german shepherd puppy to dog

german shepherd puppy to dog

Meet Soren Soren is a sweet, obedient puppy who is gorgeous and very loving. Soren is best friends with her toddler sibling. She is so protective of her, that she will go to the middle of the pool if her human foster sibling swims into a little deeper area. She loves her foster parents and loves to hug them and be around them. She will be great with a home with kids, who has been around large dogs. Soren was confiscated by the animal control from a hoarding house back in April. While her siblings were killed by the pound, Soren was lucky enough to find a foster who stepped up to save her life and offer her a new beginning. She has zoomies when she is happy and she sulks when she is upset. When her foster doggie brother was a little down, she brought him her toys and sat with him to make him feel better. She lives with his doggie and three kittie foster siblings but she still needs to be monitored around the cats a little. She also loves to go on swims in their foster parents' pool. Soren is about 3 years old and is quite calm and relaxed. She will prefer having a human who works remotely or a stay at home parent. She is currently 56 lb. She is up to date on her shots, heartworm negative and kept on heartworm and flea preventative and deworming schedule. She is spayed and microchipped. Sweet Soren is being fostered in Texas, but can travel to any state, and even Canada for the right home. To meet this gorgeous pup via facetime or whatsapp or other video chat apps, please send a completed application via www. We do not accept electric or underground fences. Considering Soren for adoption? German Shepherd Husky mix puppies for sale in Colorado also need to be wormed frequently. This breed is considered to be a very unique one, and can sometimes be hard to find. Even if you know the breeder, you still might find yourself in search of the perfect dog. But with all these problems of finding a home for the dog, do not forget to check out the details of this breed. Here are some facts to understand how wonderful this dog is: The German Shepherd Husky Mix is a very wonderful dog that can provide hours of fun for the family. The German Shepherd is a very muscular dog that can be quite friendly to people. The German Shepherd also has a great sense of smell, they can tell a good meal from a bad one. They are very popular among people as they can teach a lot of tricks. But remember that these puppies should not be used for fighting purposes. They are very sensitive and if they get hit they will even scream. But with patience, the puppies can be trained to be used for obedience training. So, you can try to find out the perfect puppy or have a professional check the dog. You must make sure that the dog will fit into your home for the dog that you want. You can ask around at your local dog clubs and see if any are looking for the right mix to join their puppy list. They may be able to steer you to a rescue group that buys only Shepherd mixes or at least has a program where you can contact the owners of these dogs and be matched with a puppy of a preferred breed. There are other places to look at as well, including online. When you go to an internet search, just enter the words: German Shepherd mix puppies for sale in Colorado and include the city or town you are in. For example, if you live in Denver, then you would type in: German Shepherd mix in Denver. Be prepared to pay more for shipping costs because you will need to drive to the location to pick them up, but this is a good way to find a Shepherd mix that is already raised by a good breeder, for a reasonable price. While you will not likely find all the possible combinations that you might like to have, you will be able to read about the breeding programs and find out about the dam or sire and whether they are of good breeding stock. And the more research you do, the better chance you have of getting the best mix for your puppy. You can get to know the breeders who are selling the dogs and maybe even talk to them and see if you can make a purchase there. Before you go to the breeder with your German Shepherd puppy, be sure to ask questions about the breeding program. You need to know if the parents of the pups have been deformed or not, and you should also find out about the dam or sire. Find out if there is a record of the puppies being stolen. If you cannot find any German Shepherd mixes that are for sale in Colorado Springs, you might still be able to find them locally. Many local pet stores will carry the breed. There may also be smaller shops that sell only German Shepherds, and some even specialize in only dog breeds. You should still be able to talk to the owners and find out everything you need to know. If you want to save money on the puppy and get a high-quality mix, then you might have to look around at breeders who advertise German Shepherd dogs for sale in Colorado Springs. Even if a breeder advertises only adult dogs, you can still find out information about the dam and sire. Breeders with more than one female and one male puppy in their litter can help you find the best dog for your situation. The best breeders will allow you to see the puppies in person and to make sure you are getting the right combination. They should show you where the puppies have been living and show you the personality of each dog, including whether they are a shy, gentle dog or one that is very dominant and aggressive. German Shepherd puppies that have been reared in Colorado can be good candidates for training, and many of these dogs will be eager to please their owners. It is important to take time to train these puppies so that they do not end up having too much trouble when they are fully grown. German Shepherd dogs for sale in Colorado who have been trained are great for companionship, and you can easily find someone willing to spend the money necessary for this special breed of dog. When you are looking at purebred German Shepherd puppies, it is important to look for one that has been socialized during its early years. German Shepherd dogs are beautiful and fun to own, but they need to be well-trained, and they must be properly socialized for both you and your pet to become happy together. If you are interested in finding a dog to bring into your home as a pet, you should try looking for German Shepherd mixes for sale in Colorado Springs. These dogs will make a great addition to any family, and they can even become a favorite pet among the entire family. Your new dog will make a real difference in the life of everyone that lives with it, and you can look forward to many long, cherished years of friendship between you and your dog. When you decide to add a new member to your family, you will have chosen the right dog to make a difference in your life. German Shepherd Husky mix puppies for sale in Colorado can be found just about everywhere. Many breeders are more than willing to advertise their dogs so that owners looking for a family pet can easily locate them. They know that if they have the proper papers, a Veterinarian, and a shelter near them, they can sell off as fast as possible to the highest bidder. They will only get the dogs free if they adopt them. Since these are the smallest of large dog breeds, a person looking to adopt a puppy needs to be very careful. German Shepherd puppies for sale in Colorado, whether from a private breeder or a shelter, should have the same temperament as other dogs in the same lines. Just like purchasing a purebred German Shepherd from a pet store, a person looking for a German Shepherd Husky mix should carefully research breeders in the area. A breeder can give valuable advice when it comes to matching the dog to its owner. The breeder will often be able to tell the prospective owners more about the dam and the sire. These individuals should also be willing to provide information about the dam and her offspring, including the mother and the puppies that have come before her. German Shepherd puppies for sale in Colorado also need to be home sweet. They should not only be lively, but they also need to have regular exercise and be kept with fresh water at all times. Even if the breeder already has two indoor dogs, they should provide three indoor dogs and two outdoor dogs. This ensures that the animals are healthy and thrive within the group. It is also very important that the puppies are exposed to friendly people and other dogs when they first arrive at a shelter. Some breeders will purposely ship the dogs across state lines to ensure the puppy is placed with other dogs and get used to their environment. Before placing the puppies for sale in Colorado, however, a responsible breeder will take the time to evaluate the home situation and introduce the dog to potential new homes. Once the breeder finds a good home for the puppy, he or she will place the puppy with another adult dog and introduce the puppy to the entire family. Before purchasing mixed puppies for sale in Colorado, prospective owners should ask about this possibility and whether or not the breeder takes the time to make the new family members comfortable. Many reputable breeders do this. German Shepherd Husky mix puppies for sale in Colorado come in many colors and patterns. If you live in a small apartment or house, you may want to consider getting a male puppy so that the breeder can place him with another adult dog in the household. The breeder may even be able to give you advice about different size dogs that will fit better in your home. If you live in a large house, though, it may be more practical to get a female puppy because they are usually easier to housebreak and timider around strangers. German Shepherd mix puppies for sale in Colorado can be an excellent choice for pet lovers. If you have decided to adopt one of these dogs, you should spend as much time as possible with the puppy. If you decide to purchase a puppy from a breeder, you should look for one with a good track record. Good breeders should be consistently good at providing good German Shepherd puppies for sale in Colorado. You will need to make sure that your puppy has been wormed and been tested for allergies before bringing it home. Breeders usually ask for a deposit to cover all health-related expenses. It is up to the dog breeder to determine how much he is willing to spend towards the cost of a puppy; all costs should be approved by the judge. There are some pet stores in Denver that allow you to bring your German Shepherd dog into the store for a tour without purchasing it. The puppies will be observed and evaluated while inside the store. The puppies will then be put into a crate or kennel, where they will remain all day. However, most of these stores let you bring the dogs in for a trial run; the breeder then determines if he wants to purchase the puppy or if he would rather hold onto it for a while. Before you bring the German Shepherd dog in for a tour, make sure the breeder has the proper papers for the puppy. This includes the original registration of the dog. A good breeder will show these papers and make arrangements for the puppy to be Microchipped. Microchipping is a requirement for the purebred German Shepherd to provide proof of ownership. The Microchip helps to trace the family tree of the German Shepherd and help ensure your puppy is indeed the biological offspring of the German Shepherd. It is important to ask questions when looking at German Shepherd puppies for sale in Colorado. Some breeders only want to see the German Shepherd in its purest form. They will not allow you to see the dam or sire if there is one because they want to keep the dam or sire from selling the puppy and going to another owner. Be wary of this kind of breeder because most reputable breeders do have AKC documentation proving their German Shepherd breeding history. Some breeders will not earmark their puppies because they feel the puppy will not thrive and are afraid of the possible health problems that can arise from a lack of worming. A lot of breeders mark their dogs, even if they do not have microchips because they think the dogs will not thrive unless they are marked. You should also watch out for purebred German Shepherd Husky mix puppies for sale in Colorado from pet stores. Although many pet stores want to sell as many dogs as possible, most breeders will only have purebred dogs. This is usually because the store owners want to make more money than they spend on the puppies, so they do not want to turn over purebred German Shepherds to a good breeder that might not be knowledgeable about the breed. Be sure to ask your breeder or the breeder you are buying from, what kind of microchip they are using. This will help to ensure your new dog has been tested for heartworm and other diseases. German Shepherd Husky mix puppies for sale in Colorado should come with a certificate of veterinary treatment for six months. Purebred German Shepherds need much more care than purebreds from breeders who are not knowledgeable about the breed. Since purebred German Shepherds were used for breeding, they will be less likely to get diseases than those from dog breeders who are not using them. Breeders that are selling puppies should be asking you about past medical history if you have any. If they refuse to do this and insist that you just buy a German Shepherd from them, you may want to look somewhere else. Share this:.

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Pinterest Email In the vibrant world of canine companionship a particularly compelling blend of character and charm emerges in the form of the golden retriever rottweiler mix. Often affectionately dubbed the golden rottie this distinctive breed is an intriguing blend of the loyal and highly intelligent golden retriever with the robust and protective rottweiler these breeds each adored in their own right combine their best attributes to form a mix that showcases loyalty intelligence strength and vigilance in one remarkable canine package. While all dogs share a common ancestry, breeders have, over centuries, selected specific traits to create the diverse array of purebred dogs we have today. However, more recently, an increasing trend has seen breeders and dog enthusiasts alike turning towards hybrid breeds. The philosophy behind this growing trend is about more than just creating a pup with a unique look; it also focuses on health and temperament. By mixing breeds, breeders aim to dilute or eliminate some of the health problems that plague purebreds, resulting in a healthier pet. Moreover, hybrid dogs often benefit from a balanced temperament, combining the best behavioral traits of their parent breeds. Stay with us as we delve deeper into understanding the golden rottie a testament to the love and intrigue sparked by the hybrid dog trend from their physical attributes to their behavioral traits we ll explore what makes this breed mix an increasingly popular choice among dog lovers. Breed Overview: The golden rottweiler mix s parents the golden retriever and the rottweiler bring a rich tapestry of characteristics and histories to this hybrid breed understanding their respective backgrounds helps us better appreciate the unique blend of traits exhibited by the golden rottie. Originating in the midth century Scotland, the Golden Retriever was developed as a gun dog to retrieve waterfowl during hunting. Known for their easy trainability, high intelligence, and friendliness, they make excellent family pets, therapy dogs, and service dogs. Their medium-length, dense, water-repellant coat — which can range from light golden to dark golden — and their gentle, expressive eyes are their signature traits. What truly sets them apart, though, is their sociable and eager-to-please personality that makes them beloved by their enthusiasts. You may like: Catahoula boxer mix. On the other end of the breed spectrum, we have the Rottweiler, a breed with a history dating back to the Roman Empire. Known for their robust physical strength, impressive confidence, and unwavering loyalty, Rottweilers have been employed in various roles, such as police dogs, search and rescue dogs, and guide dogs for the blind. Distinguished by their black coat with rust to mahogany markings, Rottweilers are admired for their protective instincts and self-assured nature. Despite their tough exterior, they are known to form strong bonds with their families, showcasing a softer side that is often reserved only for their loved ones. This combination caters to dog lovers seeking a loyal and intelligent companion with a balanced blend of gentleness and protective nature. In our following sections, we will further unravel the unique characteristics, health aspects, and care needs of this captivating mixed breed. You may like: Reverse brindle boxer every thing you need to know about this. Temperament and Personality: When it comes to the temperament and personality of the golden retriever rottweiler mix we are venturing into an exciting blend of traits that harmoniously meld the affability of a golden retriever with the protective nature of a rottweiler it s essential to remember that due to the mixed breed nature of the golden rottie these traits can vary significantly from one dog to another depending on which parent breed s genes are more dominant. When it comes to the temperament and personality of the golden retriever rottweiler mix we are venturing into an exciting blend of traits that harmoniously meld the affability of a golden retriever with the protective nature of a rottweiler it s essential to remember that due to the mixed breed nature of the golden rottie these traits can vary significantly from one dog to another depending on which parent breed s genes are more dominant. However they also carry the rottweiler s robust confidence and protective instincts this mix is known to be incredibly loyal to their families always ready to stand up and protect their loved ones if they perceive a threat they are often more vigilant than their golden retriever counterparts thanks to the rottweiler lineage. You may like : why is my dog panting? The key to a well rounded golden rottie is early socialization and consistent positive training early exposure to a variety of people animals sights sounds and experiences helps ensure that they grow into well adjusted adults training should be started as early as possible focusing on basic commands leash manners and positive interactions with people and other animals they typically respond well to positive reinforcement techniques so be sure to reward them for good behavior. In conclusion a golden rottie has the potential to be a well balanced friendly and protective dog given the right socialization and training whether you re looking for a family pet or a loyal guard dog this mix can adapt to fulfill these roles making them a wonderful addition to many households. You may Like: Are huskies part of the wolf family? Health and Lifespan: Golden rotties are generally a robust breed but it s vital to understand the potential health issues that they might inherit from their parent breeds the golden retriever and the rottweiler by being informed and proactive you can ensure your dog lives a long healthy and happy life. Golden Retrievers tend to have a lifespan of years, and Rottweilers average years. The Golden Rottie mix often falls within this range, although individual health and lifestyle factors can influence this. Both Golden Retrievers and Rottweilers are prone to certain health conditions that the mix may inherit. From the Golden Retriever side, common health issues include hip and elbow dysplasia, various eye disorders, and heart diseases. They also have a high prevalence of cancer, which is a leading cause of death in the breed. On the Rottweiler side, common health concerns include hip and elbow dysplasia, heart conditions, particularly aortic stenosis, and certain types of cancer. Rottweilers are also at risk of a condition known as gastric dilatation-volvulus GDV , or bloat, which is a life-threatening emergency requiring immediate veterinary attention. Regular veterinary check-ups, a balanced diet, and adequate exercise play a crucial role in this. The importance of genetic testing cannot be overstated. Reputable breeders should test their breeding dogs for conditions common in both breeds to ensure they are not passed on to the puppies. Ensure you are purchasing your puppy from a breeder who prioritizes health and temperament over aesthetics. In conclusion, while the Golden Rottie can inherit a range of health issues from its parent breeds, understanding these potential problems, being proactive in health care, and choosing a reputable breeder can all contribute to raising a healthy and well-adjusted pet. With good care, these loyal, affectionate dogs can be a delightful addition to your family for many years to come. You may like: why does my dog stare at me? The grooming routine for your Golden Rottie might vary based on the type of coat they inherit from their parent breeds. The Golden Retriever is known for its medium-to-long double coat that sheds considerably, especially during seasonal changes, while the Rottweiler has a short-to-medium-length double coat that is quite low maintenance. As a mixed breed, your Golden Rottie could inherit any variation of these coats. During shedding seasons, daily brushing might be required to control the amount of hair around your home. This not only keeps their coat looking its best, but it also helps to distribute natural skin oils, promoting a healthy and shiny coat. Regardless of the type of coat, all dogs benefit from regular grooming as it strengthens the bond between pet and owner, and it allows you to check for any skin issues or parasites. Dental care should also be a part of your regular grooming routine. Grooming your golden rottweiler mix might require a bit of effort but it s a worthwhile investment in your dog s health and comfort by maintaining a consistent grooming routine you ll help your canine companion look their best while preventing potential health issues. You may like: Rat terrier mix. Conclusion: The golden retriever rottweiler mix or golden rottie stands as a testament to the beauty of mixed breed dogs with its intelligent loyal and protective nature making it a remarkable family companion this unique blend combines the best traits of the sociable and eager to please golden retriever with the robust and watchful rottweiler as with any dog raising a golden rottie to be a well rounded and balanced member of your family requires dedication and care. Therefore, the importance of finding a reputable breeder, who prioritizes health, temperament, and the welfare of their dogs above all else, cannot be overstated. From a young age, they should be exposed to various situations, sounds, people, and animals to help shape their confident and friendly nature. Regular, positive training sessions will not only help channel their intelligence and energy positively but also strengthen the bond between you and your furry friend. From their grooming and maintenance needs to their health and lifespan, owning a Golden Rottie is a commitment that extends far beyond bringing a cute puppy home. With the right care, socialization, and training, the Golden Rottie promises to be a faithful and loving companion for years to come. I grew up on a farm where we had all sorts of animals, from cows and horses to pigs and chickens. My love for animals led me to pursue a career in writing about them. I have been a pet care writer for over 5 years and have extensive knowledge of animal care, health, and behavior. Lambert December 07, A bloodhound boxer mix is a combination of two entirely different dog breeds. A boxer and a bloodhound are crossbred to obtain this amazing mix. Their traits are dependent on genetic dominance. Sometimes they share the traits from both the parents. These designer dogs are perfect for kids. As they can easily bear or tolerate the friendly abusive behaviour of kids. They are the protectors of kids as well. The colour of their coat may vary. Brown, black, tan, fawn, brindle, white, and multicolour are common. They are not long-living animals. They have a very sharp sense of smell. Contents Bloodhound boxer mix Temperament The temperament of these designer hybrid dogs is a mix of both the bloodhound and a boxer. They are very active dogs. Daily, they require exercise to consume their energy. Socializing is the most important part of their life. It makes their temperament friendly with people and other animal breeds. These dogs cannot be left alone because they may get anxiety and depression when left alone. They are very good watchdogs. While playing with kids, they do not only play but also protect the kids from all negativity around them. Bloodhound boxer mix Size The size of a male bloodhound boxer mix differs a bit from female dogs. The males are usually bigger than females. The average weight of a boxer bloodhound mix is in the range of 45 pounds to 65 pounds. They are small to medium-sized dogs. Their weight may vary within the breed because the size of parent breeds matter. Their size is very comfortable for the kids. They are not very big to be handled by an adult. Their size is also compatible with taking on a trip or a picnic. They can be carried out for a walk because they require exercise for better health. Bloodhound boxer mix Adoption Adoption of a bloodhound boxer mix requires detailed study. Do complete research before adopting a pet. Choose a compatible pet according to your routine and demands. If you are an extrovert and like to explore the world, bloodhound boxer mix is the perfect pets for you. They are energetic dogs and like to go out, socialize, and make new friends. They are also very good working dogs. They easily adjust to a family. You can find them from different adoption points like online websites, breeders, pet shops, shelter homes, and rescue centers. A breeder can breed your favorite pet only on your demand. Bloodhound boxer mix Lifespan 10 to 12 years the average lifespan of a bloodhound boxer mix. Boxers do not have a longer lifespan. They may live a maximum of up to 10 years. Talking about bloodhounds, they may live up to 12 years. So, their mix of designer dogs can live from 10 years to 12 years. If you are about to adopt these pretty cute dogs, you must have a look at their health profile and ask about their lifespan as well. If you are okay with their shorter lifespan, then go for them. They may get some genetic health problems inherited from their parent breeds that can further shorten their lifespan. Bloodhound boxer mix Price Price is a variable. Depending on the location, size, age, adoption point, and colour, their price may differ. Both the parent breeds are not very expensive. They are available within the range of dollars to dollars. If you are willing to buy these pretty dogs from a rescue center or shelter home, you are going to get them at a low price of around dollars. Otherwise, you have to spend around dollars for their adoption. Puppies are usually more expensive as compared to adults. These medium-sized dogs may require grooming as well. So, be prepared to spend on their grooming as well.

