golden retriever puppies in mesa az

Pitbull Pitbull Poodle Mix Temperament And Personality Pit Poodles are loyal and affectionate with their owners, especially if they have been loved and cared for in a loving home environment. The mixed-breed dog is alert and eager to learn. They make excellent watchdogs, in addition to being excellent pets. Pitbull Poodle Mix dogs are affectionate and fun-loving. They should be active and strong and exercise daily. They make great jogging partners for active owners. People who lead sedentary lives need to find ways to drain their pup's energy. Yes absolutely! Pitbull Poodle Mix is an excellent family dog. They love to play with children and can keep them entertained for hours. They also resist naughty antics from children as they have a high pain tolerance. Don't let the negative reputation of the Pitbull name put you off having Boodles as a pet for your family. Dogs loved and cared for with love and respect are never dangerous to their guardians. It is important to socialize your dog with other dogs as soon as possible. This will allow them to learn to enjoy the company of other pets. You should also make sure they are not loose around other animals. You can monitor your Boodle's interactions with other animals and intervene if you feel things are getting out of control. Pitbull Poodle Mix Exercise Requirement Dogs can go wild because they lack mental and physical stimulation. This can be avoided by ensuring your Pitbull Poodle Pitbull mixes get at least 45 minutes to an hour of exercise each day. They can become aggressive and frustrated if they don't get enough exercise. This Boodle's curly coat collects fur and dander rather than letting it shed. This coat can be prone to mats and tangles, so you should brush him daily to keep him clean and shiny. Wooly Boodles will need to be bathed more often than other dogs. Tightly curly hair traps dirt, debris, and other waste. Pitbulls can be passed on to Pit Boodles the same way a Pitbull can adopt their Pitbull parent. A Pitbull-like Pitbull Boodle will have a smoother coat. He will lose, but he will require less care. The puppy can live for several weeks without bathing and tolerates weekly brushing. Whatever the situation, you should use mild, gentle shampoo for your Boodle. To avoid excessive earwax buildup, brush his teeth at least once a week and clean his ears. Also, be sure to trim their nails as long as possible. Long nails can restrict a puppy's movement and gait. Pit Boodles don't always get the curly coat of the Poodle. Expect moderate shedders if your Pitbull puppy inherits the Pitbull coat. Curly hair keeps loose hair from floating around, allowing him to stick to his fur instead. To get rid of loose hair, your Boodle must brush his teeth daily. Your dog's size, age, and activity level will affect his diet. A veterinarian can help you determine how much food your Pit-Poodle should eat daily. Avoid giving leftover Pitbull Poodle Mix, especially fatty foods and foods high in salt, sugar, and spices. Consuming such foods can lead to toxic effects and long-term health problems, including obesity and high cholesterol. Instead, always feed your puppy natural canine food. It's also essential to make sure your Boodle eats slowly. Bloating can lead to serious health problems. This can be avoided by dividing their daily meals into two parts. To prevent them from eating too quickly, you can buy food bowls. Pitbull Poodle Mix Common Health Problems The Pitbull poodle mix is not purebred and does not have the same genetic health issues as its parents. That doesn't mean you should blindly buy them. Always ask about the parent's health exam and medical records before purchasing a Boodle puppy. These diseases are common in both parent breeds. So let's find out what they are. This can lead to hip dysplasia in puppies. Before buying a puppy, ensure the parents do not suffer from hip dysplasia. Bloating: Bloat, or gastric dilatation-volvulus GDV , is a condition where there is an excessive amount of air in the abdomen. If you don't take your pet to the vet immediately, this condition could prove fatal. Eye Problems: Poodles can inherit eye problems such as progressive retinal atrophy PRA , cataracts, and distichiasis. These conditions are not life-threatening but can lead to blindness. Ear Infection: Ear infections can be severe and cause long-term problems for your dog. Earwax can cause infections in your Boodles' ears. Soak a cotton ball in warm water to clean your puppy's ears. Addison's Disease: Addison's disease is a disease in which dogs' adrenal glands stop producing certain hormones. If treatment is not given immediately, it can be fatal. Therefore, you should take your dog to the vet immediately if you notice any signs such as lethargy, vomiting, or lack of appetite. Obesity: Obesity can lead to many other diseases. Your Boodle can gain weight by overeating, not exercising, or eating fatty foods. Excess weight can lead to heart disease, orthopedic problems, and diabetes. A healthy Pitbull Poodle Mix puppy from a good breeder can live up to years. Leave a comment. Breeds The link has been copied! A pitbull mix is a hybrid dog breed that results from crossing a purebred Pitbull with another purebred dog breed. There are many different Pitbull mixes, as Pitbulls are often bred with a variety of other breeds to create new hybrid breeds. Some of the most common Pitbull mixes include the Pitbull Lab mix also known as a Labrabull , the Pitbull Boxer mix also known as a Bullboxer , and the Pitbull Bulldog mix also known as a Bullypit. However, there are many other Pitbull mixes out there, each with its own unique characteristics and temperament. It's important to research the specific Pitbull mix you're interested in and choose a reputable breeder who breeds for temperament and health as well as physical characteristics. It's also important to note that some cities and states have breed-specific legislation BSL that restricts or bans Pitbulls and Pitbull mixes, so it's important to be aware of the laws in your area before considering a Pitbull mix as a pet. Are Pitbull Mixes Uncommon? Pitbull mixes are not uncommon, as many dog breeds are often crossed with Pitbulls. However, it's important to note that not all Pitbull mixes are created equal, and each individual dog can have a unique temperament and personality. Pitbulls can have a reputation for aggression, so it's important to do your research and choose a reputable breeder who socializes their puppies properly and breeds for temperament as well as physical characteristics. Additionally, some cities and states have breed-specific legislation BSL that bans or restricts Pitbulls and Pitbull mixes, so it's important to be aware of the laws in your area before considering a Pitbull mix as a pet. Origin of Pitbull Mixes The origin of Pitbull mixes, like most hybrid dog breeds, is difficult to trace back to a specific time and place. However, it's likely that Pitbull mixes have been around for many decades, as Pitbulls have been a popular breed in the United States since the early s. The first recorded Pitbull mix was the American Staffordshire Terrier, which was developed in the United States by crossing the Pitbull with other breeds, such as the Bulldog and the Black and Tan Terrier. The American Staffordshire Terrier became a separate breed from the Pitbull in the s when it was recognized by the American Kennel Club. Since then, Pitbulls have been bred with a variety of other breeds to create new hybrid breeds, such as the Pitbull Lab mix, Pitbull Boxer mix, and Pitbull Bulldog mix, among others. The exact origin of each Pitbull mix is difficult to trace, as many of these hybrids were likely developed by individual breeders and not through a formal breeding program. Today, Pitbull mixes continue to be popular among dog lovers who are attracted to their unique characteristics and temperament. However, it's important to research and choose a reputable breeder who breeds for health, temperament, and physical characteristics to ensure that your Pitbull mix is a happy and healthy companion. You should also always make sure to keep track of your pup, especially pitbull mixes. You can use a Fi Smart Dog Collar to watch their location and keep track of daily exercise. Meet the Pitbull x Poodle Mix It's difficult to predict the exact personality traits of a Pitbull Poodle mix also known as a Pitoodle or Pitpoo , as each individual dog can inherit different traits from its parents. However, we can make some generalizations based on the personality traits of both parent breeds. Pitbulls are known for being loyal, friendly, and intelligent dogs. They are also strong and athletic, and require plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy. While Pitbulls have a reputation for being aggressive, this is often due to irresponsible breeding or poor socialization, and is not a trait inherent to the breed. Poodles, on the other hand, are known for being intelligent, affectionate, and trainable dogs. They are often used as service dogs and in other working roles due to their intelligence and eagerness to please. Poodles are also hypoallergenic, making them a popular choice for people with allergies. A Pitbull Poodle mix may inherit some combination of these traits, resulting in a dog that is friendly, intelligent, and trainable. However, it's important to keep in mind that mixed breed dogs can be unpredictable in terms of their temperament and behavior, and may require different training and socialization techniques than purebred dogs. As with any dog, it's important to research the specific breed mix you're interested in and choose a reputable breeder who breeds for health and temperament as well as physical characteristics. It's also important to provide your Pitbull Poodle mix with plenty of exercise, training, and socialization to ensure that they grow up to be well-adjusted and happy dogs. The Pitbull Poodle mix, also known as a Pitoodle or Pitpoo, can be a family-friendly dog with proper socialization and positive reinforcement training. However, as with any mixed breed, each individual dog can have a unique personality and temperament, which can be influenced by both parent breeds. Pitbulls can have a reputation for aggression, but this is often due to irresponsible breeding and lack of proper socialization and training. Poodles, on the other hand, are known for their intelligence, loyalty, and affectionate nature. When these two breeds are crossed, the resulting Pitbull Poodle mix can have a combination of these traits, as well as their own unique personality. Pitoodles can be intelligent, loyal, and affectionate, making them great family pets. They can also be energetic and playful, which can make them good companions for children. However, it's important to note that Pitoodles can have a strong prey drive and may not do well with smaller pets. They also require regular exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behaviors. It's important to choose a reputable breeder who breeds for temperament as well as physical characteristics, and to socialize and train your Pitbull Poodle mix from a young age. With proper care and training, a Pitbull Poodle mix can be a loving and loyal family companion. Tips For Buying a Pitbull Poodle Mix Puppy If you're considering buying a Pitbull Poodle mix puppy, it's important to do your research and choose a reputable breeder to ensure that you get a healthy and happy puppy. Here are some tips to help you