too long and causing issues. Weekly ear checks, along with careful cleanings as needed, can help prevent ear infections. As a small dog breed, the Frenchie is more prone to developing gum disease. Daily dental care plus cleanings at the vet as needed can help prevent this and other painful dental diseases later in life. You will also need to take care of the wrinkles. Frenchies have hereditary face wrinkles and it is important to keep them clean and dry to prevent skin irritation or possible infection. The French Bulldog is an easygoing companion breed. They can be one of the laziest dog breeds that are couch potatoes. Frenchies will often be energetic when they play and will try to match their activity to yours. So, if you live a more active lifestyle, you need to be careful that your French Bulldog is not overexerting themselves trying to keep up with you. As a Brachycephalic or snub-nosed dog, they cannot cool themselves as easily and are extra sensitive to heat. They can also get winded easily, so be aware of this when playing with your dog or puppy and watch for signs of overexertion. There are safe ways to exercise flat-faced dogs and you can work with your vet on specifics for your Frenchie if needed. French Bulldogs usually stand inches tall and weigh pounds. Frenchies generally live for years on average. With this dog breed being so popular, there are plenty of celebrities who have chosen the French Bulldog as their companion, which also means there are plenty of famous Frenchies out there. Also, French Bulldogs cannot swim, at least without a life vest. They can be taught to swim while wearing one, but they should never be left unattended around bodies of water or swimming pools and require constant supervision while in the water. Featured French Bulldog Article. This practice ended in with the Cruelty to Animals Act, but the name has since stuck. The Bulldog eventually made its way over to France with Normandy lace-workers who fled England after being displaced by the industrial revolution. Here in France, the Bulldog was crossed with local French ratters. Ratters were small in size and had large erect ears similar to a bat. Over the years, the size of the companion Bulldog was reduced to a mere 16 — 25 lbs. As the new, smaller French Bulldogs gained popularity in France, they became highly sought after by creatives, such as artists, writers, and fashion designers as well as society ladies and Parisian prostitutes alike! The Frenchie is a compact, muscular dog with a smooth coat, wrinkly face, and pushed in nose. The French Bulldog is a cheerful, fairly low-maintenance companion dog. They are pleasant, affectionate, sweet, and they have a propensity to be very clownish. They are alert, curious, and even-tempered. This breed usually forms a strong bond with one person. While French Bulldogs are generally accepting of strangers and other animals, some males may be aggressive toward other dogs of the same sex. The French Bulldog needs human companionship and attention. If left ignored or unattended for long periods of time, they can become mischievous and depressed. Although somewhat willful at times, they can be trained relatively easily by a patient owner. The French Bulldog is not a loud or hyper breed, but they are very enthusiastic and persistent. As a flat faced breed, the French Bulldog cannot survive outdoors. Its compromised breathing system makes it impossible to regulate its body temperature efficiently, so the French Bulldog has trouble cooling off in hot weather and can easily suffer from heatstroke. Most French Bulldogs are born through cesarean section, as they have very broad heads — even as puppies! Today, the French Bulldog is ranked the 6th most popular of all the dog breeds in the United States. The French Bulldog is in such high demand, in fact, that many of our French Bulldog puppies are reserved for customers who had previously placed special orders for them in advance. To place a special order for a beautiful French Bulldog puppy, call today! August 4, .The product is already in the wishlist! It is happy and hardy, and packed with character. The gentle, loyal Shih Tzu makes friends easily and responds well to consistent, patient training. It makes a very alert watchdog. It is courageous and clever. Playful and spunky, this affectionate little dog likes to be with people and is generally good with other pets. Take it for daily walks to burn mental and physical energy. Its temperament will improve for the better, and you will bring out the sweet, trustworthy dog in it. The Shih Tzu is good for apartment life. These dogs are fairly active indoors and will do okay without a yard. This breed is sensitive to the heat. The Shih Tzu needs a daily walk. Play will take care of a lot of its exercise needs, however, as with all breeds, play will not fulfill its primal instinct to walk. They will also enjoy a good romp in a safe, open area off lead, such as a large, fenced-in yard. This breed sheds little to no hair and is good for allergy sufferers. The Toy Poodle is remarkably intelligent. Highly responsive, it is said to be one of the most trainable breeds. Sweet, cheerful, perky and lively, it likes to be with people. Delightful, very amusing and keen. Socialize these dogs well. They make very good watchdogs for their size. Toy Poodles are generally good with other pets and dogs. This little dog can be good with children, however is usually recommended for older children who know how to display leadership skills. Toy Poodles are good for city life as well as country living. Given enough exercise, they are not active indoors. They will lie right next to you and are more sedate when indoors, although they love to play outdoors and are a highly intelligent breed, so they do like lots of thoughtful activities to stimulate their mentality. They will do okay without a yard. These are active little dogs that need a daily walk. Play will take care of a lot of their exercise needs, however, as with all breeds, play will not fulfill their primal instinct to walk. Poodles shed little to no hair and are good for allergy sufferers. Sex: Female.