Questions about Boxer puppies for sale in Dallas TX? We have answers. How much are Boxer puppies for sale in Dallas TX? This is often the case and can be for several reasons. Do I have to choose from local breeders near me? Not at all! How are breeders selected for your network? This is because we have high standards when it comes to Boxer for sale Dallas and care about connecting homes like yours with only the top notch breeders and business in the industry. Learn more from our Breeder Pledge and find Boxer puppies for sale in Dallas now. You can take a lot of the negative stress out of your Dallas Boxer puppy for sale puppy search by choosing to work with Uptown Puppies. We are highly selective when it comes to breeders and businesses in our network, meaning you can have peace of mind knowing your puppy is coming from an ethical breeder or business. Should I worry about puppy mills? There are plenty of them and they are essentially factories that produce as many puppies as possible with no care for the well being of the animals in their care. These puppies often have health problems down the road. Are there puppies available now in your network? Once you decide to work with Uptown Puppies and look for Dallas Boxer puppies for sale, you can start browsing through available puppies right away and get one step closer to finding your dream companion. Boxers have ancestors that can be traced as far back as B. They were originally bred as hunters and became more popular across Europe in the 16th century before coming to the U. Are Boxers good family dogs? Boxer puppies Dallas are considered great family dogs because of how much energy they have and how much they absolutely love to play! Their playful energy allows them to keep up with any equal energy children in the household! They also bond quickly with all members of the household, and like to take on a guardian role. What can I expect with a Boxer breed? Boxers are so popular and beloved for a good reason, they are charming, playful and dedicated companions who brighten your day with their affection. You can expect for Boxers for sale Dallas to be high energy and always ready for the next adventure to go on. They also will bond with you quickly and are able to be trained easily. How big is a full grown Boxer? Dallas Boxers for sale are a medium to large sized dog breed and range from about inches tall and can weigh in anywhere from pounds depending on the sex. Once your tiny little puppy grows into adulthood, they are a good size for apartment or house living as long as they get out for plenty of exercise! Loyalty, affection, intelligence, work ethic, and good looks: Boxers are the whole doggy package. Bright and alert, sometimes silly, but always courageous, the Boxer has been among America's most popular dog breeds for a very long time. A male can stand as high as 25 inches at the shoulder and weigh lbs; females are a little smaller, lbs and inches tall. Their muscles ripple beneath a short, tight-fitting coat, and the dark brown eyes and wrinkled forehead give the face an alert, curious look. The coat can be fawn or brindle, with white markings, and some are born solid white. Boxers move like the athletes they are named for: smooth and graceful, with a powerful forward thrust. Boxers are upbeat and playful. Their patience and protective nature have earned them a reputation as a great dog with children. They take the jobs of watchdog and family guardian seriously and will meet threats fearlessly. Boxers do best when exposed to a lot of people and other animals in early puppyhood. The Bullenbeisser descended from Mastiffs was crossed with the Old English bulldog to eventually produce the modern breed. Bullenbeissers were generally used as catch dogs for hunting bear, wild boar, and deer. With their strong jaws, they would catch and hold prey until their hunter masters came. The first Boxers were developed to be a smaller, faster dog for similar purposes. Unfortunately, like their bulldog ancestors, Boxer dogs were sometimes used for bull-baiting, and, after the practice was outlawed, for dog fighting. Many are still working dogs, for the military and as police dogs. But most have taken an equally important place as the popular companion dog we know and love today. Boxers are, for the most part, versatile dogs. But be wary of leaving your Boxer dog unattended with access to local pets in your neighborhood. A strong fence without escape routes is a good idea. And although Boxers do well in hot weather, white ones might need some sunscreen. Yes, dog sunscreen is a thing. A bored boxer will chew, lick, and dig to excess, so a kennel or crate may be necessary when you need to be away for longer than they like. In the perfect world, a boxer owner would work part-time, or from home, so that they could spend maximum time caring for and bonding with their pet. After a puppy is reserved its is our goal to make the update within minutes with few exceptions outside holidays and unforeseen events. You can be confident the available puppies and their pictures shown are accurate and up to date. Look no further! We have a network of trusted breeders who ensure that our puppies are healthy, happy, and ready to be your new furry best friend. What are Boxer puppies? Boxer puppies trace their origin to 19th-century Germany, where they were developed as versatile working dogs. Around the mids, German breeders aimed to create a loyal and courageous dog capable of performing various tasks. They crossed Bullenbeissers with Bulldogs and selected for traits like strength, intelligence, and agility. The result was the Boxer we know today. Boxers quickly gained popularity as police and military dogs due to their loyalty, trainability, and protective instincts. They were officially recognized by the American Kennel Club AKC in , solidifying their status as a distinct breed. Over time, Boxers transitioned from working roles to beloved companions and show dogs. Their friendly demeanor, boundless energy, and affectionate nature make them cherished family pets worldwide. The origin of Boxer puppies is a testament to the careful breeding and selection that have crafted a breed known for its remarkable combination of strength, intelligence, and affection. Temperament of Boxers Boxers are known for their playful and energetic temperament. They are intelligent dogs that are eager to please and love to learn new things. Boxers are loyal and protective of their family, making them great watchdogs. They are also affectionate and make great companions for children and adults alike. With proper training and socialization, Boxers make great family pets. We offer a vast selection of healthy and happy Boxer puppies that will make excellent family pets. With our commitment to quality and affordability, we make it easy for you to find your new furry best friend. About Vincent Hello! Are you looking for a lifelong companion? Look no further. I am here and just perfect for you. Trust me! I am very loyal, and I can make you smile with just the way I wag my tail. I have a wonderful disposition. Oh, silly me! Well, choose me today!

With over 20 years of experience, we have shared our Labradoodle Puppies with families across this Country, and around the world. As an Authentic Australian Labradoodle Breeder, we offer our Riverbend Australian Labradoodle puppies in Miniature sizes lbs , Medium sizes 45lbs , and Standard sizes lbs. Because of our years of experience and success with our English Style Labrador Retriever Breeding Program , our Riverbend Labradoodles are stocky, heavy-boned, and have a beautiful, blocky style of head that gives them a soft, intuitive expression. We are so blessed to be involved with a fantastic Worldwide Labradoodle Breed organization, bringing together nearly Breeders from the United States, Canada, Europe, and Australia that are dedicated to protecting the breed we love so much. We are honored at the opportunity to help protect and promote the breed we love so much with our participation in these organizations. Our commitment to quality and accountability to these organizations offers peace of mind in purchasing one of our Australian Labradoodle puppies. Our Labradoodles have allergy friendly coats that are non-shedding, and we are dedicated to helping people with allergies add to their family. Our Labradoodles are known to have a laid- back, easy-going temperament, and are great family companions. They are intelligent and easy to train, and typically finish at the top of their obedience classes. Here at Riverbend, we have made it our focus to protect the health and future, while maintaining the integrity, of the Labradoodle breed. Our carefully planned breeding program is dedicated to Quality, not quantity. We believe it is of utmost importance to have OFA hip, OFA elbow, ACVO eye clearances, and also breed specific health clearances, as well as Champion Quality pedigrees within all of our dogs' bloodlines, to ensure we have the healthiest Labradoodle Puppies possible. Take a look at Our Dogs. All of our Riverbend puppies are raised in our home for proper socialization and handling from birth. Our home is designed for our puppies to live with us, so we can provide a healthy environment, to build the foundation that will help them grow to their full potential. Paying attention to how a puppy grows, from the day he is born, is important for the very health and vitality of each puppy. And, we believe that the first eight weeks of a puppy's life, is of vital importance in determining his later behavior as an adult. We share our Australian Labradoodle Puppies with loving caring families, and you can be confident that our puppies are handled continuously, are exposed to our everyday life, and everyday noises, to create a positive social experience that will enable them to become lifelong companions. We hope that you enjoy our website and find it easy to navigate, helpful, informative, and fun. If you have any questions or would like more information about this fantastic breed, please feel free to contact us by phone or email. We love sharing our Riverbend Labradoodles with others, and welcome all inquiries concerning them. Support an American Company and Small Business! We are confident these products are the best for your furry family member and we refuse to use anything else! Here is the list of the best breeders you can get your Labradoodle puppies in Ohio. They have a thorough screening process for breeders to ensure that all puppies are bred in responsible and ethical conditions. Additionally, PuppySpot offers a health guarantee for all puppies and provides ongoing support to buyers to help ensure that the puppies are well taken care of. This support includes information on training, nutrition, and other important aspects of pet ownership. PuppySpot also offers transportation options for buyers, making it easier for them to receive their new puppies, regardless of their location. With these services and their commitment to responsible breeding practices, PuppySpot is a great choice for those looking for Labradoodle breeders in Ohio. Their goal is to provide buyers with a positive experience and the assurance that their new puppy has been bred and raised with care. By choosing PuppySpot as a source for Labradoodle breeders in Ohio, buyers can have peace of mind knowing that their new puppy will bring joy and love into their lives. They breed Standard size and Miniature Labradoodle puppies. Their bred puppies grow up to be social and loyal family dogs who are also allergy-free. Any puppy here is a happy and healthy one from genetically tested parents. The color varieties for their bred Labradoodles are black , chocolate, and parti labradoodle, black, black and white, apricot, cream, silver, sable, and white. Their parti Labradoodles are bred from parti Poodles originally and later bred with F1B Labradoodles and the multigene for their parti coloring. Their bred Miniature Labradoodles weigh about pounds, and the Standard Labradoodles weigh around pounds at maturing. Before taking your puppy home, the kennels make sure to get your Labradoodle vet checked. Established in , the breeders specialize in breeding Labradoodle puppies in Ohio. The veterinarian also keeps a close look that the Labradoodle puppies go through early socialization to mix with their new family easily. In addition to this, amazingly, the breeders also provide their new Labradoodle families a guardian program for their breeding dogs. Their bred Labradoodle puppies you take home will be provided with a two-year health guarantee, along with a micro-chip and pedigree guarantee. Heritage Manor Labradoodles Details. 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. 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 Columbus Ohio 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.

The long adolescent period that ends the puppy years is highly individual, but most dogs mature somewhere before 3 years of age. The Neonatal Stage This is the very earliest stage your German shepherd will pass through. Simply put, this is the helpless baby stage when your puppy's eyes will still be closed and he is completely dependent upon his mother. She will feed him, wash him and clean up after his accidents for the first two or three weeks. His eyes will open at around 10 days. At this time, your puppy is little more than an eating machine -- filling his belly to help his tiny body grow and develop. The Transitional Stage Though it is short and indistinct, the transitional stage from the neonatal to the socialization stage is important to your pup's development nevertheless. This brief phase -- lasting only about a week after his eyes open -- marks the period when your German shepherd begins to notice his environment. He will start to look at things curiously and be aware of sounds around him. Prior to this he has been in his own little world with no sights or sounds beyond his own body and that of his mother. When his eyes open, the immediate environment -- with other living beings -- is suddenly a part of life that he must face. The Socialization Stage At around 3 weeks, your puppy begins to learn how to interact with others -- both animals and the humans around him. He has already had some practice with dogs through the daily contact with his mother and litter mates, but now he begins to expand his circle of acquaintance to other dogs or cats in the household and to the family of humans around him. This is the most critically important phase in your German shepherd's development and helps decide his later suitability for work in rescue, service or as a family dog. At this time, he should have opportunities to meet as many new animals and faces under differing circumstances as possible, so he becomes comfortable with meeting people and other animals in a variety of situations when he grows up. This stage lasts to about 3 months of age and is the period when puppies are at their most impressionable and playful. The Juvenile Stage From 3 to 6 months old, your puppy will begin to look beyond the biological world of dogs, cats and people to the larger world around him. He will want to explore new places more than new faces at this point -- which may often get him into trouble. This is an active and trying age for puppy parents. Your puppy looks like a mostly grown-up dog but behaves entirely like a pup. His attention span is about as long as that of the average teenager, so this is not a particularly easy time for obedience classes. Your shepherd will have other things on his mind, but pet parents should continue to persevere because this is the best stage to resolve any obvious aggression or anxiety issues your pup may display. If those issues are not addressed early, they could become larger problems later on. To make things a tad more difficult, at around 5 months of age, your German shepherd starts to mature sexually. The Adolescent Stage The teenage angst that human children go through is roughly equivalent to what pet parents can expect from their adolescent German shepherd. Beginning with the onset of sexual maturity and lasting through the first two years of his life, your puppy's hormones will rage uncontrollably unless he is neutered early. This stage is usually marked by mounting -- anything and everything -- marking his territory and even fighting with other male dogs. Females will enter their first estrus period at this time and may try to escape the yard or otherwise pose problems. The pup's body has become adult, and his brain is fully alert and capable, but his emotions are still in the turbulent transitional phase from teenager to full adult. If he were human, this would be the stage at which you would hide the car keys. As an adult, your German shepherd is finally the calm, dignified, courageous and respectful dog you always knew he would grow up to be. If you were patient and dedicated through those early, sometimes difficult, years, you now have a well-trained and disciplined companion for life. More Articles. Are male and female German shepherds different? The Neonatal Period. Birth-2 Weeks. In the first two weeks of their life your puppy is mostly helpless and fully dependant on their mother. Their mother will be responsible for feeding, eliminating waste and keeping them warm. The puppies will be able to taste, touch and feel warmth but their eyes and ears are sealed shut. You should see the following milestones hit in the first two weeks. What you should expect to see: Puppies Starting to Crawl Eyes and ears starting to open Teeth starting to appear By the end of the first two weeks your puppies should be able to stand up, albeit a little shakily and have their eyes and ears fully open. The Transitional Period. They will start to be able to control their body and temperature much better. They will start to interact with their litter mates but will still be largely dependent on their mother. What you should expect to see: Puppies Walking Well Puppies Interacting with you and their littermates Puppy teeth almost complete. The Socialisation Period 4weeks — 3 months The puppies will now have complete control of their body and will start exploring the world around them. The latter half of this period is the ideal time to rehome the puppies as this is when they are most susceptible to learning new things and they can start to be taught basic commands. Between weeks your puppy may start to display signs of some fearfulness. This is perfectly normal and will need to be nurtured Not encouraged by you. What you should expect to see: Start showing adult behaviours Wagging tails, sniffing bums Start to be able to be taught basic commands Ears begin to sit upright. The Juvenile Period 3months-6months Your German Shepherd puppy will become much more independent during this period. They will start to understand dominance and will explore their home to understand where their position is in the household. What you should expect to see: Female puppies begin heat cycles Ears now fully upright Males reach sexual maturity The Adolescence Period 6monthsmonths Most of your puppies social understanding and behaviours will have developed by this point but a reinforcement of these is still important. Your puppy will be at their most energetic and will require a structured training routine to help them to continue to develop. Males are considered fully grown at 36months whereas females reach this mark around 24months. You will know have an excellent, loyal family pet and companion to spend many years together with. German Shepherds are a medium-large breed. Females will grow to around inches and weigh lbs whereas the males will grow to around inches and weigh lbs. How many puppies is there in the average German Shepherd litter? German Shepherd litters Usually consist of between 5 and 10 puppies. How long do German shepherds live? The average life span for a German Shepherd is somewhere between 9 and 14 years. Other than the size difference already discussed females tend to be more affectionate than males where is male dogs are usually more protective of their surroundings and their families. Related Posts. German Shepherd puppy development stages and ages — week by week guide Welcome to our German Shepherd puppy development stages and ages — week by week guide Different breeds like all different babies develop at different rates. There are going to be many exciting events for you to look forward to. Whether you are bringing your 8 week German Shepherd puppy home or about to be blessed with a litter of puppies. This is going to be an exciting, demanding but hugely rewarding journey. Newborn puppies are born at around days after fertilization. Newborn puppies are born with their ears and eyes tightly sealed. The reason eyelids are sealed shut is to form a protective barrier for the fragile developing eye. This helps to protect them from any foreign object, bright lights, bacteria or any other microorganism that can cause disease or damage. In the same way puppies ear canals are closed at birth to make them effectively deaf. This is a protective barrier to protect the fragile underdeveloped machinery needed to hear. In a mature ear the pressure caused by sound will mechanically move structures in the ear. German Shepherd puppies are highly dependent upon their noses. Puppies navigate by smell from the moment they are born. This helps them to identify their mom, the very important milk supply, siblings and surroundings. Newborn puppies are born with a fur coat however they cannot control their own body temperature yet. To keep them warm they are dependant on their mothers or another heat source. If you live in a cooler climate installing a heat lamp would be ideal to help keep the puppies nice and warm. Germans Shepherds make amazing mothers and will be relied on a lot at this stage. Mother dogs will only leave their newborn puppies to go to the toilet, eat and drink. However, when mom has gone the newborn puppies are not completely useless. They are able to use their front paws to drag themselves towards a heat source. When mom is away the puppies will crawl together to preserve their body heat. Along with being able to drag themselves to a heat source newborn puppies are also able to drag themselves to their mothers to locate the milk supply. They will move their heads around to search for a nipple, latch on and suck strongly. Newborn puppies are not born with teeth these will also develop in the next several weeks. Other than the above puppies are completely dependent upon the care of their dedicated mom. Newborn puppies have little control over the rear end of their bodies. To encourage their pups to pass urine and bowel movements the mom will lick their bottoms. Anything produced mom will then lick up and swallow to keep her puppies and nest clean. Some pups will even double their birth weight! Your German Shepherd puppy will still be highly dependent upon their mom at this stage. Beneath all their fur the vital organs will be working hard to mature. This includes the eyes. Your puppy will not be ready to open their eyes yet but lots of changes are taking place to prepare them for grand opening. The ear canals will begin to open around the same time as the eyes. When the ear canals do open, the ears are much more formed than the eyes are at this point in time. Their eyesight usually takes around 8 weeks to reach its full potential. When their eyes become wider, they will reveal blueish-gray eyes which are hazy in appearance. Their eyesight will continue to develop until around 8 weeks old. The ear canals will also open around 2 weeks. The puppies hearing has been developing much quicker than their eyesight and they will be able to hear most things by the time their ear canals fully open. However, their amazing hearing ability will continue to enhance over the next several weeks. At the moment your German Shepherd puppy will have cute floppy ears. Their adorable tall ears can come up anywhere between 8 weeks and 6 months of age. Floppy ears are common until your German Shepherd finishes teething. By then the ear cartilage will become strong and hard enough for the ears to stand up permanently. Now is a good time to start handling the puppies and get them used to your voice. Most puppies are wormed for the first time when they are 2 weeks old. All this development has happened so quickly, but things are about to get even more exciting. Between 2 and 4 weeks your German Shepherd puppy will begin to stand up this is when the real fun begins. Puppies milky teeth will also start to develop between 2 to 4 weeks. These sharp little teeth will remain until about weeks of age. These little daggers play an important role during the weaning process. Even the most patient moms will struggle to nurse with these sharp painful teeth. This reluctance to nurse will prompt the German Shepherds to seek alternative food sources. These sharp teeth will then help to make up for the lack of jaw strength when eating solid foods. Finally, these sharp puppy teeth play an important role in teaching the pups to gauge their bite pressure when playing with their mom and siblings. This is an essential life lesson that enables our powerful German Shepherds to become safer companions as they mature into strong adult dogs. During the last few weeks mom has done an amazing job of getting her babies strong and their mobility will have come on leaps and bounds well not quite yet but by 3 weeks of age your German Shepherd puppy will begin to trotter around. Most 3 week old German Shepherd puppies can stand and sit. With their baby teeth starting to cut through a lot of breeders. Especially those with large litters will start introducing some solid foods. This helps relieve some of the pressure for the devoted German Shepherd mom. When weaning puppies, you need to start off by soaking their food in either water or puppy milk replacement formula to make it mushy and more comfortable for them to eat. As they start to interact and play with their siblings their personalities will really start to show. You may also notice them starting to playfully growl at each other. At 3 weeks old it will become easier to start identifying different members of the pack. Breeders and moms will be kept on their toes and paws over the next few weeks. As the pups start getting more confident on their feet they will be running around and playing enthusiastically. At 4 weeks old they will begin to wag their adorable little tails. With solid food becoming a major part of their diet the pups will be passing bigger bowel movements. They will be able to show more control of their bowel movements as they take themselves away from their brothers and sisters to perform their business. At this stage mom will be taking a much more relaxed approach to parenting and there will be a lot more for the breeder to clear up. By this point mealtimes are a messy process. If it is warm and safe enough to do so we would recommend taking the pups out in the yard for feeding. German Shepherd puppies are becoming a lot stronger at vocalisations by 4 weeks old. When mom returns to her babies the litter will noisily greet her. Around 4 weeks of age your puppies will need to be wormed again. From this week onwards human interaction is very important in order to form relationships with people. Including different noises and smells. This exposure will ensure your German Shepherd puppy turns into a confident, friendly individual. Mom will also be doing an important job of teaching her puppies to not bite too hard. Even an 8 week old German Shepherd puppy would have the power in their jaws to break the smaller bones in humans fingers. This is why mom teaching her puppies bite inhibition is so important. For more information on bite inhibition please see our guide on German Shepherd bite inhibition. By 5 weeks old German Shepherd puppies will be eating a lot of solid foods, several times throughout the day. Those sharp little teeth would have done their job and mom will be gradually weaning her pups of the dependency on her milk. When mom does feed her puppies, she will only do so for a short period whilst standing up. They will be eating between five and six small meals a day. Although the pups no longer rely on mom for milk, they still need her help and guidance for the next few weeks. Mom will be teaching her babies important life skills to live alongside humans. In some countries 6 week old puppies are taken away from their mothers and moved into their new home. We