golden retriever puppies birmingham al

If you click and purchase, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Learn More Anyone planning to adopt a Bernedoodle in Georgia knows that finding a good, reputable breeder is a long and time-consuming process. To make your life a little bit easier, we decided to take the matters into our own hands to find the best breeders in your state. All of these breeders follow responsible breeding guidelines and have a proven track-record of being trustworthy and ethical establishments. These pups are extremely loving companions, even gentle giants as many call them. And thanks to the Poodle genes, these Doods make excellent companions for people who are looking for a low-shedding , hypoallergenic companion. Doodle Mountain is a small in-home breeder that raises all of their pups in a loving family environment. They spoil their puppies every single day and make sure that each of them gets used to the regular sights and sounds of a busy household from an early age. What Makes This Breeder Unique? For this, they implement various forms of enrichment methods, such as crate training, potty training, early socialization, regular grooming, and leash walking. Mini Sheepadoodle The Club Commitment It is our promise to put your puppies welfare as our top priority. That is why we have 24 hour on-site team members to care for your puppy everyday. We are committed to ensuring your new puppy is healthy and ready to join your family. If there is something that later comes up as a hereditary or congenital concern, you will have the peace of mind in knowing that we will stand behind your puppy. Welcoming a new family member into your home is an exciting journey, and we want to provide you with the utmost confidence in your adoption. Full Terms of Guarantee Dedicated Partner Breeders We value the trusting relationship we have with our partner breeders who share our dedication and commitment to providing clients with healthy and socialized puppies. When we visit their homes, it warms our hearts to see their devotion to the exercise, socialization, and exceptional veterinary care of their dogs. We have a zero-tolerance for substandard breeders. Up to 10 Year Health Guarantee Welcoming a new family member into your home is an exciting journey and we want to provide confidence when you take one of our fur-babies home! This superb doodle breed is known for its beautiful coat which is hypoallergenic in nature , its high intelligence which it inherits from its poodle parent , and its gentle, yet playful disposition which is mostly attributed to the Bernese parent. They are also quite popular, as the doodle breed has seen an increase in popularity when looking at recent times. The state of Georgia in the United States is largely devoted to this wonderful doodle breed, with numerous breeders residing in the Peach State. This should make finding a breeder in the state very easy. But, you should also be careful when it comes to picking the right Bernedoodle breeder to work with or patronize. Not all breeders are reputable enough to care for or properly breed the Bernedoodle. Some are puppy mills or bad breeders that you should certainly avoid. This is where we come in. We have provided you with a list of good Bernedoodle breeders to help guide you in picking the right breeder for you. This is merely a guide, so always do your personal research before choosing to work with or patronize any breeder. With that being said, do read till the end as we reveal our personal pick from the list below. This is a premium doodle breeder service that is located in McCaysville, Georgia. They specialize in three doodle breeds, the Bernedoodle, the Goldendoodle, and The Labradoodle, and are quite focused on first generation doodles. They are family operated and they have been in love with the Bernedoodle for years which is why they breed to improve their line. All their dogs are from good breeding lines. They sometimes partner with other breeders after much research would have been done to ensure only the best puppies are used in their program. They are genetically and orthopedically tested with certifications to show for it. Your new puppy should come with a written health guarantee. Their breeding facility is located in the Blue ridge mountains of Georgia on a 15 acre estate that boasts of multiple staff to help in providing quality attention and care to the puppies. The puppies are socialized early on through human and animal interaction as well as exposure to lots of stimulating experiences like sound and texture. You should be getting a well-vaccinated and dewormed puppy. They should also be microchipped. View Our Available Bernedoodle Puppies! Standard Bernedoodles are bigger than Mini Bernedoodles reaching weights of pounds. They average inches in height at the shoulders when fully grown. Our Standard Bernedoodle puppies are all 1st generation-F1 variety puppies. They have purebred Bernese Mountain dogs for moms and the dads are Standard poodles. Their Standard Bernedoodles life expectancy is years old. Blue Diamond Bernedoodles have a loving, easy-going, and calm temperament. Bernedoodles are very loyal and social and love to spend time with their parents. Standard Bernedoodles need regular grooming because of their curly and thick coats. Shedding is very minimal after their first haircut and grooming. This breed is known to be a hypoallergenic choice. Here at Blue Diamond Family Kennels, we specialize in breeding Standard Bernedoodles along with a few other great breeds. We have teamed up with a few other reputable Bernedoodle breeders that breed and raise Bernedoodle pups that meet our very strict criteria and genetic testing. On our Standard Bernedoodle puppies page you will see all of our available puppies for sale. Step 1 Find the perfect puppy! Browse through the puppies on our website or contact us if you don't see what you're looking for. Step 2 Reserve your puppy right here. We have an easy reservation process. You can pay the adoption fees with a credit card. Step 3 You can pick up your puppy or contact us to make other shipping arrangements. We can arrange a convenient meeting place or we can hand deliver your new puppy right to your home. Step 4 Bond with your new puppy. We're here to help! If you have any health-related questions or tips on getting your new puppy used to his new home just let us know! Contact Us Come for a puppy and leave with a new heart of love. Our Greenbrier puppies are not only adorable. They also provide the unconditional love and respect that everyone of all ages needs. From a playmate and snuggler in childhood days to a loyal companion for your later years, a dog matches your needs with an endless supply of companionship. When has this been more needed than now, in the uncertainty of our lives? Bernedoodles are an intelligent, playful and loyal breed that combines the best traits of the Bernese Mountain dog and the Poodle. Highly energetic and playful, they are nonetheless easily trained. Bernedoodles are people dogs and love to be with their owners; do not plan to leave them alone for long periods of time. They will richly reward you in love for all the time spent with them. Bernedoodles adore wintertime, but will also tolerate heat fairly well with proper shade. They are very healthy dogs and live from years. Come and reserve yours today! Use tab to navigate through the menu items. Not only are they beautiful but their coloring, personality and intelligence made them the perfect addition to our family! After lots of research, we decided not only having these beautiful dogs for our family, but offering them to others, was the perfect fit! Now we get to raise Bernedoodles for other families and show others how wonderful they are! Our babies are raised with love, around our family on our farm and showered with love from day one! Common questions: How much do they cost? Bernedoodles are on the higher end for doodles but we personally try and keep ours lower if we can. We do a deposit to hold which is applied to your balance and non-refundable. Join our wait list to get first dibs! Do they shed? Yes and No! We breed F1 and F1b Bernedoodles. The F1 are where the mom is a Bernese Mountain Dog and the dad is a poodle. These have a chance of shedding. We also breed F1b which is a Bernedoodle Mom and a poodle dad. These rarely shed because they are more poodle than Bernese Mountain Dog. They do require grooming either at home or a groomer Do they make good family dogs? They are very loving, intelligent and loyal! I have been a dog owner my entire life and I picked Bernedoodles because I wanted a family dog that was not incredibly high energy but loved being a member of our family. We go on hikes, play at the creek, soccer games etc and our dogs can come too! They are also incredibly intelligent so out of all my dogs, the easiest to train! We do encourage puppy classes and remembering all dogs take work and the puppy stage can be crazy. What vaccines will they have had? Depending on what age they leave, they will be up to date on their shots required for that age. I word it this way because what shots they need varies by age. Most puppies leave at 8 weeks but some may not leave til later if they don't have a home lined up. Thus the older ones will have had more and different shots and medicines than the younger ones. So whatever shots they need at that age, worming, etc, they will have done before leaving. Do you ship? No we do not ship but we do work with transport companies who will bring the puppy to you, or they will meet you. The expense is something the buyer must pay and we are not held liable for any issues. Any expenses needed related to this or any other extra cost for travel are at the buyers cost. What do they come home with? They will have a goody bag which includes toys and blankets with their siblings smell, food to help them transition, record of what shots and medications worming they have had, a health care tip, grooming sheet, puppy guide and a birth certificate! We also have TONS of puppy resources on our website! Why should we get a puppy from you? This is one of my favorite questions to answer and it's simple. Because we love and adore our critters and treat them as members of our family! I have over 20 years experience raising and loving on animals and have learned in many cases, they are better than us humans HA! They each have their own unique personality but with time and love, you are rewarded with the bestest friend you could ask for! We have three kids who help with socializing along with live on a working farm so lots of space to play and have fun these are NOT livestock dogs and I warn anything with poodle has a high prey drive. We also try and start with some potty training, basic commands, being use to things like a crate and more to help your transition be easier. At the end of the day their are many good quality and ethical breeders. My best suggestion is check out their videos and in most you can tell when their animals are beloved family members! Questions about Bernedoodle puppies for sale in Atlanta GA? We have answers. Give me a an overview of Bernedoodle puppies for sale in Atlanta GA. The Bernedoodle is the result that you get when an experienced breeder crosses a Bernese Mountain Dog and a Poodle. While the Bernese Mountain Dog parent does contribute a lot of genes, especially ones relating to loyalty and love, the size of your Bernedoodle will depend on the size of the Poodle parent. What if there are no Bernedoodle puppies for sale in my local area? One of the really great benefits of working with a professional organization like Uptown Puppies is that we have connections with so many experienced breeders that most of them have no problem arranging transport for a puppy when necessary. How does Uptown screen breeders? When we receive an application from hopeful breeders looking to join the Uptown Puppies network, our team takes the time to thoroughly review the facility size, cleanliness, standard of animal care and more. Why is Uptown Puppies different from an online search using Google or Yahoo? How much do breeders charge for Bernedoodle puppies? The price of Atlanta Bernedoodle puppies for sale will commonly depend on quite a few features and factors. One of the best benefits of working with Uptown Puppies is that our network of breeders is so large, you should never have an issue finding a trustworthy breeder with Bernedoodles for sale in Atlanta within your price range. Why are puppy mills bad? A puppy mill is a term used to describe any business who is breeding puppies for profit without proper, responsible care for the wellbeing of the dogs. Are there any Bernedoodle breeders in my hometown? There likely is, or at least a reputable breeder nearby! What should I expect from a new Bernedoodle? When you first bring your new Bernedoodle pup home, you should expect a soft, adorable, friendly little pup that loves to run around and roughhouse. Bernedoodles were originally bred to be fantastic companion dogs which is exactly what they do best. All you have to do is search Bernedoodle breeders in Atlanta to see just how popular these dogs are! What should I expect from the Uptown Puppies process? How do I avoid backyard breeders? When you begin to search for Bernedoodle puppies in Atlanta you may find yourself coming across breeders who are operating out of their backyard or maybe even a spare room in their home due to a lack of budget. The term for these businesses is backyard breeders. In order to help our customers avoid these types of businesses we have set up a thorough screening process that filters through the countless applications we receive to find the very best breeders.

Potato Head" and more! What can we say? His one of a kind personality and potato-like physique makes him an easy staff favorite. Even the other dogs think he's the best! He bounces, flops, leaps well, as much as a potato can leap in playdates with the other dogs, especially his hound dog pal Marty McFly. We love seeing his toofy smile every day so much, but truthfully, he's tired of shelter life and ready for someone to take him home. When Tater sees that you're about to pass his kennel, he presses up against the door and gently wags his tail, hopeful someone will take the time to meet him. Is that person you? If you'd like to meet Tater, come on by the Center during our open hours or reach out to his friends on the adoption team at adoption lynchburghumane. Tater would also LOVE a break from the shelter, even if it's just for a weekend! He's dog friendly, house broken, and honestly would just love to hang with some people and catch up on his beauty sleep. If you'd like to give Tater a much needed break, reach out to our foster team at foster lynchburghumane. She is an English Bulldog mix. She was found as a stray in New Mexico, and by the looks of it, she just had babies. We think she may have been used as a breeder dog, but we're not sure. Polly is believed by the vets to be around 2 or 3 years old, and she is 38 lbs. She is your classic short-stack, small but thick. Polly is a happy, snorty girl. She walks great on leash, and truly loves every person she meets! Her favorite thing to do is cuddle on the couch, give you kisses, and gaze adoringly into your eyes. She is so well behaved, I have never heard her bark or growl and she sleeps peacefully in her crate all night long. On walks she will pull towards rabbits and other dogs but other than that she walks so well on a leash. She gets a bit too over excited when she sees dogs, but does well if you divert her with a treat. She has the most adorable personality and makes us laugh every day. She is truly the most lovable dog and with a small amount of training would be a perfect dog for anyone wanting a companion who would love them unconditionally. She is fully potty trained and will wait until you take her outside. Basic training classes with a positive reinforcement trainer would truly serve both Polly and her family as it does every dog and their people. We are unwilling to adopt to a family that doesn't choose to give this training opportunity with one of our approved trainers. Polly has been fully vetted, is in great health, and is up to date on her vaccines. She is spayed as well. Farfel's Rescue is a fully foster based rescue, and offers a one week trial with every adoption. We feel that this is much more beneficial to not only the dog, but the adopter too. We believe that only getting minutes with a dog before deciding on a lifetime commitment is not a fair amount of time to the adopter, or the dog. Therefore we give adopters one week with the dog to assure it is the right fit, and offer a full refund of their adoption fee should it not workout within the week trial.