We are a small breeder located in Southeast Iowa. We come from large families that believes that our dogs should be treated like family. Long ago we fell in love with golden retrievers, and our goal is to fill your home with the same love that has filled ours. Our dogs are a huge part of our family and spend many hours together with us. We live in the country, so our dogs are well accustomed to other people and have plenty of room to rumble and play! They are full of so much love and joy! Our puppies spend quality time playing with our nieces and nephews, and we find this makes an amazing well-rounded pet. They are used to being loved on, carried around, and cuddled. We want to give you the best family member possible. Our puppies come with a one-year health guarantee, registerable with AKC, vaccines that are age appropriate. Don't miss out on your chance to get a true family member added to your family! Our babies are adopted quickly, so reach out to reserve your furever friend or to ask any questions. Walker Hollow Golden Retrievers. For the complete list please see our List of Golden Retriever Breeders page. A few factors that might drive the price up are: The location of the breeder The pedigree of the puppy Whether or not the breeder offers a guarantee. This is not mandatory, but it is a sign that the breeder is serious about their dogs and takes pride in their breeding program. Second, ask to see the parents of the puppies. It is possible to find a free Golden Retriever puppy in Iowa, but it is not easy. Most people who are giving away their puppies are looking for good homes, not just someone to take the dog off their hands. That said, there are a few things you can do to increase your chances of finding a free Golden Retriever puppy: Check online classifieds websites like Craigslist and Nextdoor. Look for postings on social media sites like Facebook and Twitter. Visit local animal shelters and rescue organizations. Network with friends, family, and your local community. Just be prepared to answer a lot of questions and be ready for a lot of scrutiny. Responsible breeders care about their dogs and their puppies. They place a high priority on breeding healthy dogs with sound temperaments. They also make sure that their puppies are placed in the right homes. So, how do you find a responsible golden retriever breeder in Iowa? Start by doing your research. The internet is a great resource for finding breeders near you. You can also check with your local dog clubs or rescue organizations. When you contact a breeder, ask them about their breeding program. How long have they been breeding golden retrievers? Do they health test their dogs? What kind of guarantee do they offer on their puppies? Responsible breeders are happy to provide references from past buyers. This will give you a chance to see the puppies and their parents, and to ask any questions you have. When you visit, be sure to ask about the health of both the parents and the puppies. Good breeders will have documentation on both. The breeder should be happy to answer any questions you have. Finding a good Iowa golden retriever breeder is an important step in finding your new furry friend. This will help you get an idea of the quality of puppies the breeder produces and how well they take care of their dogs. If you have any questions or concerns, be sure to ask the breeder before purchasing a puppy. References will be able to tell you about the quality of puppies a breeder produces and about the temperament of the puppies bred by that particular breeder. They can also tell you about the health and temperament of the puppies that were bred by the breeder. References are people who have purchased puppies from the breeder in the past and are happy with their experience. Make sure to ask lots of questions when you are talking to references and past customers. This will help you get a good idea of whether or not this is the right breeder for you. It is also important to ask the breeder about the health and temperament of their dogs. A good breeder will be happy to answer all of your questions and will be willing to provide references. If you are interested in a specific puppy, be sure to ask the breeder if that pup is still available. It is also a good idea to ask about the age and size of the puppies so that you can find one that is a good fit for you. One of the most important things to ask your Iowa golden retriever breeder is who their veterinarian is. A good, reputable breeder will have a veterinarian they use and trust for their dogs. This veterinarian should be well-versed in canine health and be able to provide regular exams and vaccinations for your puppy. A good veterinarian can also help to monitor the health of the puppies as they grow and help to identify any potential health problems. This guarantees that if your dog develops any major health problems within a certain amount of time after purchase, the breeder will refund or replace the dog. A good golden retriever breeder in Iowa will offer a health guarantee for their puppies. This guarantee should cover things like hip dysplasia, genetic disorders, and other health problems. Puppies are sick or have genetic defects. The breeder is unresponsive or evasive when you ask questions. There are plenty of responsible breeders out there who will be happy to help you find the perfect puppy. Responsible breeders will be happy to discuss any health concerns with you and provide you with documentation of health tests that have been performed on the parents. Here are some tips on how to prepare your home for your new puppy: Stock up on supplies. Create a safe space for your puppy. A pen or baby gate works well for this. Set up a feeding area. Train your puppy basic commands. Socialize your puppy. Puppies need to be exposed to a variety of people, places, and animals so that they can become well-adjusted adults. Groom your puppy regularly. Golden Retrievers need to be brushed at least once a week to keep their coat healthy and free of mats. Be prepared to put in the time and effort necessary to ensure your pup grows up into a happy and well-behaved dog. Here are some tips on potty training your new puppy: Start as soon as you get your puppy. The sooner you start, the easier it will be to train your puppy. Create a routine and stick to it. Puppies thrive on routines and will quickly learn what is expected of them when