would not recommend this as the puppies will miss out on continued bite inhibition training from their siblings and mother. This can result in a puppy who bites too hard which can be challenging to manage as they get older. In the USA your puppy will be due their first combined 5-in-1 vaccine at 6 weeks old. This vaccine helps to immunizes your puppy against hepatitis, parvo, distemper, parainfluenza and coronavirus. Most puppies will also need to be wormed again at 6 weeks old. Their last week together will consist of plenty of socialization and playing. Most breeders will arrange a 7 week health check up with the vet to make sure your bundle of fluff is fit and healthy to go to their new home. In the UK some breeders will arrange for the pups first 8 week vaccination to take place during this check. Although some vets advise against it. By the end of this week German Shepherd puppies are ready to leave their mothers and move into their new homes for good. The week you get to take your new puppy home. This will be a very exciting time, but you may also be feeling a bit nervous. There will be some challenged along the way for new puppy owners and your puppy will take some time to adjust to life without its mother and siblings. In the UK the first combined vaccination will help to immunizes your puppy against distemper, parvovirus, leptospirosis and hepatitis. The first puppy injection in the UK typically will happen between 8 and 10 weeks. Some breeders would have trained the puppies to poop and pee on newspapers or puppy pads. From the moment you get them home it is important to show your German Shepherd puppy where to pee and poop. Puppies naturally like to pee where they have done so before so to avoid building history of peeing in your home is best if you can to avoid it. The more you can avoid accidents from happening as much as possible from the start the faster the puppy training process should be. All puppies are different, and some will get this quicker than others. The main thing to remember is not to discipline your puppy for accidents. The most successful way to potty train is to reward success and ignore accidents. Just clean them up quickly and thoroughly. Your puppy will love nothing more than being praised. For more information please see our guide on How to potty train your German Shepherd puppy. Already your German Shepherd puppy will feel like part of the family. German Shepherds puppies are always adorable but at 9 weeks they are at the age where they are still puppy-like but very clumsy,curious and keen to play with her new family, which is very cute. Your German Shepherds unique personality will make you feel very proud. At 9 weeks your cheeky German Shepherd pup will be feeling more confident, with this the need to explore everything and anything may end up getting them into trouble. Your puppy will develop new sleeping patterns and feeding routines which you will need to adapt to. Most puppies will sleep between eighteen and twenty hours a day at 9 weeks old. During the day when you are with your puppy generally you will not need to shut them away in a crate to nap. German Shepherd puppies are often more than happy to sleep whilst family life goes on around them. However, there will be times when sleeping in a crate is better and safer for your puppy. You must not leave a 9 week old puppy to sleep outside the crate if you are not home to watch them if they wake. Puppies are into everything and many innocent items found in the house could be a potential hazard to your inquisitive pup. For more information please see our guide on how to puppy proof your home. Even if your puppy can barely keep their eyes open other pups and children will still want to play and your German Shepherd puppy may find it hard to refuse. After a hard day of play the peace and quiet of a crate will enable your pup to have a well-deserved nap. If your German Shepherd puppy does need to go to the toilet in the night make sure you keep it short and to a minimum. Establishing a daily routine is the best way to get your German Shepherd puppy to sleep through the night. Part of this schedule will involve mealtimes. Your 9 week old puppy will need four meals a day. Split these up throughout the day and try to stick to similar times. This is to stop encouraging your puppy to wake up earlier and earlier because they associate waking with food. You should always reward your puppy either vocally, with a favourite toy or treats for good behaviour and ignore bad behaviour. Puppies and dogs want to be praised so they respond very well to positive encouragement. Punishing puppies and dogs may have a short term positive effect on their behaviour but long term you could be setting them up to fail. It is very important to socialise and expose your puppy to other humans, dogs and different scenarios whilst they are young. This maybe hard before your puppy has had all its vaccines however getting many different people to come and visit you at your home will enable them to get used to visitors. Before their full vaccinations you can also, you can take you German Shepherd puppy out and about with you to expose them to the outside world as long as you can carry them. If you live in the USA, your puppy will be due their second combined 5-in-1 vaccine at 9 weeks old. In the USA a minimum of three sets of the combined vaccine are required for your puppy. Although you cannot put your puppy down outside until after their final vaccination. Puppies 10 week injection In the UK is a booster vaccination to help immunizes your puppy against distemper, parvovirus, leptospirosis and hepatitis. Check with your vet what date after their jabs your German Shepherd puppy will be able to go down outside. Your puppy will then need a booster between 6 and 12 months old. If you live in the USA at 12 weeks old your German Shepherd puppy will be due their booster for the combined 5in1 vaccine against hepatitis, distemper, parainfluenza, parvo and coronavirus and a vaccine against rabies and leptospirosis. If you live in a high risk area, they may also need to be given the vaccination to help immunize them against Lyme. If applicable at 16 weeks your German Shepherd puppy may need to have a fourth combined 5in1 vaccine. A minimum of three combined injections are required in the USA. Check with your vet what date they will be able to be out down outside. By 10 weeks old your German Shepherd puppy will be able to control their bladder a lot more. Potentially up to several hours. This is great time for you to introduce them to the big wide world and develop their social skills which you have already been building the foundations. When taking your German Shepherd puppy out try to introduce them to as many other friendly dogs, humans and noises you can. This will help your German Shepherd puppy to grown into a confident well-rounded dog. At 3 months old your German Shepherd will go down from four daily meals to three. These three portions will be larger than what they are used to which may cause stomach upset. If your German Shepherd puppy does get an upset stomach, try going back to four smaller meals for a couple of days and they try the three larger portions again. This can be a challenging time as your adorable German Shepherd puppy turns into a furry crocodile. Luckily the teething stage is only a phase as with human babies and short lived. In most cases your puppy biting should stop around when they are around 7 months old and have their adult teeth. You maybe noticing your German Shepherds gorgeous ears fluctuating between floppy and pointy. By the time your puppy has finished teething their ears should tick up all the way. This usually happens around months. As they grow their cartilage becomes stronger. Some puppies need another month or so to help them cope without going out for frequent toilet breaks. Even when your German Shepherd puppy is toilet trained occasional accidents are normal. German Shepherds do have large ears but they tend to grow into them as they get older. German Shepherd puppies will begin to grow their new adult coat between 4 and 6 months old. To make way for their adult coat all the puppy hair has to go. For several weeks you will notice an increase in shedding. This is a completely normal part of growing up for your German Shepherd. Being a double coat breed German Shepherds dogs have a topcoat and an undercoat. Twice a year your pup will shed their undercoat. Usually in spring and again in fall. They also shed in general days a year so be prepared for a lot of fur! They will very much look like a smaller version of their adult selves. Although your German Shepherd may look older on the inside, they are still very much a puppy. If you are looking to get your puppy neutered or spayed the recommended age is 6 to 9 months. However, it is common for some female puppies to get spayed at 4 months old. Summary: Your German Shepherd is bound to give you so much joy and happiness throughout its life. There will be challenges along the way but remember this is completely normal. German Shepherds are such an amazing breed and you will have a loyal friend for life. Related Posts. Puppyhood The first growth phase — puppyhood — has six development stages. During each of these stages, a puppy learns a lot of things. Neonatal Stage This period lasts from birth to 13 days. The puppy needs a lot of nursing from its mom because it is rather helpless. Its ears and eyes are closed, so it does not have any senses. The little pups should completely rely on their mothers for nourishment and care. By 2 weeks, they double their birth weight. They start crawling, and then their eyes and ears begin to open. The first milk teeth appear. The puppy can even stand up, but too unstably and shakily. This makes it possible for little ones to hear, smell, and taste. They even try to walk. Their baby teeth continue growing. The period between weeks is also called a transitional one. At the end of the third week, the motor skills start developing fast. The puppy can already control its temperature and body, namely, bowel movements. It begins to interact with its littermates. Nevertheless, the pup is still largely dependent on its mother. Though, you can interact with it. At the end of this period, the little cub is ready to explore the world. Its baby teeth are almost complete, and it can stand up more stably. It starts barking and growling a bit. The puppy grows quickly now. It actively interacts with its littermates. The baby dog can walk, and its baby teeth are complete. You can also consider the German Shepherd behavior stages from now. Its mental development starts because it discovers the world actively with its senses. Its walking improves, and it can make attempts to run, so it can even sometimes get in trouble. The puppy can start eating dog food. That is why it is important to begin weaning. The little one can recognize and greet its littermates and people, get interested in new things, and continue to explore the world. However, at this age, the first fear period can be experienced. Read our detailed guide about 6 week old German Shepherd puppy. It is the best period for taking your pet home. This period can be psychologically traumatic, so be careful not to expose the pet to direct sunlight because it may be afraid of it for its entire life. All the fears need your special attention. You need to nurture, but not encourage them. Read our detailed guide about 2 month old German Shepherd puppy. So, your puppy is three months old now. It is playful and active. Its teeth are complete. It is weaned and eats dog food. The feeding recommendation here is the overall one and a half cups, three times a day. It is also time to get your pet vaccinated against distemper and parvovirus. At the end of the third month, your little GSD can simulate its behavior after other dogs and humans. Training can start. Read our detailed guide about 3 month old German Shepherd puppy. Your puppy already has all its baby teeth, and adult canines and incisors begin to push through. It can even try to bite or nip you. The puppy coat begins to disappear and gets ready for replacement by the adult double-layer coat. You can see a racing stripe on its spine where the adult hair will grow. The puppy displays quick growth at this time, and it becomes stronger to withstand the possible fierce competition with its siblings if it is still staying with its family. It needs a lot of biting and chewing now for the correct growth of its adult teeth. Your pet needs consistent socialization and potty training now. After three months old, you should think about such vaccination as DHPP — distemper, hepatitis, parainfluenza, and parvovirus. The juvenile phase lasts from 3 to 6 months, and it can be divided into three stages by month. Continue socializing and start more substantial training. You can consult the German Shepherd weight chart here to see whether your pup develops properly. So, be attentive to the games you play with your pet. Some of them can be dangerous and traumatic because your puppy may not know how to manage its body during them. You can give it two cups of kibble totally three times per day because it needs a lot of nutrition to grow. DHPP and rabies vaccines are recommended at this age. Your little pup is ready to explore the world. However, as a true teenager, it can become more stubborn and try not to listen to your commands. It starts to understand dominance and tries to persuade you in its leadership. Read our detailed guide about 4 month old German Shepherd puppy. During this month, it can gain about 10 pounds 4. Its ears have stably perked up by this time. It looks more like an adult dog but, as a true teenager, it is very playful and is always ready to go around. The adult teeth continue to appear. Sexual maturity starts emerging. You should feed your pet around two cups three times per day. A lot of training is also needed. Read our detailed guide about 5 month old German Shepherd puppy. It needs a lot of training and positive reinforcement. Now, your pet is fully house-trained, and it needs a lot of new experiences. The sixth month is a transition period to the Adolescent Phase. The ears are completely upright. Males achieve sexual maturity, while female puppies can experience heat cycles. Hormones start working, and male puppies can start marking the territory and looking for females to mate. The adult coat grows longer and gets its normal double layers. Adult teething is about to finish, and all 42 teeth appear. You should feed your dog with the overall two or three cups two times per day. Read our detailed guide about 6 month old German Shepherd puppy. Adolescence Phase Months German Shepherd males are thought to be grown-up when they are 3 years 36 months old. Females become adults when they are 2 years 24 months old. However, these criteria differ for every puppy. That is why the adolescence phase lasts from the end of the 6th month to the end of the second year of age 24 months on average. By the end of this phase, the puppy reaches its full size though it will continue slightly growing. Your dog can display testing boundaries, so disobedience is widely encountered if the dog is not properly trained. German Shepherds do not look like puppies anymore. Within this period, some dogs can display their second fear period at approximately months old , though to avoid long-lasting psychological trauma, you should ignore the fears. Some dogs may occasionally forget their skills that they have already acquired, so you may need to repeat training again. Here, the reinforced training is useful because some puppies can become entirely rambunctious. Your pet will also need more socialization since it reaches its sexual maturity, and some of its reactions can be pretty unexpected. Its sexual maturity continues, which may cause some aggression because of increases and decreases in hormones. The puppy does not gain weight so fast. Teething is finished. The German Shepherd starts looking more similar to an adult dog, with its standing up ears and well-developed muscles. The food your dog needs involves two or three cups total, given two times per day. Read our detailed guide about 7 month old German Shepherd puppy. It displays a lot of aggression. It can bark or lunge at other animals, kids, and unfamiliar people. A lot of training and reinforcement is needed. You can teach the youngster new tricks to deal with their aggression. The dog has strong adult teeth, and its ears are well-formed and perky. The transition to adulthood continues. As for food, your dog needs two-three cups in total two times a day. Read our detailed guide about 8 month old German Shepherd puppy. It does not grow fast, gaining about a couple of pounds per month. The dog needs two-three cups of food two times a day. Read our detailed guide about 9 month old German Shepherd puppy. They are very active and need a lot of attention and training. Sometimes, they can be really goofy or clumsy because they are still learning and do not know how to behave in many events. Your pup is very smart and clever but tends to display a lot of aggression if not supported and reinforced properly. The dogs should eat two-three cups in total per day. Read our detailed guide about 10 month old German Shepherd pupp y. It starts to challenge you as an owner and likes to demonstrate its leadership. You should teach it to be responsible and obey your commands. A lot of training and reinforcement is crucial. Still, give it two or three cups in total per day. It becomes a bit destructive, but be sure not to get angry or upset with it. It needs your patience and positive attitude. Such vaccines as DHPP and rabies are recommended at this age. It should also transit to adult food. Give it three or three and a half cups total twice a day. Read our detailed guide about 1 year old German Shepherd puppy. Years 1. This time is considered a transition period. The dog may have problems with fears and memory breakdowns. It may even forget how to do familiar things and should be trained again. However, its attention span is longer at this age, so it can have a more thorough obedience training. The dog should eat three or three and a half cups two times a day. Year 2 months — The Second Transition Phase This is one more transition period known as young adulthood. Your dog still displays some aggression. That is why they continue to need reinforcement, training, and socialization. It has already gained its athletic frame and strong muscle, and only several pounds are lacking for reaching its adult weight. In fact, you get a German Shepherd full-grown pet now. The DHPP vaccination is recommended at this age. Continue to feed your dog with three to three and a half cups in total twice per day. It has become a loyal and protective family pet or an obedient and enduring working dog. The young adulthood stage lasts from the second to the third year after the puppy was born. Its size is typical now for an adult dog. However, it may continue to grow slightly, but the changes are not noticeable at all. At this phase, you can also notice that your pet becomes more and more active. It needs a lot of exercise and training. A lot of physical activity is essential for the dog to stay in high spirits. The period between the second and third years of life is also called the adult growth stage. This is the time when your friend gets its excellent breed characteristics. It loves attention very much and continues to learn new things eagerly. The dog enjoys training sessions and strives for new experiences. It becomes calmer and more confident. Its hyperactivity slightly decreases. It displays a lot of self-control and discipline. Continue feeding your dog with three to three and a half cups twice per day. It will be its constant adult diet. Vaccination against rabies is recommended and required by authorities at this age. Seniority Phase This is the last phase of German Shepherd development. It may seem wonderful, but your dog can continue to slightly grow. The phase is divided into two periods — early senior years old and late senior years old. Unfortunately, you need to focus on its health rather than on training. Such health issues as hip dysplasia, joint pain, and decreased stamina can appear at this age. You need to have consultations with your vet more often. During this period, your dog does not change its weight and height considerably. Though, you can observe slight changes in weight. On average, these dogs live years. You need to attend to their health and comfort. The dog may remain energetic and playful, but it slightly slows down. It wants to rest more and gets much calmer. The animal may suffer from some pains, so it may need pain relievers for spine and joint problems and arthritis. It may also need nutritional supplements and changes to its diet. Special senior and sensitive stomach food may become the best choice. Avoid jumping and hard playing. Continuous veterinary monitoring is needed if some symptoms are worsening. The accepted proportion that is considered ideal is .The weight is usually not taken into consideration. If your pet does not correspond to this proportion, there may be a health issue you do not know about yet. That is why you need to monitor the parameters carefully. To be sure that everything is OK, multiply the length of your dog by 0. You will get the perfect height. However, there can be some divergences. If they are minor, you have nothing to worry about. The German Shepherd is rather thin, or even skinny. This results in bad proportions. The ideal weight of your German Shepherd is lbs kg for males and lbs kg for females. You can get either a heavy or obese dog, and it can be a result of overfeeding or certain health issues. How to Check the Weight of Your German Shepherd The simplest method to see whether your dog is underweight is to check whether the ribs are visible on the sides. If you can see that the shape of your dog reminds you of a barrel on the ribs, it means that it is overweight. If you cannot feel the ribs, but there is too much skin on the sides, your dog is overweight. However, if you feel the ribs and only a thin layer of skin, it is underweight. It does not matter whether your dog is underweight or overweight. In any case, it can cause health problems if you do not repair the situation. The best way to succeed is to make changes to the diet. If your German Shepherd is underweight, you should enrich the content of its food. However, do not make it eat if the dog does not want to. That can lead to more severe problems. Make a slow transition to food with higher fat content. Or you may even give your dog puppy food because it is rich in nutrients. If your pet is obviously overweight, the best thing is to cut off the food. However, you also need to do it step by step so that the dog finally can eat just half of the amount you have recently fed it. The adult dog has a height of inches cm at the shoulder and an average weight of pounds kg. Nevertheless, some German Shepherds can grow bigger and even reach pounds kg. You need to be sure about its proportions though to understand if your pet meets the standards. If you see some deficiencies, meet your vet for a more thorough evaluation. When does a German Shepherd stop growing? German Shepherd males are thought to be grown-up when they are 3 years old. Females become adults when they are 2 years old. How tall is a German Shepherd? The adult dog has a height of inches cm at the shoulder. An average male reaches inches cm in height, while an average female should be inches cm tall. The body of both males and females should be longer than their height. How big do German Shepherds get? How much does a German Shepherd weight? In general, an average male reaches pounds kg in weight, while an average female should be pounds kg heavy. This is a very strong and brave dog that can become a perfect guardian and protector. If you decide to take a GS puppy, you need to follow its growth stages accurately to be sure that it develops properly. You should follow a high-quality diet, provide your dog with a lot of exercise, and ensure its proper training and socialization. Your German Shepherd cannot stay healthy and active if it gets some health problems related to its weight or height. Sometimes, these issues are not obvious and understandable to the owner. That is why it is important to know the main development parameters of your German Shepherd growth stages to cope with possible challenges. We hope that this article, together with the weight and height chart, will become your effective and helpful guide. David W. I admire German Shepherds. They are magnificent dogs! I have been dealing with dogs, namely German Shepherds, throughout my life. I have been working part-time as a dog trainer and instructor for about 5 years, dealing mainly with German Shepherds. So I know a bit about these animals. Therefore, I decided to share my knowledge and experience about this fantastic breed. If you need help with advice and care tips or want to know more about German Shepherd dogs, welcome to this blog. Though they typically only average nine to thirteen years, those years can be very memorable and special to dog and owner. Along the way, there are several German Shepherd growth stages that they will encounter including several fun and exciting breakthroughs. They will go through many different levels of development stacking up in inches and packing on the pounds. German Shepherd Growth Stages: This article will cover in detail, all of the month-to-month growth stages including their size from 1 month old to 3-year-old. It will also include important milestones along the way. This is the puppy portion of the German Shepherd growth stages and these cute little fur balls are beginning their journey into the new world. They are independent, spry and ready to explore! They are starting to grow but stand no taller than half a foot. Cuteness Factor: Through the roof! Height: Male: 4 — 6 in 11 — 16 cm Female: 3 — 6 in 8 — 14 cm Weight: Male: 5. They stand up for the first time. They start exploring independently and playing. Bowel movements are partially controlled. Light barking and growling begin. Puppy teeth should be filling in. This is a good time to introduce them to some kibble. They may or may not be interested. Month 2: Socialization Growth Stage Once the fuzz balls reach month 2, they start socializing more with other animals and people. This is also the time that their little chompers should be complete. They have grown up a little but still remain under a foot tall. Cuteness Factor: Just look at my ears! Height: Male: 7 — 9 in 17 — 22 cm Female: 6 — 9 in 14 — 22 cm Weight: Male: 16 — 20 lbs 6 — 9 kg Female: 11 — 17 lbs 5 — 7. They start to bond with animals and people. Their mental development starts to speed up. Fear reaction begins. They are typically ready to find their forever home. Food: Weaning should be wrapping up at this age. They should transition to a diet of puppy kibble. One and a half cups total three times a day is recommended but stick to a solid schedule. Vaccines: Puppy should have distemper and parvovirus by this time. Teething will be in full force at month 3 and their adult canines and incisors will start to push through. Those cute little fluffy ears may start to go up and down. They will start to lose their puppy coat and you may notice a racing stripe on the spine where the adult hair is starting to grow in. At this point they have almost made it to the height of a standard ruler. Cuteness Factor: Equal to fluffy pillows! Height: Male: 9 — 11 in 23 — 27 cm Female: 8 — 10 in 20 — 25 cm Weight: Male: 22 — 30 lbs 10 — 14 kg Female: 17 — 26 lbs 8 — 12 kg Milestones: Ears begin to stand up. Teething stage begins and continues for several months. Lots of biting and chewing ensures. Potty training and socialization should be consistent. Puppy fuzz begins to be replaced with adult double coat of fur. Food: Two cups of puppy kibble total three times a day is recommended. Vaccines: DHPP which includes distemper, hepatitis, parainfluenza, and parvovirus are recommended. Month 4: At this point GSDs will be very playful and getting into some trouble. They have left puppy hood and become adolescents. Multiple skills will be developing as they learn, socialize and train. Height: Male: 11 — 14 in 29 — 35 cm Female: 10 — 12 in 26 — 31 cm Weight: Male: 35 — 40 lbs 16 — 18 kg Female: 31 — 35 lbs 14 — 16 kg Milestones: Ears continue to