White How should a Boxer move? When a Boxer moves, they do so powerfully covering a great deal of ground with lots of strength coming from their hindquarters. When seen from the side, a Boxer has a free-moving stride and a noble appearance about them. What does the Kennel Club look for? Does a Boxer have a good Temperament? They are energetic, playful and fun characters to have around and they take a long time to mature. Boxers are always eager to please and extremely loyal dogs by nature. Boxers must know who is alpha dog and who they can look to for direction and guidance otherwise they will take on the role and show a more dominant side to their natures which is something to be avoided at all costs. Boxers also need to be well socialised and introduced to new people, animals and different situations as early as possible to curb any unwanted behaviours like jumping up when they greet someone which if not nipped in the bud can develop into a real problem. They rarely show any aggressive behaviour, but due to their size jumping up can be a little intimidating to people and a dog could accidentally knock a child over by doing so. They need to be kept busy because if a Boxer gets bored through lack of exercise or because they are not given enough mental stimulation, they can become quite destructive around the house which includes chewing on furniture and digging up carpets. Being such hyperactive characters, Boxers are a great choice for families and people who love to spend as much of their free time with a canine companion in the great outdoors. They adore playing interactive games which includes things like Frisbee. In general, the Boxer is a quick learner because they are intelligent although at times they are known to be a little head strong, but with the correct training and handling, Boxers are a real pleasure to be around. Are White Boxers Healthy? There have been a lot of myths about White Boxers and the fact they are rare which is not true at all. A simply white dog would have normal coloured eyes. Another myth is that White Boxers are more prone to developing and suffering from more health issues, but there is no evidence of this being true. With this said, because they have lower levels of melanin they are more prone to being sunburnt and of developing skin cancer. Another issue with a lot of white coated dogs including the Boxer, is that they are more predisposed to impaired hearing and vision. Are they a good choice for first time owners? Boxers are not a good choice for first time dog owners because they are very independent thinkers which can make training them more of a challenge. They are extremely high energy and intelligent dogs as such owners must have the time needed to socialise and train their canine companion correctly from a young age. Owners also need to understand the specific needs of a powerful, dominant and high prey drive dog so they never get the best of them. What about prey drive? What about playfulness? They remain very playful throughout their lives which is another reason they are such fun to have around in a home environment. What about adaptability? Boxers need to have enough space to express themselves and therefore, they are not suited to apartment living. They do a whole lot better when they have a large back garden to romp around in as often as they can, making sure the fencing is secure enough to keep an athletic Boxer safely in. Will a Boxer Bark alot? Do Boxers like Swimming? Because of their build and their shorter noses, Boxers find it harder to stay afloat which is part of the reason why care should always be taken when these dogs are around swimming pools or ponds. Care should be taken when walking a Boxer that does like swimming anywhere near more dangerous water courses just in case they decide to leap in. Are Boxers good watchdogs? Will a Boxer be easily trained? Boxers are intelligent dogs, but they need to be well handled and given the right sort of guidance from a young age for them to be truly obedient dogs. They also need to be well socialised as soon as possible so they get to meet new people, other animals and new situations for them to grow up to be calmer, more rounded dogs. Boxers can be boisterous when young which means it can prove difficult to get a dog to focus when they are being taught anything new. Boxers can become unruly and wilful if they are not given the right sort of direction and they are extremely quick at picking up any bad habits which need to be nipped in the bud, gently but firmly. Boxers are highly intelligent even though they play the fool and as such, they are extremely fast learners with the downside being they are just as quick to pick up some bad habits as well as the good. Boxer puppies must be taught limits and boundaries right from the word go bearing in mind that they will also test any ground rules just for the fun of it. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". It does not store any personal data. Functional Functional Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. 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It all started when we became empty-nesters and purchased our first lab, since then our Lab family has continued to grow. We strive to breed for great all around family Labradors that are healthy, calm, intelligent, and are of the beautiful English type Labs stocky bodies, square, blocky heads. We're happy to answer any questions you may have. Thanks for visiting! Healthy Parents We welcome litters a year with the goal of producing healthy family dogs, all purpose Labradors placed in loving homes. We strive for good temperament, structurally sound, intelligence and to improve the breed. Our Labs are sweet, intelligent, easily trained, and so eager to please. Our Labrador Retrievers have superior pedigrees with champion bloodlines from traditional English lines. We do recommended Genetic health testing. The puppies are also dewormed at recommended times. We keep puppies until 8 weeks of age. Labs take 2 to 3 years to develop mentally and physically, training is an important part of the development of your Lab. We strongly recommend you locate a Beginner puppy class, enroll and take several classes. Labs are very intelligent and require socializing, training and exercise. Labs do not socialize themselves. Commitment to the welfare of your dog is extremely important. This puppy will be with you the next years. It's important our puppies are placed in homes where they receive the type of care Lab puppies need. Striving for excellent quality with emphasis on temperament, conformation, intelligence and all around health. Our dogs come from top pedigree, filled with champion lines. Our goal is to produce calm, intelligent "English" Labradors who will provide wonderful companions to you and your family. We are a small kennel, located outside of Alliance, Ohio and believe in producing the utmost quality in our pups. Therefore, we are able to make sure all of our breeding stock and pups receive lots of attention and care. We believe that Labs are at their best when they are in the companionship of people, and where they have freedom to run and play. We take great pride in the quality of the pups we produce emphasizing temperament, conformation and all around health. Our dogs have great pedigrees, filled with champions, from traditional English lines. Our pups are in homes throughout the United States and have proven to be accomplished service dogs, therapy dogs, hunters and companions to many families. You can see many, many years of our dogs, growing from pups to seniors, as well as testimonials from puppy families, on our Facebook page at Maple Creek Labradors. Our Labradors are the 'English' type, meaning they have a square or 'blocky' head, a well muscled body and thick bone. Their soft, kind expression make them instantly lovable. They are not separate color genes. We do not breed dilutes, nor do we support them.

Thus, it will do good for both you and your pet. First, however, you must pick your future pet to adopt from a good rescue. Rescue should have active and preventative programs to reduce animal killing. The Rescue or Shelter must have an aggressive public education about overpopulation. Further, they should exert efforts to apply differential licensing. Thus, a good rescue should comply by neutering all animals before going to their new homes. All these should always direct towards the well-being of the animals. A clean and comfortable place means the animals are also well-cared. Further, it echoes a skilled, compassionate, and good hygiene and healthcare program. How do I pick a good rescue Golden Retriever? Thus, you may want to do the following in choosing a good Golden Retriever. Observe the dog Most shelters have an observation room for you to do this. If it has none, just do your best to find some quiet place. As soon as the dog gets comfortable, you may start observing. The Golden Retriever should be friendly. It should come at you with no hesitation, sniff you, or even jump for attention. If you see it exhibits exciting behavior, like tail wagging, it means it wants you to pet him. Thus, you need to give it different tones and noise, especially with your voice. Touch the dog with caution Shelter or rescue dogs are usually under stress. Thus, you always need to be cautious when touching it. You may also see how it reacts when you touch it. A Golden Retriever likes getting touched or petted. Thus, if you cautiously touch it and begs for more, it can be a good sign for you. Other things you can note would be tail-wagging and endless sniffing and licking. Play with the dog Since Golden Retrievers are playful by nature, you should also play with the dog. Moreover, you need to take note of how well it interacts as it plays. Golden Retrievers are born to play. Thus, it should get excited upon seeing a ball or any other toys. At other times, excitement means circling and moving enthusiastically. Walk with the dog Golden Retrievers like to walk, so you may want to test that out as well. Observe how it reacts when on a leash or when it sees other dogs, people, or anything on the road. A good Golden Retriever does well with walking. So anything it sees around, like cars, bikes, or even other people and animals, would draw its attention. Let the dog interact with other dogs or animals. It may or may not be possible, but you may ask to observe how the dog interacts with other animals. It will also be necessary if you have other pets at home. Golden Retrievers play and interact well with other pets. Thus, if you have a pet at home, it would be great to take it to the shelter and allow it to play with the dog. Summary If you live in New York, you will have numerous alternatives to explore, owing to a large number of Golden Retriever shelters in the area. As a result, if you contemplate adoption, you will not have a difficult time finding your pet. As always, if you want to adopt a pet, you will need to put in a lot of time and work. Other States. Breeders VS. The sad truth is that many pet store purchased pups actually come from puppy mills. Basically, there is zero authenticity with pet stores. When it comes to adopting any animal from a pet store, there is an increased risk of unforeseen health or genetic problems. You also cultivate a life-long relationship with the breeder, meaning support is available to you anytime you may need it. With My Golden Retriever Puppies , you have the option to come and visit both the puppy and the breeder in person! Golden Retrievers are an adaptable breed, meaning they are better at adapting to seasonal changes and various types of climate than certain other breeds. Goldens sport a double-coat, which ensures that these sweet pups are able to tolerate slightly colder temperatures than their friends from other breeds. Your pup deserves better than that, which is why here at My Golden Retriever Puppies , we ensure high-quality care is taken of your pet at all times. For more about the true price of a golden retriever puppy, you can read our full price breakdown here. Location Information for New York Customers Our home office is located in Ohio, but we understand that long-distance travel can be inconvenient. If you prefer to meet a breeder in person, they may be able to offer private visits at their home. Of course! Here at My Golden Retriever Puppies , we value family and authenticity, which is why we always guarantee our pups through our 2-year genetic health guarantee. Like adopting a Golden Retriever from a pet store, there is an increased risk when adopting a pup from a rescue center or shelter as well. For example, pups purchased through a shelter or rescue center are far less likely to come with the kinds of health guarantees and reassurances that a breeder can provide. What type of Golden Retrievers are sold in New York? We have some good news! Ready to make your Golden Retriever dreams come true? Take a look at our convenient list of available puppies. How do I know which breeders to trust in New York? Our independent network of trusted breeders have already been pre-screened and verified, so that you can focus on what really matters: choosing your dream puppy. Be the first to know when we have new puppies! All Rights Reserved. Thank you! If you are looking to add to your fur family, consider adopting a dog. You will save the life of that dog and allow another to come into the shelter to be saved. Golden retrievers are well-mannered, loyal companions that love to play. They love meeting new people, and their enthusiasm is contagious. Goldens make great family dogs and hiking partners. Check out all 25 golden retrievers looking for their forever homes and share with a friend. Bruce Wayne Bruce is a 7-year-old sweetheart who is looking for a forever home. He loves to go for car rides and is completely housebroken. This perfect gentleman knows basic commands and just wants a loving home where he can cuddle next to his family at night. The rescue said his transition into a new home would be easier if he was the only dog but he is learning that other dogs mean him no harm. Bruce loves everyone he meets but will bark to alert his family someone is there. If this faithful pup sounds like the perfect match for you, you can find out more by clicking here. The playful girl will need a home with a fenced in yard to play fetch and run around. Does Layla sound like the perfect dog for you? Adopt her. He has the biggest heart and just wants to find a family who will love him the way he is. He gets around just fine thanks to a custom wheelchair. If you are ready to experience unconditional love — adopt him! The six-year-old loves attention and looking at herself in the mirror. She would do best in a home with another dog as she is unsure of loud noises and new things. A patient family with a fenced in yard would be perfect for Peaches. They arrived with three other siblings but these two would love to find a home together. They are incredibly smart, eager to learn, and ready for a forever home. If you are able to open your heart and home to two adorable puppies click here. The seven-year-old gentle giant loves children and people. He does not do well with other male dogs but could live in a home with a female dog. If this handsome boy caught your eye, you can adopt him here. While he still has bursts of energy, he prefers attention over play and has not shown any interest in playing fetch. Adopt him here. He can be a bit bossy so a home with older children or no children would be best. Rocko is too interested in cats to live with them but can live with another dog, after a meet-and-greet. Looking for an adventure buddy? Marley Mae is your girl and she loves car rides. Daily walks will be required but fresh air and exercise is good for everyone. Oliver is a love bug and just wants a family of his own. If you are willing to spoil him with attention and cuddles, apply to adopt him here. Boyd is currently in Texas looking for a loving forever home. Adopt him! The gorgeous pup will shed and is still learning to walk on a leash. He needs a family who will teach him basic commands and house train him. If you are ready for a lifetime of fun and learning, apply to adopt Asher here. Missy is a friendly gal rescue estimates she is 18! She prefers a home without children. Let her show you how to enjoy the little things in life, like a relaxing care ride. If she is the dog you have been looking for, adopt her here. Colin is 7 years young and a total sweetheart. He enjoys walks and meeting new people but also loves cuddling. The affectionate boy does have separation anxiety so he would do best with a homebody. She is 5-years-old and gets along well with other dogs. This loving girl is looking for a forever home. Adopt her! He needs a family that will take the time to teach him how to be a good boy. He is a year-old boy who loves other dogs, cats, and children. He is looking to enjoy his golden years with a loving family. Bring him home! He is missing hair due to a skin infection that is being treated by a vet. This good boy is ready for his forever home. She just wants a family of her own to go on walks and cuddle with. Anyone ready to give her a life of luxury and love her unconditionally can adopt her here. The young boy loves to play with a ball and will do so for hours. He loves people and would do best with a family that prefers to stay in or take him along on adventures. He loves treats and is a quick learner. An active family would be the best fit for Samson as he needs to go on a couple mile walk every day. He gets along well with other dogs and just wants a home of his own. Does he sound like the perfect dog for you? He loves going for walks and to the beach. As soon as he sees his leash his tail starts to wag. While he is always up for adventure, the big fella also loves to relax and cuddle. If you are looking for a best friend who will never leave your side, then look no further. Adopt Harlow here! The golden mix boy is inquisitive and energetic. He needs a patient family who will teach him how to be a good boy and watch him grow into his huge paws. She walks well on a leash and is as sweet as can be. She enjoys playing with other dogs but can be a bit bossy. The sweet dog is looking for a calm and quiet home to enjoy his golden years. He enjoys cuddling and going for short walks. FAQ about golden retrievers and how to start the process of adoption. What is the lifespan of a golden retriever? Golden retrievers are active dogs with a life span of years. How much exercise does a golden retriever need? The breed is part of the sporting group and was originally bred to retrieve ducks and fowls for hunters. They need daily exercise consisting of a walk, a game of fetch, or a trip to the beach. Ideally, they should have 60 minutes of intense exercise a day and a great way to achieve that is through hiking. How to adopt a golden retriever? If you think a golden retriever is the right dog for you, contact your local shelter. Be sure that your lifestyle is a fit for a golden and consider adopting an older dog. No matter what type of companion you are looking for, you can find a perfect fit in a rescue pet. Read the full disclosure here. Originally bred to retrieve shot waterfowl and serve as gun dogs, golden retrievers are one of the most popular family dogs. Despite their huge popularity and purebred status, you can still adopt purebred goldens from golden retriever rescues in New York state. Before you start researching different golden retriever breeders in New York state, consider adopting or fostering a rescue dog. While it might not seem like it at first, rescued dogs come with certain benefits! If you decide to purchase a puppy from a breeder, be prepared to spend a lot of time on obedience training and house training. On the other hand, most rescued golden retrievers are already fully potty trained and know basic commands. Keep one reading to find out how to adopt a golden retriever in need! Best Golden Retriever Rescues In New York State Highly trainable, friendly, and active, golden retrievers make awesome pets to people of all ages and families with children. Medium to large in size, these athletic and energetic dogs need a lot of exercise to stay healthy and in good shape. Whether you are interested in adopting or fostering a golden retriever, you are probably wondering what are the best golden retriever rescues in New York state. Furthermore, most of these rescues are always looking for helping hands and you can always sign up to be a volunteer and help find homes for goldens in need. Without further ado, here are some golden retriever rescues in New Your state you have to check out! Their goal is to find new homes for purebred golden retrievers and their mixes who have been abandoned, mistreated, or lost by their previous owners. This rescue also takes in goldens whose owners are no longer able to continue caring for them. Like most other reputable rescue organizations, GRROWLS is strongly committed to helping prospective owners understand the golden retriever breed. They are also there to help new owners get prepared for bringing a new puppy home and to know what to expect from the first couple of weeks. This rescue has a fairly straightforward adoption process. If you are interested in adopting a golden retriever through this rescue, you will have to fill out an adoption application first. Before matching you with a particular dog, the rescue will arrange a home visit so they can understand your environment and lifestyle. The Sunshine Golden Retriever Rescue takes in dogs from different backgrounds. Some of these dogs are well-behaved and cared for pets whose owners have passed away, while some goldens come with a history of abuse or neglect. A thing worth noting about Sunshine Golden Retriever Rescue is that most of their dogs come from kill shelters in the South and are placed as direct adoptions. This means that approved applicants will meet a dog through pictures, email, and adoption coordinator. Operated solely by volunteers, this organization is dedicated to improving the lives of golden retrievers that were neglected, abandoned, or abused by their owners. The Long Island Golden Retriever Rescue provides veterinary care and loving forever homes to all golden retrievers, from puppies to seniors. The best thing about this rescue is that they have been involved in several international rescue operations. This organization has a list of available adoptable dogs on their site and you just need to fill out an adoption application if you are interested in adoption. Once the staff reviews your application, they will contact you to set up a home visit. Like all other non-profit rescue organizations, the New York State Retriever Rescue has set adoption fees. All golden retrievers that come in New York State Retriever Rescue are evaluated and taken to their vets for a complete health exam. Before leaving for their forever home, all dogs receive the necessary shots and have fecal and heartworm tests. And if for whatever reason you can suddenly no longer care for your adopted golden, this rescue will take the dog back and try to find it another home. Bear in mind, since they are located in Long Island, this organization generally only adopts their dogs in a mile radius.