you establish consistent rules and limits. Be patient and consistent. Reward good behavior. When your puppy does something good, reward them with a treat or positive praise. Make sure your puppy has plenty of opportunities to go potty. Puppies usually need to go potty after eating, drinking, playing, and napping. Just clean it up and move on. Scolding your puppy will only make them more anxious and likely to have accidents in the future. Take your puppy outside regularly. Puppies should always be taken outside immediately after being let out of their crate, after waking up from a nap, and after spending time indoors. Be prepared for setbacks. These are just a few tips on how to potty train your new Golden Retriever puppy. For more information, please consult a professional dog trainer. Here are some of the benefits of doing so: The puppies will be well-socialized. Reputable breeders socialize their puppies with people and other animals, which helps them develop into confident and well-adjusted adults. They will come from healthy bloodlines. Reputable breeders only breed healthy dogs and they screen their puppies for genetic diseases. They will be temperament tested. Good breeders temperament test their puppies to make sure they are suitable for family life. They will also be litter box trained and have had their basic vaccinations. The puppies will be registered with the AKC. I love animals and love helping people adopt a pet. It all started when attending Missouri State University and I began volunteering at an animal shelter. Share 0 Shares Golden Retrievers are very friendly, loving, and often make great family pets. There are three types of Golden Retrievers — English, Canadian and American with colors ranging from golden, lightly golden, and dark golden. To bring home the perfect Golden Retriever from a breeder , it is important to find a breeder who focuses on the health, longevity, and temperament of their dogs. The Golden Retriever puppies should also be well socialized before going to their forever home and be screened for genetic hereditary problems including hip and elbow problems. If you are interested in buying a Golden Retriever puppy in Iowa, here are the top 10 most reputable Golden Retriever breeders. They have imported their dogs from the top European kennels, and they strive to produce high-quality, well-balanced, and wonderful temperament English Cream Golden Retrievers. Their puppies are raised in their home and treated as family members. The puppies are also handled by their children, have ridden in a car, experience plenty of outsides and inside playtime and different sounds and smells before going home with you. They are both calm in nature and have trained them to enjoy new experiences and people. The breeders at Red Rock English Golden Retrievers work in the dairy industry and for a genetics company. Because of their jobs, they want to make sure that genetically you will get the best dog. Name of Owner. One or both of this puppy's parents have undergone genetic testing. One or both of this puppy's parents are hip certified. The sad truth is that many pet store purchased pups actually come from puppy mills. Basically, there is zero authenticity with pet stores. When it comes to adopting any animal from a pet store, there is an increased risk of unforeseen health or genetic problems. You also cultivate a life-long relationship with the breeder, meaning support is available to you anytime you may need it. With My Golden Retriever Puppies , you have the option to come and visit both the puppy and the breeder in person! Golden Retrievers are an adaptable breed, meaning they are better at adapting to seasonal changes and various types of climate than certain other breeds. Goldens sport a double-coat, which ensures that these sweet pups are able to tolerate slightly colder temperatures than their friends from other breeds. Your pup deserves better than that, which is why here at My Golden Retriever Puppies , we ensure high-quality care is taken of your pet at all times. For more about the true price of a golden retriever puppy, you can read our full price breakdown here. Location Information for Iowa Customers Our home office is located in Ohio, but we understand that long-distance travel can be inconvenient. If you prefer to meet a breeder in person, they may be able to offer private visits at their home. Of course! Here at My Golden Retriever Puppies , we value family and authenticity, which is why we always guarantee our pups through our 2-year genetic health guarantee. Like adopting a Golden Retriever from a pet store, there is an increased risk when adopting a pup from a rescue center or shelter as well. For example, pups purchased through a shelter or rescue center are far less likely to come with the kinds of health guarantees and reassurances that a breeder can provide. What type of Golden Retrievers are sold in Iowa? We have some good news! Ready to make your Golden Retriever dreams come true? Take a look at our convenient list of available puppies. How do I know which breeders to trust in Iowa? Our independent network of trusted breeders have already been pre-screened and verified, so that you can focus on what really matters: choosing your dream puppy. Be the first to know when we have new puppies! All Rights Reserved. We have imported our dogs from the top European kennels with the intent to produce high-quality, well-balanced, and wonderful temperament English Cream Golden Retrievers. Our puppies are whelped and raised in our home in an effort to make their environment as close to your home as we possibly can. Our four legged family We have invested heavily professionally and personally, in an effort to produce puppies that we can be proud of and can entrust to your family. We also care a great deal about the people who adopt our puppies and offer a month health guarantee and pre-screen all potential owners through our puppy application process. Please take a look at the championship bloodlines of our adult dogs and understand that this means you are receiving puppies with characteristics defined by the English Cream Golden Retriever standard. Not only will your puppy look like the breed standard, it should also have the best possible start at a healthy life. But…our adult dogs also have several nick-names as well, and they respond to all of them, I might add! Comment below. See MoreSee Less.