perk up. Teething continues as adult teeth come in. They continue to play and explore everything around them. Training continues as they constantly learn. Food: Puppy should continue to eat two cups of kibble total three times per day. Vaccines: DHPP and rabies are recommended. Month 5: At 5 months of age, they are still growing fast and should have gained close to 10 pounds. They are still in the juvenile stage and have plenty of energy to go around. They are looking much more like an adult but still have that puppy spirit. Ears may have perked up at this point. Cuteness Factor: Cute as pumpkin pie! Height: Male: 14 — 16 in 35 — 40 cm Female: 12 — 14 in 31 — 36 cm Weight: Male: 40 — 49 lbs 18 — 22 kg Female: 35 — 44 lbs 16 — 20 kg Milestones: Ears may be standing up. Adult features are filling out. They are at least half of their adult size. They are still teething. Sexual maturity begins to emerge. Food: Juvenile should still be eating around two cups total three times a day. Month 6: Adolescent Growth Stage At 6 months old, they are making their way into the adolescent part of the German Shepherd growth stages. They will be starting to get into their sexual maturity stage which will last until they are around two years old. Hormones will kick in and males will begin to mark their territory and look for females to mate with. Females may go into heat for the first time. Their adult coat should be completely grown in but it could take a bit longer. Cuteness Factor: Equivalent to a teddy bear! Height: Male: 16 — 18 in 41 — 46 cm Female: 15 — 17 in 37 — 42 cm Weight: Male: 49 — 57 lbs 22 — 26 kg Female: 44 — 49 lbs 20 — 22 kg Milestones: Ears should be standing up. Adult features are more filled out. They are sexually active and will begin marking their territory and roaming for mates. Teething should be close to finished and all 42 of their adult teeth should be almost grown. Full adult double coat of fur should be present. Food: Adolescent should be eating around two to three cups total two times a day. Month 7: At 7 months old , a German Shepherd should be well developed cognitively. Their sexual maturity continues, and your leg may just become their next mate. Some aggression may be present as their hormones go up and down. Their weight gain begins to slow down for the first time only adding around 5 pounds from the previous month. They are looking much more like an adult dog. Aggression and sexual maturity continue. Teething should be close to finished. Food: Adolescent should be eating two to three cups total two times a day. They are still maturing and could still be aggressive and bark or lunge at other dogs, kids or people. This behavior must be reined in with the proper training. Teaching them new tricks is a great way to curb their aggression. Cuteness Factor: Still able to melt your heart! Height: Male: 20 — 22 in 51 — 56 cm Female: 18 — 20 in 45 — 50 cm Weight: Male: 62 — 66 lbs 28 — 30 kg Female: 53 — 57 lbs 24 — 26 kg Milestones: Ears should be well formed and perky. They continue to transition into adulthood. They are still maturing, and aggressive behavior may be present. Teething should be finished, and all of their adult teeth should be grown. Month 9: At 9 months old, German Shepherds have reached most of their milestones. They should be sporting a full set of 42 adult chompers and some nice big perky ears. They are still maturing sexually and could be exhibiting aggressive behaviors, but training should be in full force. Cuteness Factor: Not puppy cute but still irresistible! Height: Male: 21 — 23 in 54 — 59 cm Female: 19 — 21 in 48 — 53 cm Weight: Male: 64 — 71 lbs 29 — 32 kg Female: 55 — 60 lbs 25 — 27 kg Milestones: They are still growing but only gaining a few pounds a month now. Month By 10 months of age, GSDs are still trucking along in the adolescent stage. They will still be acting like teenagers and may be getting into some trouble. Although clever and smart they will sometimes act clumsy and goofy. They are still learning and should be in training. Cuteness Factor: Cute and nutty like peanut butter! Height: Male: 22 — 24 in 55 — 60 cm Female: 19 — 21 in 48 — 53 cm Weight: Male: 66 — 73 lbs 30 — 33 kg Female: 57 — 62 lbs 26 — 28 kg Milestones: They are still growing but slowly. Month Moving into month 11, German Shepherds are becoming more and more adult but may be stubborn. They may start to challenge their owner with respect to leadership. They need to know that you are in charge and that they must respect your commands. Training and reinforcement is crucial during this time period. Cuteness Factor: Cute enough to get out of trouble! Height: Male: 22 — 24 in 57 — 62 cm Female: 20 — 22 in 51 — 56 cm Weight: Male: 66 — 75 lbs 30 — 34 kg Female: 60 — 64 lbs 27 — 29 kg Milestones: They are still growing slowly. Month 1 year old German Shepherds are moving out of the puppy phase of the German Shepherd growth stages and into adulthood. By now they have most likely formed a strong bond with their owner. They may still misbehave occasionally but proper training should be paying off. Food: Adolescent should transition to adult food and be eating three to three and a half cups total two times a day. Vaccines: DHPP, rabies are recommended. Year 1. They are getting closer to sexual maturity. Cuteness Factor: Furry and plushness overload! Height: Male: 23 — 25 in 59 — 64 cm Female: 21 — 22 in 53 — 55 cm Weight: Male: 71 — 79 lbs 32 — 36 kg Female: 60 — 66 lbs 27 — 30 kg Milestones: They are still growing but slowly. Food: Adolescent should be eating three to three and a half cups total two times a day. Year 2: At 2 years old, they should be well along in their journey to adulthood. With the proper training and socialization, they should be transforming into the alert, confident, courageous, loving and loyal German Shepherd companion that makes them so popular among dog owners. They are pretty much full grown at this point with only a few more pounds to pack onto their athletic frame. Cuteness Factor: Perfectly precious! Height: Male: 23 — 25 in 59 — 64 cm Female: 21 — 22 in 53 — 57 cm Weight: Male: 71 — 84 lbs 32 — 38 kg Female: 62 — 66 lbs 28 — 30 kg Milestones: They are still growing but almost full grown. Vaccines: DHPP is recommended. Year 3: Adult Growth Stage Your German Shepherd is finally an adult with all of the beautiful characteristics and traits that people admire. They have reached physical and sexual maturity and are ready to brave the new world. Consistent training should have payed off. They should be calm and well disciplined. Height: Male: 24 — 26 in 60 — 65 cm Female: 22 — 24 in 55 — 60 cm Weight: Male: 79 — 88 lbs 36 — 40 kg Female: 66 — 70 lbs 28 — 32 kg Milestones: They are done growing. They have matured physically and sexually. Food: Full grown adult should be eating three to three and a half cups total two times a day. Vaccines: Rabies is recommended and can be required by law depending on your state. A full grown adult German Shepherd will stand approximately 22 to 26 inches at the shoulder and weigh between 70 and 88 pounds on average. However, some German Shepherds will get bigger even getting over a pounds. Hopefully your GSD is in the correct range. Keep an eye out for any deficiencies during their growth. These German Shepherd growth stages should help you determine all of the proper measurements to make sure they are right on track in their development. Each stage in their maturation is important. Remember to give them a high-quality healthy diet, plenty of exercise and sufficient training and socialization. These will all help lead to a stable and well-adjusted German Shepherd. Please leave a comment below and let us know what you think! Do you have any experience with a growing German Shepherd? Let us know! We would love to hear about your personal story! Share this:. Discover the online program that more than 57, dog owners have used to rapidly transform their dog into a well-behaved, obedient furry friend. While looking through the different stages of growth you can see the rough size of German Shepherd puppies at different stages of their life by comparing the ages to a German Shepherd growth chart. Important Note: Once a puppy has been weened off milk it is essential that the puppy is given a high quality puppy food to ensure proper development. A lack of proper nutrients can result in ears not rising, smaller than normal dogs and health complications in later life. In my opinion Blue Buffalo Puppy Food is the best available on the market. German Shepherd puppies, as with all other dog breeds, are born with their eyes and ears closed. At this stage the GSD puppies are completely dependent on their mothers for care, food and the like and the newborn puppies are relatively immobile. A small section of the umbilical cord will still be attached to the German Shepherd puppy - this will dry up and fall off on its own within a few days. The first 3 days are the most critical in a GSD puppies life. Birth is the beginning of the neonatal period in GSD development and it lasts roughly 2 weeks. Typically the puppies will curve into a comma type shape when picked up. This is because their nervous system at this time is still very immature. Additionally, they can't eliminate unless the mother, or caregiver, stimulates their anus or urethra by licking or gently rubbing the area. Gentle, frequent handling by humans is very helpful from this age onward. As their nervous system development continues they will now also now arch their backs when they are picked up and held rather than curving into a more comma shaped position as before. Around Day 7 German Shepherd puppies now begin to crawl more readily and more often during this phase of GSD development. Short periods of daily handling and exposure to some stimuli can also be very beneficial to stimulate weight gain in the puppy, earlier eye opening, hair growth and motor development in all members of the GSD litter. The German Shepherd puppies eyes will appear to be blue in color at first even though they can't focus right now. They will be able to see shapes after about 2 weeks of age during continued GSD development. Around Day 14 The German Shepherd pups eyes and ears should be fully open by now and many may have their first incisor teeth beginning to erupt. The puppies should also be crawling quite well by this time. This is the beginning of the transitional period of GSD development which typically lasts about a week or so. This is also a period of profound changes in the German Shepherd puppies growth and development. The German Shepherd puppy will begin to be more independent from it's mom during this time. During this time the German Shepherd puppies will begin to eliminate on their own and should start walking within 2- to 3 days by about day 16 or so - very shaky at first, but with practice growing legs will soon become less wobbly. You can observe tail wagging as well as the beginning of play fighting. German Shepherd puppies will also be eliminating on their own by this time. Around Day 21 Around this date the German Shepherd puppy will move from the transitional phase into the socialization period of GSD development. By this time GSD puppies should be able to walk pretty well, with a more adult-like gait. They will also begin a more active exploration of their environments and that of their GSD litter mates. This period is thought to last from about 2. This is an extremely important time for the emotional and social development of the German Shepherd puppy. This is also a period of dramatic changes in your German Shepherd puppies life. This is the period in GSD development when puppies can form bonds with species outside of its own such as human beings. This is also the time when the puppy can identify their own species as well as being able to identify future social partners. Oftentimes, the peak of sensitivity to the formation of social bonds is described to be between 6 to 8 weeks of age. This is also called the fear period in GSD development! Around Week 4 By now social play becomes an important factor in GSD development and German Shepherd puppies learn how to interact with litter mates and adult animals of their species as well. They can also play with toys, play fight, play with humans and other animals and are beginning to eat other soft foods to supplement their mother's milk. Many times the GSD puppies are fearless during this time - exploring their environment and all that is about them. This is also a good time for continued exposure to new and novel things, to various people and other kinds of animals, all while the German Shepherd puppy continues to develop. The socialization stage is very important in the growth of GSD development, however it should be looked at within the context of the developing emotional system of the puppy. At around 3 - 5 weeks of age attraction responses in German Shepherd puppies are very strong. These kinds of responses begin to diminish between 5 - 7 weeks of age as fear responses begin to emerge. It is important to note that early socialization is tremendously important in the development of well-adjusted GSD puppies. During these few weeks, your German Shepherd puppy will also learn how to play and communicate with it's littermates, respond to humans it comes in contact with and how to get along safely in the adult dog world. Around Week 6 German Shepherd puppies begin exhibiting more adult like behaviors such as mounting of other litter mates and demonstrating dominance roles. Sniffing of tails and noses also becomes an important part of the greeting process among their canine peers. Between about 7 - 9 weeks of age the fear response may become so strong as to begin to overwhelm the attraction response. For other puppies the social motivation to make contact may very well overcome any wariness during this phase of GSD development. Around weeks 7 - 12 Among other things, this is an ideal age of socializing your German Shepherd puppy to humans, other animals and new surroundings and objects. It also a great time to learn such important skills as: leash training, housebreaking, crate training, accepting gentle handling and grooming and to accept human domination and control. The socialization period is absolutely critical in GSD development and acceptance of other animal species. If a GSD puppy is not exposed to horses, sheep, goats, other dogs, cats or small children before it reaches 12 weeks, it is likely it will never accept them. You may also observe that your German Shepherd pups ears are beginning to come up in some form or fashion. Don't be surprised by the wild and interesting shapes that they may take on as they mature. As the puppy goes through the teething process the ears will go up and down and will do all sorts of weird things - one up one down; one flopping to the left, the other to the right; both in the center, etc. This period is thought to occur from the end of the primary socialization period through sexual maturity. Motor skills are increasing for the GSD puppy. During this time the puppy is still refining both learning and social skills as well. While puppies in this phase can learn quite well, they are easily distracted and very hard to keep on task. This is an excellent time to start puppy kindergarten. This is also a good time to start being very aware of your GSD puppies ear carriage. Around 4 Months German Shepherd puppies will begin to lose their puppy teeth and will soon replace them with their adult teeth, generally starting with the incisors. Young German Shepherds will continue to learn about their environment and all the individuals in it throughout their social maturization process. This is often the time when older puppies are learning about their social relationships within the environment they live. Social maturity takes more time to achieve than sexual maturity. In the beginning of social maturity dogs will begin to display more mature, adult social behaviors. This time is thought to vary between breeds and from dog to dog and to occur anywhere from 12 - 36 months of age, especially in the larger breeds such as German Shepherds. Again, this varies from German Shepherd to German Shepherd but this is a good place to start. If your German Shepherd puppies ears are not standing up by this time on their own it is a good time to consider taping them. Detailed directions for this process can be found here. Overall, most of the puppies internal body systems are nearly "adult" even though the skeleton is still growing and will for some time to come. In many respects your German Shepherd puppy is now a "small adult". The heart rate has decreased again to about 70 BPM and by the end of this month the GSD puppy should have a full set of adult teeth. Also an important milestone: German Shepherd females reach sexual maturity and have their first estrus heat period. If the GSD's ears are not up by this time you need to take action quickly to get them up before it is too late. Read the article on ear taping. Around 7 - 12 Months German Shepherd males reach sexual maturity and begin to hike their leg when urinating. It is important to be especially firm and consistent about setting limits and enforcing commands during this time since your older GSD puppy may challenge dominance of other dogs or humans during this stage. If the German Shepherd puppies ears are not standing on their own by this point, there is a good chance that they will never stand on their own. This is an ideal age in GSD development to start "Beginning" level classes of obedience training. Bonding to humans is now very firmly established and your German Shepherds vocal and body communications are now that of a more mature individual dog - and more easily understood, and well on their way to many years of happy companionship with you. Sign up for promotions, news, discounts, and the chance to win prizes for you and your German Shepherd E-mail Address. German Shepherd Development: From Puppies To Adults Posted on Last updated: Categories German Shepherds From early puppyhood to adulthood, German Shepherds undergo significant development that shapes their temperament, behavior, and physical abilities. As a dog owner, understanding the developmental stages of your German Shepherd is crucial to providing the right care and training. German Shepherd development consists of several stages. Hey there! As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. We may also earn commissions if you purchase products from other retailers after clicking on a link from our site. Contents Final Thoughts German Shepherd Development and Growth Stages German Shepherd development refers to the physical, cognitive, and social changes that occur in German Shepherd puppies as they grow and mature into adulthood. These changes include the physical development of their muscles, bones, and organs, as well as their ability to learn and process information. Social development involves their ability to interact with other dogs and humans and to understand and follow social rules and norms. As a dog owner, it is important to understand the growth stages of your German Shepherd. Knowing what to expect during each stage can help you provide the best care for your furry friend. In the latter case, you need to know that the German Shepherd puppy depends on his mother for everything in these initial weeks. This includes food, warmth, and physical security. Here, your only responsibility is to make sure the dam is equipped with what she needs to fulfill her duties. As long as you feed the adult GSD right, she will be able to feed her babies and give them the warmth and company they need. You might notice that the puppies may seem asocial. Do not measure how the puppy interacts with other dogs for at least three to four weeks, which brings us to what you can expect within the next two weeks. This is where the puppy can wean off and not need a diet made up of milk exclusively. The puppy can consume solid food but is not too fond of it, especially if it is strange in texture. Your priority at this stage should be to get him to accept solid food without regressing to a diet of milk. There will be a social incentive in weaning off as the puppy will observe the litter he belongs to and notice a simultaneous change in feeding preferences. This brings us to a very important change: social interaction. I mentioned above that you should not worry about social disinterest up until the third week. However, by the fourth week, you should look for some interaction. If the puppy fails to acknowledge others in the litter or is getting shunned collectively, consulting an expert trainer or a vet can be helpful. Otherwise, the journey from being 4 weeks old to being adoption-ready is a long one, and it starts by accepting a human guardian. From weeks 4 to 5, the puppy is learning to accept a human usually the breeder as his guardian. Both dominant guardian and guiding guardian archetypes work in establishing yourself as the leader, but the dominant frame might box you into less palatable training tactics. German Shepherd puppies are quite intelligent, but a bulk of this cognitive ability is unlocked in two stages. The first is around the five-week mark. This could be the fourth or sixth week, depending on the individual puppy, but it is noticeable when the dog starts getting excited about other dogs. Of course, you need to be on schedule with socialization and carry-walks to notice this. Again, this explains why breeders usually keep the GSD puppies at this stage. Aggression issues can stem from excitement signaling menace. The opposite is true as well. Fortunately, professional breeders expose the dog to other dogs his age at this stage, and he learns to adjust how he shows and perceives excitement, making your life as a new German Shepherd parent much easier. But socializing your German Shepherd happens in stages as well. And of different ages. The wider the variety of people he gets to see and interact with at this stage, the more receptive he will be to people growing up. If your German Shepherd has seen only young people all his life, he might react differently to older ones and vice versa. This also applies to experiences. Exposing your puppy to experiences like car rides and ringing doorbells ensures that he will be calm in normal situations as he grows up. And in addition to getting your German Shepherd acquainted with normal stimuli like bells and travel, you must get him crate trained at this stage. Introducing the crate as a refuge and a secure spot as opposed to jail is a great way to get your GSD puppy to accept the crate. The more you delay this, the harder it becomes to crate-train a German Shepherd. If you want to check how his growth compares to the guidelines, head over to this article, When Do German Shepherds Stop Growing? This also includes a handy growth chart. This is a critical stage because if unchecked, your German Shepherd might end up hurting other dogs or be hurt by them. The watchful dog-parent in you that you were holding back has his chance to shine here. Make sure you keep a close eye on your German Shepherd and how he interacts with any other dogs in the house. The status-measuring step is one even adult dogs take when first interacting with each other. But at this age, dogs engage in prolonged status-measuring inquiry and either establish dominance or accept their subservient spot. You cannot force your German Shepherd to be the alpha in a relationship with another dog. GSDs are very physical, which is fine when two dogs play within the same breed. But if one of your doggos belongs to a relatively fragile lineage, you might want to consider some separation. If you are worried your German Shepherd playing too rough , click the link for some cool tips on how to limit rough play. The easier to walk your GSD is, the more enjoyable it will be for you both. This is better elaborated in my dedicated post on the fun exercises you can do with your German Shepherd puppy. At the same time, his physical energy levels are rising every day, which can be counterproductive as your German Shepherd can get uber-excited about physical activity. Make sure you have him on a no-pull harness instead of a collar-and-leash, so you can get him properly under control without hurting him. You can also see my other recommendations here. Are you looking to buy something for your dog? Make sure to check out my favorite dog gear below.

Vocality level 1 in 5 Disclaimer: While the characteristics mentioned here may frequently represent this breed, dogs are individuals whose personalities and appearances will vary. Please consult the adoption organization for details on a specific pet. He is willing to please, although he retains a stubborn streak. He is very good with children. Most are moderately friendly toward strangers. Although some can be aggressive with strange dogs, the breed is quite good with other pets. Upkeep The Bulldog appreciates a daily outing but cannot tolerate hot humid weather, which can be deadly. He should not be expected to jog or walk great distances, or to jump from any heights. Most Bulldogs cannot swim. Most Bulldogs wheeze and snore, and some drool. Coat care is minimal, but facial wrinkles and any folds around the tail should be cleaned daily. Special precautions must be taken when anesthetizing a Bulldog. Caesarean deliveries are commonly needed. Hip radiographs show most Bulldogs to be dysplastic but few show overt symptoms. History With the most distinctive mug in dogdom, the Bulldog has an equally distinctive history. Some Bulldogs were also set against bears for bear baiting, purely for entertainment. In , bull baiting was outlawed, and a new phase began for the Bulldog. By all rights, the breed should have become extinct, except that it had gained so many ardent admirers that they set out to rescue the Bulldog by selecting against ferocity while still maintaining—and often accentuating—its distinctive physical characteristics. Its tough steadfast persona led it to be identified as a national symbol of England. Its amiable clownish personality belies its appearance, and the Bulldog is a popular pet. Related Content. Bulldog Spotlight Gordon James I joined rescue because my family became overwhelmed with five kids and life, plain and simply. I decided I was ready to go because we were in an apartment and every day, it was getting smaller and smaller and smaller. My family loved me, but sometimes, love is not enough because I can hardly breathe. We are dedicated to saving and re-homing Bulldogs so they can have the healthy, happy lives they truly deserve. The group has been dedicated to the breed since , as a component of Lone Star Bulldog Club. Lone Star Bulldog Club Rescue accepts Bulldogs from owners who can no longer keep them, as well as retrieves Bulldogs from shelters and other undesirable situations. Each Bulldog in the program is lovingly cared for in a foster home until the perfect forever family for that specific dog is found. Every Bulldog is different: personality, temperament, energy, comfort with kids and other animals, medical needs and more. We take all these factors into consideration when making a forever-home match. Adoption is a coordinated process between the coordinators, fosters and applicant. We work together with our knowledge of the dog to find the best home. When you apply, you might have a particular dog in mind. But please understand, that dog may already be in the process of being adopted by an approved family who has been waiting weeks to be matched with the right dog. But they would prefer to be the only thing with fur in their home. They still make a wonderful companion and deserve a loving home. For your convenience, they have been designated as Forever Single on our website. If you plan on only having one dog, we hope you will consider one of these. Since most of our volunteers live in the North Texas area, it is easier on us and the applying family if they live in this area. Because of this, our out-of-state adoptions are incredibly rare and only in neighboring states. If you are ready to submit your adoption application, please complete the Adopt A Bulldog Application. A volunteer will then review your application. This process can take some time, and not every home is a suitable home for a Bulldog, so please be patient. You are not buying a dog. My name is Monty and I am famous! Yesterday, my photo was all over social media and friends were begging someone to save me. The shelter said I had to be out by ….