Imagine you could come home to a lovable, dedicated, companion for life! If you knew what to look for when buying a German Shepherd puppy, you could find your next best friend. Before you buy your new best friend, read this information so you know what to look for in buying a healthy, quality German Shepherd puppy. I group them into major categories. Will you show him in conformation? Do you want to work with him in Schutzhund or herding? Or do you want a confident and alert companion? Know exactly what you want from your puppy. These dogs are the least costly since they have a trait that prevents them from winning in conformation competitions. These flaws rarely matter to most pet owners. And many minor faults like flat withers or slightly smaller offset ears will probably go unnoticed by most owners. The vast majority of GSDs are family pets. These dogs make great pets as long as they have sound temperaments! They breed some dogs for certain traits that are highly desirable but considered a fault. For example, long-coat or plush-coat GSDs. Show-quality dogs have good temperament and health. You usually buy them for their breed standard qualities that make them able to compete in confirmation or show events. A show-quality dog may cost significantly more if they have the traits desirable to win at a show. This group comes from Championship show lines with a long history of winning. If you plan on showing your Shepherd this is the quality you want. Beware of any breeder who claims they only raise competition-quality dogs. Even the best breeders produce many pet-quality dogs and if a breeder says they only breed perfect dogs, this is a red flag to not buy from them. The GSD is a herding breed, and the working-quality dogs excel at working trials such as scent competitions and Schutzhund. Other work includes climbing and jumping competitions or searching and tracking. They need mental stimulation to keep them occupied and take a lot of time to handle properly. These dogs are better with experienced handlers since you use them for high drive working and competition. They require hours and years of training and preparation for you to have total control during competition. We base this decision on preference. With the correct upbringing and training, both sexes are loyal companions and good with children. They may grow into more dominant dogs, so a confident handler is more desirable. Males may hike their back legs to mark their territory. This can occur on any object — chairs, walls, couches or even your leg. I suggest an extra bout of socialization during this stage, especially with other well-behaved dogs. So they may be better for the first-time owner. Unspayed females come into season every 6 months, so they must receive monitoring and watch to avoid unwanted pregnancies. Their season time can vary from as little as every 4 months to every 9 months. They can attract males to your property and on walks that will harass them if not spayed. Certain breeders and organizations will deal only in a certain coat length and color. The standard coat length is a short coat with double layers. Guard hairs on the top cover a softer underlayer of hair that provides warmth and protection. But there are many coat lengths available depending on your liking. Look online at the different GSD coat lengths to get an idea of what type of fur you want your dog to have. The longer the fur the more grooming involved. The color you choose is a matter of individual taste. Keep in mind the color of many Shepherds alters from their puppyhood to around 2 years of age. Your dog may become lighter or darker. Perhaps they will lose some of their markings as the color fades into the adult pattern. The best way to know what color and patterns your dog grows into is to see the parents of the litter. If the father is unavailable, then ask for photos. Why should you care where your dog comes from if you only want him as a pet companion? You want to get a dog that will live a long and healthy life from a source that has quality puppies. These tips will help you make the best decision on what type of pup fits in your life. Newspaper and Internet Classified Ads Newspaper and internet ads are in abundance. Many backyard breeders hide behind ads online or in local papers. But some breeders who use newspapers and classified ads are reputable and knowledgeable. The problem is you need to visit them to find out, and this can take time to sift through them all. Try the following more reputable suggestions to save yourself time. Dog Care Professionals Ask dog professionals for recommendations. Check with your local veterinarian, groomer, and boarding kennel personnel if they know reputable breeders in town. These professionals are good sources of quality leads. Use the same caution that you will for a classified ad. Verify their suggestions. Many of these organizations regularly receive puppies they need to re-home. While you might not know the full pedigree of the dog, purebred GSDs find themselves in shelters and rescues from no fault of their own. These organizations are a good resource for your first pup. Before adopting, find out as much information as you can. Was the puppy exposed to children? Did he live with other dogs or cats? A well-organized shelter or rescue helps you choose a German Shepherd match for your lifestyle. Start with looking online for GSD rescues and local shelters. Dog Clubs Dog clubs are local and national. These groups put you into contact with registered breeders through their own programs. They can give you the name of the GSD club contact closest to you for breed contacts. Dog clubs also have dog shows open to the public. This is a good time to watch the breed in action and to ask around for quality breeders. While using a dog club to connect you with a reputable breeder is not the only choice, it is one of the more reliable. If you are using a breeder to choose your German Shepherd puppy, this section will help you know the good from the bad. Use these tips to stay safe. Are selling overpriced or under-priced dogs. Lie to you and say you can make money off your new puppy by breeding them, despite them having flaws. Tells you that the GSD is a dog for everyone, with no disadvantages. Breeds multiple types of dogs and claims to be an expert on them all. If a breeder lets their mothers get pregnant more than once a year, this affects the quality of the puppies, so ask how many litters the mother has. These breeders selling unhealthy puppies also will refuse to take bag their dogs if you need to return them for any reason and have no contracts. They have healthy puppies and will answer your questions and have you make multiple visits. Openly show you where the mother and pups spend their time, including their garden or yard. Tells you the up and downs of owning the breed. Have all pedigree and vet paperwork on hand for your review. Specializes in breeding only GSDs source. They openly share this information with you. They have screened their dogs for health issues and can confirm this with documentation which they proudly give you a copy. Healthy mothers are given rest from breeding, and a reputable breeder gives their mothers time off from reproduction. Ask if your breeder if they are willing to take back their dogs if you cannot keep them, as this is standard for a quality breeder with a good reputation. Make sure your breeder has a written contract with detailed information and health guarantees. These are expected for safe breeding practices. How to Buy a German Shepherd Puppy Following this guide gives you the best chance of buying a German Shepherd puppy that suits your lifestyle. Know what you want from your GSD and where to find quality dogs. Learn what to look for when buying a German Shepherd puppy to stay safe from a sick pup and a bad breeder. German Shepherds have their own unique set of challenges. They are a large, active, and intelligent breed that requires an understanding owner who is willing to train their GSD using positive techniques. Devote yourself to their overall health to see the best results and help give you and your dog a lifetime of happiness. Remember, your pup will need mental stimulation to keep their brain active , a gentle exercise program , and need daily love and affection. Buying a German Shepherd puppy is a choice for your whole life that will bring you many years of joy and excitement! 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. Check with local veterinarians' offices, animal shelters, pet supply stores, and other area pet business for referrals to dog rescue organizations in your area. Contact one local dog rescue group for referral to other area groups. Some dog rescue groups work with all dogs, while others are breed-specific. Most rescues groups have established networks with other area rescues. The organization's website also provides links to rescue organizations. Although the majority of dogs looking for new homes through rescue groups are adults, sometimes rescue groups have puppies to place. Most German Shepherds looking for homes through rescue groups do not have papers. If registering your puppy is important, or if you intend to enter it into competitions, you will need its title papers and health records, so a rescued dog may not be right for you. Many dog rescues will require a thorough application process in order to assure that you will be a good fit for the dog. Be prepared to disclose your address and whether you own your home, as well as your employment status and your philosophy when it comes to raising a dog. You will want to make sure that the dog's temperament works well with you and your family. Ask whether you can get the dog checked out by your veterinarian. You will want your vet to check the dog's general health and for serious conditions, such as heart murmurs. Be sure to ask about the dog's health while the rescue has had it and if it is up to date on shots and healthcare. A good rescue should actually offer this information upfront. Get a history of the dog's healthcare up to that point. Has it had its first vaccination, had heart worm treatment, and parasite control? These should have all been done before the age when a puppy is adoptable. While many rescue organizations cannot tell you much about the dogs they place, because the dogs have been rescued off the street or they have been given up anonymously, sometimes they have a bit of information. Get all the information you can about the dog's past so that you can assess their general background and health. Dog rescue organizations are usually run on a shoe-string budget. While they depend mostly on volunteers, they do need funds to transport and care for dogs. Your adoption fee will most likely help to pay for the rescue of other dogs in the future. Do further research into these local German Shepherd breed clubs in your area. Whether you get information from their websites or contact them directly for help, local breed clubs are a great way to get the names of reputable breeders in your area. Veterinarians come into contact with a lot of different types of animal care-givers, from breeders to shelters to individual owners. Because they know so much about animal issues in the community, it's a good idea to talk to a few vets in your area for ethical breeder recommendations. Also consider speaking to other German Shepherd owners, dog groomers, or dog trainers. If you visit a breed show, talk to owners and trainers about who they've had good or bad experiences with. A good breeder won't have a variety of breeds available for adoption. Look for a breeder who specializes only in German Shepherds. Your best option is to find a breeder who has years of experience with the German Shepherd breed. They should be able to answer your questions about development, temperament, and training easily and without hesitation. A key marker of a good breeder is the amount of effort they put into early socialization. Puppies need to be taught from an early age to live harmoniously with humans. If a breeder keeps litters isolated away from the home, the puppies will not be used to the sights and sounds of a normal household, and won't be used to human interaction. This can become a problem by the time they are old enough to be adopted. Make sure the puppies spend at least some time in the breeders' home with them. The more time they spend with humans, the more you can trust the breeder. An ethical breeder will never try to breed a female who hasn't reached sexual maturity — about 2 years of age. Mothers should also be given enough time to recover from pregnancies and being separated from their litters as they get adopted. Females should be healthy and alert. Never adopt a puppy from a breeder who breeds a young or unhealthy female, or who doesn't give mothers time to recover before breeding them again. Puppies should never be sold or separated from their mothers before 8 weeks of age. The breeder should have begun the puppies' vaccination and deworming processes before adopting them out. Make sure that's happened, and ask about any health problems the vet may have reported in these early checkups. Ask if the breeders have their dogs tested for the Degenerative Myelopathy DM gene. This can determine whether a common inherited disease in German Shepherds is present in the litter's bloodline. Dogs with DM suffer from progressive paralysis, particularly in the hind legs. Note that being AKC-registered does not mean that you are getting a healthy animal. It means that the owner paid money to the AKC to register the dog. While experts recommend against breeding animals with known genetic problems, an OFA certification will give you proof. Be aware, though, that there's no guarantee of health in any animal. There's always a chance that two dogs free of known genetic diseases can still produce a puppy with genetic problems. The breeder should be evaluating you as a potential owner, just as you're evaluating him or her as a breeder. No good breeder will just hand over a puppy without being sure that the new owners will be able to provide it with a good, healthy life. Ask the breeder what they look for in a good owner, and whether they've ever turned potential owners away. The breeder should be able to answer these questions without even having to think about it. You might also ask the breeder for references so you can contact other families who have dogs from previous litters. A reputable breeder should ask questions about your dog background and experience, your lifestyle, and your family to guide you in making the best decision. As difficult as it may be, a good breeder will be willing to turn you away if they think you're a bad fit for their particular puppies. For example, if the litter has particularly inactive parents, the puppies may not be a good fit for your highly active lifestyle. If you get turned away, ask if the breeder can point you to other options and litters so you can expand your search. Also ask if they have any unborn litters coming up that may be a better fit for you. Be patient and don't get discouraged. With enough patience and legwork, you'll find the right puppy. Don't lie to a breeder just to get a puppy, though. Trust the breeder's decision-making process. You don't want to end up with a dog who doesn't fit your needs. Avoid any breeder who offers to cut you a "deal," who has unclean or smelly kennels, or who acts suspiciously in any way. Trust your instincts. A breeder who's in it just for the money has the wrong motivation, and likely isn't interested in the welfare of their dogs. Make sure the dogs are not crowded into cages. They should have plenty of room to stumble around and explore their surroundings. Part of the time, puppies should be kept in the home to expose them to household environments. There should be adequate food and water for all animals on the premises. Kennels should be cleaned daily. Although it may be that a dog had an accident just before you arrived, be suspicious of a kennel that looks like it hasn't been cleaned recently. If a breeder doesn't have a return policy, it suggests they don't really care what happens to their dogs once they leave their property. That's not a good sign! Also find out what kind of documentation you would get with your puppy. Would you get registration papers and pedigree papers? Negotiate for what you want if it's not included in the contract. Be very wary of a breeder who will not discuss the chance that a puppy may need to be returned. Does the contract require you to take the puppy for a vet visit within a set time? Does it cover hereditary issues for life? For only a certain period of time? What does the breeder agree to offer? Trade for another puppy when one is available? Are there restrictions on the activities you can do with your dog that will invalidate the contract or guarantee? Are you purchasing a show prospect puppy or a pet quality animal? Does the breeder have strong feelings or even bans about the vaccinations, foods or supplements for your puppy? Are these opinions based on solid science? Of course, you have already read a lot of books with advice on how to choose the right puppy of a German Shepherd, east European, as well as a Newfoundland, Rottweiler, Spaniel, or Spitz puppy. You understand what is the fundamental difference between these breeds and why a Retriever puppy will never become a VIP bodyguard, and a black terrier will hardly ever pass for a draft husky. Why Opting For a German Shepherd Puppy Is a Good Choice The German Shepherd is prone to learning from a very young to deep old age, while many other breeds cannot boast of this, even if their appearance is more perfect than that of a German Shepherd. The most well-known characteristics that a German Shepherd owns are: pronounced protective and guarding instinct; the ability to make independent decisions, and active actions, and at the same time be completely submissive to the owner; sociability, playfulness, and curiosity; lack of aggression signs towards others and deep affection for the owner; a willingness to happily take on tasks, learn, and remain completely fearless when faced with unfamiliar surroundings or unforeseen difficulties; In addition, the Shepherd dog is calmly confident and features strong nerves, combativeness, and assertiveness which are the main qualities of a good service dog. Perhaps, due to this set of breed characteristics, few larger and more ferocious breeds can compete with a GS, both for guarding the house and as a personal protector. It is not recommended to take puppies under 4 weeks old from their mother. This applies not only to GSs but other breeds. At the age of one month, the baby has already been given all the necessary vaccinations. However, only a person who can devote a lot of time to raising a puppy can afford to take a Shepherd at such a young age. In addition to 6 meals a day, and socialization, the new owner will need to complete 1, different tasks, which require, above all, a lot of time. If there is no time, it is worth finding a puppy aged 4 to 6 months. And it is advisable to take such a teenager from a nursery that focuses on breeding German Shepherds and not all the breeds at once. It happens that a puppy stays in the nursery because the money deposit was given for it but, for some reason, people could not pick up the reserved puppy. If the grown-up German Shepherd puppy constantly lived in an aviary and was deprived of close contact with people and the outside world, owners who have not previously dealt with this breed should not choose such a youngster. These young dogs are for experienced cinologysts. Lack of socialization can be corrected but it cannot be fully eliminated. Testing for the Puppy and Its Future Owner You may already know how to choose a purebred German Shepherd