in the process: Research the breed: Learn as much as you can about the Pitbull Poodle mix breed, including their temperament, exercise needs , and grooming requirements. This will help you determine if this is the right breed for you and your lifestyle. Look for a reputable breeder: Look for a breeder who breeds for temperament and health as well as physical characteristics. You can ask for recommendations from your veterinarian or local breed clubs, or do an online search for reputable breeders in your area. Meet the parents: When visiting a breeder, ask to meet the parents of the puppies. This can give you an idea of what your puppy's temperament and personality might be like. Observe the puppies: Spend some time observing the puppies to see how they interact with each other and with people. Look for puppies that are friendly, curious, and playful. Ask about health clearances: Ask the breeder about any health clearances for the parent breeds, such as hip and elbow dysplasia, eye diseases, and heart conditions. This can give you an idea of your puppy's potential health risks. Ask for documentation: Make sure the breeder provides you with documentation of the puppy's vaccinations and deworming, as well as any health guarantees or contracts. Get to know the breeder: Ask the breeder questions about their breeding program, their experience with the breed, and how they socialize and train their puppies. By following these tips, you can find a healthy and happy Pitbull Poodle mix puppy that will be a loving and loyal companion for years to come. Temperament of a Pitbull Poodle Mix The temperament of a mixed Poodle dog can vary depending on the other breed s they are mixed with. However, Poodles are known for their intelligence, loyalty, and affectionate nature, which can be inherited by their mixed breed offspring. Poodles are also known for their hypoallergenic coat, which can be passed down to their mixed breed offspring. This can make them a great choice for people with allergies. Mixed Poodle dogs can be friendly, outgoing, and social, making them good family pets. They are also known for their trainability, making them popular as service dogs and for other working roles. However, like any breed, mixed Poodle dogs can have their own unique personalities and temperaments that can be influenced by their genetics and upbringing. It's important to socialize and train them from a young age to ensure that they develop into well-behaved and well-adjusted dogs. Mixed Poodle dogs can be adaptable to different living situations, as long as they receive enough exercise and mental stimulation. They can do well in apartments as long as they receive daily walks and playtime. Overall, the temperament of a mixed Poodle dog can be affectionate, intelligent, and social, making them great companions for the right owner. Grooming a Pitbull Poodle Mix The ease of grooming for a mixed Poodle dog depends on the type of coat they inherit from their Poodle parent. Poodles have curly, low-shedding coats that require regular grooming to prevent matting and tangles. If the mixed breed inherits this type of coat, then grooming can be more challenging. However, if the mixed Poodle dog inherits a coat that is closer to the other parent breed, then at home grooming may be easier. For example, if the mixed breed has a short, smooth coat like a Boxer or Labrador Retriever, then grooming will be less time-consuming and less challenging. Regardless of the coat type, all dogs require regular grooming to maintain their health and appearance. This includes regular brushing to prevent matting and tangles, regular bathing to keep their coat clean, and nail trimming to keep their nails at a healthy length. Mixed Poodle dogs with curly or long coats may require professional grooming every weeks to keep their coat in good condition. This can be costly and time-consuming, so it's important to consider the grooming needs of a mixed Poodle dog before bringing them into your home. It's also important to note that mixed Poodle dogs may be prone to certain health issues that can affect their skin and coat, such as allergies or skin infections. Regular grooming and veterinary care can help prevent and manage these issues. Conclusion Mixed Pitbull Poodle dogs are a popular choice for pet owners due to their intelligence, loyalty, and affectionate nature. They can have a variety of coat types and sizes, depending on the other breed s they are mixed with. The temperament of a mixed Poodle dog can vary depending on the other breed s they are mixed with, but they are generally friendly, outgoing, and social. They can adapt to different living situations, but require regular exercise and mental stimulation. Grooming requirements for mixed Poodle dogs can vary depending on the type of coat they inherit, but regular grooming is necessary for all dogs to maintain their health and appearance. Some mixed Poodle dogs may require professional grooming every weeks, which can be costly. It's important to consider the specific needs of a mixed Poodle dog before bringing them into your home. This includes researching their temperament, grooming requirements, and any potential health issues they may be prone to. With proper care and attention, mixed Poodle dogs can make loving and loyal companions. For more helpful articles about pet-parenting tips, check out the Off Leash blog at TryFi. Want to know more about TryFi. This is the fastest way to find your dog after an escape. Try the Fi Dog Collar today! The link has been copied! You might also like. Are Poodle Pitbull Mixes Friendly? The short answer for this is yes, Poodle Pitbull mixes can be very friendly. Although both Poodles and American Pitbull Terriers are loving, energetic, family companions, each breed has distinctive tendencies, and every dog its own unique personality. Whereas Poodles tend to be a bit more dignified, intelligent, and aloof, Pitbull breeds are usually more people-oriented, playful, and eager to please. Because both of these breeds have a loyal and protective nature, Poodle Pitbull mixes are prone to being shy around strangers and can be known to bark, though they are rarely aggressive in any way. This makes it especially important that they receive plenty of socialization and basic training beginning in their puppyhood and continuing throughout their lives. With keen intelligence and a desire to please, this mixed breed is highly trainable, but because they tend to be sensitive, you should mainly rely on positive reinforcement when training and interacting with them. Just like people, dogs will have unique exercise requirements based on their genetics, diet, size, gender, and overall health. Both standard Poodles and American Pitbull Terriers are active breeds that need plenty of daily exercise, so you should expect that your Poodle Pitbull mix will need the same. A post shared by Dani Marie wild. Pitbulls have an abundance of stamina and both of these breeds have a lot of energy and drive, so they will require regular moderate exercise to stay happy and healthy. Poodle Pitbull mixes can have a high-maintenance curly coat with minimal shedding or a sturdy, short coat that requires weekly brushing. Pitbull breeds like American Pitbull Terriers, on the other hand, have a very easy coat to care for since their fur is quite short and sheds frequently. Similar to Poodles, American Pitbull Terriers have a single coat, and their fur sheds whenever the hair has reached its genetically determined length before dying and falling out. Being brushed once or twice a week is typically plenty and bathing is only necessary when the dog is visibly dirty. Even the healthiest of dogs can be prone to conditions or illnesses, and your Pit Boodle will be no exception. Gastric Dilatation Volvulus, usually known as Bloat, is another dangerous condition in which the gut and internal organs become twisted, resulting in cellular damage or even organ death. Some sources mention that as much as half of all standard Poodles also suffer from Sebaceous Adenitis, which causes the immune system to attack the sebaceous oil glands and skin, leaving dandruff, thick or scaly skin, hair loss, and skin infections. American Pitbull Terriers, although typically robust and hearty, are still prone to several different health concerns. One of the biggest issues for the average Pitbull is allergies; food allergies and allergies to materials like grass or dust are very common. Another health concern for Pitbulls is their increased likelihood of having heart issues like congenital heart disease as well as murmurs or irregular heartbeats. Hypothyroidism is another very serious issue for many Pitbulls, characterized by a lack of thyroxine, causing secondary issues like lethargy, muscle loss, weight gain, infections, and hair loss. You can expect your standard Poodle Pitbull mix to be between inches cm tall and weigh around pounds kg. As with many other physical factors of designer dogs, predicting the expected size of your dog may prove difficult. Standard Poodles are known as medium to large-sized dogs. Their adult height is usually inches tall at the shoulder, with the males typically on the larger end of the spectrum. Similarly, where female Poodles generally weigh between 45 and 60 pounds, males can weigh anywhere from 45 to 70 pounds. This breed has a square frame, long slender legs, and elegant features. American Pitbull Terriers are usually considered medium-sized dogs, largely due to their stocky body type. Females are typically inches tall, while males are only fractionally larger at inches tall. Pitbulls can weigh anywhere from 30 to 85 pounds, depending mostly on their family line rather than their gender. Depending on which parent the dog takes after most will best determine their estimated lifespan. Generally speaking, you can expect a Pitbull Poodle mix to reach years with two years more or less definitely being possible. Across the board, most rescues, expert sources, and breed associations agree that standard Poodles generally live between years. American Pitbull Terriers, on the other hand, have a wide variety of expectations; with most claiming they usually live 8 years. This discrepancy of the statistics may have something to do with the abuse and suffering which was often fatal in Pitbulls who were forced to fight for their lives. Are Poodle Pitbull Mixes Expensive? Like other designer dogs, this mixed breed can greatly vary in pricing depending on their breeder and location. Because there are no breed standards or breed associations in place, breeders can charge as much as people are willing to pay for their Pit Boodle puppies. Many of these puppies are coming from irresponsible or inexperienced breeders, who may or may not be acting ethically. Pitbull mixes are sadly plentiful in shelters, it may be harder to find one mixed with a Poodle though. Just like other pets, having a dog can be quite expensive when you consider all the costs involved. If you start with just the normal base expenses, that will probably include food, bedding, toys, and treats. Even more costly is veterinary care such as wellness checks, vaccines, and preventative care for your furry friend. In the end, though, keeping a member of your family happy and healthy for the many years to come is worth every penny. Make sure to read up about everything you need to know about a potential new family member. If you have any questions, feel free to ask or share with us your experiences on owning a Pitbull Poodle mix! Disclaimer: This blog post does not substitute veterinary attention and does not intend to do so. I am not a veterinarian or pet nutritionist. If your dog shows any sign of illness, call your vet. Post navigation. Today, we will talk about a Pitbull Poodle mix, a cross that is a unique designer breed. It is a cross between an American Pit Bull terrier and any of the Poodle sizes. But it is not easy to predict how the dog will turn out to be. Nickname Pit Boodle, this friendly, affectionate, and loving dog is an amazing family pet. This puppy is naturally gentle and sweet, well-suited to active family life. While it is generally known as Pit Boodle, some also call it Pitbull Poo. These Poodle mix puppies do not get a bad reputation like the Pitbull. But we have to mention that the American Pit Bull terrier is not aggressive or dangerous like many portray him. When it comes to size and appearance , these mixes are unpredictable. Meet The Parents We have two different characters here, and you will be surprised which one is the friendlier one. Poodle Poodles are famous for their intelligence and ease of training. They are lively, active, and fun-loving dogs. They thrive on attention and can develop anxiety problems if left alone for long periods. Smaller Poodle puppies can be more aggressive and prone to barking. But such is the case with small dogs. Nowadays, this elegant dog is associated with France, but it was originally bred in Germany to hunt. This might surprise you, but Poodles are not as friendly. They are the arrogant dogs of the canine world. They are not interested in socializing with others outside of their family. Here are some common personality traits of a Poodle puppy: Highly intelligent dogs that love to work and train Retain some of their hunting instincts Extremely attached to the family Prone to separation anxiety when left alone for longer periods Active and fun-loving dogs Pit Bull This might come as a surprise, but of the two parent breed dogs, Pitbulls are the friendlier. They are among the most affectionate, loving, and loyal dogs in the canine world. They adore everyone, be it people or animals. This fun-loving Pitbull breed is a loving companion, gentle, and patient with every family member. They were bred to be courageous, and have a bad reputation because of their history. Back in the day, they were bred for participating in dog-fighting sports. But nowadays, the modern Pit Bull dog breed is far from a fighting dog. Life with a Pitbull breed is always an adventure. They are always up for playing and having fun. Here are some common personality traits: Loyal, affectionate, and gentle with every family member Full of energy and always up for an adventure They might be stubborn at times Always have a smile on their face Spread positivity in the household Appearance We said before that appearance is difficult to predict. How the Poodle Pitbull mix will look depends on several factors, and the size of the Poodle parent is one of them. Poodles are built differently than Pitbulls. Unlike Poodles, Pit Bull puppies are muscular. On the other hand, Poodle puppies are slender and look elegant. The build of the Pitbull Poo depends on which genes it will inherit. It is hard to predict the looks of this puppy. If it takes after the Poodle, it grows into a leaner form with long and skinny legs. And if it inherits genes from the American PitBull terrier, it will grow into a muscular build with a boxy silhouette. The coat is often inherited from the Poodle parent, and it is thick and curly. In very rare cases, it might inherit the short and smooth coat of the Pitbull. Yet, generally, this Pitbull Poodle Mix puppy can grow to be a medium-sized dog. The fully grown pet can grow between 18 and 24 inches and weigh between 40 and 70 pounds. Temperament Both Poodles and Pitbull Terriers are loving and energetic family companions. But they also have distinctive tendencies. The Poodle is a bit more dignified and aloof, while the Pitbull is friendly, people-oriented, and playful. Both are remarkably loyal and bond with their family instantly. Pitbulls are sometimes known as nanny dogs, and it is all because of their loving personality. With that in mind, Standard Poodle mix puppies are loving, friendly, remarkably loyal, and playful. They are less dignified than their Poodle parent but not as friendly as their Pitbull parent. They must receive early socialization to make sure they can thrive around other animals and people outside of their family circle. But the good thing is they have a keen desire to please, which can help in training. Training The good news is that this mixed puppy is highly trainable. Their intelligence, keen desire to please, and loyal personality makes them easy to train. You can train them easily as long as you are patient and understanding. We talked about socialization. It is vital to do it at an early age because it will help them grow to be friendly to people and other animals. The good news is that your pet will pick up commands and cues easily and quickly. Exercise Needs As we said before, you are working with an energetic puppy here. Poodle mix puppies need quite a lot of physical exercise and mental stimulation. Speaking of physical exercise, your dog will need between 60 and 90 minutes of it. You can play plenty of games, or take your puppy hiking, jogging, or other outdoorsy activities. But make sure to add some mental stimulation to daily exercise as well. The Poodle parent is quite intelligent, and they need to exercise their brain. Remember, Poodles were bred to be working dogs. So, work them! Is The Breed Hypoallergenic? One of the reasons why people nowadays want Poodle mix puppies is to get a hypoallergenic dog. One of the signature features is they do not shed. Will your mix shed or not? Well, it depends on which coat genes it will inherit. If your dog has a coat similar to the Poodle parent, you will spend a lot of time brushing, but there will be no dog hair around. If your dog inherits more of the Pit Bull gene, you will spend less time brushing, but more time cleaning around the home. Health Issues Crossbreeds suffer from fewer health issues compared to purebred dog breeds. One of the reasons for mixing dogs is to reduce the risk of health issues. Selecting breeding between purebred dogs narrows the gene pool, and that can result in a lot of genetic defects. Your Poodle Pitbull mix can suffer from some of the conditions that both parents have. Those include hip dysplasia, bloat, ear infections, heart disease, and obesity. But the good news is that the percentage of the risk is a lot lower. Each dog breed has its downsides and upsides. Here are some downsides of owning this Poodle Pit mixed breed. Can be a bit stubborn because of its Pitbull genes Cannot predict the size Highly energetic, you have to spend a lot of time on exercise Top 3 Reasons To Get It Here are some reasons why you should get this American Pitbull terrier and Poodle mix: High chances of getting a hypoallergenic breed Friendlier than a Poodle puppy Loving, loyal, affectionate, and gentle companion dog Facebook. They have both the strength of the Pitbull and the intelligence of the Poodle. With the right care, socialization, and training, you can be sure that the Pit Boodle will be a wonderful companion even for kids! Aside from being a great family dog, the Pitbull Poodle mix is also known for its adaptability and instinct for obedience. To understand the Pitbull Poodle mix better, we can take a glance at the parent breeds and know their history. One of these theories says that Poodles were bred from rugged Asian herding dogs and were then captured by an ethnic group native to North Africa called Berbers. Another theory is that they were descended from dogs that left the Asian steppes with the nomadic German people called the Goths. In the past, Poodles were often used as hunting dogs and duck retrievers. Because of this, they were owned not by the common folk but by wealthier families who hunted fowls. They were originally bred from Old English Bulldogs who fought and killed bulls for entertainment purposes. After games like bull-baiting were prohibited, other games followed such as ratting in which Bulldogs competed to see who could kill more rats. These games became increasingly popular which led competitors to believe that there was a need for better-skilled dogs. Later, the Pitbull found itself in America, left behind its old identity and became known as working dogs. They helped in hunting and protecting livestock and families. Photo from mexikiwitex IG How the Pitbull Poodle mix will look when fully grown is very unpredictable since Pitbulls and Poodles are built very differently. Pitbulls are muscular which shows their strength while Poodles are slender and exude elegance. But whether a Pit Boodle puppy will inherit more traits from its Pitbull or Poodle parent, some traits are predictable. These will let you know what to expect from Pit Boodle puppies. Build The build is harder to predict since the Pit Boodle puppy may either take after the Pitbull parent or inherit more from the Poodle lineage. If the Pit Boodle pup takes after the former, it may grow into a muscular build with a boxy silhouette. These pups are generally proportional but they may have slightly longer legs compared to other medium dogs. The coat can come in a multitude of colors, including white, tan, black , grey , and blue, and they may have a brindle pattern. Thus, a fully grown Pitbull Poodle mix can be as small as 18 inches or as tall as 24 inches and can weigh anywhere between 40 to 70 pounds. The Pitbull Poodle mix makes for a great family dog because of the superb temperament inherited from both breeds. Pitbull and Poodle mixes can be great with children as long as they are socialized properly. They are gentle and playful medium-sized dogs who are generally careful around children. Of course, despite this, accidents can happen at any time. Socializing them at a young age will decrease the chances of any accidental injury from happening. This could result in aggressiveness but this can easily be prevented if you train your pup well enough. As much as possible, the Pit Boodle pup should not be left at home alone since they can feel scared and agitated. This could lead to them biting and gnawing at anything they can reach. If it goes on for an extended period of time, this behavior could get worse. Female Pitbull: Which Is Better? Every dog is different, and the same is true for each Pit Boodle puppy. Their size can affect their expected lifespan, with some smaller Pitbull Poodle mixes living longer than the larger ones. The Pitbull Poodle mix is generally a healthy dog but as with all animals, they are at risk of a few health issues. Since the Pit Boodle is a mixed breed, they can inherit the known health conditions of either parent. In general, Pit Boodles have a life expectancy of 9 to 15 years. Hip Dysplasia: Both Pitbulls and Poodles are at risk of hip dysplasia , which makes it a very high-risk condition for Pit Boodles. To avoid the risk of hip dysplasia, make sure your pup has a healthy lifestyle. Otherwise, they can easily develop arthritis and other mobility difficulties. If left alone, skin infections are likely. Bloat: One of the most common health issues, bloat is usually seen in dogs with improper diet and insufficient exercise. If left unchecked, this can be fatal for your dog. Obesity: Another common health issue caused by an improper diet and lack of exercise, prolonged obesity