It is best to get puppies accustomed to having their ears handled from early on. Be patient with training an older dog who is afraid of the ear cleaning process. Create and maintain an ear grooming schedule to maintain ear health. Large open ear canals not only vastly improved their hearing capabilities, acting like the perfect antennae, but also aided them in staying clean and healthy as well. Labradors have been selectively bred with a different structure to their ears than their pointy-eared ancestors, and the ear canal is covered with a soft furry flap. While these lovely soft ear flaps give our floppy eared dogs a distinctive look that we find so endearing, floppy ears are less practical from a health perspective. Plus, that soft inner ear fuzz that is so efficient at keeping out small debris is equally as efficient at trapping ear wax which creates a sticky trap for bits of gunk, hair and parasites. It also traps dirt, ear wax and all sorts of daily grime deep in the ear canal and inner ear. And is one of the reasons that Labrador ear problems are sadly fairly common. As owners, learning how to clean dogs ears will help keep our dogs comfortable and healthy. Dogs with Hairy Ear Canals? Another cause of ear trouble in some Labs is an excess of hair inside the ear canal. Whilst some hair is useful for stopping debris moving down the ear canal, excess hair can cause it to block more quickly and make it harder for wax to shift. The best thing to do is to show your vet and ask for their advice on whether any action needs to be taken in this respect. Small Ear Canals Get Mucky! Finally, some Labradors have small ear canals relative to the size of their head. Again, this makes it more likely that wax will become lodged and become a breeding ground for bacteria. Impacted wax may also create a host of issues from pain to hearing difficulties. So how will you know whether an ear cleaning session is in order? You can tell by doing simple checks on a regular basis. If you notice the ear appears to have a bit of extra dirty build up or the wax is looking thicker or darker then it is time for a cleaning. The ear should still be a healthy, pale pink with no unpleasant odor or broken skin. Be sure to note the difference between a dirty ear and a medically unwell ear. This will ensure you keep on top of his ear health and make sure you catch or prevent any problems early on. Make sure your Labrador is standing, sitting or lying down comfortably. Begin by calmly stroking his head. You can also give him a piece of kibble or a treat to distract him. Lift the flap of his ear and look into the ear canal. It should also be fairly free from ear wax, debris, discharge or blood although it may have a few flecks of ear wax dotted around the outer ear. Your dog should not react as though in pain, and they should be comfortable with you handling the ear flap. Your Dog Ear Cleaning Kit. Either with water, in what is often referred to as the natural method of cleaning, or using specially designed ear cleaning chemicals. If your Labrador is still a puppy pop him into your lap. If he is fully grown try and encourage him to lay down next to you with his head in your lap. Remain calm, petting and reaffirming your dog. Use treats if necessary. A second set of hands may be useful for less confident dogs. Soak the cotton wool in warm water. Test the temperature of the water. Ensure if it only warm NOT hot! Squeeze out the excess water to leave the cotton damp not sopping wet. Remove any visible dirt and waxy buildup. Begin close to the ear canal and continue outwards towards the outer rim of the underside of the ear flap Each time you wipe use a new piece of cotton wool, so that you are not reintroducing any removed dirt and debris back into the ear with subsequent wipes. Only wipe around the external parts of the ear, coming near to but not entering the opening of the ear canal. Do not introduce water or cotton wool into the ear canal. If your dog appears happy and settled you can repeat this right away with the other ear. If he is becoming restless or stressed, then wait until they have settled down before continuing with the other ear. This usually comes in a tube fitted with a pointed nozzle, so that the liquid is directed into the ear canal. You can also buy proprietary ear cleaning solutions online. We like Zymox but always check with your vet before using this or any other commercial ear cleaner on your dog. Always follow the instructions given by your vet or on the package carefully. This will often be along the lines of placing the tube at the entrance to the ear canal, squirting the requisite volume of solution directly into the ear and then massaging the ear and the area beneath it with the ear flap closed. You will hear a squelching sound as the solution cleans the inner ear and while the ear will become damp there should not be a lot of solution leaking out of the ear if the correct amount is used. Use cotton swabs to wipe out any excess cleaning solution wiping from the inside to outside of the ear flap. You can help your Labrador to find the process less frustrating by giving him a high value treat immediately after you have massaged the solution into his ear. This will help them associate the less than pleasant ear cleaning with the much more enjoyable reward of a yummy treat. This is perfectly normal. Still it is probably best to carry out the cleaning process in a relatively empty, well contained space away from any fragile items—a bathroom is often preferred. You may be able to distract your dog afterwards with a game or a brisk walk. Some dogs do not like having their ears cleaned. This can be an issue for some dogs with general cleaning, even more so for dogs with recurring inner ear problems who need routine inner ear cleanings. The best thing you can do is to get your dog used to being handled and having their ears cleaned from a young age. If you are bringing home a new puppy, then every few days when he is sitting on your lap calmly gently stroke around his ears, lifting the flaps and doing a visual check. When he responds by staying calm and still give him a small piece of kibble as a reward. This will help him to get used to letting you inspect the ear. And see it as a rewarding experience when he shows the desired behavior. When you are happy with these checks, you can do the same but with the occasional gentle wipe of the ear using a damp cotton wool pad. Just remember to reward him for being still, disinterested and calm, and to ignore him when he gets excited. Tips for Adult Dogs If your dog is older and has developed a distaste to having his ears checked or cleaned you can combat this but at a very slow, patient pace. The best place to start is by training a reliable sit command. Make sure your dog will happily sit while you are both on the same level. And while you have your hands on a a body part or area in which he is comfortable. Gradually over the course of several training sessions move your hands closer to his head and ears. Only go as far as your dog is comfortable. And every time he remains relaxed give him a piece of kibble to reward him. Begin repeating the process with a cotton wool pad or the ear cleaner in your hand. If he is nervous of these items you will need to begin training by simply rewarding him for staying calm when you hold them in the same room as him. Make sure you have lots of high value rewards ready. Stay calm and confident in your handling of him. If you have a friend that your Lab knows well and trusts, then you may find it easier to carry out the final stage with them treat-streaming. Ask them to give your dog a continuous row of small treats while you do the cleaning. Ear problems in Labradors can cause them and you a lot of stress. We are going to look at some of the most common cause of Labrador ear problems. Helping you to know the signs, symptoms, causes, treatments and preventions. Why do Labradors get ear infections? If your Lab is shaking his head or flapping his ears, he may have an ear infection. Nature designed dogs with pricked up ears for a good reason. Upright ears allow good air flow which helps to keep ears free from infection. Floppy ears have flaps which cover the ear canal, creating a warmer, darker environment where germs and other unwanted visitors can grow and flourish. What this means is that Labradors, and other floppy eared dogs, are somewhat more prone to ear problems, than dogs with pricked up ears. Individual Labradors with narrow or very hairy ear canals may also be at particular disadvantage. And Labradors in general are prone to a number of allergies which are known to be associated with ear problems. Symptoms of Ear Problems in Labradors Ear problems can be highly irritating, so you may see behaviors like head shaking and ear flapping. Or the dog may simply keep tilting his head to one side. Your dog may scratch at his ears with his hind feet. Or he may drop his head down and rub his ears with his front foot. He may even put his head on the ground and rub his ear along the floor. But, sometimes, ear problems can go undetected. A grubby or sore appearance with a lot of dark brown wax coming from the ear canal, is not a good sign. Nor is any kind of odor. Common causes of Labrador ear problems The pain and irritation that causes your dog to rub or scratch himself repeatedly is the result of an inflamed ear canal. Vets call this inflammation Otitis which simply means inflamed ear. Including: Ear mites Yeast Bacteria One of these three types of creature is usually the culprit. Otitis Externa is closely associated with atopic dermatitis and other allergies. The bugs that are found in the ears of dogs that are sufferers, are also present in the ears of healthy dogs, though in smaller numbers Symptoms of Ear Mites in Dogs If your Labrador has been shaking his head vigorously and repeatedly, ears flapping wildly, he may be troubled with ear mites. These irritating parasites are a relatively common labrador health problem. What are ear mites? Ear mites are minute creatures that look a bit like tiny white crabs. They live in the ear canal of affected animals feeding off the debris there dead skin cells etc , and sometimes causing intense irritation. Has my Labrador got ear mites? Dogs are affected differently by these creatures with some Labradors scratching their ears until they bleed whilst others barely seem to notice them. Your vet will be able to confirm the diagnosis, and if you have more than one dog, or a cat, you will need to treat them all because the problem is easily spread from one dog to another. Treating ear mites Treatment takes a few weeks to eradicate the problem completely so you will need to be persistent. Remember to keep cats away from dog flea products, they can make cats very ill. You will need a cat specific product to treat your cat. Canine Ear Infections Caused by Yeast A yeast or fungal infection is another common problem in dogs, especially those with floppy low hanging ears like Labradors. Yeast infections are one of the problems that may also be more common in dogs with allergies. A study published in showed that dogs with an allergy to mould, trees, or cultivated plants were more likely to suffer from skin and ear yeast infection. A yeast infection can cause the ear to smell unpleasant, as can a bacterial infection. What do I do if my dog has an ear infection? The first step is to get a diagnosis. He may want you to clean your dogs ears each day for a while to help improve the environment inside them. If your vet thinks that there is a bacterial infection he may prescribe antibiotic drops to be placed into the ears. A yeast infection can be treated with anti fungal drops. Do dogs ear infections get better on their own? It can be tempting to leave what seems to be a relatively minor problem, and to wait and see if it clears up on its own. With ear infections this is a bad idea, for three main reasons. Firstly because they are distressing for the dog. And secondly because the dog that is flapping his ears to relieve the irritation inside them, is quite likely to give himself a haematoma of the ear flap. This is where bleeding occurs inside the flap from the constant shaking, and a big cyst fills with blood and if left may eventually burst. Treating the haematoma, stitching, draining etc, can be a lot more trouble, and a lot more expensive, than treating the original ear infection. And thirdly, Otitis Externa can be even more serious is left untreated in the long term, involving expensive surgery and occasionally in permanent hearing loss How do you prevent ear problems in dogs? A good circulation of air helps to keep ears healthy. Upright ears have the advantage, but you can help your Labrador by keeping his ears clean and free from debris so that the environment inside them does not encourage and overgrowth of unpleasant visitors. If your dog has a lot of hair growing in around the entrance to the ear canal, your vet may recommend you trim it. It may be tempting to dunk your dog in a medicated shampoo to try and fend off more problems, but washing a dog more frequently may not help. Not only do you risk pushing water into the ear canal, but allergies in Labradors may be more common in dogs that are washed regularly. Cleaning their ears can potentially help to prevent ear problems in Labradors. A large ball of cotton wool moistened with warm boiled water or a little of the ear cleaner recommended by your vet can be gently wiped around the opening of the ear canal, as far as you can easily see. What should I do if I suspect my dog has an ear problem? Your first port of call is a trip to the vet. References and further reading Zur G, .Canine atopic dermatitis: a retrospective study of cases examined at the University of California, Davis, —.Part I. Clinical features and allergy testing results. Veterinary Dermatology. Meury S, et all .Role of the environment in the development of canine atopic dermatitis in Labrador and golden retrievers. Zur G, .The association between the signalment, common causes of canine otitis externa and pathogens. Journal of Small Animal Practice. Total ear canal ablation and lateral bulla osteotomy in the dog.

We will be happy to recommend you to all our friends and family. .The treats and the stuffed animals he loved it all! He normally doesn't pick a favorite toy but the one toy he got from his box is now his favorite A. The Cinco De Mayo theme was a fun great first box. Dogs loved the toys and the treats. Ebony D. Love it "Thank so much to PoochPerks for the treat box! Jinxy and Popeye can't get enough! Miriam DiazLongtime Subscriber We had a subscription to BarkBox but my miniature dachshund didn't ever like the treats. Also most the toys were too big for her and she just didn't love them. She does love getting the box in the mail so I went out looking for something else. She literally won't stop playing with them and brings one of them with her even to go potty! The option for no treats and mini plush toys made all the difference! Hope it continues!!! Michelle S. Love it!!! Thanks Pooch perks my Lucia and Piper love it! MarciPooch Perks Lover Why Pooch Perks Stands out We hand select the products in our themed boxes from many different vendors which allows for a variety of items in our boxes. At Pooch Perks, we offer a monthly dog box that gives your furry canine friend something new to enjoy every month. Customize Your Box While our team designs the dog boxes each month around a specific theme, there are customization options available. Choose from a mix of toys and treats or a box that contains toys only, making it the perfect gift for dogs with food sensitivities. We take great pride in curating a fun monthly dog subscription box every month so you and your pooch both look forward to what may arrive. Choose the perfect monthly dog box for your furry family member today! Design: Liked the theme and the toys were definitely durable. Health: Treats were made in the U. I mean, I love celebrating Halloween early as much as the next person, but in March? Mostly I was just weirded out by feeling like I'd been sent a Halloween box in March? Happy early Halloween, y'all! But in addition to that, everything in the box felt extremely high quality. Design: Both dog toys here felt very high-end and durable. Neither one was hideous, and I liked that there was a subtle St. I also loved that the rope toy is created through Fundacion Mitz which gives jobs to women in vulnerable communities. Health: I appreciated that the Loving Pets treats were made in the U. Customer Experience: I canceled my subscription via email, and it was easy. The customer service representative was pleasant and I liked that I got an email warning me that my subscription was renewing before I was out of the cancellation window. Summary: I was skeptical of this box going in because subscribing on the Greater Good site felt a little jenky, but I was actually really wow-ed by the quality of the items in the box and the value. I loved the products, and loved even more knowing that my purchase was feeding shelter animals. And our pick for the best Dog subscription box is… Okay, I lied. I love that it gives back, and everything in it felt really high-quality and thoughtfully-curated. I loved seeing a Fair Trade toy in the box, too. It felt good to buy an indulgent treat for our pups that also helped pups in need. Thanks for reading! Pin It The Dapple sometimes receives a small affiliate income when you shop using links featured on our site. Never Miss a Pupdate Sign up with your email address to receive news and updates. Email Address.

Lifelong Customer Support Expert advice will be a phone call away. Northern Indiana based, Bruiser Bulldogs offers purebred English Bulldog Puppies for sale to loving adopters seeking to find a higher quality English Bulldog. As English Bulldog breeders , Mitch and Erica Wysong have dedicated themselves to a lifelong journey of changing the culture and societal pressures of poor breeding practices within the English Bulldog Community. Mitch and Erica believe in producing a healthy English Bulldog puppy first and foremost. Through years of research and development, Bruiser Bulldogs is leading a new movement away from the overdone, wrinkled bulldog that has been long plagued by health problems. By embracing a healthier, more athletic look they are able to ensure that each and every English Bulldog Puppy for sale by Bruiser Bulldogs is supported by a platform of health tested, clean genetics. Upon adoption, each family that takes on the responsibility of a Bruiser Bulldog enters into an active and vibrant communal family of bulldog owners. Mitch and Erica believe it is their responsibility to provide emotional and mental support for the lifetime of each and every English Bulldog puppy they produce. To ensure the success of every adoption, Bruiser Bulldogs will always be committed to helping Bruiser Bulldog adopters care for their English Bulldogs to the best of their ability. I am familiar with common and uncommon health problems they may face so when my boyfriend and I decided we were ready to adopt our own english puppy finding a reputable breeder that prioritizes health was most important to us. Erica and Mitch of Bruiser Bulldogs are just that. They are experienced, ethical and quality breeders. I was referred to them by my friend that I trust after I saw their gorgeous healthy puppy. Our Puppy Primrose is the light of our lives! Bruisers was there to assist us every step of the way. We would highly recommend Bruisers Bulldogs to anyone looking for their own happy, healthy pup! Leah H. We were lucky to have come across Bruiser Bulldogs and even more so the fact that they were near our family and hometown made it even better. We have had Clementine Callie for four months now, and she is a wonderful dog. Her personality is amazing, and I think part of it is breeding and the other part is Erika and her family lovingly raising the puppies in their home with plenty of attention and snuggles. I also was impressed that, rather than send the puppies out right at 8 weeks, Erika kept ours for a few extra weeks because she was tiny and not read to leave her mom yet. It's that care that differentiates Bruisers from other breeders. Emily R. Erica was easy to work with thru the entire process from application to adopting and now beyond as we host our new family member, Chief. Her on-call support and willingness to provide open, honest advice to all of our questions and concerns continues to be appreciated. We would highly recommend Bruiser Bulldogs to anyone looking for an English Bulldog to join their family. Elizabeth W. Lady L. They are experienced, responsive and knowledgeable about all things bulldog related. They went above and beyond for us and are truly dedicated to all of their pups! We love our little girl so much and would recommend Bruiser to anyone looking for a healthy beautiful bully. Jonathan E. Erica and Mitch are trustworthy, excellent communicators, fair, passionate, and produce the best bulldogs. We were at the top of the waiting list for months and Erica reached out every litter to see if we were finally ready for a bulldog. When we were, she was very easy to work with. Her knowledge on bulldogs is outstanding. We had many questions on the process and she always knew what was best for the puppy. We've had Penny formerly Blair for two months and she is very healthy, energetic, playful, and sweet. She is great with other people and dogs. We are so happy with our pup. When we are ready for bulldog 2, we will only consider Bruiser Bulldogs. Mitch C. Bowser was born April and is an integral part of our family. When we were first exploring English Bulldog breeders our biggest concern was the overall health of the dogs. We decided to work with Erica at Bruiser Bulldogs because we liked their focus on improving the breeds breathing abilities and the fact that the puppies are raised within her family environment before coming home with their new owners. Bowser also breaths clearly and our vet was impressed with his overall health from the moment we brought him home. All that said we know English Bulldogs have a predisposition to many health issues and that his current health can not predict the future. With that In mind its important to start with a breeder that open to answer any of your questions as Erica has ours, and that strongly believes in improving the breeds overall health profile. Adam B. My sister ended up finding Bruiser Bulldogs and we knew right away that they were the breeder for us. In September we ended up driving 9 hours to pick up two Bruiser bulldog puppies- one for my husband and I and one for my mom. Jackson and Penelope have been nothing but a joy. They are both very athletic and healthy. They are also HUGE snugglers and always want to be with you. It is an absolute pleasure having these two bullies in our lives! Erica is very knowledgeable about the breed. She is very hands on throughout the process and is just overall a kind and honest person to work with. With all that being said I cannot recommend Bruiser Bulldogs enough! Collyn C. One of the reasons we chose Bruiser Bulldogs was due to the claims about breeding for health. During our first visit at our vet's office, he told us that our pup was one of the healthiest English bulldogs he had ever seen. He is healthy, happy and social. Would recommend to anyone. Christina S. We seen our dog on their website and sent them an Email. Mitch called us and personally walked us through the process and made sure we had the right dog for our family. We couldn't be happier when we picked up our dog Ramsey, Erica made sure we had everything we needed and then some. They are truly amazing people who breed truly amazing dogs! Jim T. As English Bulldog Breeders, how do you breed for a healthier Bulldog? Like all things in life, breeding for health is simply a matter of priority. We are blind to many of the breed priorities that distract other bulldog breeders from improving the health of their Bulldog. We focus on health and personality and very little else. We are not interested in winning a blue ribbon in the show ring. Rather, we test for things like elongated soft palates, narrow tracheas, stenotic nares, luxation in the patellar tendons, heart defects, cherry eye, optic cilia, entropion, ect. We focus and prioritize creating healthy bloodlines, therefore our bulldogs are typically much healthier than the breed as a whole. After breeding for health, what other priorities are you focused on? Our true desire is to create the perfect family bulldog. We also believe a bulldog bred for the correct personality is essential to the family unit as well. A Bruiser Bulldog is bred for intelligence and playfulness. We want our bulldogs to be full of personality and some quirk. We believe a full personality along with a little stubbornness is the true North star of the bulldog breed and is what makes them unique among other breeds. We look for these personality traits in our adult bulldogs and continue to create bloodlines that reflect these qualities and produce high quality English Bulldogs for sale. I have been looking for English Bulldog Puppies for sale near me. Where are you located? We are located in the Northeast corner of Indiana. We just happen to be about 2. We are also about a 30 minute drive from the Michigan and Ohio state lines. Other major cities within 2. If you are looking for an English Bulldog puppy near you and happen to be in one of these areas we are certainly within close proximity. What if I am not located locally? Do you offer delivery services? A large portion of our adopters are located on the East Coast and Southern states. While many do make the drive to pickup, we also offer a delivery service to those with extremely busy schedules or limited ability to travel. We also utilize our own flight nanny for our West Coast adopters looking to have their puppy hand delivered. Whether through pickup or through delivery service, we try to be the type of bulldog breeder that is ethical and responsible to both our bulldogs and adopters. Life Span Did You Know? The loving and gentle English Bulldog is one of the most well-liked companion dog breeds around the world. A breed of English origins, the Bulldog was first recognized as a non-sporting dog by the American Kennel Club in .The original use of this breed was Bull baiting, which was eventually outlawed with the establishment of the Cruelty to Animals Act of .This legislative act made the act of Bull and Bear baiting both illegal. The current role most suitable for the English Bulldog would be as a companion or family pet, given their sweet demeanor. The English Bulldog is relatively easy to train but definitely takes some work for more complicated commands. If you are looking for a breed to sit, stay, and play dead for treats, this is the breed for you. While they may not be the sharpest tool in the shed compared to some of the other highly intelligent breeds, they are easy going and apt to please their owner. Training this breed will be accomplished with less difficulty if you make the training reward based. Can you say Sweetheart? While this dog breed makes an above average watchdog because of their courage, this breed is a loving companion at heart. The Bulldog is excellent with kids when socialized and should be very agreeable with guests of the house. The English Bulldog breed as a whole is heralded as one of the most well liked companion breeds in the world. The Bulldog should do well with other family pets as long as properly introduced and socialized. They need to be socialized early and often to curb any negative feelings towards strange dogs. This breed is generally agreeable to most environments. Although they easily adapt to a noisy and chaotic household, they are not very tolerant of extreme weather, whether it be hot or cold. Although they are well liked and very popular, one must be aware of the potential health pitfalls with this breed. Some of the potential issues you can see with the English Bulldog is Cherry Eye, Entropion, or dysplasia. This breed also has a high risk for weight gain, so this should be monitored. An average Bulldog life span is between 8 and 12 years. You do not need to be a professional dog trainer to own an English Bulldog. They are good for most novice owners because they are passive by nature. The English Bulldog is an average shedder, so brushing him twice a week with a firm brush will be a good idea. Also, they can have a tendency to drool, so making sure you wipe their face off everyday can help ensure they do not suffer irritation on their faces and between their wrinkles. Because of the amount of wrinkles they have, it is recommended that you clean between the wrinkles fairly often to avoid irritations. The English Bulldog is a generally low energy breed. They do not require a lot of exercise, but when they do play, they play hard! Because they can be intense when they do have an energy burst, an owner must be aware of overexertion. They can be very playful, but do tend to tire out quickly. The English Bulldog is a short, stocky breed that should weigh between pounds. This dog breed generally lives for years. Presidents Calvin Coolidge and Warren G. Harding both owned English Bulldogs. Featured English Bulldog Article. Vocality level 1 in 5 Disclaimer: While the characteristics mentioned here may frequently represent this breed, dogs are individuals whose personalities and appearances will vary. Please consult the adoption organization for details on a specific pet. He is willing to please, although he retains a stubborn streak. He is very good with children. Most are moderately friendly toward strangers. Although some can be aggressive with strange dogs, the breed is quite good with other pets. Upkeep The Bulldog appreciates a daily outing but cannot tolerate hot humid weather, which can be deadly. He should not be expected to jog or walk great distances, or to jump from any heights. Most Bulldogs cannot swim. Most Bulldogs wheeze and snore, and some drool. Coat care is minimal, but facial wrinkles and any folds around the tail should be cleaned daily. Special precautions must be taken when anesthetizing a Bulldog. Caesarean deliveries are commonly needed. Hip radiographs show most Bulldogs to be dysplastic but few show overt symptoms. History With the most distinctive mug in dogdom, the Bulldog has an equally distinctive history. Some Bulldogs were also set against bears for bear baiting, purely for entertainment. In , bull baiting was outlawed, and a new phase began for the Bulldog. By all rights, the breed should have become extinct, except that it had gained so many ardent admirers that they set out to rescue the Bulldog by selecting against ferocity while still maintaining—and often accentuating—its distinctive physical characteristics. Its tough steadfast persona led it to be identified as a national symbol of England. Its amiable clownish personality belies its appearance, and the Bulldog is a popular pet. Related Content. At BigBullDogs. We offer the best service for purchasing the perfect bulldog puppies, and we have quality studs that have set us apart as the top breeders for bulldogs. Whatever it is that you need regarding these beautiful bullies, this is the right place for you. Here are the varieties we have; What You Need to Know About English Bulldogs English Bulldogs are very distinct from the other breeds of bulldogs and are the more prevalent breed. These sturdy, muscular dogs have a cute waddle walk that directly results from their short, stubby legs. The English bulldog also has a flat-looking face, dark and low set eyes, massive and broad jaws, and fleshy cheeks and lips that give it that signature pouty and droopy look. Its short neck, thick shoulders, and barrelled chest, slightly arched back make it one breed that you can easily identify anywhere. Our standard Male English bulldogs are inches and weigh an average of 50 pounds, while the Female English bulldogs weigh about 40 pounds. All our English bulldogs have the finest textured coats and healthiest skin with a variety of colour patterns. Whether you pick a male English bulldog or female English bulldog from us, you can be assured of their wonderful demeanor and gentle disposition. The AKC recognizes over dog breeds and rated the Bulldog as 2 for the best family dog breed. They are incredible family dogs but not the best watch dogs these days. The last nine decades of domestication has turned them into couch potatoes, considerably different from their original genetic breeding that made them perfect for Bull Baiting. Nevertheless they are fantastic at lying on the couch and giving you the stink eye when you disturb their rest. Quick Guide to French Bulldogs French bulldogs were named for their origin story, which says that they were a breed of English toy bulldogs and several unidentified dog breeds. They have distinct features that make them stand out against their English counterparts, such as their pointy, bat ears. French bulldogs are small, cute dogs that are very playful and perfect for being a home pet. Regardless of whether you pick the male french bulldogs or the female French bulldogs , you get a pet that is calm, attentive, attention-loving, and a partner to you and your kids. The male french bulldog is an estimated 12 inches in height and 25 pounds in weight. On the other hand, the female french bulldog is about 11 inches and 20 pounds. The male french bulldogs are usually a bit more muscular than females and have larger heads. However both are equally affectionate and super family oriented. Not to be outdone by their British Bulldog cousin, the female french bulldogs also made the Top 10 Best Family Dog breeds list in .Looking to Adopt Bulldogs?