by external signs under the age of 3 months. Simple tests will help you choose a puppy with the desired character. Visit the breeder at a predetermined time when the puppies do not sleep or, conversely, are not hungry. You are taking a future friend for life, and enthusiastic emotions with such a choice are inappropriate. When buying a new friend, inspect the litter meticulously. Pay attention to the following: eyes do not water; traces of diarrhea under the tails are not observed; wet noses are without purulent crusts; legs are straight and strong; fur is clean, reminding of the plush; on the skin under the coat, there are no signs of peeling and scabs; all puppies are active and well-fed; the body is elastic and strong to the touch; the puppy has a pleasant dog smell; the mother is not exhausted; bowls and bedding are clean; there is enough heat and light. Of course, the owner of the dog mother has already taken her to the next room. Those who paid attention to the unusual sound are yours. Throw carefully, of course a tennis ball at the puppies. Those who were not afraid and did not try to escape are yours. Those who, having scouted the situation, did not begin to whine , pressing themselves onto the floor, but hurried towards the bedding are yours. Pay attention to those who have shown interest in a new object. The best are those who took and dragged it. Keys and money are the dirtiest household items. This testing method was used 20 years ago. Today, it is dangerous for the health of puppies! Invite those who dragged the rubber duck to pull a piece of fabric. If the baby dog willingly starts the fight, not letting the cloth go when you pull it towards you, they are good boys or girls. Turn the puppy you like on its back and hold it with an open palm for a few seconds. A clear alpha leader is easy to identify by its non-calming behavior for seconds, and even trying to bite you in this position. It may not be your choice! You will get too many problems associated with the puppy, or it will never be possible to completely subdue it. The puppy that squealed, pulled back its paw, and did not lose its interest in you is yours. The one who barks trying to drive brothers and sisters away from the bowl is not for you. The one who gives up its place at the feeder is also not yours. Yours is the one who, regardless of the obstacles, has taken its place and calmly devours food, without moving from its point, snapping, and running around the bowl. Now, you have at best 2 or 3 puppies left in front of you. You need to select the fat-footed one who will try to get out through the opening without panic and squealing. The tests are simple, but they will allow you to select a good puppy and raise a real working German Shepherd from it without unnecessary costs and nerves. Talk to the breeder. Such puppies are sold at a more reasonable price, but the puppy card for them is mandatory to be filled out as well. If you are given puppies for free, in the absence of their mother, there is a reason to seriously consider whether it is a Shepherd dog at all, even if their mother has pedigree documents. This is not a dog of one owner! The versatility and flexibility of this breed are proven by the fact that GSs accept a new family and a new environment without any problems. The main thing for it is to have its own business — to serve a human! Of course, parting with the former owner seriously affects the condition of the dog, but it will not have a destructive effect on its psyche. And the sooner you engage the German Shepherd in work, the more chances you will have to become a new God for it. If the German Shepherd was properly brought up and grew up surrounded by people, it has working characteristics in good conditions, and the reputation of its previous owner is beyond all questions, such a dog will be quite useful to your family. Finding out the previous story and background of an adult GS why it is refused, what the complaints about its behavior are, and other prompting questions is a must! The reason may be the saddest and most trivial — the previous owner died, and relatives are not able to either support or care for the dog. 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. This guide will help you learn how to select the best German Shepherd puppy to add to your family. Is a German Shepherd right for me? This is the first question you should ask yourself before you even consider bringing home a new German Shepherd puppy. You need to evaluate your personal and family lifestyle by asking yourself the following questions: Where do you live? German Shepherds are often on the restricted breed list for apartments. Do you spend much of your time at home, or do you have an active work and social life? Are you willing to spend more time at home on the weekends and evenings during puppyhood, even if it means missing social events? Do you love traveling a lot? If so, will you take your puppy with you? If not, do you have someone or someplace you trust to watch your dog when you travel? Is your whole family excited about the idea of a new German Shepherd puppy? Are you already active or willing to become more active? Do you have time in your schedule to devote to training? Knowing the answers to those questions will help get you a couple of steps closer to deciding whether or not a German Shepherd is the right choice for you. Important things to know about German Shepherds: German Shepherd dogs are sometimes affectionately known as German shedders. German Shepherds shed all year long , however, they blow their coats twice a year during which time they will shed exponentially more. When considering getting this breed, you should be comfortable having a dog that sheds. Trimming their nails , cleaning their ears, brushing their teeth, and brushing their coat regularly is sufficient. Of course, during the shedding seasons more frequent brushing will be needed. German Shepherds were originally developed for herding sheep. Accordingly, they have the desire to work and respond best to proper training from a young age, and an active lifestyle. German Shepherds are known to be clingy, so be prepared to have a shadow following you around the house and maybe even in the restroom. German Shepherds are good with kids and are great family dogs. However, they need proper socialization and training at a young age so they can learn how to behave around both kids and adults. German Shepherds require a lot of mental stimulation and have high energy levels, especially as a puppy. As much as I love Allie, she was more than a handful as a puppy. I have seen instances where people underestimate the time, energy, and training a German Shepherd puppy requires and get overwhelmed after bringing their puppy home. These people end up giving up their puppies. It breaks my heart to know these awesome dogs are given up because of a lack of knowledge when selecting a breed of dog. Although they are a handful if you are willing to put in the effort they are in my opinion one of the best breeds of dog to own. German Shepherds are too smart for their own good. They learn things scary fast and sometimes get themselves into trouble because of how smart they are. They learn your routine and habits, and they also learn when and how they can get away with mischief. German Shepherds are incredibly loyal and become very connected to their owners and family. German Shepherds are typically loving and affectionate. From the second I met Allie she greeted me with a wet tongue to the face. That is still her favorite greeting she will kiss anyone that will allow her to get close enough. German Shepherds need training. They need to know that you are the leader and in charge. If not, they will quickly take over the role of being in charge and that is where problems arise. A bored, untrained, not active German Shepherd can become one of the stories you sometimes hear on the news about a GSD being aggressive. In most of those cases, the problem was with the owners and not the dog breed as a whole. Adoption or Breeder? First, you need to decide if you are going to adopt a German Shepherd puppy or buy one from a breeder. Here are some of the benefits of adopting: Rescue puppies are often already sociable, at least partially trained, and loving dogs. Therefore, you will save a lot of time on house training your new puppy. Older puppies or dogs are likely to be calmer than a younger puppy. You are saving the life of a dog that might not have otherwise found a home. The cost of adopting is typically much cheaper than buying a puppy from a breeder. If you decide to get a German Shepherd puppy from a breeder, here are a few things that can help you identify a good, ethical German Shepherd breeder: Ethical breeders care about the health and wellbeing of the puppy and are not just in the business for money. Ethical breeders always make sure that only healthy dogs breed together and follow a strict breeding program where they ensure that breeding and puppy spaces are clean. They should also have papers showing the age of the parent and the family tree of the puppy. Ethical breeders will happily show you around their entire setup; they should have nothing to hide. Ethical breeders will happily answer as many questions as you have to ask. You want to select one that will be compatible with you and your family. Consider the following when picking a puppy from the litter: Choose a puppy that is sociable around you and other puppies. Pick a puppy that walks confidently with its head high and tail up and wagging. Choose a puppy that has clear eyes, ears , and teeth, walks evenly, and appears clean. Basically, choose a puppy that looks healthy. Look at the personalities of the puppies. Choose a welcoming puppy that wants to greet you as opposed to one that retreats or appears shy. Ask to interact with each puppy one by one after seeing them with their littermates. That way you can get a better sense of how the puppy responds to you without distractions. If possible, visit the litter at least three times before making a final decision, this will allow you to determine the personalities of each of those little fluff balls, and see which would best fit into your family. How old should a German Shepherd puppy be when you take it home? Any puppy should be at least 8 weeks old before being separated from their mother. By this timeline, their sensory organs will have also developed fully which will help you to spot any deformities or medical issues. Be wary of any breeder that will allow you to take your puppy home before 8 weeks old. How do you puppy proof for German Shepherds? German Shepherds are naturally active and tend to explore the world with their mouths, especially during their adolescent period. So, before you can bring your new puppy home, there are a few things you can do to puppy-proof your house: Get rid of any poisonous plants or put them out of reach of your new puppy. Cover electrical cords with cable wraps or PVC pipes. Buy a new laundry basket that has a lid, no holes, and is tall. Make sure both your kitchen and bathroom trash cans have lids. Your new puppy will dig around for anything to bite, like chicken bones, diapers, used hygienic products, or even a disposable razor. If possible, you should buy new trash cans that only open when a button is pressed. Store all the chemicals in secured cabinets or even better on high shelves. German Shepherd puppies have strong teeth and can open plastic containers by biting through even the toughest of plastic! Put away any small items or toys that are small enough for your puppy to swallow. Think of small kid toys like Legos or dollhouse furniture that could be dangerous for a curious puppy. Find a safe spot for your shoes. Whether in a closed closet or in the laundry room behind a closed door. I remember losing a pair of brand-new shoes because I forgot to put them away and Allie thought chewing them was a fun idea. Bringing home a new German Shepherd puppy The period of bringing a new German Shepherd puppy home and introducing them to your home and family takes time and above all, patience. If possible, plan to take off work for at least a few days after bringing your puppy home. I picked up Allie on a Saturday, and then took most of the following week off to spend time getting her adjusted to her new home. Remember, your new puppy has been taken from the only family it knew, and you are now their new family. That first week home was a good week of bonding with Allie. It helped her feel comfortable with her new life and allowed me to really get to know my new beautiful energy filled puppy. The best tip for a smooth transition when bringing your German Shepherd puppy home is to begin crate training and potty training as soon as possible. As a breed prone to separation anxiety , you want to give your GSD a zone to feel safe, comfortable, and content to be on their own. While the initial steps of crate training can be time-consuming, it can make the difference between a dog that is a joy to own, and one that can never be left on their own — so, be the dog parent your pooch deserves and put the time in! New German Shepherd puppy checklist and things to buy It is important that your new puppy feels welcomed into their new home. Some items are ok to be left with your puppy, and other items are more dangerous or will be destroyed. This checklist will help you to know what to buy when getting a puppy. New German Shepherd Puppy Checklist. Feeding and grooming 1. Traditional leather collars with an engraved tag are a popular choice. They can be personalised with up to 25 characters of information which will help someone return your pup to you. But here at Happy Puppy HQ, we love them! If your puppy reaches the end of their leash quite suddenly, a harness distributes the impact over a large area of predominantly muscle, rather than concentrating it on a small area of delicate throat tissues. And they make it easier to safely control your puppy during training. Travel Restraint Most people want to be able to travel with their dog. But there are some things to buy German Shepherd puppies that will make this easier. Puppies who travel unrestrained in vehicles can be somewhat mischievous however! It can be all too tempting to try and climb into your lap or your footwell, for a bit of attention. Furthermore, unrestrained dogs are more likely to sustain serious injuries in a collision. However, if your GSD puppy is a destructive chewer, this kind of crate might not last long. Another Alternative A great alternative is anchoring their harness securely to the seat belt plug. This will keep your puppy in place, and distribute the impact of a crash as safely as possibly over his body. So one of the things to buy a German Shepherd puppy is a leash. Young puppies are very receptive to new experiences, so teaching them to accept wearing a leash is easiest while they are still young. Most GSD puppy parents find that they need two types of leash. The Two Types First, a short lead for keeping their dog under close control near traffic and whilst walking on the sidewalk. Crate People tend to have mixed feelings about dog crates. But used responsibly, they have heaps of advantages. They can become a cosy den for your puppy, which he will learn to associate with being safe and relaxed in. They can make toilet training quicker and easier. And they prepare your dog for being unavoidable crating in the future, for example if they ever need to stay at the vet, or travel by air. Our crate training article is all about how to choose the best crate, and use it correctly. And this article is all about choosing the right size for a German Shepherd. So add some bedding to your list of things to buy a German Shepherd puppy! If you decide to move onto something more supportive as they grow up, our review of the best beds for German Shepherds will help you find the perfect next step. Many of them are available in standard crate sizes too — perfect for making the bottom of a crate as luxurious as can be! Puppies are curious, playful, and at times even total trouble-magnets! Creating a safe place in your home where you can leave them for a few moments to visit the bathroom or answer the door protects them from harm and gives you peace of mind. Your puppy zone should ideally have wipe clean floors in case of toilet accidents, and you should invest a little time teaching them to associate it with good things — by leaving treats in it for them to find, and returning their favorite toys there when they leave them lying around. Toys Like all puppies, German Shepherd pups have stacks of energy. So, toys should be a priority on your list of things to buy a German Shepherd puppy. They love to play, and playing plays a valuable role in developing their muscles, motor skills and coordination. In fact, GSDs have pretty tough teeth and jaws, even from a young age. So we recommend choosing toys designed with durability in mind. Food and Water Bowls All puppies need access to clean, fresh water. And whilst we recommend using most of their daily food allowance as rewards during training, you might also like to give them small meals in a bowl. In fact it is estimated that bloat causes the death of approximately 1 in 7 GSDs. Food Your puppy should come home with a modest supply of the food they were weaned onto by their breeder. This will minimize the possibility of them etting an upset tummy. Our article on the best diets for German Shepherd Dogs will give you some food for thought. Are they just the start of a slippery slope towards canine obesity? Well, we think treats have an important role to play in successful German Shepherd training! But the best way to capture a new behavior, or advance an established area of training to the next level, is by offering a high value food reward at first. Pieces of cooked chicken or small cubes of cheese are equally effective. Some we Like You may need to experiment with a few brands to find out which your GSD will work the hardest for. These basics belong in every dog owners kit: A brush, for removing loose hair, debris, matts and tangles — German Shepherds need their coats brushing at least two or three times a week. Shampoo, for when they roll in in something stinky. Toothbrush and Toothpaste These could be considered part of general grooming supplies. Medical procedures such as setting broken bones and corrective surgery for bloat cost several thousand dollars. Most insurance plans have the added bonus of including public liability cover. However, we selected them for inclusion independently, and all of the views expressed in this article are our own. Final thoughts Where do I start? The first thing that you have to do before you can pick out the best puppy, is to pick out the best breeder. This may come easily, as you may already have a breeder in mind that you trust and who has a good reputation. But chances are that you will have to do your research. And there is also a good chance that you may need to travel some distance to the right breeder. Even if the breeder is several states away, consider making the trip. Getting a new GSD puppy is a significant life commitment. The effort and time that you invest now in going about this properly will pay off for years to come. Here are some important things to look for in a breeder once you locate one that you are interested in pursuing. Call the breeder and have a conversation The first thing to do is call the breeder and have a conversation. A quality German Shepherd breeder will actually require this. They will not permit someone to just show up and purchase one of their dogs and take it home. They will ask you questions such as: Why do you want a GSD puppy? This will aid them in helping you choose. Where do you live, in an apartment or in a home? They will want to ensure that