can lead to several health issues such as many types of cancer, diabetes mellitus, heart disease, hypertension, osteoarthritis, and faster degeneration of affected joints. Advantages and Disadvantages of Breeding Pitbull and Poodle Together For years, crossbreeding has been controversial in the dog world. Crossbreeding has advantages and disadvantages, and the same is true for crossbreeding a Poodle and a Pitbull. Some dog enthusiasts prefer crossbreeds because they often have a unique look. This is especially true for the Pitbull and Poodle mix because of how different the parents look. They may also be at a lower risk of congenital diseases, especially if only one of the parents is a carrier. In the future, the Pitbull Poodle mix can become the basis for a new dog breed. For example, because hip dysplasia is common among both parents, it is a high-risk condition for Pit Boodles. Lastly, because designer dogs are becoming increasingly popular, some mixed-breed dogs can be more expensive than purebreds. If you want to bring home a Pit Boodle pup, be prepared to spend some money. Brush their teeth regularly even if chewable treats are given and take them to the vet from time to time to ensure that your health habits are checked and okay for your pitbull poodle mix. If you give your dog table food, chances are, it will develop illnesses brought about by human food. Opt to stick to dog food pellets, soft meat, etc. Bloating: this is a common thing among different breeds. Bloating leads to gastric dilatation-volvulus if not addressed immediately and may lead to death. Hip dysplasia: Poodles are prone to have joint dysplasia most commonly in the hip and pelvic area. This occurrence happens when joints pop out of the socket, causing immense pain for the hybrid. Pitbull Crossed With Poodle Food Requirements Make it a point to ensure and prioritize the type of food you allow your dog to eat because this will significantly affect its longevity of life and health status. Take note of the size and needs of each breed it came from so you may plan a specific diet for your hybrid. Treats are good for training as well but refrain from making it a daily habit to lessen weight gain. Make sure you choose snacks that have low caloric content. Take note of the nutrients needed to ensure a proper diet. Always choose foods that are rich in protein, as they are high energy dogs. Make sure to avoid typical dog allergens such as wheat, corn, and potatoes. Your dog might be prone to skin diseases as well, and its best to strictly follow feeding instructions. If you look hard enough, the market offers a lot of high-quality foods you can give your pitbull poodle mix. Instinct takes pride in improving the coat of any dog that stays on their dog food for a while. High-energy dogs will surely benefit from all the protein this brand gives. It also contains oat fiber for proper digestion, and dried cranberries, blueberries, and spinach as antioxidants. It includes chicken, fish, and whitefish meal. Antioxidants such as Vitamin E, beta carotene, fruits, and vegetables are incorporated to boost the immune system. Oatmeal, barley, brown rice, and rye are included to promote digestion and L-carnitine for fat burning. Their product has natural microorganisms to help aid digestion in line with the incorporation of lentils as a fiber source. Considering that your gorgeous mixed breed is a medium-size dog, you can offer them either the best dry dog food for small dogs or the best large breed dry dog food — it may surprise you to find out which parent they take their taste for food after! Whichever brand you settle on, make sure that it is only the best dry dog food kind as going for the worst dry dog food may have dire consequences on the overall health of your pooch. Pitbull Poodles Exercise Requirements Your boodle is a product of two very different breeds: one is highly active, and the other focuses more on the intellectual aspect so it would be best to choose equipment or toys that can exercise them physically, as well as train their minds and awaken their sensitivity. Make sure you schedule play time with your dogs, whether its walking or running or playing in the park to ensure that they have a healthy lifestyle. You can also incorporate exercise in your home. Try playing hide and seek or fetch in your backyard, anything to keep your dog going and panting. Physical and mental exercises are essential to avoid putting your boodle in an idle state, which can lead to depression, boredom, and destruction. Try your best to plan any form of activity that will keep your pups active physically and mentally. To improve your exercise regimen, here are some toys you can purchase: Canine Hardware Chuckit! Classic Launchers: This is perfect for the non-athletic, stay at home type of owners. This product is also ideal for the energetic side of your hybrid, without giving you the sore arm from repeatedly throwing the ball. FluffyPal Chew Toys For Puppies Small Dogs And Medium Dogs: This product is an all-in-one type because it can be a teething toy which can remove tartar, a potential favorite toy, and it also has a vanilla scent to counter any dog drool smell. Not only does it exercise your hybrid, but it also teaches it about rewards and positive outcomes when they follow a command. Hear Doggy! With the balanced need for exercise, you can choose to specify activities that will enhance their physical and mental abilities. Make sure you have enough space for them to run around and play. So this can be a bit of a challenge because you need to exercise both aspects. Pit bulls tend to exercise wanting the alpha position, which needs training that involves firmness, confidence, and a strong will. A poodle is an intelligent type and will be a bit challenging to train, so they need more patience and understanding. Always start training once you establish what you want and need for your pup. Train your puppies before reaching a year old, starting from simple commands until more difficult ones. Here are tips to make training easier for your boodle: Plan What You Want To Teach: To avoid confusion for your dog, make sure you have a plan as to what commands you want your dog to learn. Schedule Shorter Sessions: The reason for this is to have a higher attention span. If you think long sessions bore your hybrid, cut them down to at least 30 minutes to an hour to ensure, you have their full attention. Practice Positive Reinforcement: a poodle is an intelligent breed, and they remember when you praise them for doing something right. They tend to be shy and aggressive towards new people, which might be the case for your boodle. You can visit the vet and ask for tips, or you can bring them to the park until they familiarize themselves with different people and dogs as well. Potty Training: This is an essential type of training for almost all dogs. It saves you effort and money, and it also lessens the stress of accidentally stepping on unwanted stuff. Throughout history, pit bulls are known and recognized as dangerous and aggressive. On the other hand, poodles require mental stimulation and constant socialization. A mix of the two breeds will still require socialization training. Your pitbull poodle mix can be stubborn at times, but they are also easy to train. Make it a habit to remind family members that your dog needs to exercise, so that you can take turns as to who will take the dog out for a walk. Having a big space is ideal for the energetic side of your dog. Miniature Pit Boodles Source: cmwandsylviedoodle A miniature pit boodle will typically weigh between pounds kg with heights ranging from inches cm. Regardless of the size, Pit Boodles can adapt well to various living situations, including apartments, if given adequate space for physical activities. In addition to their size, Pit Boodles inherit other traits from their parent breeds that make them unique among mixed breed dogs. Their coat type, temper, and health requirements can all be deciding factors in how well they fit into your home and lifestyle. To learn more about these factors, be sure to explore our other sections on Pitbull Poodle mixes. Key Takeaway: Pit Boodles, or Pitbull Poodle mixes, are medium-sized dogs that can adapt well to different living environments. Their size depends on the type of Poodle involved in the mix and ranges from pounds for Toy Pit Boodles to pounds for Standard Pit Boodles. Regular exercise and mental stimulation are essential for their happiness and health. Health Considerations in Pit Boodles Pitbull Poodle mixes, like any other breed, may inherit certain health issues common to either one or both parent breeds. Hypothyroidism A lack of hormones produced by the thyroid gland can cause symptoms such as weight gain, lethargy, and hair loss. Learn more about hypothyroidism in dogs. Regular eye check-ups with a vet who specializes in ophthalmology are crucial for owners of pitbull poodle mix dogs. Find out more about common eye problems in dogs. Signs may include nausea, looseness of the bowels, exhaustion, augmented thirst or peeing. Early diagnosis and proper medication can manage this condition effectively for affected dogs. A balanced and nutritious dog food that meets the specific needs of your individual dog will help support their immune system and promote optimal health. Regular check-ups with a veterinarian are also crucial in monitoring any potential health issues and ensuring early intervention if needed. Nature of Pitbull Poodle Mixes Source: charlie. Thanks to their poodle parent, they have a low-shedding and allergy-friendly coat. Mixed Coat: Some pitbull poodles inherit mixed coats featuring characteristics from both parents; grooming needs will depend on the specific combination present in your individual dog. Additional Allergy Considerations Besides their hypoallergenic coats, regular cleaning of your home, including vacuuming floors and washing pet bedding, will reduce allergens in your environment. Giving your pitbull poodle mix regular baths using gentle shampoos designed for dogs can also help keep dander levels low. In summary, pitbull poodle mixes are a great choice for people with allergies due to their low-shedding nature and unique coat types inherited from their parent breeds. Bull Poodle Exercise Requirements Source: dooblewillie Pitbull poodle mixes, also known as Boodles, are energetic and lively dogs that require regular exercise and mental stimulation to stay healthy both physically and mentally. These high-energy dogs inherit their active nature from both pitbull breeds and poodles , making it essential for owners to incorporate plenty of playtime into their daily routine at home or outdoors. Outdoor Activities for Your Bull Poodle Mix Dog parks: Visiting a dog park allows your Boodle to socialize with other dogs while burning off energy through running, playing fetch, or engaging in interactive games. Hiking: Hitting the trails is an excellent way for you and your pitbull poodle mix puppy to explore new environments together while getting some much-needed exercise. Swimming: Many pitbull poodle mix dogs enjoy swimming which can be a great low-impact activity that helps keep them cool during hot summer months. Mental Stimulation Ideas for Your Pit Poodle Mix In addition to physical activities, providing mental stimulation is crucial in keeping your bull poodle mix engaged and happy. Here are some ideas on how you can challenge their intelligent minds: Puzzle toys: Interactive puzzle toys like Kongs or