german shepherd puppy to dog - For example, the characteristics of the parent breeds shine through in my bestie — Happy-Go-Doodle Chloe. She is an F1B Goldendoodle who: Is extremely smart. Was easily trained as a puppy and is still easily trained as an adult. Is very active and requires daily walks and games of fetch. Is an incredibly devoted family dog. In addition to personality, you may be wondering about the physical characteristics of F1B Goldendoodles. The reason for such a range of sizes can largely be attributed to the variation the Poodle parent breed brings to the party. Since the Poodle breed standard includes three official sizes—toy, miniature, and standard—the Goldendoodle gets the benefit of a wide variation in size too. They weigh about 25 pounds. They weigh 26 to 35 pounds. They weigh 36 to 50 pounds. They weigh 51 pounds and up. F1B Goldendoodles will require regular brushing and grooming. F1B Goldendoodle coat colors Based on the variety of coat colors of the Poodle black, white, cream, apricot, to name a few and the range of shades of golden the Golden Retriever heritage brings to the mix golden, light golden, and dark golden , the F1B Goldendoodle can sport a rainbow of colors. They require energy burns and mental stimulation. This makes sense since both of the parent breeds are smart and active. They need attention and like to be part of the pack. Goldendoodles are eager to fit in with the entire family and adapt to life with you. They are often recommended for families and make wonderful companions. However, they are not some sort of wonder dog, either. Also, Goldendoodles are social dogs and may show anxiety or boredom if left alone for long periods of time. As puppies, they may be pushy or mouthy want to chew on everything or zoomy. However, with proper care, socialization, love, attention, training, and exercise, an F1B Goldendoodle is more love than you could ever imagine. That why, you could also say F1B stands for… 1 Forever Bestie…for ever and always by your side. Did you enjoy this article? Join the happy pack! Get the latest Happy-Go-Doodle stories delivered to your email inbox. Please comment below. It has been updated to include more information on the F1B Goldendoodle along with additional pictures. A reputable breeder will always screen their breeding dogs for these genetic problems before breeding. Their curly or wavy hair should be brushed at least times weekly to prevent matting and remove loose hair. You may need professional grooming every weeks to keep their coat manageable. They have sensitive skin, so pick a dog shampoo for sensitive skin. Additionally, regular ear cleaning , nail trimming , and dental care are essential to their grooming routine. The Mini Goldendoodles are very prone to dental disease. Dietary needs Your Goldendoodle needs a diet specific to their age, size mini and standard Golden Retriever Poodle mixes need different diets , and health. Several health issues can affect their diet, including problems like dilated cardiomyopathy DCM , which they can get from too little taurine in their diets. Exercise Needs The F1b Goldendoodle is a hyper-energetic and active breed that requires regular exercise to stay mentally and physically stimulated. Aim for at least 60 minutes of daily exercise, including walks, playtime, and interactive activities. These dogs thrive on exercise and adore swimming, fetching, and running. Engaging them in mental stimulation, such as puzzle toys or obedience training, can also help channel their intelligence and prevent boredom. Housing Needs The F1b Goldendoodle does best in homes with access to outdoor space where they can exercise and explore. Mini versions may need less space but still need a ton of exercise. Goldendoodles are social dogs and prefer being close to their families, so providing them with ample indoor space and comfortable bedding is essential. As more and more Doodles flood the market due to rising popularity, you can also adopt a Goldendoodle from organizations like Doodle Rescue Collective. How long does the F1b Goldendoodle live? The F1b Goldendoodle generally has a relatively long lifespan, typically 10 to 15 years. Are F1b Goldendoodles okay with kids? F1b Goldendoodles are good with children and good family dogs for active families. However, they are energetic, and the bigger dogs can knock small children over accidentally. Always supervise these dogs with small children or frail adults. F1b Goldendoodles are fine with other dogs and pets. They do like to chase small animals; many of them are natural hunting dogs, so be sure to socialize them properly and teach them how to interact politely with other animals. Final thoughts In conclusion, the F1b Goldendoodle is a charming and sought-after breed that captures the best qualities of both the Golden Retriever and the Poodle. Their hypoallergenic and often non-shedding coats offer a fantastic option for individuals with allergies or those looking for a low-maintenance dog. Their friendly, affectionate nature makes them great family pets, while their intelligence and trainability contribute to their versatility as therapy or service dogs. Tamsin De La Harpe Author Tamsin de la Harpe has nearly two decades of experience with dogs in rescue, training, and behavior modification with fearful and aggressive dogs. She has worked closely with veterinarians and various kennels, building up extensive medical knowledge and an understanding of canine health and physiology. She also spent two years in the animal sciences as a canine nutrition researcher, focusing on longevity and holistic healthcare for our four-legged companions. Tamsin currently keeps a busy homestead with an assortment of rescue dogs and three Bullmastiffs. Got Questions? No one really knows exactly when the first goldendoodle was created, but this mixed breed began finding popularity among breeders in the late s. It is believed that the success of the labradoodle led to the conception of the goldendoodle. F1Bs are created by crossing a first-generation F1 goldendoodle with a purebred poodle or golden retriever. Usually, breeders choose the poodle as the purebred parent in order to achieve a coat that is less irritating for people with allergies. F1B goldendoodles usually have a curly coat that is more reminiscent of the poodle than the golden retriever. The color of the coat may take after the golden retriever in hue, but doodles can come in many different colors. These dogs have floppy ears and may have either curly hair or long straight hair on their muzzles. They come in a variety of sizes, too! The poodle itself comes in three sizes: standard, miniature, and toy. There is even such a thing as a teacup poodle, which is the smallest of the four sizes, though the AKC does not recognize this size. Because the goldendoodle is not purebred, there is no uniform size that these dogs are expected to be. There are no guidelines. However, you can find goldendoodles in all size categories except for giant simply because purebred poodles exist in each size category. So, if you want a smaller dog, look for smaller parents and vice versa! Wavy and curly coats tend to be more common, but anything is possible as this is a mixed breed. F1B goldendoodles make wonderful family dogs as they are super friendly and do well with children. They are affectionate and enjoy spending time with their families. They definitely have what is often considered the ideal temperament for a dog! Are F1B Goldendoodles Affectionate? F1B goldendoodles are generally a great choice for families with kids. They also tend to be gentle and tolerant. This is because these types of pets are seen as prey animals. The goldendoodle is bred from two hunting breeds. If you do have small pets, make sure to keep them safe from your dog. Are F1B Goldendoodles Aggressive? F1B Goldendoodles are not at all aggressive! They love meeting new people and are great with other dogs. Of course, every dog is an individual, and socialization during puppyhood is vital. Dogs that do not receive proper socialization are far more likely to become fearful or aggressive as adults. We would consider them the type of dog that barks to alert their owners. As we said before, every dog is an individual, and some dogs may bark more than others. Some doodles may only bark at strangers, whereas others may bark at animals in the yard or cars on the street. Are F1B Goldendoodles Intelligent? F1B goldendoodles are considered an intelligent mixed breed because they are quick learners and have superb observation skills. In fact, they are so good at observing that many people believe they can even tell what emotions their owners are feeling! If you want a dog that is easy to train, you should definitely consider the F1B goldendoodle. This breed learns quickly and is eager to please. Their affection and loyalty often result in them being quite obedient once trained. Because they are so easy to train, hiring a professional is not necessary. However, we always recommend that people join a group class of some sort as it provides opportunities for their dogs to learn how to ignore distractions and listen instead. Though doodles are already eager to please, using reward-based training will motivate them even more. Using positive reinforcement is the best way to train a goldendoodle. Are F1B Goldendoodles Energetic? F1B goldendoodles of any size have a fair amount of energy. After all, they are born of two hunting breeds that need to have the endurance to spend hours in the field. Luckily, many goldendoodles enjoy playing games like fetch. Fetch is a fantastic way to help your dog burn off some energy. Of course, doodles will also love joining you in activities like walking, hiking, swimming, or even biking make sure to talk to your vet before involving your dog in any strenuous activities. They may try to get your attention and get you to play with them, bark more often, or turn to take their boredom out on something else. Regardless of size, goldendoodles can do well in apartments as long as they get enough exercise. Apartment living may be easier with smaller goldendoodles than with larger ones. If that can be done, then goldendoodles can live anywhere. Many goldendoodles will bark to alert you of the presence of a stranger in the vicinity, which can make them good watchdogs. This is because the goldendoodle is just far too friendly. They will be more likely to greet intruders with wagging tails than anything else. F1B goldendoodles do make good service dogs. This is in part because of their eagerness to learn. Service dogs must be smart and obedient, and goldendoodles are prone to being both. They have an easy time providing the support someone needs because of their stellar observation skills. How to Care for an F1B Goldendoodle F1B doodles will need at least weekly brushing, and most owners prefer to keep their coats trimmed. Otherwise, they require the same type of care as other dogs: they need their teeth cleaned regularly, nails clipped as needed, and ears checked for infection regularly. Like all goldendoodles, F1Bs also require a decent amount of grooming. Their coats need to be brushed at least once per week, but more frequent brushing is required for longer coats. Most doodle owners prefer to have their coats trimmed regularly so that they do not need to brush them as often. If you like the look of a grown-out coat, then you will need to brush almost daily to prevent the hair from clumping and matting. Do F1B Goldendoodles Shed? How much a doodle sheds really depends on which breed it takes after more: the poodle or the golden retriever. If the F1B has a purebred golden retriever crossed with an F1 doodle as a parent, then you may expect it to shed more. The doodle would not shed very much in this case and may be a good option for someone with allergies who hopes to own a dog. Do remember, however, that no dog is truly hypoallergenic. An F1B goldendoodle should eat the highest quality food you can afford. The best dog foods follow AAFCO guidelines, have been formulated by a veterinary nutritionist, and have undergone feeding trials. To determine how much to feed your doodle, you can start by checking the recommended serving size on the bag. Otherwise, you can calculate the number of calories your dog should eat on a daily basis. You can do the math yourself or use an online calorie calculator. Because F1B goldendoodles inherit genes from both golden retrievers and poodles, they are at risk of inheriting the diseases of both breeds. Doodles who are similar in size to a standard poodle or golden retriever are also at risk for bloat. Smaller doodles may be at risk of inheriting patellar luxation and Legg-Calve-Perthes. Because we have to consider the health issues of two breeds instead of one, it may seem like the F1B goldendoodle is at a higher risk of inheriting problems than its purebred parent. There are some studies that suggest purebred dogs are more likely to inherit 10 out of 24 diseases, with mixed breeds only being more likely to inherit 1 out of the 24 the other 13 diseases were just as likely to be inherited by mixed breeds as purebreds. However, you could sink hours into this debate and still feel unsure about which side is right. Instead of getting caught up in debate, we suggest that if you want to add an F1B goldendoodle to your family, you should choose a responsible breeder who health tests their dogs. These tests ensure that the parent dogs are without disease that they could pass on to their offspring. F1B goldendoodles live about 10 to 15 years on average, though smaller doodles may live a year or two longer. Are F1B Goldendoodles Expensive? Be cautious if you see a doodle being sold for a low price. These dogs may have been bred by puppy mills or backyard breeders who simply want to turn a profit but do not care for the health of their dogs. Always make sure to ask breeders numerous questions so that you know they have health-tested their dogs and are caring for them properly. However, how frequently you want to do this is up to you. Some people have their doodles groomed every 8 to 10 weeks, whereas others may prefer more frequent grooming. If you wanted to save money, you could learn how to trim your doodle yourself. Similarly, smaller dogs may be less expensive when it comes to their kibble and even medical expenses. Therefore, if you want a more budget-friendly doodle, consider a smaller size. We know you already know how to use Google to search for puppies. What are your credentials? You should learn about how long the breeder has been in business as well as how familiar they are with F1B goldendoodles. Have the parent animals undergone health testing? Ask to see these tests. Can I see where the dogs are kept? Can I meet the parent? How do you socialize your puppies? Socialization is important for puppies to become friendly and confident. Are the puppies up-to-date on vaccinations? Do you offer a health guarantee with a contract? Some breeders guarantee the health of their puppies: should your puppy come down with a serious illness early on, the breeder may offer to reimburse the purchase price of the dog or even take the puppy back. This will also help you avoid purchasing from breeders who are irresponsible. What do you require of potential adopters? Many breeders want to make sure their puppies are going to homes where they will be treated well and kept for life. Therefore, breeders may ask a number of questions about you, your situation, and your experience as a dog owner. It will not be easy to find an F1B goldendoodle to rescue. While the goldendoodle mix itself is popular enough to have rescues dedicated to it, the F1B is an even more specific mix of golden retriever and poodle. This is why they are harder to find at shelters. Even if it is clear that the dog is a doodle, the shelter may not know if the doodle is F1, F1B, or some other generation of doodle. Still, if you are interested in adopting, the best place to look will be a rescue dedicated to saving and rehoming goldendoodles specifically. Are F1B Goldendoodles Purebred? F1B goldendoodles are not purebred dogs. Goldendoodles in general are considered designer dogs because they are a mix created by crossing two purebred dogs. However, the F1B goldendoodle is a cross between a doodle and usually a purebred poodle though in rare cases, the purebred parent is a golden retriever. Either way, the AKC does not recognize these dogs, and there is currently no standard for breeding them. Because F1B goldendoodles are so friendly, loving, and obedient, they tend to be a great option for first-time dog owners. However, as long as someone can offer enough exercise, they should have no problem raising and caring for an F1B goldendoodle. Goldendoodles are playful, energetic, and super friendly. This makes them great family dogs who get along swimmingly with kids. By now, you probably have an idea of whether or not the F1B doodle is the right dog for you or not. The Differences Between Goldendoodle Generations? Not all Goldendoodles are the same! While most have the cuddly, teddy bear, fluffy Doodle look, their genetics can vary greatly depending on their generation and what parents they have. So, what is a multigenerational goldendoodle? There can be significant differences between what breeders refer to as F1, F1B, F2, and multigenerational called multigens Goldendoodles. Knowing the distinction between the 4 types of Goldendoodles within this breed can help choose the breeder and desired traits you hope to find in your new Goldendoodle. What is GANA? This organization sets the standards and affirms that these generations are acceptable and contribute to the diversity of the Goldendoodle gene pool. The grading scheme definitions of each generation per the Goldendoodle Association of North America can be found here. Before diving into their differences, what does F mean? The number following the F signifies the generation of the Goldendoodle. For example, a first-generation Goldendoodle is bred from two non-Goldendoodle parents a Golden Retriever and a Poodle while a second-generation Goldendoodle is bred from two F1 Goldendoodle parents. Knowing these distinctions helps identify what traits can be expected in Goldendoodle litters. What are Goldendoodle Furnishings? A key element to discuss is the role that furnishing genes play in the looks and shedding factor of the different generations of Goldendoodles. The Golden Retriever carries zero furnishing genes and the Poodle carries two furnishing genes. Furnishing genes are responsible for the presence of hair that continues to grow in length most noticeable on the face and muzzle. Golden Retrievers have short, smooth hair on their face due to their lack of furnishing genes. Poodles, unless shaven, will have long hair covering the face and muzzle as a result of carrying two furnishing genes. Because furnishing genes are dominant, it takes just one copy of this gene to present in long hair on the face. However, two furnishing genes are necessary to facilitate a non-shedding coat. The curl genes involved in each generation will dictate the type of coat each puppy inherits. Golden Retrievers carry zero curl genes whereas Poodles carry two curl genes. All F1s will inherit a total of one copy of the curl gene allowing their coats to be wavy in general. For those puppies who inherit no curl genes, their coats will be straight to slightly wavy. More information and photos showing the different coat types can be found here. Perhaps a decade ago, testing for the number of furnishings and curl genes became accessible to breeders. Until that point, the only way to know if a breeder was producing high-shedding or flat-coated Goldendoodles was via trial and error. We now know that the curl and furnishing genes are unrelated and that the curl genes have no impact on the shedding factor. They are known for their friendliness, being the perfect family pet, and being great for first-time dog owners. They were bred with this very purpose in mind. Of course, their precious appearance helps too! The coats are typically wavy due to inheriting one curl gene from the Poodle and no curl genes from the Golden Retriever. F1 Goldendoodles benefit from hybrid vigor making them healthier than their purebred parents. F1 Goldendoodles have proven to have better longevity than their pure breed ancestors. This hybrid vigor comes from crossing two unrelated dog breeds. F1 Goldendoodles cannot be guaranteed to be non-shedding. F1 Goldendoodles can also come in smaller sizes. This allows smaller genes to affect the outcome of the size of the offspring. There is no way of knowing ahead of time how these two inherited traits will match up in any individual puppy. In the other F1B option of crossing an F1 Goldendoodle with a Golden Retriever, no puppies will inherit two curl genes and no puppies will inherit two furnishing genes. This pairing will likely produce higher shedding coats that will be straight or wavy. Additionally, the F1B Goldendoodle can also benefit from hybrid vigor. Under the healthiest and most cognizant of circumstances, these Goldendoodles can be healthier than their purebred parents. These benefits will only be fortuitous should your breeder be careful about choosing their breeding pairs utilizing health screening protocols. The hybrid vigor will not diminish if the breeder is thorough in health testing and ensures that the parent breed lines are uncrossed, meaning that the parents are unrelated. Like the other generations of Goldendoodles, the F1B generation is highly intelligent, easily trainable, and beautiful. They are created by crossing two F1 Goldendoodles. This generation requires careful selection of parents based on the traits desired in the offspring. Each puppy has equal chances of inheriting zero, one, or two furnishing genes as well as zero, one, or two curl genes. These genes can be inherited in any combination in a single puppy. Puppies inheriting two furnishing genes will likely be non-shedding. Puppies inheriting one furnishing gene will have reduced shedding most likely equal to an F1 Goldendoodle. Those inheriting no furnishing genes will have coats very similar to a Golden Retriever including a smooth face and moderate to heavy shedding. All three coat types are possible in the F2 generation as well — straight, wavy, or curly. Type means traits that all puppies in the same litter inherit eliminating the variety of possibilities within a single litter. Just as in the F2 generation, without careful selection of breeding pairs, a variation of furnishings and coat types can be created. In the multigen, breeders can begin to be more consistent as they can select breeding prospects using DNA to ensure two furnishing genes are present in both parents. This ensures all puppies will inherit two furnishing genes giving them a higher chance of being non-shedding and allergy friendly. The number following refers to how many generations of that breed have been produced from that specific line. These differences are important to understand to know what characteristics are possible in specific pairings. As you can see, not all Goldendoodles are the same! Each generation has its characteristics that are different based on their parents. Knowing the differences can help you choose which Goldendoodle is right for you and your family. It is important to know the breeder you have selected is knowledgeable about the genetics of each parent dog to be able to predict the traits that will be produced by crossing specific dogs together. You may not understand the genetic reports on each parent dog, but the breeder should be able to confidently explain them to you. Breeders that have not done DNA profiles on their breeding dogs before breeding them cannot begin to provide you with accurate predictions of the traits your future puppy may possess. These traits do not only include information on furnishings and coat types, but also diseases each parent may carry as well as the colors they are capable of producing. This certification includes the assurance that your Goldendoodle was produced ethically and is from healthy parents. Goldendoodles are well known for their amazing personalities and for being the perfect family dog. They are typically great with kids, extremely smart, and above all, endearing. No matter what their color or coat type may be, they are very hard to not love! Millie is pounds an inches at the withers, Jax is pounds and inches at the withers. The offspring are expected to be 20 to mini pounds. The puppies will go home October 7th. Females Males 1 Francis, GH purple 1 Open 2 reserved for GH 2 Open We take a processing fee of now by PayPal, zelle, venmo, cash, credit card or personal checks to secure your pick position, which comes off the total when you pay your balance at puppy pick up. Puppy selection and go home is hosted on the same day. The processing fee is refundable until puppy births or you are not provided a puppy from your designated litter due to our part. Otherwise the processing fee becomes transferable to a future litter of your choosing. Paymet for balance at time of pick up is accepted by cash, venmo, PayPal, zelle and all major credit cards only, no personal checks accepted at final payment. Puppies go home at 8 weeks on utd on age appropriate shots, dewormer, veterinarian checked, micro chipped, potty training to a doggy door beginning at 4 weeks of age, puppy food Purina Pro Plan lamb and rice formula small bites , blanket with litter scent, snuggle puppy, benebone puppy chew toy, tick flea and heartworm preventative for the first month and intestinal parasites preventative for the first three months, completely loved and pre spoiled with a 1 year health guarentee. We offer a discount for puppy training through Baxter and Bella and 1st month free for puppy insurance through Trupanion. Our puppies are raised by the puppy culture protocols. We do a weekly updates with photos, weights and progress reports. Each puppy is cleared by our veterinarian prior to leaving Texas Doodles. Puppy selection process is hosted at our home in Kountze Texas in person or via FaceTime if distance is an issue. Puppies are picked up in person at our residence unless prior arrangements have been made. We offer puppy ground transport through reliable carriers, meet at Houston area airports, fly in cabin with Southwest Airlines or American Airlines via cargo. We can quote rates for all options. We use Embark and OFA when health testing our parents. This is a pet price only with no breeding rights. Breeding rights are considered after an approval process. These dogs typically have loose, wavy coats. The downside of the F1 generation is they tend to still shed some—less than a purebred Golden Retriever but more than some of the later generations we discuss below. F2 vs F1? However, again, you are likely to have some shedding. The F2 generation is actually the most unpredictable in regard to hair type as a simple Punnett Square illustration would reveal. Some of the puppies are likely to get two copies of the Golden Retriever flat coat gene so may still be quite heavy shedders. This generation is a good choice for people who love both the Golden Retriever and Poodle personalities and want a good mixture of both breeds but are flexible on hair type and shedding. F1 vs F1b? These puppies typically have wavy to curly coats and reduced shedding. The F1b generation is a good choice for allergy sufferers or those who simply want less fur to clean up around the house. Most breeders would avoid this type of F1b as the result would be a dog that sheds as much as Golden Retriever, but it is still good to know to avoid potential confusion. Quiz time: What would you call the puppy born to an F2 Goldendoodle and a Poodle? F1bb vs F1b? In this case, an F1b Goldendoodle has been backcrossed again to a purebred Poodle. While this may sound like a lot of Poodle, the result is a predictably curly, low-shedding coat that is great for allergy-sufferers. As doodle breeders, we have a lot of positive things to say about our poodle parents and the Poodle breed as a whole — you can read more about their history and characteristics here. In the case of an F1bb Goldendoodle —the dog will be more similar to a Poodle in regards to coat, physical structure and certain traits but still have a little dash of retriever to keep things interesting! Put simply it means you are now 3 generations removed from the original cross of Golden Retriever to Poodle, so this can look like an F2 Goldendoodle bred to another Goldendoodle. In this case, most reputable breeders have been careful in selecting their parents and would avoid breeding straight coated, high-shedding parents. An F3 can also mean an F1b X an F1b. This would of course be similar in regards to coat type and breed percentage breakdown as an F1b. The multigenerational doodle could be any combination of Goldendoodle parents past the third generation. The positive side of the multigenerational doodle is that these are typically one of the best options for allergy sufferers as a reputable breeder has been careful to select non-shedding parents in their line; the more generations removed from the original shedding parents i. Golden Retriever , the less chance of any sly shedding genes slipping in! Understanding F1 vs F2 vs F1b vs F2b Is Not Essential At the end of the day, we often tell our puppy parents to not get too hung up on the exact terminology related to the generation of their pup. Knowing what you prefer in regard to personality and coat type is enough information to have a reputable breeder guide you to the right doodle for you. When it comes to goldendoodles, we have come across the most incredibly loving and intelligent dogs of every generation!