the puppy will not be in a cramped space. Do you have a yard, and is it fenced-in? They will want to make sure that the puppy will have adequate room to exercise as it grows. Do you have children in your home? They will want to make sure that you understand the importance of socialization and training to keep your family safe. Do you have other pets in your home? They will want to make sure that you know how to properly introduce the puppy to other animals, and whether any other pets you have may actually be a danger to the puppy. What type of work do you do, does it require you to be away from home for long periods of time? Because GSDs do not do well alone, they will want to make sure that you have adequate time to devote to your dog. Are you financially prepared to take on a GSD? While this may be a bit of a personal question, it is important to know that you are financially able to care for a GSD. They are expensive to care for, and it is fair for a breeder to ask this question. If a breeder does not ask you some form of these questions, then perhaps think twice. It may be an indication that they are more interested in profit than raising a quality puppy that they care will go to a quality home. Questions for you to ask the breeder: How many different types of dogs do you raise? Can you provide me with a pedigree of all of your puppies? A pedigree is essentially a family tree for your puppy. A good breeder should have a detailed pedigree for any dog they sell. Beware of any breeder that wants to charge for this or says that they will provide it at a later date. Do you have references? They should provide you with several without thinking twice. All reputable breeders will offer this guarantee in the form of a written contract. Do you breed your females more than once a year? Female GSDs should not be bred more than one time per year. This allows for adequate recovery time and maintains good health. Can you provide me with a detailed medical history for your puppies? Health screenings are essential for puppies, and a reputable breeder should be able to provide proof of these. Can you explain any potential health issues for GSD which may come up later in life? A knowledgable breeder should be able to clearly explain conditions like hip dysplasia and other health issues more common in GSDs than other dogs. If the answer to any of these questions comes up as unsatisfactory, move on. It is simply not worth the risk of pursuing the breeder any further. Unfortunately, there are far too many unethical breeders who take a lot of shortcuts which results in dogs prone to both health and behavioral issues. Why is this? You should never take home a puppy that is less than 8 weeks old. More than half of the states in the U. And out of those states, only 3 permit a puppy to be offered for sale under the age of 8 weeks. The reason for these laws is primarily so that puppies are properly weaned from their mothers and able to eat on their own. In addition to weaning, puppies need to be initially socialized by their mothers as well as their siblings. So a puppy will be taught that these things are bad during these 8 weeks. If you remove a puppy from the litter too early, they may not learn these lessons and develop behavioral problems as they get older. Much like a spoiled child that never learns, often times the source of an ill-behaved puppy can be traced to a lack of discipline at a young age. So to ensure that you have a healthy puppy, that is also sold in accordance with state laws and regulations, understand that it must be 8 weeks old see link above for exceptions — regardless of state law exceptions, waiting 8 weeks is good practice. Decide whether you want to male or female You may have a personal preference for either a female or a male German Shepherd puppy. It is important however to not necessarily just go with your gut on this one. Take a moment and understand some general differences between the two genders. I will explore this issue more in-depth in another post, but here are some important general points to consider. Territorial: Males are naturally more territorial than females. This may give them more of a tendency to wander off in an effort to broaden their territory. Very possessive: Male GSDs are generally more possessive than females. They may be possessive over food and bones, toys, and you! Dominance: Male German Shepherds tend to be more dominant than females. This may result in more of a proclivity towards aggressive bullying behaviors to make sure that it is understood that they are the boss. Dominance requires training to keep it in check. Singular bonding: Male GSDs tend to bond more closely with one person rather than a group of people like a family. Territorial: Females are therefore more welcoming and less territorial than males. They are also less likely to wander off as they have no desire to expand their territory. Dominance: Females display less dominant behaviors than males. Non-singular bonding: Females are more likely to bond with a number of people in a family rather than an individual person. So, how do I choose between the two? This question comes down to the purpose for which you want a German Shepherd. If you are looking for a dog to have trained in protection and are looking primarily for a four-legged security system for your home, then a male is a good choice. However, if your primary interest is to just have a family pet that socializes well with others, then a female is probably right for you. Testing the puppy There is no better way to determine whether or not a specific puppy is the right one for you than to actually get hands-on and doing some investigating. However, even before you begin any interactions with a puppy, make sure that you are testing the correct one. Never try and force any interaction, begin with puppies that are naturally drawn to you. Just like with people, you cannot force a match and expect fruitful results. So be patient and make sure at very least that the puppy is not aversive toward you before you being. The tests: Clap your hands: Does it run away or does it come? A more timid dog may, however, be apprehensive to approach. Make eye contact: When the puppy is looked at, does it stare back at you? If the puppy looks directly at you, it is showing confidence. Vocally call the puppy over to you: Does it come to you right away? If it does how not, however, this could show a behavioral issue or hearing problem, or it could be an indication of another illness as well. Pet the puppy: How does it respond to your touch? However, if it meets your touches with biting or growling, then this is likely an indication of an uneven or bad temperament. It will not just grow out of this, it will have to be trained out of it. Bring a ball with you to test with the puppy: Roll the ball and see what the puppy does. Does it follow it and then bring it to you? Or does it take it away for itself. A more dominant puppy will just take the ball and keep it for itself, reluctant to give it back to you. On the other hand, a more independent puppy may show no interest at all. And one that is submissive may actually be frightened. If you are looking for a very sociable puppy, look for the one that brings the ball right back to you to play some more. The puppy that brings it right back is also an ideal candidate for training in retrieving and other exercises. An even-tempered puppy will show interest in and play with the toy, but it will also allow you to participate and take the toy back without showing you any aggression. Roll the puppy over: Once the puppy comes over to you, gently roll it onto its back and hold it in place. Do not be forceful but be firm. See how the puppy reacts. Is it resisting, or is it just relaxing? A puppy with a more dominant personality will take the path of most resistance, and it may growl or attempt to bite at you. And the even-tempered puppy is the one that may resist for a short time but then submit to what you are doing. Pick up the puppy: Physically pick up the puppy by gently holding it underneath its chest with an open hand. Lift it up high, even above the height of your head and hold it there. What does the puppy do? Does it struggle, or does it stay relaxed? A puppy that struggles may be fearful or dominant. On the other hand, a puppy that stays absolutely relaxed is displaying confidence in itself and trust in you. Hold on to a paw and press it gently: This is somewhat similar to holding it on its back. If there is a response to be had, it will happen immediately. Resistance or pulling the paw away may show dominance and temperament towards aggression. The even-tempered puppy will be you curious as to what you are doing. It may investigate a little and might even lick you. Make an unexpected noise: Whether it is banging a pot and pan together or just yelling, create an unexpected noise. See what the puppy does, does it show fear, interest, or aggression? A fearful puppy may run away or even whimper. While an aggressive-tempered puppy may actually growl and try to bite you. An even-tempered puppy will simply look surprised, and may even want to investigate a little bit further. Meet the parents A lot of breeders will have both the father sire and the mother bitch of the puppies on site. However, some of them will only have the mother because sometimes the father is on loan as a stud from a different breeder. But the mother for sure should be on site, and you should get an idea of what she is like. In the case of my last German Shepherd, I was able to meet both parents. His mother was very kind and sociable and eager to be petted. While on the other hand, his father was clearly dominant, and not a dog to be messed with. Because of my prior experience and knowledge, my GSD turned out exactly as I thought he would — fairly sociable yet wildly protective of me. This was all right because I knew what to expect and I was able to train my dog properly to take the edge off of some of his more dominance behaviors. However, my choice was an informed decision based on years of experience. If you are new to owning a German Shepherd, this may not be an ideal combination. I would recommend for a new German Shepherd owner to consider making sure that both parents are more docile, and possibly even lean towards acquiring a female for your first German Shepherd. Visit the puppy on more than one occasion Just like people, puppies have their on days and their off days. You will not be able to get a very accurate picture of how your puppy will be on one short visit. In fact, with my last dog, I visited him at least 4 times and stayed for at least 30 minutes with him each time prior to taking him home. A good breeder will have no issue with you doing this, and in fact, will prefer it. They want their dogs to be well-matched with their new owners, so this is common practice. The puppy should become accustomed to the people it will soon be spending its entire life with. So the more familiarity that you build now in this phase, the easier that puppy will transition to home life with you and your family. All of these steps are positive reinforcement for your new puppy and will build familiarity and a bond even before you arrive home. Also, bring a small blanket or clothing item and ask the breeder to leave it with the puppy. This will allow your puppy to become familiar with the scent of you and your home. Making for a better transition. So by default, this knowledge enables the breeder to be very good at placing the proper puppies with the proper personalities. Remember to stay focused and not lose sight of your primary objective, which is to select the right puppy for you and your family. If you take the time and care to do your research and ask the right questions, you will come together with the right puppy for you. But remember, this is just the beginning of a major life commitment. So take this step of choosing the right GSD puppy seriously, and you will have laid the foundation for a loving and rewarding relationship for years to come. May not even be aware of the breed standard. Breeds to any convenient dog. Strives towards the ideal. Often helps to define it. Does not need to promote establishment; sells to brokers, pet shops, etc. Often rescues only to attain more stock. Rarely attends shows or trials. Shows and trials to objectively test breeding stock. Often judges, provides seminars, writes articles, and willingly mentors serious Hobby Breeders. Knowledge Often pretends to know some. May share false or incomplete information. Studies continuously. Impacts the breed for many decades with knowledge of dogs over many generations. All pups sold have full breeding rights. Yes, and diligently follows up on progeny. Keeps up with health and temperament issues affecting the breeding and provides in-depth guarantees No need to; mostly supplies brokers and pet shops. Meets minimum standards as required by state law. May refuse to acknowledge most problems. Maintains a solid support system — accepts full responsibility for every puppy produced. Performs health testing for all breeding stock for genetic diseases affecting the particular breed. No interest, may offer papers as proof of quality. Papers alone are not proof of quality. No interest. May provide undocumented paperwork for appearances sake. Is unfamiliar with health testing usually statements of good health are stated to impress consumers. Intensive testing always a priority. Often initiates club sponsored seminars and clinics. Maintains records on all dogs in gene pool including progeny. Often supplies brokers and pet shops, records unavailable. Dogs and puppies are often auctioned off in lots, records unavailable. Focuses mostly on current dogs, no records or knowledge of genes. Attempts to continuously track every puppy produced. Bases entire breeding program on extensive gene pool data. Clean environment always maintained Minimum standards vary greatly in cleanliness. Minimum standards maintained for state inspections. Conditions may vary greatly depending on available income, usually makeshift accommodations. Clean, healthy and mentally stimulating environment. Expected longevity with any particular breed Will continue as long as the sales are coming. Depends on popularity of specific breeds. Unrealistic expectations — easily disillusioned. On a mission-plans to stay for the long haul. Health guarantee provided No, it cuts into profits. No health guarantee beyond proof of first set of vaccines, if that. Not qualified to give advice if a problem arises. Offers written guarantee and is available to answer questions to new owners. Good knowledge of history in dogs. Extensive knowledge of health history, offers replacements to owners of genetically affected dogs. Ability to meet the parents of the litter If available, may be in poor physical condition. If available, dogs are not used to contact with people. May or may not be well loved and cared for companions, often unwilling to show entire litter or parents to buyer. Shows friendly mother and entire litter in clean environment; stud dog too, if in residence. Helps buyer choose appropriate puppy. Can explain how breeding was planned to emphasize specific qualities and can speak at length about how puppies compare. What you can expect after purchase Nothing, may not be able to contact at all. No concern for dog after sale is final. Available for questions, and wants to keep in touch. Will take back dog or puppy at any time. After purchase will help with training and grooming, available for all questions and knows the answers. Price Priced according to market, but is marked up from original source for profit. Mid-range to move puppies quickly. High end of mid-range. Price will not reflect all that is invested. Use only physically sound, mature dogs of stable temperament for breeding. These characteristics are rarely, if ever, determined before the age of two for females. Continue to educate themselves regarding genetic diseases pertinent to the breed including, hip and elbow dysplasia. Documentation of hip and elbow screenings should be available to prospective puppy buyers. Apply the same high standards to outside bitches sent to their stud dogs as they apply to their own breeding stock. Temperament testing of a litter before puppies are offered for sale is encouraged. Take appropriate steps to have each puppy examined by a licensed veterinarian for general health prior to placement. Each puppy should be vaccinated and de-wormed by a veterinarian. Endeavor to gain personal knowledge of the temperament and health of every dog they breed, or to which they breed, in order to gather information on which to base future breeding decisions. They share this information fully and honestly with other breeders and with prospective buyers. Sell breeding prospects to knowledgeable, ethical and experienced persons or are willing to help educate and guide novices. Do not engage in misleading or untrue advertising and do not use GSDCA membership as a marketing tool. Do not sell, supply, donate or surrender any dog for which they are responsible to a pet shop, catalogue house, wholesale dealer in dogs, Humane Society or to a laboratory. They should have reasonable assurance that each individual receiving a dog will provide a home with appropriate shelter, restraint, control and responsible care. Encourage puppy buyers to go to puppy obedience classes to help their puppies to become better canine good citizens. The achievement of a Canine Good Citizen certificate should be encouraged. Since homeowners insurance and local laws vary greatly, a refusal to let you visit the kennels may not, in and of itself, be a bad sign. You should ask for and receive a satisfactory explanation. The puppies are not social or look sickly. How to read those ads. A few more things to look out for. Anyone can buy a puppy from a champion, but it does not mean that they have any other interest in the breed but to bank on the name and make money. Having a Champion in a pedigree is like having a billionaire relative. AKC registration does not guarantee quality. AKC papers are much like the title of a car; papers are issued to the junked Chevy on blocks in your yard just as easily as they are on a brand new, shiny Jaguar. AKC does not control breeding, approve litters, or guarantee temperaments. AKC Registration is automatic if you buy from a reputable breeder — they will provide all necessary paperwork when you buy a puppy. There are several groups that are registering dogs, even mixed breeds, for a fee. This registration means nothing, and is of no value to you. Are there too many defects for the animal to be bred? Shop with care. Rarely will a good breeder have the luck to own both dogs for the perfect litter. There are some good and very reasonable reasons to have both parents on site. However, you need to ask the right questions and understand why this is true. They might be, they might not. Are they too big to be cute anymore? Need more money? Is there a problem? Usually because there are more on the way. Be very wary of this one. Will a Breeder Ask Me Questions? Conscientious breeders want the best available home for their puppies. This determines the amount of time you will have available for your new addition. There are very important items that should be supplied by the breeder. Breeders will typically give you the following items: A signed pedigree A current Health Record; including de-wormings and vaccinations. American Kennel Club registration papers or application Sales contract. The type of contract varies and must be mutually agreeable to the breeder and buyer. Much depends on what you expect from the puppy show, pet, or performance. Feeding schedule including the type and amount of food. Copy of OFA certification of sire and dam, if available.