treat-dispensing balls can help keep your dog entertained while working out their problem-solving skills. Obedience training: Teaching your pitbull poodle mix new commands and tricks not only strengthens the bond between you but also challenges their intellect. Scent games: Hide treats or toys around the house for your Boodle to find, encouraging them to use their powerful sense of smell in a fun way. See also Discover the Adorable World of Full Grown Pomsky Dogs Maintaining an active lifestyle is essential for keeping your pitbull poodle mix healthy and happy. By providing ample opportunities for exercise and mental stimulation, you can ensure that your furry companion remains physically fit while preventing boredom-related behavioral issues. Discover what your Boodle pup loves by trying out different activities — this can help you both stay healthy and content. Key Takeaway: Bull Poodle mixes are active and lively dogs that require regular exercise and mental stimulation. Owners should incorporate outdoor activities like visiting dog parks, hiking, and swimming as well as mental stimulation ideas such as puzzle toys, obedience training, and scent games to keep their pitbull poodle mix healthy both physically and mentally. Pit Boodles: The Perfect Mix of Pitbull and Poodle Pit Boodles, a hybrid of the Pitbull and Poodle breeds, are characterized by their hypoallergenic coats which make them an ideal choice for allergy sufferers. These family-friendly dogs are a great choice for those who suffer from allergies related to pet hair or dander. Grooming needs might differ based on the specific coat inherited by your Boodle, so some level of maintenance could still be required such as brushing or occasional trimming especially if your pup has longer hair similar to poodles. Brushing: Regular brushing helps remove loose hair and keeps the coat healthy. For shorter coats like those found in many Pit Bulls, once-a-week brushing should suffice. Bathing: Bathe your pitbull poodle mix every four-to-six weeks using gentle dog shampoo specifically formulated for their skin type. Be sure not to overbathe as this can strip away natural oils and cause dryness or irritation. Nail Trimming: Trim nails regularly every three-to-four weeks using appropriate tools such as nail clippers or a grinder. This helps prevent overgrown nails that can cause discomfort and potential injury. Clean them gently using an ear cleaning solution recommended by your veterinarian to help prevent infections. Diet and Nutrition For Your Pit Boodle In addition to grooming needs, it is crucial to provide proper nutrition for your pitbull poodle mix puppy. A high-quality diet tailored specifically for their breed size and activity level will ensure they receive all the necessary nutrients required for healthy growth and development. What is the best food for your dog? The three foods that are super healthy and that almost every dog loves, even the pickiest dogs, are: 1. There are a number of fresh frozen dog foods available on the market and I tested them all. You can see the fresh frozen food test here. Pitbulls are a medium-sized breed with a muscular build and short, smooth coats. They typically weigh between 30 and 70 pounds and stand between 17 and 21 inches tall at the shoulder. Poodles are a breed of dog in three sizes: Standard, Miniature, and Toy. Standard Poodles are the largest of the three and typically weigh between 45 and 70 pounds and stand between 15 and 24 inches tall at the shoulder. Miniature Poodles are smaller, weighing 15 and 17 pounds and standing between 11 and 15 inches tall at the shoulder. Finally, toy Poodles are the smallest, weighing between 6 and 9 pounds and standing between 10 and 11 inches tall at the shoulder. A Pitbull Poodle mix may inherit the size and build of either parent breed or somewhere in between. It is also possible for the breed to exhibit a wide range of sizes and builds, as it is a mixed breed and can inherit a combination of physical characteristics from its parents. A Pitbull Poodle mix is likely to be a medium-sized dog, although it could be smaller or larger depending on its specific parentage and inherited characteristics. As with any mixed breed, it is important to remember that the appearance, size, and weight of a Pitbull Poodle mix can vary widely, and it is impossible to predict what a particular dog will look like based on its parentage alone. Therefore, it is always best to meet a dog in person and spend some time with it before deciding to adopt or purchase it. Poodle Pitbull Mix Temperament The temperament of a Poodle Pitbull mix can vary widely, as it is a mixed breed and can inherit a combination of behavioral traits from its parent breeds. Pitbulls are generally known for their loyalty, affectionate nature, and high energy levels. They are intelligent and trainable but can also be stubborn and strong-willed. Poodles are known for their intelligence, trainability, and energetic personality. They are also known for their ability to learn quickly and excel in obedience and agility competitions. A Poodle Pitbull mix may inherit the friendly and affectionate nature of the Pitbull, as well as the intelligence and trainability of the Poodle. However, it is important to remember that mixed breed dogs, including the Poodle Pitbull mix, can exhibit a wide range of temperaments and behaviors, and it is impossible to predict what a particular dog will be like based on its parentage alone. As with any mixed breed or purebred dog , it is important to remember that all dogs are individuals and can exhibit various temperaments and behaviors. It is also important to consider the needs and personality of your household when choosing a dog and to select a breed or individual dog that is a good match for your lifestyle and living situation. Pitbull Poodle mixes can be good family dogs and may be good around other pets. Still, it is important to remember that all dogs, including mixed-breed dogs, are individuals and can exhibit various temperaments and behaviors. Pitbulls are generally known for their affectionate nature and are often good with children and families. A Pitbull Poodle mix may inherit the friendly and affectionate nature of the Pitbull, as well as the intelligence and trainability of the Poodle. However, it is important to remember that mixed breed dogs, including the Pitbull Poodle mix, can exhibit a wide range of temperaments and behaviors, and it is impossible to predict what a particular dog will be like based on its parentage alone. As with any mixed breed or purebred dog, it is important to remember that all dogs are individuals and can exhibit various temperaments and behaviors. It is also important to consider the needs and personality of your household when choosing a dog and to select dog breeds or individual dog that is a good match for your lifestyle and living situation. Advertisements Pitbull Poodle Mix Exercise Requirements Pitbull Poodle mixes are likely energetic and playful and require regular exercise to keep them happy and healthy. Both parent breeds, Pitbulls and Poodles, are known for their high energy levels and need for regular exercise. Providing a Pitbull Poodle mix with daily walks and play sessions is important to help them get the exercise they need. This breed may also enjoy running, playing fetch, and participating in agility or obedience training. It is important to remember that all dogs, including Pitbull Poodle mixes, are individuals and may have different exercise needs. In general, it is important to provide a Pitbull mix Poodle with enough exercise to keep them physically and mentally stimulated, but not so much that they become overly tired or stressed. It is also important to provide a safe and secure area for your dog to run and play off-leash and to supervise them closely during all exercise and play sessions. Training helps to establish boundaries and rules for your dog to follow and can help to prevent behavioral problems from developing. Training also helps to strengthen the bond between you and your dog and can be a fun and rewarding activity for both of you. It is important to start training early with a Pitbull Poodle mix, as with any puppy or dog. Training should be positive, consistent, and patient and involve rewards and praise for good behavior. Pitbull Poodle mixes are likely to be intelligent and trainable and may excel in obedience and agility training. It is important to choose a training method that is positive and reward-based and to avoid using harsh punishment or correction. It is important to remember that all dogs, including Pitbull Poodle mixes, are individuals and may have different training needs and preferences. Pitbull Poodle Mix Health As with any mixed breed or purebred dog, it is important to be aware of potential health concerns when caring for a Pitbull Poodle mix. Mixed breed dogs can be less prone to certain inherited health problems , as they can inherit a more diverse gene pool from their parents. However, they can also be prone to certain common health problems in their parent breeds. It is important to consult with a veterinarian and to obtain a health clearance from the breeder before purchasing a Pitbull Poodle mix puppy. It is also important to keep up with regular veterinary check-ups and promptly address any health concerns. Some health problems that may be seen in Pitbull Poodle mixes include: Hip dysplasia: This is a common inherited condition in which the hip joint is malformed, causing lameness and discomfort. Elbow dysplasia: This is a common inherited condition in which the elbow joint is malformed, causing lameness and discomfort. Heart conditions: Both Pitbulls and Poodles can be prone to certain heart conditions, including heart murmurs and valve defects. Allergies: Pitbulls and Poodles can be prone to allergies, which can cause skin irritation and itching. Eye problems: Pitbulls and Poodles can be prone to certain eye problems, such as cataracts and glaucoma. Hypothyroidism: This is a condition in which the thyroid gland is underactive, causing weight gain, hair loss, and other symptoms. It is important to remember that this list is not exhaustive and that all dogs, including Pitbull Poodle mixes, can also be prone to other health problems. Therefore, it is always best to consult a veterinarian and follow a regular preventive healthcare routine to help keep your dog healthy. Pitbull Poodle Mix Lifespan The lifespan of a Pitbull Poodle mix puppies can vary widely, as it is a mixed breed and can inherit a combination of characteristics from its parent breeds. However, pit bulls generally have a lifespan of around years, while Poodles have a lifespan of around years. It is important to remember that all dogs, including mixed-breed dogs, are individuals and can have different lifespans. Therefore, it is always best to consult with a veterinarian and follow a regular preventive healthcare routine to help your dog live a long and healthy life. Puppies and adult dogs have different nutritional requirements and feeding them a diet appropriate for their age and size is important. Puppies should be fed a diet specifically formulated for growing dogs and containing adequate amounts of protein, fat, and other nutrients to support their growth and development. Following the feeding recommendations on the puppy food packaging, it is important to divide the daily amount into multiple meals. Adult Pitbull Poodle mixes should be fed a diet appropriate for their size, age, and activity