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german shepherd puppy to dog - Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links. Take back control of their behavior using these quick and easy solutions to stop German Shepherd biting that actually works. Even better, have a set of toys that are only used when you want to engage in play with your puppy. Hide these toys in a basket or box after your game of play. This makes them extra special. They are under your control and your dog must give them back to you. Special toys are more fun for your pup to bite than you. When in doubt of what special toy your dog likes, choose from this specially-curated list of what toys German Shepherds love for interactive toy ideas to keep your dog entertained. Say OUCH! When your pup bites you, say OUCH firmly. This simple technique catches the attention of many puppies when done correctly and can train a German Shepherd puppy to not bite you. You could also make a YIP sound instead, just like their little brother and sisters would make a yipping noise when playing too rough. If they continue to bite and nip, say OUCH again and then get up immediately and leave the room for a few moments. You may return to play but keep repeating this simple process until they learn to keep their teeth on their toys. This will only encourage them to continue their unwanted behavior. Use Puppy-Safe Partition Gates Only use pet-safe partition gates that are high enough to prevent your German Shepherd from jumping over. If your pup bites you aggressively when you and your family walk past you, then use an exercise pen or this German Shepherd-sized pet safe partition gate to contain them. Only use pet-safe partition gates that are high enough to prevent and discourage your German Shepherd from jumping over to continue to try and bite you. Use the items during busy times in your home to keep your dog calm and out of areas that might increase their excitement and biting and nipping you. Puppies tend to bite and chew when their teeth are coming in. They do this to relieve the pain and help soothe themselves. Freeze a durable large Kong with their favorite treats and kibble and have them on hand for times when your dog is acting out and biting you. Give them a Kong to gnaw on and bring icy relief to their gums. Plus, chewing has been shown to help relax and calm dogs. Redirections are actions that keep your pup from engaging in unwanted behavior by showing them appropriate behavior. For example: When your dog nips you, find their teething toy to bite instead. When your dog jumps on you to bite your hands or ankles, look around for a Kong to give to them to bite on. Squeaky toys like this toy that continues to squeak , even after a puncture, are ideal to distract your dog from your hand to another object. These toys differ from their special toys mentioned above because these redirection toys are ones you leave out for your pup to chew most of the time. So, be sure to have them nearby! Use Daily Leadership Skills How many times a day do you teach your German Shepherd to listen to you and offer them leadership? Use daily interactions as an effective way of teaching your dog about leadership. Have them sit before you take them for a walk or exiting a door. Ignore them altogether. Only offer them interaction and come back to them when they show you calming behaviors. Our dogs love our attention. And German Shepherds crave it! An overfed dog that is under-exercised may display destructive behaviors because of boredom and lack of energy needs being met. Get up off the couch and go outside for a walk and sniff party. Low impact activities and free-running off-leash running are best. Choose from a list of fun and gentle, age-appropriate German Shepherd puppy exercises to keep your pup healthy and better behaved. Stop roughhousing with your dog before it frustrates them. Use appropriate, puppy-safe toys instead of play sessions. This way, your pup can bite the toy instead of your fingers, hands, or arms. You may also stress out your GSD by engaging them rough of play. For your pup to either keep up with the play or stop you from too rough play, they may bite you! From day one, avoid play that involves mouthing or teeth on the skin. Use toys to provide your dog a way they can bite to release their energy… Without nipping you! And this game is great because it teaches your dog a necessary life skill. Practice the game: multiple times a day for 2 to 3 minutes at a time Your pup learns impulse control during the game and this transfers over to their ability to stop themselves from biting you. Read below for the easy-to-follow directions. If your dog gets too worked up and then bites, then teach them this Rev Up and Cool Down game. After a few running steps and before your pup gets too excited, stop running and walk slowly. Keep moving slowly until your dog also slows down. When you see them slow down, take a few more steps calmly and peacefully. Continue with steps one through three. Each time your dog should slow down sooner and quicker. If your puppy knows any of these basic German Shepherd commands , incorporate those commands to make the training more interesting and fun. The link above will also easily explain how to teach over ten commands! The point of the Rev Up and Cool Down game is to teach them to settle and stay calm without nipping and biting you. You need to keep your pup exercised, mentally stimulated, and show them what calming behavior is. Be fair and understanding. A Shepherd is a joy to own when given the direction they desire and the commitment they need. Found this helpful? Share it! She has a Bachelor of Science degree, with Honors, and has been training dogs for over a decade. Related Posts. Insufficient relaxation or sleep time Other animals harassing your dog Lack of positive attention from you Inconsistent or unclear behavior rules taught by you Insufficient physical or mental exercise You give incorrect attention during arousal behaviors You can correct the lack of exercise through a balanced German Shepherd exercise routine for health. Boredom, due to lack of mental stimulation, is also correctable. Read this guide on using mental stimulation exercises for German Shepherds to improve their behavior. Motherhood, hypothyroidism, and physical pain all contribute to stress and hostile episodes. While motherhood passes, other medical conditions need treatment. Talk to your vet before trying to address aggression on your own as an underlying medical condition may exist. Triggers are immediate actions or behaviors that increase or begin the act of aggression in your dog. Determine what sets off your dog by watching their body language signs listed above and noting their environment. This requires identifying the trigger, eliminating any stressors, and creating a training modification program that is consistent to meet your GSDs end goals. Use the stress list, found above, to help you figure out stressors that you can control. Track what things cause your dog to react hostile. Use Safety Precautions to Prevent Injury Try a control management tool such as a muzzle or headcollar to regain control when out in public. Gentle Head Collar This control tool provides gentle corrections and prevents jumping, lunging, and pulling. It does, however, provide better safety and control. If you need more confidence in handling your aggressive German Shepherd, then place the head collar on them before going outside. Aggression Treatment To have the best chance of success with training an aggressive German Shepherd, use the entire treatment protocol listed below. Using all the steps of treatment gives you and your dog more positive results. The following chart provides the training step and the action to help lessen aggressive behavior. The program can take many months depending on what issues your dog exhibits and how deep those issues are. Instead, take an approach that touches on all of the daily life skills. In a nutshell, the NILIF technique means that for everything your dog wants in life they must perform a command that you give them. You can make yourself more predictable to your dog by teaching them that rewards only come when he asks nicely with a calm behavior, like a sit. Your dog earns all rewards such as food, treats, praise, and affection by giving you the behavior you want. Most importantly… Teach your dog the basic obedience skills to reinforce your expectations and use this obedience training in your daily routines. Instead, use positive reinforcement that promotes and rewards desired behaviors. Here are some problems and solutions to help prevent your German Shepherd from becoming aggressive. Rather than think your German Shepherd has simply become aggressive, look for the areas of their life that tend to upset her. German Shepherd Aggression Prevention There are many reasons you must consider when wondering why your German Shepherd is becoming aggressive. Use a complete training regimen to ensure success. Aggressive German Shepherds are a potential threat and a safety hazard. Safety is your priority. Both for you and your dog. Your patience and persistence help your GSD become a success story! The correct thing to do is to make sure your dog is kept away from harming any person or animal. Please share this to help others! She has a Bachelor of Science degree, with Honors, and has been training dogs for over a decade. Related Posts. Genetics, learning history, and environment all play a role in behavior. Here are the four questions you can ask to get the full picture: 1 What kind of information has the breeder or rescue organization given? Has the breeder become aware of other puppies in that litter showing aggression? Does the rescue have any information on either of those things? Is your GSD puppy showing aggression only when there are items of value nearby, like toys or bones? When do other dogs walk by your house? When his food bowl is present? Keep a puppy behavior diary — make notes of when you see behaviors of concern so that we can identify those specific environments. GSD puppies are typically fantastic communicators — they are born with the ability to use body language to express themselves to us and to each other. A fearful puppy may show his teeth, pin his ears, piloerection, growl, whale eye show the whites of his eyes in a doggy glare but keep his distance. More aggressive behaviors are similar to the above but they are much more inclined to break that space bubble and move in to make contact with the threat. However, a GSD puppy who is struggling with anxiety, pain or neurological issues, may take several hours or days to return to their normal state. These puppies require veterinary assistance to look further into WHY — a Veterinary Behaviorist who is qualified in both behavior and medicine. It is not only scary and upsetting after your GSD has become aggressive with you, but very confusing. They use their teeth for everything, especially while interacting with their people. Encourage him to go into his crate and get him into the car and to the vet for professional help to rule out any medical issues first. The short answer is YES. Whenever you see the behavior of concern, especially in a puppy, the very first thing to do is to see your veterinarian to rule out any chances of an underlying medical issue — medical trumps behavior, always. Ask your vet for assistance in finding the best harness for his body shape. Ask them what their training methods are and what you can expect from your first session with them. A GSD, even as a puppy, can certainly have great instincts to begin to protect his family and his environment — however, he does not yet have appropriate experience under his belt to know what to do with possible threats. Like most GSD puppies, they play, eat and sleep hard. If you have a friend or neighbor with a healthy, stable dog that could teach your GSD puppy how to play, this is always best. If, however, your GSD puppy is hurting your older dog — biting legs and neck to the point of drawing blood or causing a fight between them, separate them immediately and book that vet visit. When it comes to children and dogs of any age, there is no grey area. Is your or any child safe with your puppy? You will then need to contact a qualified Canine Behavior Consultant, not just a trainer, to help you. Demographic and epidemiologic data were collected and analyzed. A total of children were identified. The average age was 4. The majority of dog bites occurred in children 5 years of age or younger .Almost all .When circumstances surrounding the bite were documented, over half .Truly aggressive GSD puppies are rare — however, it happens. Qualified professionals will not recommend euthanasia lightly — they will do everything they can to ensure that underlying medical issues or specific contributing environments are ruled out. Conclusion In conclusion, truly aggressive GSD puppies are rare — but not impossible. Hire a qualified behavior consultant to help you figure out the WHY to prevent it from getting worse. Be sure, when looking to purchase or adopt a GSD puppy, to ask about their contracts to make sure that you are covered. If the aggression is based in fear, which it typically is — yes, with the right professionals on your side, your GSD puppy can live a normal and happy life. Fear is complex and time-consuming to work through but it can be done! More posts on German Shepherd Puppies Recommended post. Are German Shepherds Aggressive? Fact vs. Fiction German shepherd dogs are a very popular breed known for loyalty, bravery, and protection. But are German shepherds aggressive too? Find out the facts. German shepherd dogs are a very popular breed known for loyalty, bravery, and protection. The German shepherd dog has a devoted fandom of dog lovers around the world — so devoted that this dog breed even has its own acronym, the GSD. The GSD is often associated with loyalty and bravery. The truth about dog aggression is that it can affect any breed of dog, especially if the dog doesn't get enough socialization from an early age. But there are dog breeds that are more prone to aggressive behavior because of their breeding or because of genetically inherited mental disorders, like rage syndrome , cognitive dysfunction , or hypothyroidism. We'll look at the risk factors and statistics surrounding German shepherd aggression. Plus, we'll share tips for dog owners trying to prevent aggression in their German shepherd puppy or adult rescue dog. A Look at the Facts There are three ways to assess the likelihood that a dog breed will have aggressive tendencies. The first is to look at what they were bred for — this is often the best indicator of a dog's hardwired personality traits. Next is to look at the breed's health and inherited disorders to determine whether they inherit conditions that put them at risk for aggression. And finally, look at the data surrounding dog bites to see if German shepherds bite more frequently than other breeds. This data will help us discover the answer to: Are German shepherds aggressive? Were They Bred for Aggression? German shepherds were originally bred to be working dogs, and this dog has a history of succeeding in all types of work — most of which require a stable temperament. Herding These dogs started out as herding dogs where an aggressive dog might injure the livestock. But, part of the job of a herding dog is also to protect their herd. So, they may show aggression when they perceive something to be a threat to their flock, or in the case of a family dog, to their family members. Police Work German shepherds also work as police dogs. While this may bring to mind the image of an aggressive German shepherd, police dogs actually need to have an even temperament and be able to keep their cool in high-stress environments. Otherwise, they would be at risk for biting innocent civilians. This work requires an intelligent dog that pays close attention to its handler and loves the mental stimulation they get from police dog training, including obedience training, scenting, and search and rescue. Guarding Now we come to the one job that most people associate with aggression — The German shepherd breed is often used as a guard dog. These large dogs have an imposing size and appearance that can scare off strangers, and typically they will act to protect their home and family from a perceived threat. What constitutes a "perceived threat" will be different for every dog. A well-socialized dog may welcome strangers into their home and only act if their owner appears to be frightened or in pain. An undersocialized dog may perceive every visitor as a threat and need to be put away in a crate or another room whenever you have company. German shepherds are rarely aggressive towards their owners or family since that is the thing they're protecting. They may at times become overprotective of family members, but this trait should be manageable with proper training. While German Shepherds are at risk for a variety of health problems from arthritis to pancreatitis , they are not prone to rage syndrome, cognitive dysfunction, hypothyroidism, or brain tumors. However, GSDs are prone to epilepsy , which has been linked to aggression when it's left untreated. If you're buying a German shepherd puppy, ask the breeder about any history of epilepsy in their dogs and in puppies from previous litters. While a responsible breeder will conduct a variety of health screenings, there isn't currently a genetic test that can predict epilepsy. If you've had a German shepherd for a long time, and it suddenly starts to show signs of aggression, take your dog to the vet. Even if your GSD doesn't have epilepsy or another condition linked with aggression, their new-found behavior problem may be a sign that they're in pain. Many dogs will behave aggressively if they're in pain, and your dog may need medical attention and pain relief. According to recent data, German shepherds rank fourth on the list of dog breeds that bite the most. However, when you consider that German shepherds are the third most popular dog breed in the U. And while the study referenced above listed the top breed as unidentifiable, many local reports list Labrador retrievers as the breed that bites the most people. Labs also happen to be the most popular dog breed, which means there are more of them in the U. More Labs means more chance of getting bitten by a Lab — just like how more German shepherds means more chance of getting bitten by a German shepherd. A literature review by the American Veterinary Medical Association AVMA found a strong link between the prevalence of breed-specific bite incidents and the regional popularity of the breed. For example, in some regions of Canada where sled dogs are the most popular breeds, Siberian huskies caused the most dog bites. The AVMA review also found that with many but not all large breeds, the number of bites by that breed went up during times when the breed's popularity went up. A few years later, around the time that those Rottweiler puppies would have reached maturity, there was a spike in the number of reported dog bites by Rottweilers. This same study found that, compared to their prevalence in the dog population, small and medium-sized dogs were more likely to bite than large dogs. But bites by large dogs were more likely to be reported because they cause more damage. Because an aggressive large dog is more dangerous than an aggressive toy breed, large dogs are also more likely to get treatment and training to prevent their aggression. And lack of training may be part of the reason aggression was more prevalent in small and medium dogs. This research found that situational factors not related to a dog's breed were more likely to lead to biting. The situational risk factors included a dog owner's mismanagement and neglect of the dog, the bite victim being a stranger, and the dog not being spayed or neutered. Because purebred German shepherd puppies come from breeders, rather than rescue organizations, owners are not typically required to get their GSDs spayed or neutered. So, it seems that any increased risk of a dog bite from German shepherds may be based — at least in part — on the increased number of GSDs in the population. And that's if the breed reporting can be trusted at all. Ultimately, any dog can bite if they're not trained and socialized from a young age. However, because German shepherds are large and powerful dogs, their bite will do more damage than the bite of a chihuahua — making it even more important for German shepherd owners to sign their pet up for obedience training. How to Prevent Aggressive Behavior The majority of aggressive behavior is preventable. Here's what you can do as a German shepherd owner: Start Socializing at an Early Age Dog owners can raise well-adjusted pets by introducing their dogs to as many different kinds of people and environments as possible, starting at an early age. Take your puppy to parks, restaurants, sports games, and any other dog-friendly locales you can find. While you're there, ask people of all different heights, skin tones, ages, abilities, and genders to interact with your German shepherd puppy. And make sure your pup gets plenty of treats at each new location and from each new person they meet. Take Your Puppy to Training Classes Sign up for obedience training to further socialize your pet and prevent common issues like puppy nipping. Look for dog trainers who use positive reinforcement training. While dominance-based dog training used to be a popular technique, animal behaviorists now recommend against it, partially because these techniques can sometimes cause dog aggression. Rehabilitate Older Dogs If you're rescuing or fostering an older GSD or GSD mix and the dog already has behavior problems, work with an animal behaviorist to find the best positive reinforcement techniques to rehabilitate your pet. If your adult dog has aggressive tendencies, train them to enjoy wearing a muzzle and make sure they wear it whenever they're around new people. Recognize the Signs of Aggression Even if your dog is perfectly trained, they may still behave aggressively if they feel frightened or threatened. Watch your dog's body language for early signs of fear and aggression , including a lowered head, tucked tail, pinned-back ears, growling, and snarling. Remove your dog from the intimidating situation before the behavior progresses to lunging or biting. As a vigilant dog owner, you can help prevent dog aggression and keep your pet feeling safe and calm. While any dog can show aggressive tendencies if they aren't socialized from a young age, German shepherds don't appear to be more at risk for aggression than any other dog breed. As a German shepherd owner, we know you want the best for your dog — from the best food for German shepherds to the best dog training. These intelligent dogs are easy to train, so sign them up for positivity-based obedience classes to help them become better behaved and better adjusted canine citizens. To learn more about your dog's health and wellness, check out the Native Pet blog. Read more. What does it mean for a German Shepherd to be aggressive? It can range from the dog being territorial and protective to just feeling uncomfortable in their environment. In this blog post, we will talk about how you can fix these types of aggression problems in your pet. They may bark, snarl and charge at other dogs on walks or when they see them in the home. This is very dangerous, as it could cause another dog to get injured or hurt themselves while trying to run away from the situation. Refusing to go near other dogs when they are out walking or in the home. Hiding behind furniture or in dark areas of your home if they see another animal outside being walked. Always remember that if your German Shepherd is aggressive towards other animals they may need some medical attention as well. Take them to the vet for an examination and to rule anything else out before trying any of these methods yourself. If your shep becomes aggressive when they see other dogs on walks or being in a new environment, there are several methods you can try out at home to help them get used to these situations without them getting so worked up, including the Desensitization Method, The Introduction Method, The Routine Method and the Counter-Conditioning Method. The Desensitization Method You can try and desensitize your GSD towards a stimulus that causes them to become anxious or aggressive. Then, when you get to this point, just wait for a couple of minutes so your dog becomes comfortable in the area again before carrying on back home. The Introductions Method Introducing a shy or fearful dog to new people and other dogs should be a slow process. Have the person come over and keep your dog confined until everyone is comfortable and settled in. Step 3: Then, have the person offer high-quality dog treats that you know your shep likes. A good one might be Zesty Paws Calming bites since it soothes and relaxes them. Step 4: The person should hold out the treat or drop it on the ground nearby. They should not make eye contact with your dog and stand sideways or in a crouching position while they are doing this. Tip 1: If your GSD continues to be shy or shows fear, do not reward them with treats or this will reinforce their bad behavior and delay progress. Keep your distance from the handler and their dog at first. Step 3: Slowly approach the other dog and handler and reward your dog if they act calm Then, let them sniff and circle around one another. Next, walk azway with your dog. Step 4: Repeat this process as needed. If you have a shy or fearful dog, it may take several times to build up their confidence enough for them to be relaxed enough around other dogs. Tip 1: Reward your dog whenever they display confident behavior. This positive reinforcement encourages a positive association when your GSD meets new dogs. This can cause a negative reaction in your dog. Tip 3: Start with a familiar, well-behaved canine. This precaution helps the process along by introducing your animal to a socialized, confident dog. It will also teach you the best way to handle these types of socialization episodes. This is a great way to train your pet so it can be rewarded for not acting inappropriately instead of them getting chastised for doing something wrong. This is done by giving them a treat every time they react positively to seeing another dog so that it changes their thoughts about this stimulus. Take Virtual Dog Classes Dog training classes work really well for curbing aggression and other undesirable traits in your dog. Virtual dog classes , where dogs can learn new behavior and impulse control online, fit into busy lifestyles and you can take them anywhere. Here at Regis Regal German Shepherds we offer virtual dog classes, and can happily show you how to fix German Shepherd aggression. We can provide private one-to-one dog training throughout the world thanks to modern technology! Our dog training sessions cover anything from discovering bad habits to helping with bad behavior such as pulling on a leash and aggression. There are a number of reasons why your German Shepherd might be acting aggressively towards other animals, and it can even depend on their breed. The thing about dogs though is that they are very difficult to understand, so it could be possible your dog is simply telling another animal off for paying too much attention or getting in their personal space; Fearful of other animals: If you have a German Shepherd who is fearful and anxious around other dogs or any type of pet then this can cause them to lash out. This is often more of a problem with dogs who are very attached to their human family, although it can still happen even if the dog only has mild separation anxiety; Dominance issues: Some German Shepherds will display dominant behavior towards other animals in order for them to stay on top of any kind of social hierarchy. This can cause an issue with aggression because they have no idea how to act around another animal. Breeding: With a GSD, temperament is something that cannot be trained into them; it has to be bred. This is when the mother and father of a puppy have familial ties and desirable physical and temperament are inherited by the puppies. Outline breeding, which is the opposite of inline breeding, is performed by many breeders in the country—puppies who are outline bred will inherit the worst physical and temperamental traits of their parents, including aggression and poor health characteristics like hip dysplasia. East German Shepherds, on the other hand, are bred to work for the military and police. They do not have a temperament that is suitable for the home, and they are not, nor intended to be, family dogs. Health issues: Sometimes an underlying health issue can make a dog act aggressively, such as pain or illness the most common one is hip dysplasia. Take a Class with Your German Shepherd Regis Regal offers both in-person classes and online classes to help you socialize and train your dog. Our course is designed for both novice pet owners