Some of these similarities are discussed below. Purebred —Both these breeds are purebred because they are not the result of any crossbreeding combination. Size — Both Golden Retriever and Labrador have a similar size when they grow up. Their heights range from 21 to 24 inches while they can weigh from 55 to 80 pounds. Shedding — Puppies of Golden retriever and Labrador shed heavily. They are considered non- hypoallergenic and require regular grooming and a high-quality diet to minimize shedding. Lifespan — Both these breeds are prone to some diseases and will live for about years on average. Living Environment — Golden retriever and Labrador pups are very much adaptable to all living environments. They can live in backyards as well as apartments. However, you must look after their exercise needs when they are kept indoors or in apartments. Intelligence — Both these puppies have great levels of intelligence because of their hunting or retrieving background. Therefore, owners need to provide proper daily exercise to control their excessive energy and keep them healthier. Suitable for Kids — Pups of Golden and Labrador retrievers are great companions for families, especially for those who have little kids. These pups love to play with children and exhibit a lot of patience around them. Socialization — These pups are very social because they can gel well with other pets and strangers. However, they need a little bit of training to make the most of their friendly nature. Sport Loving — These breeds love to be a part of different dog sports. For example, swimming and other water sports are among their favorite activities. They also love to play small games, like fetch a ball. What is Better about a Golden Retriever Puppy? Golden Retriever pups are very intelligent and energetic. This means that they will need plenty of mental and physical exertion. Fortunately, they love to sleep in between their playing activities. Not only does this keep your dog fresh, but it also gives the owners some time to relax or work. Keeping your dog fresh is excellent for resolving barking issues. Golden puppies are an amazing addition to any family. This is because they have a loving nature and do very well with children, other pets, and even strangers. What is Better about a Labrador Puppy? Labrador pups are even-tempered with great levels of intelligence. This makes them easy to train, especially the training of staying alone for short periods. Pups of this breed bark quite often so they would prefer backyard living. However, they can stay happily in other living environments, like apartments and indoor houses, if trained properly. Labradors are superb family companions and guard dogs. These pups have an excellent intellectual level and work great whenever an intruder approaches their family. These puppies require great attention and cannot stay alone. Hence, they are ideal for people who have more time for their pets. Otherwise, you will have to deal with unscheduled sleep or train your pooch to play alone. They are slightly rough which means only experienced owners should get Golden retriever puppies. Who Should Get a Labrador Puppy? This breed is preferable for those owners who have a backyard in their house. This is because Labrador puppies bark a lot. However, you will have to do some extra effort for training your canine friend. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. These retriever cousins are both active and friendly sporting dogs full of adoration, energy, and good humor! But do you know what sets them apart? By Tracey L. Kelley After loving 19 cats, 11 dogs, and a canary, Tracey married someone allergic to all those creatures. Thankfully, she receives oodles of animal goodness sharing stories on Daily Paws! When not traveling, teaching yoga, or doing voiceover projects, she's an editorial strategist and developer for print, digital, and multimedia platforms. Daily Paws' Editorial Guidelines Published on May 17, Sometimes when you're scrolling through photos of adorable puppies or sweet rescue dogs , it's difficult to know which one might be your perfect pooch pal. However, the more you know about a particular breed's general characteristics, health, and environment for his best life, the greater chance you'll have choosing a terrific pet! Many people wonder about the differences between golden retrievers vs. Labrador retrievers because they're kind of doggie cousins. The American Kennel Club AKC classifies dogs into seven categories, based on the type of purpose the dogs were originally bred to have. Goldens and Labs are from the sporting group and as retrievers, are often exceptional outdoor companions, exercise buddies, and family members. She says when deciding between a golden retriever vs. Lab for your family, keep in mind there will always be breed stereotypes, so the more you can learn about a pup or rescue dog's background, the better. Labrador retriever deliberation: either one could be a great doggo for you! But Myers adds that if you're a slightly less active person, a golden might be a better match. They're super pets for families with children , especially when socialized at a young age. They both do well with other pets , too. As retrievers, they're usually good swimmers, because they were bred to fetch waterfowl for hunters. But it's still important to train them in this sport to keep them safe. Both breeds live approximately 10—12 years. Myers says goldens and Labs share health concerns such as allergies , and joint problems like knee and hip dysplasia. Individually, Labs are prone to obesity , and golden retrievers to congenital heart defects and cancer. Although they're retriever cousins, Labs and goldens are from separate parts of the world. Labrador retrievers originated on the island of Newfoundland in the most eastern province of Canada, Labrador. Interestingly, there are actually three different types of golden retrievers , hailing from Britain, the United States, and Canada, respectively. When you see these dogs cozied up by one other, especially a yellow or golden Lab and a golden retriever, there's a slight sporting dog family resemblance, but also key points to help tell them apart. Noses are still boopable on both! Both retrievers are double-coated breeds, so they'll 'blow coat' at least twice a year. But if there was a medal given for shedding , Myers says there's a clear winner. Is a golden retriever the same as yellow Lab? But if you've read this far, you already know that. However, there is a mixed breed known as a Goldador that has golden and Labrador retriever parents, so a pretty yellow color might come from both of them. So Myers says a good hooman for a Lab doesn't have knick-knacks on coffee tables. His rudder-like tail helps him propel him while swimming, so it's strong! Golden retrievers usually have fan-like tails, which might also pose a threat to anything delicate in their wiggly wake. Golden Retriever vs. We truly don't want to say one breed is better than the other: it simply depends on which one fits your personality and lifestyle. With Myers' help, we've created a little cheat sheet. You could be more of a golden retriever lover if you're: Willing to be the sun, moon, and stars to this pet, because she'll be the same for you! Appreciative of a good-natured pooch simply happy to exist, even if she might not have many ideas of her own. Not planning to leave her alone for long stretches of time during the day. Able to provide a solid training foundation so she can be an eager helper in the family and stay mentally and physically stimulated. You might prefer a Labrador retriever buddy if you: Really desire a canine best pal and loyal companion—but can say no to extra begs for treats. Understand how smart he is and keep him engaged with physical and mental opportunities. Are able to manage his need for balance between activity and downtime. Can train him for useful work such as hunting , fishing, farm chores, and so on. Was this page helpful? We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. It can be tough to decide which is the better dog for you when it comes to Labradors vs. Golden Retrievers. For starters, Golden Retrievers and Labradors are fairly similar in size, and they are both highly intelligent and love to be around humans. However, there are some key differences between the two breeds that make them better suited to certain homes and lifestyles. Read on to find out what makes a Labrador Retriever different from a Golden Retriever and which is the best dog for you! Main Differences Between Golden Retrievers vs. Labradors The main differences between Golden Retrievers and Labradors are: Golden Retrievers are originally from Scotland, whereas Labradors are originally from Canada. Golden Retrievers are fairly light for their size, whereas Labradors are much heavier. Golden Retrievers have a slimmer ribcage, whereas Labradors have a much broader chest. Golden Retrievers have a long, feathery outer coat, whereas Labradors have a short, oily outer coat. Golden Retrievers range in color from light cream to fox-red , whereas Labradors come in a variety of colors. Golden Retrievers are very clingy and dependent on their owners, whereas Labradors are more independent. Golden Retrievers love competition, whereas Labradors prefer not to be in competition with others. Golden Retrievers are more cautious in new situations, whereas Labradors tend to go full-throttle into any new situation. Golden Retrievers and Labrador Retrievers suit different kinds of owners and living situations. They both require a lot of love and attention and will bring you plenty of joy! Golden Retrievers vs. Labradors: Introduction Golden Retrievers and Labradors are two of the most well-loved breeds of dogs in the world! In fact, the Labrador ranks as the number-one favorite breed, and the Golden Retriever comes in at third place just behind the German Shepherd in second place according to surveys conducted by the AKC for .These dogs are both loveable, can fit into big and small families, do well with other animals and small children, and are full of personality. However, as I touched on earlier, there are some key differences between the two breeds to keep in mind. Labradors: Origins Dogs have been selectively bred for various reasons by humans for millennia. The Golden Retriever and the Labrador are no different—each breed was originally developed for a specific purpose. These dogs were bred as gun dogs. More specifically, they were bred to have very large yet soft and gentle mouths to carefully retrieve prey their owner had shot. This makes them very useful for duck hunting, quail hunting, rabbit hunting, and fox hunting! Labrador Labradors were originally bred in Canada in the mids by fishermen and hunters who took to the rivers and lakes to hunt birds, fish, or other small mammals. Similar to the Golden Retriever, Labradors were also bred to have large, soft mouths so they would not damage the prey they retrieved for their owners. For many years, Labradors were mainly bred as water gun dogs. They are strong swimmers and were often used to dive into lakes, rivers, or marshes to retrieve prey from the water. However, due to the way each dog has been bred over the years, they have slightly different average weights. Golden Retriever Goldens typically weigh in at 55 to 75 pounds on average. They were bred to be lightweight and agile in order to move faster and chase after prey their owners shot down on hunting trips. Labrador Labradors typically weigh in at 55 to 80 pounds on average. This is because they have been bred to have denser bones that make them heavier. Labradors: Build Goldens and Labradors look fairly similar in height. However, Goldens are typically described as being more graceful and slimmer-looking than Labradors. This is because the two breeds have a slightly different bone structure in their chests. Golden Retriever Golden Retrievers have slim, narrow chests. They were bred to have this slim chest because the underbrush in the Scottish Highlands is very dense and can be difficult to run through. Their narrow, thinner build allowed them to cut through the dense underbrush and chase after fallen prey quickly. Labrador Labradors, on the other hand, were bred to chase after prey in the water. They have much broader chests compared to Goldens, which makes them look quite stocky. This is not purely an aesthetic difference! One is long-haired, and the other short-haired. This is not a mistake in their breeding. These dogs were selectively bred for their long and short coats as they perform specific functions! Golden Retriever Golden Retrievers have a dense undercoat to protect them against the freezing weather of the Scottish Highland winters. Interestingly, though, their long outer coats have very little to do with keeping them warm. Labrador Labradors also have a dense undercoat to protect them from the freezing Canadian winters and icy cold water. On top of their undercoat is a thick, short outer coat of fur that is slightly oily to the touch. This oily outer coat acts as a barrier against water. Labradors: Coloration There tends to be a lot of confusion over the coloration of Labradors and Golden Retrievers. Some people believe the breeds are so similar that they come in the same colors. In reality, though, the two breeds each have their own distinct range of coat colors. Golden Retriever Golden Retrievers have a small color range with no visible markings in their coat. There are no black, gray, brindled, or spotted purebred Golden Retrievers. As Goldens get older, their coat color gradually deepens into a darker golden or fox-red color, and they do not go gray! Labrador Purebred Labradors only come in three different colors. They can be a light creamy yellow color, brown which is also known as chocolate , or black. Labradors do not have any visible patches, spots, stripes, or markings in their coats. The coat color they are born with is generally the color they will stay. However, they will develop gray hairs that are focused around the muzzle and eyes as they grow older. Some dogs are incredibly needy by nature and will need you to be home a lot, while other breeds are much more laid-back and independent. They need their humans to be around often, and they are happiest when they get regular physical attention in the form of cuddles, games, walks, and puzzles. Unfortunately, this also means Goldens are prone to developing separation anxiety if they are not trained carefully or their routine is interrupted and they suffer some kind of trauma. Keep in mind, too, that these dogs are incredibly intelligent, and they can become equally destructive if they feel abandoned or are allowed to become bored. Labrador Labradors are far more independent dogs compared to Golden Retrievers. They are happy to make their own fun and games, run outside by themselves, and generally will not develop separation anxiety as easily as Goldens or other similarly clingy breeds. However, they are also highly intelligent and can still become destructive if they are allowed to become bored and are not exercised regularly. Labradors: Trainability And Competitiveness Both breeds of dogs were bred to be very active and intelligent and to perform specific jobs for their human companions. As a result, both breeds are highly trainable and task-oriented. However, the way each breed tends to go about completing these tasks, especially when met with competition, is very different from one another. Golden Retriever Golden Retrievers are highly competitive by nature and love a challenge. They are people pleasers and will constantly try to find ways to gain your approval. This means they will try to out-compete other dogs for your affection and attention, especially if you have given them a task to do. Fortunately, this is all in good fun, as they are happy pack animals and do not display aggression in more competitive settings. Labrador Labradors, on the other hand, do not like competition and can become fairly grouchy and upset if they constantly have to compete with other dogs for your affection, attention, or task completion. Unlike Goldens, these dogs prefer to work alone when they have been given a job to do and will eagerly demand their praise whether you have time for it or not. Labradors: Overall Temperament Before deciding on which breed you want to bring into your home, one of the most important things you need to decide on is which breed matches your lifestyle the best. Golden Retrievers and Labradors have very different personalities and fit better into certain homes and family structures. Golden Retriever Goldens have very cautious temperaments. They do not run head-first into a situation before carefully thinking about and trying to solve the problem in their heads. While their Golden Retrievers are weighing up the pros and cons of a situation, some less patient owners often get tired of waiting and force their dogs into a position where they have not decided if they are comfortable or not. This can make Goldens more anxious and unnecessarily cautious over time. They will enthusiastically run into just about any situation before deciding whether it is safe, scary, or appropriate to do so. This works wonderfully if you live an active life and will be taking your Labrador on all your adventures. This is something they are instinctively happy to do! If you have a more reserved and laid-back personality, though, this behavior can be exhausting. Labradors Do Labradors and Golden Retrievers shed the same amount? Both Labradors and Golden Retrievers shed roughly the same amount of hair. Both breeds shed lightly throughout the year and will have a serious shedding season during spring as they lose their very heavy winter undercoat. Both breeds will need to be brushed two to three times a week to prevent their undercoats from becoming matted and compacted, which can quickly become very painful for the dog. Depending on the color of your dog and your decor you may see more or less fur in your home. For instance, my first dog was a black Lab mix and I had black interior in my car. I noticed very little fur in the car but lots of fur at home. Which breed is easier to train, Labradors or Golden Retrievers? Goldens and Labs are both very intelligent dogs, which makes them easy to train. Both breeds are used as working dogs as well as service animals , as they are easy to train and will stick to their training. Can you mix Labradors and Golden Retrievers? Labradors and Golden Retrievers have been bred with one another for decades. A mixture of a Golden and Lab will give you a Goldador! These dogs combine the best of both species into one package. To read more about this hybrid dog, check out my dedicated article on the Golden Retriever Lab mix! A lot of service dog schools are mixing Golden Retrievers and Labrador Retrievers to try and get the best traits of both dogs for the perfect working service dog. They are both very intelligent, energetic, trainable, and love their families fiercely. There are several key differences between the two breeds you can refer to when determining which one better suits your own lifestyle and preferences. To recap, the differences are: Their origins.