level. Therefore, it is important to choose a high-quality diet formulated for adult dogs that meets their nutritional needs. In addition, it is important to follow the feeding recommendations on the packaging of the adult dog food and to divide the daily amount into multiple meals. It is important to remember that all dogs, including Pitbull Poodle mixes, are individuals and may have different food and nutrition requirements. Generally, feeding a Pitbull Poodle mix a balanced and nutritionally complete diet is important to avoid overfeeding or underfeeding. Providing plenty of fresh water and avoiding feeding table scraps or other unhealthy foods is also important. Advertisements Cleaning, Grooming, and Shedding Cleaning, grooming, and shedding are important considerations when caring for a Pitbull Poodle mix. The breed may also exhibit a wide range of coat lengths and textures, depending on the specific traits inherited from its parents. In general, Pitbulls have short, smooth coat that requires minimal grooming. However, they should be brushed occasionally to remove dead hair and keep their coats clean and healthy. Pitbulls shed moderately, and their shedding can be managed with regular brushing. Poodles have a long, curly coat that requires regular grooming to maintain their appearance. Poodles should be brushed and combed regularly to prevent tangles and mats, and their coat should be trimmed every weeks. Are Pitbull Poodle Mixes Hypoallergenic? In addition, poodles are known for being hypoallergenic , which means they produce fewer dander and allergens than some other breeds. As a result, they may shed less than other breeds and may be a good choice for people with allergies. A Pitbull Poodle mix may inherit the coat type and grooming needs of either parent breed or exhibit a wide range of coat lengths and textures. It is important to keep your Pitbull Poodle mix clean and well-groomed to help maintain their health and appearance. It is also important to brush and comb their coat regularly to remove dead hair and prevent tangles and mats. In addition, it is important to provide your dog with regular baths, as needed, using a dog-specific shampoo, and to keep their nails trimmed to prevent them from becoming too long. It is important to remember that all dogs, including Pitbull Poodle mixes, are individuals and may have different grooming and shedding needs. In general, Poodle mixes may be more expensive than Pitbull mixes , but it is important to remember that the cost of a dog is just one factor to consider when deciding to adopt or purchase a dog. Even though mixed breeds are becoming increasingly common among breeders, the Pitbull Poodle mix might still be tough to locate. However, this quantity differs between all rescue groups. If you want to adopt from a rescue group, you should be aware that there are specific standards you must satisfy. On the other hand, getting a Pitbull Poodle mix puppy from a reputable breeder is more expensive. The following are some potential expenses that may be associated with owning a Poodle Pitbull mix: Initial purchase or adoption fee: This cost can vary depending on where you get your Poodle Pitbull mix, but it could be anywhere from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars. Food: You must purchase food for your Pitbull Poodle mix regularly. The cost of food will depend on the size and age of your dog, as well as the type of food you choose to feed them. Veterinary care: Pitbull poodle mix temperament is crucial. So take your puppy to the vet regularly for check-ups, vaccinations, and any necessary medical treatment. Supplies: You will need to purchase supplies for your Poodle Pitbull mixes, such as a collar, leash, bed, toys, and grooming tools. Training and socialization: It is important to invest in training and socialization for your Poodle Pitbull mix to ensure they are well-behaved and comfortable in various situations. Boarding or pet-sitting: If you need to leave your Poodle Pitbull mix in the care of someone else when you are away, you will need to budget for the cost of boarding or pet-sitting. This can make them easier to train and good candidates for learning tricks and performing tasks. Low-shedding: Poodles are known for being low-shedding dogs, and a Poodle Pitbull mix may also have this trait. Loyal and affectionate: Poodles and Pitbulls are known for being loyal and affectionate with their owners, and a Poodle Pitbull mix may inherit these traits. This can make them great companions and family pets. Adaptable: A Poodle Pitbull mix may be adaptable to various living situations, including apartments and homes with or without yards. Cons: Size and strength: Poodle Pitbull mixes can be large and strong dogs, making them difficult to manage for some people. This can be especially true if they must be properly trained and socialized. Exercise and mental stimulation needs: Poodles and Pitbulls are energetic breeds requiring regular exercise and mental stimulation. A Poodle Pitbull mix may also have these needs, and it is important to ensure they are properly exercised and entertained to prevent behavioral problems. Health concerns: Like all breeds, Poodle Pitbull mixes may be prone to certain health issues. It is important to research the potential health concerns of both Poodles and Pitbulls and be prepared to address any issues that may arise. Stereotypes: Unfortunately, both Poodles and Pitbulls have been the subject of negative stereotypes in the past, and a Poodle Pitbull mix may also be affected by these biases. It is important to educate yourself about the realities of these breeds and be prepared to address any misconceptions that may arise. Advertisements Final Thoughts In conclusion, Poodle Pitbull mixes, also known as Poodlebulls or Pitpoos, are a unique and potentially rewarding breed for those willing to put in the time and effort to train and socialize them properly. These dogs are usually intelligent, loyal, and energetic and may exhibit physical and behavioral characteristics inherited from both parent breeds. It is also essential to provide Poodlebulls with regular exercise, mental stimulation, and positive reinforcement training to help them reach their full potential as well-adjusted and temperamentally sound pets. Our website is all about Pitbull dogs. Mandy Connelly Mandy has lived with pitbulls her whole life, and she has amassed a wealth of experience and knowledge about these magnificent animals. Having had the pleasure of owning and caring for numerous pitbulls over the years, she has come to understand their unique characteristics, behaviors, and needs. Read more.

F1b have one purebred parent and one cavapoo parent. All our F1b have a poodle parent and a cavapoo parent. If it were a cavalier parent and a cavapoo parent the puppies would shed and may look like mix breed spaniels. Same for cavapoo to cavapoo. I like silly hair cuts! I try to get a photo of each new way I trim their coats. The unique! My affinity for unique color prompted me to look for my favorite color of all time which is blue merle. Chocolate is even more popular and dilute so Cappuccino will produce blue merle cava-poo puppies, and maybe chocolate if the genes are there for the dilute in the Cavalier. Cavapoos are proving to be one of the favorite crosses families are looking for. Cavaliers are super sweet and snuggly so adding a bit more brains, and eliminating shedding makes for a terrific companion! The Maltese are full of themselves and so tiny. Perfect for those who want a really small dog that has some spunk, so crossed with poodle they are very easy to train! We wont have any Maltipoo until when Angelica, Angels daughter, is old enough to have puppies. Bubba is our red AKC miniature poodle from terrific health tested bloodlines. He is very smart and just a cuddle bug. Everyone who visits loves Bubba. They are shocked to learn he is a poodle. He has changed many peoples impressions of poodles, raised with lots of socializing and children like most poodles in that situation a friendly outgoing dog, super smart, and looks like a teddy bear, or lion, or whatever strange thing I have turned him into with silly hair cuts! Also pictures of him as a tiny 13 ounce puppy. He is another dog that proves you cant go by the poodle chart to know how big a puppy will actually get, he should have stayed about 6 pounds if the chart was accurate. I like to trim him like a teddy bear, and experiment with different ways to trim his coat. Some hair cuts are so goofy looking I didn't take any photos of them, but lately I decided to add the whole range to the slide show, even Bubba still wet form a bath! I like the lion cut the most, although the big eyebrow cut is much easier to keep groomed! Bubba has been health tested. He has OFA hips, eyes, and had a DNA test which checks things, which showed he was clear for everything tested, but a carrier for one thing. Carriers can't have the problem. My ex-mother-in-law turned 90 in March .Her dog had passed away a few months earlier. She was set on a dog who did not need to have hair cuts. Kim, my daughter, now goes every week to take her shopping, and on outings. I had done my bossy thing and told her to convince her to get a non-shedding, hypoallergenic dog. She isn't able to clean house well anymore, she has allergies, even though she denies it. Plus there was talk about going into a senior residential community, which I know she would love. Shes a social person. She tried getting 2 cats who needed a home. It didnt work, rubbing on her legs the one was going to knock her down, and they were getting into her many houseplants. I dont even want to think about the litter box situation, older home and plumbing and she was convinced you can just scoop it into the commode.In the outings with Kim she kept pointing at cute little dogs. Kim kept pointing out, Granda those dogs have cute hair cuts, it doesn't grow that way. Kim wisely suggested bringing over a different dog of the varieties she could borrow from us. Then she could meet them see what they are like and maybe keep one. Kim took Bubba first. He hopped in her lap. Before you know it shes asking if he would sleep with her. She never had a dog sleep in the bed due to the fur issue. Bubba slept with us. Kim said she wasn't planning to leave him, she will bring him back and bring the next dog. Edna asked to keep him. So Bubba was her 90th birthday present from us. He is not formally retired but will be as soon as our new red male is old enough and passes his health testing. Bubba adores her. Nothing better then to have a furry best friend. We of course also care for Edna and why I suggested Bubba. I knew she needed a best friend and Bubba is such a great dog. Bubba Bubba and his black poodle son. Bubba, as a puppy. Teddy red Cavapoo, and Bubba when a little baby. Bubba 3 months old, at a dirt bike race. He didn't mind the noise at all. Hunter, super smart 2 year old boy who just loved baby Bubba! Bubba with his fro. Teacup poodles grow to be approximately 3 to 4. Tiny Toy Poodles are between 4. Toy poodles are the largest of the small breed at 6 - 10 lbs at adulthood. Toy Poodles are extremely intelligent and active. This combination of brains and beauty has made them a European favorite. Toy Poodles are easy to train and thrive on pleasing their families when learning new tricks or participating in dog sports. Poodles are a hypoallergenic breed perfect for all family types. Teacup and Tiny toy poodle puppies are for sale in a range of colors including Black Toy Poodles, white, cream, phantom silver, red, and Chocolate Toy Poodle puppies. We also Have the gorgeous and exotic Merle patterns! Merle Toy Poodles for sale. We want our Teacup or Tiny toy Poodle puppies to help your family feel whole! For questions about, don't hesitate to call Collett's at or email us at garygcollett gmail. Projected Adult Weight is 5 - 6 lbs. AKC Registered. Projected Adult Weight is 6 - 7 lbs. Projected Adult Weight 6 - 8 Lbs. Projected Adult Weight is 5 to 7 lbs. Projected Adult Weight 3 Lbs 5 oz. Don't let distance stop you from falling in love with one of Collett's Toy Poodle puppies. We are AKC inspected and approved. You can trust in our healthy, happy puppies! We want our loves to help your family feel whole! Nationwide shipping varies by location. For questions about international shipping, don't hesitate to call Collett's at or email us at garygcollett gmail. Message Us Today!