as well as more experienced GSD handlers who have had trouble in the past with these wonderful animals. Call us today at or send us a message to learn about our German Shepherd classes. I've been breeding German Shepherds of sound body and mind for over 30 years and specialize in providing families with loving companion dogs, and dogs for emotional support therapy, for veterans suffering PTSD, and for other special needs. I'm trying to share my extensive knowledge on breeding and training the perfect German Shepherd with the wider community. We offer lifetime guarantees on health and temperament. Our bloodlines started out of the top 2 bloodlines in the world, Vom Arlett and Bad-Boll. As I continue this blog I will help you learn how to assure you are picking a healthy and happy pup for your next family companion. Recent Posts. As well as this, there may be behavioral issues that you have to work through with your dog too. Here are some of the common signs you may notice in an aggressive german shepherd puppy. And remember, one of these signs alone may not be a sign of an aggressive puppy. The more signs there are the more likely it is that your puppy is aggressive. So you should read the situation before jumping to any conclusions. This can normally be a sign that worse things are to come. Biting Or Lunging Another sign of aggression is biting, or snapping the air to try and bite you, and lunging at you. These are all extremely serious signs of aggression and should not be taken lightly. However, once again, apart from actually biting down on you, they may not be being aggressive, but too rough during play. A Stiff Posture If your pup is dead still as you approach them or try to do something then this is another clear sign of aggression. They may also be snarling and showing you their teeth as well. Find out why your german shepherd puppy is barking and what to do! Fortunately, with this kind of aggression, once you know the cause, you can normally find a solution to stopping it. Here are some of the things to look for. The way to tell if the growling is aggressive or not is to see what the rest of their body is doing. It can also be another sign that your german shepherd pup is trying to play. Find out more about what to do if your german shepherd puppy is biting and nipping. There are a lot of different reasons, and each reason may be slightly unique to your pup. Here are some of the most common causes of aggression in german shepherds. In fact, this can often exacerbate the problem. Normally this could just be growling or snapping, but if you keep hurting them then they may end up biting you. If you think that your pup is in pain then you should take them to the vets ASAP. You have to remember, that we all have a fight or flight response. When one of my dogs was a pup, she used to do it over bones until we trained her. Predatory Aggression Aggression could also be predatory in nature. German Shepherds are herders, but also like to hunt prey. If they notice someone moving too quickly especially children that are screaming , then they may chase them. While you may think this is cute. Predatory aggression can be dangerous especially as your pup gets older and more powerful. You should never encourage predatory aggression no matter how cute it is, but instead, teach your pup how to behave properly. Territorial Aggression While territorial aggression generally happens in older dogs it can still happen in puppies. Territorial aggression is when someone enters what your pup considers their space. German shepherds are a lot more likely to show signs of territorial aggression than other breeds, after all, they are commonly used as guard dogs. Hormones While hormonal aggression is a lot more common in male german shepherd pups, it can still occur in females. During adolescence, male german shepherds are going to have high amounts of testosterone in their body, as you can probably guess this is going to increase their chances of being aggressive. One way you can lower the chance of aggression is by neutering your pup. Neutering them does increase the chance of them suffering from certain diseases while reducing the chances of them suffering from others. If you want to know more then check out this article about neutering your german shepherd! Rivalry Sometimes aggression can start when you have more than one dog in your home. This is more common when you buy more than one dog at a time ideally, you should wait two years between dogs. Have you ever wondered how hard a german shepherd can bite? Once again this comes down to their fight or flight. Unable to flee from perceived danger, the only thing they have left to do is fight. Find out more about your german shepherds teething as well as great toys you can give them. Genetics And Temperament Sometimes, just like with people, some german shepherds are just more aggressive than others. However, the chances of this are happening are quite small. Find out how to discipline a German Shepherd the right way! Fortunately, if you want to stop your german shepherd puppies aggression then there are plenty of different methods you can try. Otherwise, you may not get the best results. Speak To Your Vet The first thing you should do when your german shepherd pup is acting aggressive is to consult with your vet. 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! If your puppy is sitting patiently, playing nicely by themselves, or just generally remaining calm, give them lots of praise and affection. For every month old they are, take them out for 5 minutes. I use a KONG with my dogs and they absolutely love it. You just fill it up with food and your pup will spend hours of their day trying to get the food back out. Dogs can only do one thing at a time, so by giving her a task, I was stopping her from wanting to act aggressively. Interrupt Them As well as distracting them, another great tactic is to interrupt them. The best way to interrupt them is to do something that startles them which will immediately get them to stop. However, some people also have success rattling a can full of coins. Any noise will do, it just has to be sudden and sharp. Oftentimes this interruption is enough to stop aggressive behavior in puppies. Socialisation One of the most important things you can do for any dog is to socialize them. And the earlier you can socialize them the better. And this is also true with everything else. You can read this article to find out more about socialising your german shepherd puppy. Leave them for minutes and let them back in. Once the time is up, let them back in with you. However, once again this only works with play aggression. And you can do the same. If you give them attention and they start acting aggressive again, once again, just ignore them. What Should You Avoid Doing? This fear and mistrust can grow inside them and cause all sorts of negative emotions. If you hit your dog you may only end up amplifying their aggression in the long run. However, the results you get from these are often questionable. Remember, positive reinforcement is better than punishment. However, dogs will reciprocate your emotions. They may end up barking and growling or becoming more excitable. For the meanwhile you should stop playing these games with your pup until they act appropriately. Recap Now you know all the reasons that your german shepherd pup may be acting aggressively. While most of the time it may just be over-excitability as a puppy, there are times when aggression is more serious. The most important thing you can do is speak to a vet or pet behaviourist to help sort out the issues. And remember, there are a lot of reasons that can cause aggression in german shepherds, but also a lot of solutions! Otherwise have a great day! Related Posts:. This is simply not true. A dominant GSD essentially likes to be the center of attention and will do what it needs to do in order to establish that. It is not acting in a way that is coming from a fear of some sort, instead it acts in a way that is an attempt to prove to the world that it is the leader and needs to be taken seriously. Shows his strength: He will never give up on a game of tug of war, be it with you or another dog. He will show that he is stronger than the next dog or person each and every opportunity that arises. Stare downs: He is all about eye contact, but not as a sign of affection. His intent is to show you that he will not budge and that you should seriously consider submitting to him. He will do this with both people and other dogs. Mounting: He will, bluntly put, mount anything that he can. He will not discern between male and female, as this is not an attempt to mate, but more a showing that he is in control. One of my dogs used to just take bones away from my Rottweiller and go sit with them on his own bed. An aggressive GSD is coming from an entirely different place psychologically than a dominant one. Instead, there is either a primal instinct or learned fear from a past experience that is traumatizing the dog and causing it to lash out with aggression. Types of aggression Possessive: At one time, dogs had to protect their food supply and sleeping dens from other predators. This primal behavior sometimes takes root in the modern dog and it becomes protective of its food and bones, lashing out at anyone who gets near. You may not even know that you are close, but they are the first to let you know. So for my second GSD I made it a point as a puppy to get him used to my hand in his food bowl when he was eating and I would hold onto bones while he chewed them. This resulted in him simply not minding at all. In fact, as he got older, he would bring bones over for me to hold for him so that he could get a better chewing angle. Fearful aggression: This generally occurs when a dog feels that it has to defend itself, but it has nowhere to go. If given a choice, most dogs that exhibit this type of aggression will retreat and remove themselves from the situation. But if they are backed into a corner, they may feel that aggression is their only recourse. Defensive aggression: This is very similar to fearful aggression. It still arises out of fear, except the difference is that the defensively aggressive dog will not use retreat as its first option. Instead of letting itself get backed into a corner, it would rather handle the situation before it gets to that point. Aggression due to pain: This can cause a normally gentle and calm dog to become aggressive in an instant and with no warning. This is may happen if the dog has an underlying medical condition, or if it perceives something as likely to be painful. This is one reason that dogs often lash out at veterinarians. The dog is not really thinking, it is just reacting. A territorial aggressive dog may simply bark at unfamiliar people attempting to enter the home or property, but sometimes they will not just bark but will also bite — regardless of who the person is. Many dogs will instinctually chase something that it thinks is getting away. This can be a kid on a skateboard or bike, a car, a jogger, or any number of other things just moving by. Protective aggression: This behavior is sometimes displayed by dogs, especially German Shepherds, when they feel that part of their family is being threatened. It is this type of aggression that often leads mothers to be protective of their litters as well as any dog being protective over a new baby in the family. Frustrated aggression: A dog may display this when held back from something that it wants. For example, if a dog is excited and wants to interact with another person or animal and you try to restrain it, some dogs may become aggressive out of frustration. The potential for a German Shepherd to become aggressive begins at a young age. It actually begins when they are just several weeks old and under the care of their mother. This job is not an easy one. Consider a human mother being overwhelmed with a child — the mother of a litter of puppies is in the same circumstance. Just like people, first-time moms can have it rough. A GSD who is a first-time mom may just be overwhelmed. This stressful situation is also one which causes a lot of fear in the mother. And when frightened, a German Shepherd mom might not act rationally — she may even act aggressively towards her puppies. If a mother acts aggressively towards her puppies, then the puppies will no doubt also become frightened. It is at this point that her puppies, because of their fear, may also begin to become prone to aggression. This will also make them more difficult to train as they get older. One lesson here is that you need to make sure that your breeder is using the proper dogs for having puppies. If you plan on getting a puppy, make sure that you discuss this point in-depth with your breeder. The actions that you take when your GSD is a puppy and growing up as a young adult are key to preventing aggression. Consistency in Training As your puppy is growing up, it will be exposed to all manner of different things that are brand new to it. There will be new people, new places, objects, new animals, and just new experiences all around. While your puppy is going through all these changes, there needs to be a constant. And that constant is you. More specifically, the constant is you and the discipline that you give to your puppy. Disciplining here does not mean correcting your dog every time it does something wrong. Rather it means positively reinforcing your GSD every time that it does something correctly. And the best way to make sure that your dog is doing something correctly is to associate a reward with something that it wants. The first step to accomplish this is by requiring your dog to perform an action any time that it wants something. Examples Your puppy is approaching you and whining to go outside. Your first instinct may just be to take the puppy outside. Do not do take the puppy outside before making it sit. As your puppy gets a little bit older and accustomed to doing this one simple action, you will need to increase what you require of your puppy. Just as a teenager needs responsibilities to grow, so does your puppy if you want to keep it disciplined and away from aggressive behavior. Your puppy is wanting a treat. Before the puppy is allowed to have a treat, make it lie down and roll over first. Your puppy is coming to you and asking for a walk. Have the puppy go over and sit, lie down, and stay by the door. Your puppy is coming to you and wants to play. Have the puppy shake and roll over, then shake again, and then sit. Use your imagination with all of this, your GSD puppy is very smart. You may even find that your puppy begins to approach you after doing these behaviors for some time and just does them on its own. This is ok — praise your puppy for asking politely. This is a good way to teach it that it cannot always get everything that it wants whenever it wants it. But going down this route will be setting you up for failure. Just like a teenager, if you give them too much and they have to do nothing to earn it, they may begin to feel entitled, and reluctant to work for anything in life. Your puppy really is no different. Depending on the puppy, if you deny it what it wants, some may sulk, some may accept it, and some may express their frustration by growling or even biting. If this occurs, your number one priority is to keep cool. Do not express any negative emotion or raise your voice. Keep cool and stay quiet. And under no circumstances should you get physical with your dog. Do not try to restrain it, and certainly never smack or hit it. Many many people often make this mistake. This could not be further from the truth. When a German Shepherd shows aggression towards someone and is met with aggression back, the dog views it as a challenge — and a German Shepherd will not back down from a challenge. Your dog is simply trying to get your attention. So now this is another attempt and nothing more. Do not read into it beyond that. And if you meet your dog getting physical with you getting physical, you are simply showing it that it has now found a way to get your attention when all else has failed. Maybe I should do that next time. If you do not approach this situation in the proper manner, you will be setting a terrible example for your dog, and creating a pattern that you may never be able to train out of it. So be smart about it, you can keep your cool. And you must. Follow these steps: Remain unresponsive and nonreactive. Do not raise your voice or say anything at all to your dog. Once you are in another room, calmly speak to your dog and command it to sit and lie down. Stay in this place with your dog until it calms down. It may whine at first or even bark. But just stay the course until your dog is calm. Let bygones be bygones. Do not hold a grudge. Your dog loves you and has limitless forgiveness toward you — you should have the same attitude. If you lay each brick carefully, you will have a solid wall. But if you fail to lay a brick, or lay it improperly, you will have an unreliable wall that will not stand the test of time. Understand that this will take time, repetition, and consistency on your part. Just be patient and build your wall properly. And know that if you do it properly, the odds are very much in your favor that this type of aggressive behavior will be trained out of your dog. If you fail to do this properly however, you may be opening a door that down the line could lead your dog biting someone or even worse. Socialization Is Key This topic is addressed a number of times on this site because it is so important. So before we even begin on this topic, be sure to take a look at or bookmark the article linked below: How To Socialize Your German Shepherd A German Shepherd that is not properly socialized may grow up to be timid, it may have anxiety problems, it may be depressed, or the worst-case scenario is that it may become aggressive. One of the reasons that you likely got your German Shepherd is because you love the idea that it is naturally protective of you. Your German Shepherd does not need any specialized attack or protection training for this to happen, it comes instinctually to a German Shepherd. Your German Shepherd was bred to be protective, and they are territorial by nature, so it is its instinct to protect you and your home. When confronted with a new situation, your dog will use its best judgment in determining how to react. But without having the proper foundation for making good decisions, such as a variety of past experiences that you created for your dog, there is no telling how it may react. Because its instinct is to protect you, if it misjudges a situation as one that warrants being fearful, it may well act aggressively in an effort to protect you. Socialization Overview People When a German Shepherd is meeting a new person for the first time, it may not know what to think, and on an instinctual level, it is gauging whether the person is friend or foe. So when introducing your GSD to a new person, your behavior is key, as well as the behavior of the other person. The person needs to be aware of the purpose of your meeting. The person must clearly understand: The purpose of them meeting your dog socializing it. To remain calm and act only in a positive manner. To not make any sudden movements, especially towards you. If you are near your home, then not to make any sudden movements towards your property. I will give you an example from my personal experience when the other person did not do as instructed, and they got nipped. Keep in mind, however, that the following account was with one of my dogs when he was around 1 year old and was being trained to protect our home. Therefore, his natural protective instincts were heightened. It nonetheless serves as a good example of what can go wrong if an introduction is not made properly. I began by introducing a friend of mine to my dog off of our property. They got along well, so we then progressed to the point where I would hand the leash over to my friend and he would walk the dog himself, again off of the property. Then we gradually brought my friend into the yard. Me, my friend, and my dog would sit and the yard and talk while my friend petted my dog. But I advised my friend never to make the first move towards the house and to always let me lead the way. My friend got a little bit too confident because the dog and him and were interacting very well. And because of his overconfidence, he just became absent-minded and decided to make a move towards the house. And for the dog, there was no grudge, no further aggression — no nothing. The situation was over for the dog. To him, he was just clearly defining his boundaries. I had done the same thing multiple times with different people who all followed my direction, and my dog grew to love each one of them. Had my friend in the above instance carefully listened to and followed my instructions, there would have been no problem. He would have been able to come into the house in a matter of minutes and there would have been no issues with the dog at all. The point in relating this story is to make sure that whoever you are socializing your dog with is prepared, and to ensure that all introductions go smoothly. You should introduce your German Shepherd to new people frequently and in different settings. Make one introduction near your home. Make another introduction in your home. Do another while out shopping. Do another inside of your car. Any circumstance that you may ever potentially be in with your dog and another person needs to be covered during this time in his life. Proper socialization also includes your dog being introduced to all different kinds of people. Introduce your GSD to: tall people. Are German Shepherds Dangerous? December 30, German Shepherds were originally bred as protection animals. Therefore, they have protective and territorial instincts that other dogs may not have. There are a lot of mixed opinions about this topic — as well as a lot of mixed science that seems to back up both sides. Most aggressive German Shepherds are aggressive because of their owners. German Shepherds need to be socialized and trained so that their territorial instincts can be harnessed. To accept individuals into their homes, German Shepherds need to be taught that not everyone is bad. In fact, these dogs can be extremely gentle when raised properly. However, not everyone who owns a German Shepherd is responsible. Without the proper knowledge, these dogs may not get the socialization they need to thrive. On the other hand, other owners know perfectly well what the German Shepherd needs — but find it more difficult to provide for those needs than they originally expected. They may get the care they need as adults but then be mostly kept to themselves as puppies. The American Veterinary Medical Association ran a whole study on whether or not particular dog breeds were more likely to be aggressive than others. However, it is essential to realize that these breeds are also more common in the United States. In Canada, most dog bites are attributes to Siberian Huskies and other sled dogs — likely because these are the most common breeds there. Similarly, in Rome, Italy, Mastiffs were found to have the highest bite occurrence. However, they are also one of the most popular dogs in that area. Furthermore, the popularity of different breeds coincided with bite reports. The more popular a breed was, the higher that bite statistic rose. It seems to be largely associated with the popularity of the breed, not their actual aggression levels. Based on behavioral assessments, small breeds seem to be the most aggressive — not larger breeds like the German Shepherd. However, these bites are largely underreported because they do not usually require treatment. Bites on children statistically come from small breed dogs, like Chihuahua and Lhasa Apsos. The statistical difference in bites reported between children and adults likely comes from the fact that children need treatment after a small breed bite, while adults do not. The behavioral assessments for German Shepherds are mixed. This suggests that there is likely high variability within the breed. Some German Shepherds are much more likely to be aggressive than others, in other words. Again, socialization and training play a large role in this. Adopting your dog from a qualified breeder is also important. After all, genetics do play a role as well. There is no evidence that German Shepherds are more likely to bite their owner than any other breed. Like all dogs, German Shepherds will protect themselves if threatened. If an owner is too rough with a German Shepherd, they may try to defend themselves by biting. This trait can be said for all breeds , though. No dog is going to submit to injury if they feel like they can defend themselves. Again, we highly recommend socializing this breed at a young age. Most bites are caused by fear, including those directed at people. For instance, dogs are commonly afraid of umbrellas. At the same time, you should also familiarize yourself with proper dog training. Positive reinforcement training works best, as there is a very small chance that the dog is going to react negatively to treats. After all, dogs bite things they are scared of! Dominance training has been disproven for dozens of years. It can also make your dog react negatively, causing your dog to bite. Are German Shepherds Naturally Aggressive? They were bred to protect herds of sheep and were then utilized for military and police work. Their protective instincts are still with them today, as they are commonly still used as guard and protection dogs. They are not Labrador retrievers in the least! They are very calm family dogs in most cases, especially if they are socialized from a young age. They are not particularly more likely to bite than other breeds when properly socialized and trained. There is a lot of variation amongst German Shepherds, though. Some are more likely to bite than others. Much of this depends on the training, though genetics can play a role as well. If you purchase a German Shepherd as a puppy, we highly recommend purchasing them from a quality breeder. Breeders are not going to breed a dog if they are overly aggressive and untrainable. Dogs are born with innate instincts and behaviors — including territorial behaviors. All German Shepherds will display territorial behaviors from their birth. These are innate instincts. A little German Shepherd puppy is going to be at least somewhat wary of strangers. It will likely take a least a year for a German Shepherd to get large enough to actually be intimidating. Before this time, these dogs will likely be too small and puppylike. However, it can take up to two years before a puppy is full-grown. The instincts will be there from birth, though. German Shepherds can be great pets — for the right family. However, there are many cases when they can make very poor pets. German Shepherd dogs require significant amounts of training. Not only do they need to be taught how to behave, but these dogs are also extremely intelligent. Therefore, you should continue to train them even after they have mastered all the basic commands. However, it is particularly important for German Shepherds. Sadly, good breeders can be difficult to come by. These dogs are quite popular, so there are lots of breeders out there. Many people mistakenly believe that purebred dogs are healthier than mixed breeds. However, the opposite is true. Purebred dogs are prone to a variety of genetic conditions, including the German Shepherd. Hip dysplasia and a wide variety of other conditions are common in this breed. German Shepherds shed a lot. They require daily brushing in some cases. You should only adopt from a breeder that puts temperament at the forefront. You need to socialize German Shepherds a lot. They need to be introduced to many different people so that they know that not everyone is a threat. You only want them protecting you and your family from bad people — not everyone. German Shepherds usually live between 10 to 14 years. However, 15 years is not unheard of. Final Thoughts German Shepherds have the potential to be aggressive. Every dog does. However, with the correct socialization and training, these dogs can easily be trained to accept others into their territory. However, these dogs are a big responsibility. Be sure to carefully consider whether or not you want a German Shepherd before you adopt one. Your actions will largely determine whether or not they become aggressive. Author: Kristin Kristin was born in Tennessee and currently lives there with her husband and children. She is passionate about educating pet parents and helping them make the best possible decisions for their pets. She currently owns one dog, two cats, a lizard, and a variety of fish. Unleash the real potential of your companion! We will email you daily with training tips, ideas and videos. This is an introductory course into our training philosophy. You will get customized video lessons based on your training goals — and you can implement them in just 5 minutes a day.