Our organization was founded in by volunteers that are paid only through the unconditional love from the dogs that we save! We do not have a central shelter or location; all of our dogs are housed with the dedicated foster homes Sunshine Boxer Rescue West Melbourne FL 0 mile away Sunshine Boxer Rescue is a non-profit, volunteer dog rescue organization serving Brevard and Volusia Counties in Florida. We strive to rescue, medically rehabilitate, and re-home unwanted and abandoned Boxers, as well as providing education to pet owners. We place dogs in loving, responsible, committed permanent homes, following a comprehensive adoption process which includes taking considerable c Purrs And Whiskers Shelter, Inc. PAWS is a non-profit c 3, all-volunteer organization. We are dedicated to helping cats and kittens through rescue and fostering from our personal homes at considerable costs to our foster people. Our only source of funding is from donations, we are not government-funded. PAWS was established in , and has placed over cats and kittens. We are one of the centers operated by the Brevard County Sheriff's Office. We are committed to building lifelong bonds between people and animals through education, community outreach programs and the prevention of cruelty. We are part of a statewide network that tries to help place this magnificent breed in loving new homes. Many of our Shelties are recovering from neglect, abuse or have been abandoned by people they loved. Palm Bay FL 5. We are an all volunteer, Foster home based, No-Kill Rescue group focused on finding homes for orphaned and abandoned dogs. Most of the animals in our care come to us neglected, with broken bones and broken spirits, some have been starved, some beaten, while others have just been dumped at a kill-shelter. A place to meet these needs of placing, rehabilitating, and providing a home for unwanted exotic birds to flourish in a healthy tropical setting. Too many animals are euthanized in the shelters in Brevard County. Brevard should strive to become a no-kill County, doing all it can to find homes for the animals in need. Our cats are free to roam inside our facility. We always strive to provide individual attention to all of our animals until they can be placed in caring, loving, lifetime homes. Melbourne FL 9. Specifically, we take in animals from the euthanasia lines and foster them in private homes indefinitely until they are adopted. SVPR advocates the spaying and neutering of all domestic dogs and cats as well as feral cats - in accordance with federal law. The Last Chance Sanctuary is no-kill, non-profit c 3 organization. Our Brevard County based group consists solely of volunteers who share the passion for supporting Trap-Neuter-Release TNR efforts for community eg, feral cats as well as helping homeless animals to find loving homes. Our group consists solely of volunteers who share the passion for helping homeless animals to find loving homes. Cocoa FL .Our mission is to help with the re-homing of displaced Great Danes and providing ongoing education regarding responsible Dane ownership and care. Great Danes in foster care live in foster homes, not a shelter. Email address will not be published : Display Name:. We have answers. What's the most interesting thing about Poodle puppies for sale near West Melbourne? Poodles are an incredibly fascinating and unique breed of dog that have been around for centuries. They boast a unique combination of athleticism, intelligence, and beauty that many other breeds of dogs simply cannot match. Poodles come in a variety of sizes and coat types, including their iconic 'poodle cut. With Poodle puppies for sale in West Melbourne, what is their coat like? Poodles have a variety of coat types and colors. They typically have a curly, dense outer coat with a soft, downy undercoat that's designed to insulate them from the cold. The thickness and length of the coat can vary depending on the type of Poodle; a toy or miniature Poodle usually has shorter fur, while a standard Poodle generally has a longer, thicker coat. Technically, all coats are "hypoallergenic" because the hair does not shed. What do West Melbourne Poodle puppies for sale eat? Poodles require a well-balanced diet rich in quality proteins and healthy fats. Avoid giving your Poodle an excessive amount of treats as this can lead to obesity and long-term health risks. Additionally, most Poodles enjoy playing with puzzle toys or slow-feeders filled with nutritious treats. How do I prepare to adopt Poodle puppies in West Melbourne? Preparing for your new Poodle starts before they even arrive! Make sure you have essential basics such as a crate, bed, food, treats, toys, brush and leash. Additionally, you should get a collar with tags that include their name, your name, address, and phone number. It is recommended to have your Poodle spayed or neutered to control pet overpopulation and reduce bad behavior. Finally, brush up on the basics of how to train and care for your pet. Get acquainted with how to feed them, groom them, establish house rules, and develop a schedule. Are Poodles for sale in West Melbourne considered small dogs? Poodles are generally recognised as small-sized dogs, especially Toy and Miniature Poodles. According to the American Kennel Club breed standard for the Poodle breed, Toy Poodles must weigh no more than 6 pounds and have a maximum height of up to 10 inches, and Miniature Poodles must weigh between pounds and have a maximum height of 15 inches. How much exercise do Poodle puppies near West Melbourne need? Poodles require a decent amount of exercise and physical activity on a daily basis. They are energetic dogs that need proper stimulation or else they could display signs of restlessness or boredom. A general rule of thumb is to offer at least one hour of quality exercise daily. This may include engaging activities such as walking, running, swimming, playing fetch, hide-and-seek, and agility training. It's important to remember that different sizes of Poodles need different amounts of exercise. For example, smaller Poodles e. Do Poodles in West Melbourne get along with other pets? Poodles are generally quite sociable, and tend to get along well with other pets such as cats and dogs. They may need space for their own unique playtime and quiet moments, but will usually establish an amicable relationship with other animals. Some owners may find that their poodles show a bit of jealousy if their attention is focused too much on another pet, so simply being aware of this tendency and ensuring that each pet gets plenty of individual attention is the best way of helping them live together happily. How do I train my West Melbourne Poodles for sale? Training a Poodle involves a lot of patience and consistency. It is important to understand how a Poodle learns and what motivates it to learn. Be sure to introduce new commands gradually and remember to offer rewards for positive behavior. Socialization is key when training a Poodle. It should be exposed to a variety of people, animals, activities, and environments in order to be confident and well-behaved. Make sure to have multiple short training sessions for best results. Aim to focus on only one command at a time and be sure to give plenty of praise when they do something right.

Contact Us for litters and reservations for litters. The success of Vom Banach K9 dogs out in the world, and the happiness of Vom Banach K9 owners, is due in part to the effort we make to ensure that you have the absolute right puppy for your situation, whatever it is. We literally spend hundreds of hours with our puppies from the moment they are born in our home until the time they are ready to leave for their new home with you. Whether you seek a devoted family pet, or a prospect for SAR, detection, Shutzhund, Police K9, competitive obedience and agility, or nose work, we will help select the right puppy for you. An important part of the process is speaking to you to learn about you and the dog that will best meet your needs and expectations. In advance of that conversation, please fill out the form below and click on Submit when completed. Thanks very much. Vom Banach K9 German Shepherd puppies are happy, healthy, well-socialized and confident. Our German Shepherd puppies are known for their loyalty, affection, eagerness to please, work ethic, and rich dark black sable, sable, and solid black coats. Shipping by air is fast, safe, convenient, and cost-effective. We use only airlines that have demonstrated a solemn commitment to animal travel over the last 26 years. Vom Banach K9 uses only certified airline-approved crates. For information on our current litters please Contact Us. Your browser does not support the video tag. What is the Rarest Color of German Shepherd? However, did you know that this breed comes in a wide range of different colors, and one of the ones we are listing here is the rarest color of all? Genes are Behind the Colors and Patterns of Dogs Genes play a role in the colors and patterns that all dogs sport. Meanwhile, German Shepherds that have rare colors get them as the result of recessive genes. Many rare-colored varieties are produced by specialty-designed breeding programs, but they do sometimes show up in litters of regular breeding programs. Since these types of dogs are so hard to come by, you will unlikely find one at a rescue center or shelter. These colors are most common because they come from dominant genes. Black and silver German Shepherds carry a recessive gene, but they are still a popular selection among pet owners. If you wanted to see some of the different coats our dogs have you can visit our adult dogs page here. Black and Tan The original color of this working dog is black and tan, and they represent the most common color for German Shepherds. Their lineage comes from their ancestor Horand von Grafrath, who was a little darker than the modern black and tan GSDs. Black and tan is a very popular combination that has been favored by many dog owners for years. This type of GSD has a rich brown underbelly with a black overcoat. The paws and tail tip can also be found in this color, too. These dogs typically have a brown nose and eye rims that match their coat color. Black and red German Shepherds have a black base with rich, rust-colored markings on their back, front legs, ears and even around the muzzle area. Their underbelly is usually cream or tan in color. Black and Silver The black and silver is a genetically recessive color because it only occurs when breeding two dogs that carry the same genes for this type of coloring. This variety of German Shepherd can come in many different shades of gray, ranging from nearly white to a deep charcoal color. They also get their coloring from the gene that produces pheomelanin. Black and Cream As their name suggests, these dogs are black with a cream-colored underbelly. If you see two German Shepherds that look nearly identical, except for one does not have any rust coloring around its ears, then it is probably a black and cream. Pure White Although you may not expect it, pure white German Shepherds descended directly from the same German Shepherds that black and tans did. The recessive gene that causes them to be white has been present in the genetic makeup of their original German Shepherd ancestor. Not to be confused with albinos, these dogs, with their luxurious white coats, look similar to Golden Retrievers with erect ears. Many German Shepherd owners, including U. S Army soldiers serving overseas, have purchased these dogs to use as guard dogs because of their strength and intimidating appearance; however, the white color makes it difficult for them to blend into surroundings as dark colors can do. Because of this, many people today erroneously believe that these snow-colored dogs are flawed genetically. They are so named because they have black fur with a rich bluish hue, and this bluish-black coat extends all the way down to their paws. While all types of animals get a bad rep from being black really, they are one of the last colors of animals to be adopted at the pound! In fact, those who own black German Shepherds will tell you that they are very smart and loyal. While blue-black shepherds are extremely popular among pet owners, they only represent only 6. Liver One of the rarest colors for German Shepherds is liver, and only a few genetic combinations can produce them. Liver GSDs have a black nose and eye rims just like the standard black and tan coat does. They have a deep reddish-brown coat, and amber-colored eyes and are extremely eye-catching. They are mostly solid-colored but they also come in liver and white and liver and tan colors. Blue Blue-colored German Shepherds are extremely beautiful dogs, and with their golden-brown to amber-colored eyes, they look almost magical. The blue or grey of their coats comes from a recessive dilution gene, but they are not predisposed to any health problems any more than the prevalent black and tan variety. Their pigment is the result of the recessive combination of blue and liver that comes from their parents. Isabella GSDs have a dilute coat color, and the liver gene blocks all of the black pigment that the parents pass on to their offspring. Isabellas will typically have light blue or hazel eyes. They both are double coats, having a denser guard layer over a softer undercoat. Medium coat dogs: The medium-coat German Shepherds have a shorter undercoat and a longer topcoat that is stiffer than the long coats. This type of GSD sheds year-round, but they typically do not shed heavily. Long coat dogs: The long-coat shep has a dense undercoat that is shed once or twice per year in addition to their topcoat being lost around this same time. These dogs have more difficulties tolerating hot or humid climates because they will overheat quickly if their topcoat is too thick. As part of their genes, they shed and blow this part of their coat. It will really mess up this process if you shave them. You can see the longcoats we currently have available for sale here. Often, black and tans are seen in working lines and black and reds are seen in Showline. The club adds that strong, rich colors are going to be favored, and washed out off-colors, blues, livers and pale coats are serious faults. White dogs are disqualified. They point out that German Shepherd dogs come in many colors, including white. Regis Regal German Shepherds: Beautiful on the Inside and Out While color is interesting and desired by many, bear in mind that German Shepherd dogs are working dogs that are mainly bred for a specific purpose. At Regis Regal, we breed, raise, and train German Shepherds that are not only beautiful on the outside but also have a good temperament and intelligence that makes them anything from a great family pet , to a therapy dog to service dogs for veterans and more. Our GSDs are gentle and kind, highly intelligent and have been immaculately educated. If you are in the Chicago area and would like to find out more about our world-class German Shepherd puppies , adults, therapy dogs, estate dogs and service dogs, please contact us at .The utmost care will be taken with them during the journey by the courier. 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. Acceptable and desirable German Shepherd colors are black and tan and all shades of black and tan except any dilution. The black is a result of eumelanin which is a black-to-brown pigment produced by melanin. The black blanket in German Shepherd Dogs varies in its degree of extension throughout the body. On the other hand, the tan markings or colors in German Shepherds are actually produced by the pigment pheomelanin which is golden yellow to reddish-brown pigment produced by melanocytes. The black mask which again varies in the degree of coverage or extension throughout the face and front head region is highly important and is one of the most important desirable features in a good breed and well-pigmented GSD. The depth and the patterns of German Shepherd colors have been categorized into 4 distinctive categories, in the order from highest to lowest dominance, viz. The final color of a young dog can only be ascertained when the outer coat has developed. Quite unfortunately, the variations in the range of GSD colors and patterns have not yet been listed separately by any club or organization. When it comes to GSD colors, desirable is that the breed must have rich, strong colors. Diluted colors in German Shepherds are not desirable. Amongst the solid colors in German Shepherds, i. Solid Black and solid White, both are pure breeds. It is to be remembered that the black gene is also recessive to all German Shepherd colors. Sable German Shepherds Varieties of Sable German Shepherds German Shepherd has an original wolf color, with a pale ground color, covered by the mantle of a hard black-tipped guard coat. In a sable German Shepherd, this ground color is usually tan, having a heavy overlay that seems to be black when viewed from distance. Malcom B Willis Dr. Willis — a senior lecturer in Animal Breeding and Genetics, Faculty of Agriculture and Biological Sciences, The University, Newcastle upon Tyne had discussed the existence of two alleles for sable that are grey and yellow. It is to be remembered that similar variations in German Shepherd colors can also be found in Black Tan dogs. A Sable German Shepherd can be identified quite easily. Sable German Shepherds also known as agouti or wolf gray, in various colors of comparatively paler shades usually have multi-colored individual hairs throughout the body. The Agouti gene actually determines if the coat color of the German Shepherd is banded agouti coat color or solid non-agouti coat color. Studies on mice have shown that the Agouti gene gives the mice pale coats accompanied with having a tendency towards obesity, which may or may not hold good for dogs. Sable German Shepherds may also be masked by dark or black guard hairs. In a sable German Shepherd Dog, the sable color is dominant over all the other German Shepherd colors and patterns. The variation of shades in sable German Shepherds can be categorized into Rich saddle sable, black sable, and faded sable. Sable may not improve the pigmentation in breeding just because the subjects are sable German Shepherds. In a Sable German Shepherd Dog, possibilities are there that the sable can be as poorly pigmented as other patterns. If a sable German Shepherd is comparatively more melanistic darker than an average Blach and Tan GSD, it will appear equally dark, which in turn brings forth relatively better pigmentation to breeding than a less melanistic subject, because the dog is genetically more melanistic darker. Sable German Shepherds are known for their multi-colored individual hairs, though they may have good dark masks or black guard coats as well. The color different blends of colors in the individual hairs consequently lead to a range of shades of colors and patterns that may largely vary from sable German Shepherd to sable German Shepherd. The Sable German Shepherd Dogs appear in many shades ranging from silver, gray, gold, or mahogany colors. Most often sable German Shepherds have the dark mask, although at times masks tend to to be fade or sometimes almost absent. Agouti or Sable German Shepherds usually undergo many stages of coat color development — towards both the lighter side as well as the darker side, until they become fully matured i. Sable German Shepherds are born all tan. The typical black tipping starts showing up as they reach a few weeks of age, followed by a continual process of change — either lightning or darkening until the puppy reaches an age of around three years. Sable German Shepherd puppies hence undergo a dramatic change of coat colors during their growth process. Most of the time the Sable German Shepherd puppy ends up with either a darker or lighter shade. The saddle is a pattern typical to the German Shepherd breed and is characterized by the typical appearance of black blankets made up of guard hairs over the back. The Black and Tan GSD also exhibit exceptional tan grounds, but usually have black saddles or blankets. It is desirable that the black mantle should cover the neck nape, shoulders, almost the entire back up to the region of croup and tail, and sides up to the region of belly. With saddle back any GSD coat color shade is acceptable, but its rich markings have always been preferred in the GSD breed. Washed-out shades — that means pale colors for instance blue and liver are serious faults and are barred out from the rings in GSD breed shows. The poor saddle is not desirable in this breed. Deep dark nails are the indication of general mantle pigmentation. It is to be noted that dogs without rich saddle backs usually have pale, fleshy colored nails, although it is acceptable to have less amount of saddle coverage, but must not be poor in the depth of color. Saddle German Shepherds can come in a wide variety