Old chocolate Labs I have been writing about Labradors for many years now, and there is no doubt in my mind that they are all wonderful dogs. But the chocolate Labrador is special. Meet Rachael, my Beautiful Brown Lab All Labradors are beautiful, of course, but brown Labradors will always hold a special place in my heart. In fact, I am unashamedly biased! You see, I am lucky enough to share my life with Rachael. A female chocolate retriever from a mixture of American and English Lab lines. This is Rachael as a puppy. This page is a celebration of what is for me, one of the most beautiful dogs in the world. Rachael has been a huge source of inspiration for this website, so this is a little tribute to her and a thank you for all she has taught me. Where do Chocolate Labs come from? But they had been around for some years before that. The Labrador breed was developed mainly by a couple of English aristocrats in the s, from dogs they had imported from North America. Although our early Labrador Retrievers were predominantly black, some of these original dogs carried the genetic information required to produce chocolate puppies. Just as some also carried the information required to produce yellow puppies. If mainly black dogs were bred from, you may wonder how a brown puppy was ever born! To understand that, we need to take a peep at the genes that carry the code for coat color in the Labrador retriever. How is the Chocolate Color Inherited in Labradors? The instructions that tell your dog what to look like, and what color to be, come packed in genes. And genes come in pairs. This is true for the gene that determines whether or not the Labrador will be brown this gene is called b or black B. Every Labrador has either two genes for a black coat BB or two genes for a brown coat bb or one of each Bb. The color black in Labradors is dominant. That means that if a Labrador has one gene for the color brown, and one gene for the color black, the dog will be black. This is because his black gene switches off the brown one. The brown gene just sits hidden inside him doing nothing in particular, while the black gene takes control of his coat. What about Chocolate Labs? So for a chocolate Lab puppy to be born, he needs to have those two chocolate genes, one is not enough. However, a black Labrador can sneakily carry a brown gene Bb and pass it along to his children. This is how the color brown can and did remain hidden in generation after generation of black Labradors. Shedding chocolate Labs can appear paler as the undercoat shows through more when deep in shed. In old age their coat can also fade, especially around their face. Why were Chocolate Labs not Wanted? So if there were always brown genes in our Labrador population, there have always been occasional brown puppies. All that was required to produce some chocolate Labrador Retriever puppies was for someone to mate a black dog carrying brown Bb with another black dog carrying brown. And hey presto, some of this litter of puppies are brown! And of course in the days long before DNA tests,, there was no way of knowing for sure that a black dog was carrying brown, until he had made some brown puppies. By which time it was too late! It seems bizarre to us now, in a world where chocolate is such a popular color in dogs. But in the early s only black would do. When did Chocolate Labs become Popular? By the s and 30s a few brown or liver Labradors as they were then called were making an appearance on the shooting field. But for some years more, brown was not widely acceptable to Labrador enthusiasts. Chocolate Labs are loving dogs, full of warmth and enthusiasm That preference continues today, and we still often name our brown Labs after favorite snack bars and chocolate flavored drinks! The s was a turning point in the popularity of the chocolate Lab, but interest grew slowly at first. Gradually, the public began to demand more chocolate Lab puppies, and gradually breeders began to produce them. Over the next few decades, Chocolate Labradors became increasingly popular both in the show ring and as pets. In the shooting community, where Labradors were expected to do a job of work, the preference for black continued. This continued throughout the late s, and into the present day, particularly in the UK. American Chocolate Lab American chocolate Labradors were bred to work, and are also known as field Labradors. The chocolate Lab has now become more established in the working community, but they are harder to find. There is a rumour going around that this is because brown Labradors are a bit stupid! But is it true? You might also have noticed that chocolate Labs are rarely seen as seeing eye dogs. Chocolate Lab Characteristics Just like you and me, every dog is a product of both his environment. As well as the genes he is born with. We have seen that many chocolate Labradors come from show Labrador lines, and these bloodlines tend to have certain characteristics in common. Characteristics that are passed along from parent to puppy. Chocolate Lab size varies quite a bit. Show Labradors English are often more heavily built, and somewhat slower and physically less agile than their field bred counterparts. Some English brown Labs may reach 80 or 90lbs without being fat or overweight. Whereas American chocolate Labs are often lighter. My Rachael, for example, weighs less than 60lbs. Most males of her build will weigh five or ten pounds more. English chocolate Labs are also more likely to have a chunky Labrador head and thick otter tail. And while some feel that the chunkiness of the skull has been taken too far in show lines, there is no denying the beauty of a classic Labrador head. A brown Labrador is more likely to be from these show types of bloodline and are therefore more likely to share these general characteristics. But there is more. Chocolate Lab Temperament American Labs may have a more intense retrieve drive, or urge to chase and retrieve things than their show bred cousins. In short, they are desperate to please. Over many generations this biddable quality has been bred into our working Labs alongside their retrieving and hunting prowess. This has given working dogs a rather different temperament from our show stock. Chocolate Lab Intelligence In show dogs you may see a more robust temperament. An English chocolate Lab is often less concerned over the little ups and downs of life. Nothing is taken too seriously. Many English chocolate Lab owners report that their dogs are especially playful. And I have certainly found that to be the case with Rachael. She adores soft toys and spends hours playing with her Flat Squirrel! However, they may less distractible, more focused and therefore easier to train. This can certainly give the impression of a dog that is pretty smart. These dogs may also be more likely to be black. English Labs are still highly intelligent, highly trainable dogs. The differences between field and show might give you the edge in competition. They are also becoming increasingly irrelevant as we switch to more modern methods of training which are much better at motivating dogs to engage in the training process. We mentioned earlier that the color black has long been favoured by the working retriever community. Experienced, working gundog enthusiasts are less likely to buy a puppy that is not from working lines, and when they do, they are more likely to choose a black dog. Unsurprisingly this means that most working lines of Labs are predominantly black. Black is also a great color for a hunting companion. A yellow dog really stands out in the countryside, even in poor light, so even when yellow dogs became more common, they were not so popular with the hunter. Brown dogs are better camouflaged but became more numerous much later and were embraced first by the pet and show communities. Are Chocolate Labs Stupid? To my knowledge, no study has ever been carried out on the differing intellectual abilities of Labrador of different colors. Everything you hear is based on personal anecdotal stories, often passed along in fun. At least to begin with! She has very intense retrieve drive, but is less naturally keen to share the outcome with anyone. She is also easily distracted and because of this she has taken me a little longer to train than my working line Labs. But it is most unlikely that there is any distinct difference in intelligence between dogs of the same breed that happen to be a different color. Being chocolate does not make a dog stupid Even if there were a difference in learning ability between different colored dogs, it does not mean that one caused the other. The answer lies in the behavior and temperament of dogs from different bloodlines. Types of chocolate Labs The difference in trainability is in short a feature of the difference between the field bred dog and the show bred dog. Not a feature of the color of the dog. It is a coincidence that many chocolate Labradors are English in type, and many black Labs are American in type. Because of this coincidence the characteristics of the show bred Lab tend to be attributed to our brown friends. While the characteristics of the field bred Lab tend to be attributed to our black dogs. So you can see how the myth got started. The fact is, that chocolate Labs from working lines are just as easy to train as black Labs from working lines. But you are less likely to meet a chocolate Lab from working lines at the moment. But rest assured, your chocolate friend is not stupid. With modern training methods you can easily teach him to be a well behaved and obedient dog. Chocolate Labrador Shades Unlike our yellow Labradors — which come in a wide range of shades, the color chocolate is pretty consistent in puppyhood. Most chocolate Labs are quite similar in color. As the old hair dies it starts to lose some of its color, and the dead hair is much paler than the glossy new coat that will soon appear. And though some chocolate Labs are darker than others, even when taking the stage of moult into account, variations between individuals are fairly small, with one very contentious exception. The Silver Labrador. Silver Labs Are Chocolate Labs Silver Labradors have a gene which dilutes the color chocolate and makes it a pale, silvery shade. Some people find this very attractive, while others regard it as an abomination. There is no doubt that a hundred years ago, there was no coat dilution gene in our Labrador Retrievers. We know for sure that this gene has appeared quite recently. The strongest theory is that the gene arrived through cross breeding a