of coat colors and patterns that may range from a very little amount of black to almost extreme black, which may apparently look like a solid black GSD. Some German Shepherd Dogs exhibit few markings with a lot of dark colors in the back and side, for instance, the bi-color saddle back German Shepherds have a lot of dark blankets with less amount tan. In such cases, it is usually considered blankets instead of a saddle, although they are actually Saddle back dogs. On the other level, many GSDs display traditional saddleback colors with more tan or red, or silver and less of saddle parts. A saddleback black and tan or black and red German Shepherd puppy is almost totally black and as they reach adulthood they develop the original saddle-back pattern. As they grow up the lighter ground color tends to spread throughout the entire body, including the legs, chest area, abdomen, and around the face and ears, only leaving the back as a saddle or blanket. It is to be noted that the saddleback marking can get considerably faded as the puppy grows. Black and Tan German Shepherds Varieties of Black and Tan German Shepherds The black and tan German Shepherds also show a rich tan marking but have black saddles or blankets which are black varying in intensity. It is noticed quite often that the tan or grey markings show at the region of the neck and down the tail. At the same time, if this is noticed over the croup or along the sides of the dog or if the tail does not end up with a black tip, it is an indication of pale color in German Shepherd Dogs. This is very common in German Shepherd females and is sometimes found even in darker females too. This pattern is found, although not too frequently, in faded male German Shepherd Dogs. At times the black and tan German Shepherds tend to be so faded in pigmentation that judges usually consider them faulty. Very dark black and tan German Shepherds are often confused with bi-color and may come up with nearly solid black heads, necks, and bodies. Melanistic black and tan German Shepherds look quite similar to bi-color ones. They usually show a few tan markings around the base of the ears and have very few or no black hairs down the region of pasterns, and on the toes and hock portions. The black and tan German Shepherd puppies are born all black. Bi-color German Shepherds are typically black dogs with tan points very similar to Rottweilers and Doberman Pinschers. The tan markings in a bi-color German Shepherd Dog are actually very less, and sometimes for melanistic bi-color Shepherds, the mask is strong black, accompanied by a wider extension of the black with a black undercoat and with only very little amount of tan markings on the feet. It is due to this heavily wider extension of very strong black that the melanistic bi-color German Shepherds appear to be almost solid black at times. However, bi-color GSD usually exhibits a good amount of tan around the vent and feet, but quite a lot of evidence is there to prove that strongly melanistic bi-color German Shepherd Dogs have only very little tan — just enough tan marks to say that it is actually a bi-color GSD and not a solid black dog. A paler version of a bi-color German Shepherd Dog, on the other hand, looks much like a black sable, exhibiting a wider extension of black over a ground of light grey undercoat. The pale bi-color German Shepherds usually exhibit tan or gray along the lines of the harness, as well as over the nape of the neck, and black markings on the legs and feet. These pale bi-color German Shepherd Dogs have the gene that governs the fading of the black mantle and still can appear quite dark. In bi-color Shepherds, the color intensity can vary to a great extent exhibiting a wide range of tan and black shades and can be categorized into three broad categories viz. The tan points of lighter markings are often seen in the bi-color German Shepherds that are categorized as faded bi-color German Shepherd Dogs, which however, genetically exist in almost all patterns in GSD. In the case of the brindle pattern in GSD, the bi-color shepherds could have shown dark stripes —just like brindle boxers — over the tan ground. Seemingly black color German Shepherds are really very striking, perfectly solid black GSDs are seldom seen. Most back German Shepherds have a little bit of tan around their toes and beneath the tail. In some cases, the solid black German Shepherds also exhibit gray undercoats over the areas like shoulders and neck. Experienced breeders like Maur Ray kennels the s , an American show line GSD kennel specializing in blacks documented that black GSD bred of blacks only for many generations would show fewer and fewer light hairs until they were absolutely pure black, born without any tan. There are different schools of thought in regard to pigmentation in the German Shepherd Dog breed, alike any other breed. Some of the contemporary well-versed GSD breeders do not recommend breeding blacks to blacks in order to improve the richness of black pigments unless the pedigree of the dogs consists of a history of dark dogs of other patterns. Quite a lot of instances are there to prove that pale Black and Tan German Shepherds can also throw solid black puppies, and these puppies, on maturity, may produce pale Black and Tan puppies. In the solid black German Shepherds, the specific gene controls the formation of black pigment in the GSD — not the hair color. In the German Shepherd Dogs, alike any other canine breed, the dominance orders of coat colors is as follows: Black pigment including the leather color of the nose, the rims of the eyes and pads; Carrier for liver color; Liver color — brown black colors, brown or faded black nose, non-black rims of the eyes and pads. The recessive gene that governs the coat color in GSD, alike other dog breeds — be it black or non-black coat color can be carried for several generations before the right coloration is achieved. There is no difference in temperament, behaviors, and working ability between a solid black German Shepherd and that of any other coat color. Owing to its unparalleled beauty, many people have seriously devoted themselves to breeding All Black German Shepherd Dogs staying focused chiefly on coloration. May backyard all-black GSD breeders have ended up with mediocre quality dogs, while really serious breeders have earned a great deal of repute as Black GSD breeders. White German Shepherds White German Shepherds Spanning back to the history of the German shepherd Dog breed, documentation has shown that the white recessive gene had been an integral part of the breed since its very inception of the making of the breed. Contrary to the myth, the White German Shepherd Dogs are NOT albino, as long as they have normal dark body pigment that can be assured by the jet black color of the nose leather, eye rims, nails, paw pads, and leaps. To stand against the myth again, the correctly bred white German Shepherd Dogs are anatomically, behaviorally, and medically not different than German Shepherd Dogs of any other colors and patterns. It was due to the lack of adequate knowledge of genetics that the White GSD had been considered disqualification, following the myth that they were albino. Sometimes in the past, the gene for albinism had been the only known white gene, which consequently made dog lovers show the wrong attitude towards the white GSD. Studies have shown that there can several variations of White GSD. For the German Shepherd puppies to be white it is essential that both the dam and sire have to carry the white recessive genes, although it is not necessary that the parents have to be white. To put this in a simpler way, the non-white German shepherd dam and sire can be capable to produce white German Shepherd puppies, if they are the carriers of a white recessive gene. Since this particular gene is recessive it can skip off generations — not showing up for several generations. The White Recessive gene — irrespective of the breed is a gene that is entirely different from the genes that are responsible for albino and white spots in non-white dogs. It is worth enough to mention that on very rare occasions white spotting can be found even in German Shepherd Dogs, due to Irish White Spotting Gene resulting in puppies with a white muzzle, which is considered as the deviation from the standard and hence considered at fault. White German Shepherds are not at fault anyway. Reasons for decreasing popularity of White German Shepherds It is due to the myth that most people are not intended to buy white German Shepherd puppies. As a matter of fact, White German Shepherd puppies can descend from two pure-breed GSDs carrying a white recessive gene. Unfortunately, the White Recessive gene has been kept untouched due to the lack of knowledge about the white gene. It is due to ignorance that the white German Shepherd puppies used to be considered at fault. Also partly owing to the political wrinkles the white recessive gene had been overlooked and neglected. White coat color in the German Shepherd Dog breed was disqualified in the breed standard of the German Shepherd Dog Club of Germany in the year , when the club went under the control of the Nazi party of Germany that took over almost the entire German society in February when Hitler declared a state of emergency. Brindle German Shepherds Brindle German Shepherd Acceptable colors in the shepherd coat are in fact a wide range of variations of black and tan. The color Black is due to the presence of the eumelanin pigment and varies in its degree of extension over the body. The Tan, on the other hand, is due to the result of phaeomelanin pigment and varies in richness or depth of color. The richness may vary in the degree of depth of the color and may range from Golden to deep Mahogany marks. Read more: Brindle German Shepherd: A Complete Breed Guide As a matter of fact, the genes and alleles controlling the coat colors and patterns in the German Shepherd Dog breed or any other canine breed have not been clearly understood yet, which is why it seems that much of this subject is still in the dark, although breeders, researchers, and genetic scientists have explained a good deal stuff in this regard. Here are the explanations of the Blue and Liver genes in German Shepherds. This means, for a dog to exhibit blue coat color, both of his parents have to carry this color gene. The blue German Shepherd puppies at birth will be blue and will not turn out to be the regular black that we usually find in German Shepherds. On maturity, this blue will change to grey or silver coat color or maybe any shade in between. This will give the impression that this color has diluted the black coloration… and this is a fact. The blue gene is a dilute gene, which dilutes the entire black pigment, which consequently results in a grey-dusted look, which is grayish nose leather. A blue German Shepherd Dog will have light eye color that is usually blue during puppyhood. With maturity, the eye color generally turns yellow or faded brown. The blue gene causes the black pigmentation in the skin and coat to turn into steel grey, often very dark. The tan ground on the other hand remains much the same or may cause a slight silver tone. The Liver gene, being a dilute gene, dilutes all black pigments just like the Blue gene, which results in brown nose leather color, brown coat color, and faded brown eyes pigments that may come in a wide range of color shades. The liver gene, alike the Blue, causes the black pigmentation in the skin and coat to turn brown. The liver gene in GSD produces a wide range of liver shades starting from faded liver brown to dark chocolate brown. Blue, Liver, and Silver are indications of diluted or paling pigmentation, which is not desirable. It is important to identify if the dog is the carrier of the diluted color gene, which is easily identified in the case of a dog with a faded mantle and paling. In the dogs with strong dark mantle and dark masks, having the ground with silver coat color may probably carry the gene for partial albinism, which is not again desirable. Pink toenails indicate the presence of an undesirable white spotting gene. Toenails with fleshy and dusky look may come out with the poor saddle and gives an indication of poor pigmentation and is hence undesirable. Dark black nails indicate good mantle pigmentation. According to variations in shades and patterns, there can be different versions of diluted genes — Blue and Liver. This difference in patterns can be categorized into four distinctive types. Read more: Liver German Shepherd: Gorgeous and Companionable Dog Note: The colors of the eyes and toenails are not related to the coat color and patterns. In very melanistic dogs even the skin under of black coat region will be ice blue-white and the part under the tan marking is usually pinkish-white. Almost all regions of the skin should be black in melanistic dogs except for the vent and ear flaps. A very melanistic GSD comes with gums partially brownish black and a black spot in the tongue are quite commonly found. Nails have to be jet black. She especially enjoys combining her lifelong love of dogs with her passion for writing. Read more about her. Black and Tan This is the color most of us think of when we picture a German Shepherd dog. With a rich tan undercarriage and a black face and back, this color of GSD has been around since the very first was officially registered back in Germany at the end of the 19th century. Although Horand von Grafrath was a little darker than the modern black and tan GSD, the ancestry is evident. With their luxurious white coats, these pale dogs look more like Golden Retrievers with erect ears. Despite their popularity, like the white German Shepherd, the blue has been a cause of controversion in the Shepherd world because recessive dilution gene comes with inbreeding practices and health issues. Blue German Shepherds may appear gray or even silver and are sometimes mistaken for a Blue Belgian Malinois. Isabella This unusual coat color variation is another washout as far the AKC is concerned, which is a shame given how striking it is. It originates from genetically combining liver and blue dilution genes. Like the liver and blue German Shepherd dogs, Isabella GSDs often have unusual eye coloring and different colored noses. Liver German Shepherds will usually have a brown nose. Blue German Shepherds have a blue nose. There is no evidence that the Isabella coloration makes the dog more susceptible to health issues. However, Isabella is a recessive trait. Selecting for recessive traits always limits the gene pool and makes dogs more susceptible to genetic conditions. Grey Not to be confused with the silver, black, or blue German Shepherds, the gray variety look more wolf-like with their dark coats. Some breeders specialize in producing dogs of this unusual color. Silver Similar to the gray German Shepherd, silver is nevertheless recognized as a distinct color. Often grouped together, however, the gray and silver colors are produced by the same genes. Finding a breeder that specializes in silver German Shepherds is a lot easier than finding one that focuses on the grey, so this might be your best bet if you want a more exotic-looking companion. Silver is an uncommon color for GSDs, possibly because it is a recessive gene. Similar to the dilution gene, this gene influences black pigment. While you also get silver sable German Shepherds, the patterned coats mean they are categorized as sable rather than silver. However, silver German Shepherds are often seen in military work or the police force. The red color is the result of the color gene pheomelanin. It can have any shade of red, ranging from strawberry blonde to a deep mahogany red. Alongside black and tan, the black and red combination is preferred over others by German Shepherd breeders. As black and red are both produced by dominant genes, this color combination is easier to breed for, and many breeders focus on producing purebred dogs with deep red coloring. Sable A classic color for the German Shepherd, a sable comes in a variety of colors but each hair sports a black tip. Sable GSDs can be black, gray, red, silver, or tan and are also known as agouti. Agouti is a type of coloring also present in other dogs, like the Agouti Husky. In this coloring each hair has several bands of brown and black, leading to a typical wolf-like coloration. Some founding members of the German Shepherd breed believed this should be the only color present in German Shepherds. Black sables are born as all-black pups and tri-colored sables are born as black and tan puppies. As the puppy ages, their coloring changes. Some GSDs may take as long as three years to develop their final sable coloration. As every sable GSD is different, with the color and pattern both varying, it makes for an eye-catching and unique dog. Sable is a dominant color that is easy to breed for. If you breed a Sable German Shepherd to any other color, you will likely get sable puppies. Black and Silver Much like the black and tan GSD, a black and silver German Shepherd usually has a silver saddle across its back, although the pattern and hue both vary from dog to dog. Like the silver GSD, the black and silver coloration occurs only when the recessive intensity suppression gene is present. This color is not common in the AKC show ring and can mostly be found in working dog lines. Because these dogs are not visible in the dark, it is highly advisable to only walk them on a light-up dog collar in the evenings and at night. Bicolor Bicolor German Shepherds appear almost completely black and, to fit the breed standard, must have black heads, back, legs and tail. Even if their paws are brown, the heels need to be black by the color standard definition. However, the AKC accepts bicolor as a recessive color in the breed. Though technically allowed in the show ring, these dogs are mostly found in working lines. Black and Cream The last official color on our list, the black and cream GSD remains true to its origins as a lighter version of the common red and tan coloring. There is some controversy surrounding the black and cream variation. Most AKC breeders do not want them to participate in the show ring. They strive to breed darker dogs that do not show the light cream coloring. The color does little to change their character, however, and black and cream GSDs excel obedience, nosework, rally and agility and are as loyal and brave as their black and tan cousins. Her DNA proved them wrong, although the Panda coloration remains unrecognized by some kennel clubs and breeders. The Panda GDS is created by a rare genetic mutation. The genes responsible for an all-white body and the patchy white are two different ones. This does not stop them from being popular however! There is a large demand for Panda-colored German Shepherds. Unfortunately, this inflates the price and leads breeders to focus on the color mutation rather than genetic health, so be sure to only source a puppy from a reputable breeder. Albino An albino German Shepherd is incredibly rare. An albino of any species or breed lacks any pigmentation, including of the skin, hair, and eyes as well as the blood vessels, resulting in a pinkish tinge. You can distinguish an albino German Shepherd from a white one by checking his eyes and nose. A White GDS will have some pigmentation resulting in brown eyes, whereas albinos always have red or pink eyes. An Albino GSD, should one exist, may experience other health problems associated with the condition. They may, for example, be photosensitive, requiring protection from direct sunlight. What is the Rarest Color of the German Shepherd? The rarest color of German Shepherd is the isabella due to the recessive combination of liver and blue. You will have to search for a long time to get such a puppy — and his price will likely be high as well! What is the Best Color for a German Shepherd? The best color for a German Shepherd in the show ring is black and tan, followed by sable. If you are not planning on showing your dog through the AKC, you can pick any color you like. This is not based on any actual working abilities though and more of a myth that has been passed on through generations. What is the Original Color of a German Shepherd? As German Shepherd dogs were bred as working dogs, the original breeders focused on temperature rather than appearance. The original color of working German Shepherds was sable. The most traditional color in the show ring is black and tan. While you should pick the coloring you like the most, make sure to not just choose your dog based on his looks. German Shepherds are prone to developing back and hip issues. Before buying a puppy for his color, make sure that his breeder selects for health first and color second! Otherwise you might end up with a puppy with great color but poor health … which is never a good thing. 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.