Labrador with a dog that carries the dilute coat color gene. A breed such as the Weimaraner for example. This seems rather less likely. Not as silver itself. A bright Future for the Chocolate Lab Throughout history, there have been a number of famous black Labradors, and we tend to associate yellow Labs with the all important role of working as assistance dogs. This is not because chocolate Lab dogs lack the qualities or abilities of black and yellow dogs, but simply because the popularity of the color is a relatively recent phenomenon. There are as we speak, plenty of chocolate Labradors serving in the military, working as assistance dogs and in the shooting field. Maybe you have a story to tell about your own chocolate friend, or maybe you are just starting out on your journey to finding a chocolate Lab to share your life. We have some tips for searching in the right places. The other way, is to buy a chocolate Lab puppy and raise him yourself. There are pros and cons to both rescuing an older dog and raising your own puppy, I go into these in some detail in The Labrador Handbook. It may well depend on what stage of life your family is at and on how experienced you are with dogs in general, and with Labradors in particular. You can buy both books from Amazon by following links above. If rescuing appeals to you, and you are ready for the challenges and the many benefits of giving a dog a new lease of life, there are plenty of rescue societies that specialise in Labradors. Rescuing can be a wonderful and fulfilling way of bringing a lovely brown retriever into your life, so do consider it thoroughly. You can find lots more information here: Is a rescue Labrador right for you and here The right dog for you- Puppy or Rescue? If now is not the right time for you to rescue an older dog. Or if you are getting a Labrador for a special purpose — as a hunting companion for example — you may be better off with a new puppy. If someone wants to sell you a puppy much younger than that, alarm bells should be ringing. You also need to make sure you buy your puppy from the right place. This means choosing the right breeder. And avoiding puppy mills and pet stores. If you want a puppy for hunting, you need to go to a breeder that specialises in field-bred dogs. If you want to get involved in the world of showing, you need to go to a breeder that breeds Labradors for the show ring. It is possible to train a show dog for work, though he or she is unlikely to get far in high level field competitions. It is not normally possible to succeed in the show ring with a field bred dog. Keep this in mind. Chocolate Labrador Puppy Health Labradors of all colors suffer from inherited disorders. Please, please make sure your puppy is from health tested parents — it may all end in tears if you omit this important step. Their parents should have good hip scores, good elbow scores, clear eye tests and be PRA clear too. But does picking a chocolate Lab puppy set you off on the wrong foot in terms of health from the start? Are Chocolate Labs Unhealthy? In a study hit the headlines hard, and had a lot of chocolate Lab owners in a panic. Their research suggested that there is a link between Lab color and not just health, but lifespan too. Over 33, Labs were studies, with .Giving a good sample size. Chocolate Labs in the study were more likely to have dermatitis, which matches with some colloquial findings of owners of silver Labs with skin problems. Ear problems are also more common, and this is in fact something Rachael has even suffered with in the past. Gastrointestinal issues were more common with chocolate Labradors too. Chocolate Labradors live on average for just .At least according to this study. Interestingly, they were least likely to have degenerative joint disease or dental problems. It reduces the chances of your pup becoming ill. But it is also important to look at the coefficient of inbreeding. Chocolate Labs get their color from a recessive gene. This means that to ensure you have a litter of chocolate puppies you need to breed from two chocolate parents. Reducing gene pools will always increase health problems. Finding a puppy with a very low coefficient of inbreeding will help you to avoid some of these problems. In addition to health testing, of course. It would also be sensible to avoid a chocolate Lab puppy with parents with a history of ear or skin problems. You can find out more about health issues in Labradors in this article: Health screening for Labrador Diseases. And there is lots of information on finding a good breeder here: Labrador breeders — how to find a good one Training and Exercising your Chocolate Labrador My advice for training and exercising your chocolate Labrador is to figure out what type of lines your dog is from and adjust your expectations accordingly. Then to follow a good positive reinforcement training programme. Make sure you exercise his mind as well as his body. Even if you never intend to take him hunting, he still needs a job to do, retrieves to complete, toys to find, streams to cross and so on. If your dog is from show lines, he too needs training and plenty of exercise, but he may also need plenty of play. Toys and games, and other dogs to interact with. Training my Chocolate Lab Even at seven years old, Rachael still loves to play with other dogs and with people. She is hugely enthusiastic about meeting people and dogs and prone to be over-friendly. And I have to make a special effort to ensure that she is not allowed to interact with visitors until she is sitting calmly. On the plus side, I have had to spend less time socialising Rachael than I would with a field bred lab. As she takes everything in her stride. Too friendly! You may find she is intensely friendly and rather distractible, so this aspect of his education is important. Above all, treat your chocolate labrador like an individual. He is far more than just a product of his breeding and environment. He is a unique character, there will never be another quite like him Caring for an old Chocolate Lab As the years pass by, we leave behind one set of challenges and they are replaced by new ones. Failing eyesight, stiff joints, and declining hearing. However, these senior years can still be happy and fun filled for many dogs, especially if you keep your dog slim. If your chocolate friend is quite heavily built as many chocolates are, you need to be extra careful to keep an eye on his weight as he ages. More body weight means more stress and strain on joints, this can aggravate problems like arthritis in older dogs. I personally think that elderly chocolate Labradors are particularly beautiful, with their greying muzzles and kind eyes. Of course, you will want to make your old friend as comfortable as you can. Tell us what is so special about your chocolate Labrador and why you think they are the best. We currently have puppies available now as our mothers have hade much larger litters than expected and we had more puppies than people on our waiting list. When searching for a Retriever Breeder in Ontario it never pays to gear your search toward finding a Labrador puppy quickly, rather, focus your efforts on finding a Chocolate Lab puppy of quality, bred by a breeder with a reputation who will stand behind the Labrador Retriever puppies they breed. Please visit our Facebook site by entering luckylabspuppies in the search box on Facebook, see the pictures of our Labrador puppies and hear what our owners have to say about our commitment to quality. Look for quality puppies for sale not quick puppies. A second thing to consider is that you will want your breeder of Labrador retrievers to provide you with support after your Labrador puppy goes home with you. Lucky Labs guarantees this lifelong commitment to support for you and your Lab and we are happy to do so. We have deep discounts to Labrador puppy training websites , many articles on our blog dealing with health, behavior and other aspects of owning a Labrador puppy. We are available for you after your puppy goes home either by email or a phone call. Our availability changes at times in regards to the color of Labrador puppy we have available. As well, there are times when we get so busy and focused on our pups that we may have beautiful ckc yellow black or purebred chocolate lab puppies for sale that are not listed here. So if we are the small scale family based registered breeder for you please send us an application for a puppy in order to get the most accurate and up to date information about what our availability is. Puppies for sale Our silver lab puppies for sale are actually a faded coat chocolate lab. When both parents carry the chocolate gene, and they both carry the dilute gene then the color is diluted to a silver. If you look close you will notice that the silver lab still had brown pigment around its eyes and mouth because officially it is a chocolate lab. Silver Labradors make excellent family dogs. The Labrador Retriever breed regardless of color has been the most popular breed for over 25 years and the Silver Lab is no different. We have some Silver Labs who will be mating in the future resulting in puppies for sale. If you are interested to get on the waiting please read toward the bottom of this page to see what colors we are accepting applications for. For more information about silver Labradors click here. There is 1 male and 1 female yellow Lab puppy available to reserve who go home Oct 7th. One of these yellows will go to an Ontario Police force and the sibling will be available. Please apply below for more information. There are 2 black males available to reserve from this litter. Please apply below. Haddie and Archie Haddie had her puppies. There is 1 chocolate female available to go home Sept .Reservations are available please apply below. Ginger and Hank Ginger had her puppies Aug 5th and they will go home Sept 30th. Available for reservation are 2 black females, and 1 chocolate female. Reservations are available please apply below Chanel and Archie Chanel had her puppies. This litter will go home Oct 7th, 1 yellow male, 2 yellow females, 1 chocolate male and 4 chocolate female puppies are available for reservation. Daisy Flowers and Gus One chocolate female puppy is available for reservation to go home Oct 8. Ruby Emma and Archie Ruby has 5 chocolate males available and 1 chocolate female available to go home Oct 18th. Interested in one of our chocolate lab puppies for sale? Click here and visit the Lab Puppy Quality page for further information and price. If you are ready to apply click the button below and send us an application for one of our puppies for sale. You may want to consider being a guardian of one of our dogs, if so, click here. We are accepting applications for chocolate, silver, and black lab puppies. For chocolates we have some mothers mated who will have puppies ready for homes Sept through December. Our availability changes daily as people reserve puppies and sometimes change their minds for a puppy later on, or a different sex or color. We are expecting one litter with a few yellow puppies who will be ready to go home in Oct. We will have black lab puppies that will be born in August and Sept, reservations are available. For silver litters our next silver puppies will be ready in winter of .We are accepting applications now for our silver waiting list and first born silver puppies will be offered to those on the waiting list in the order that their deposits are received. To reserve one of our silver puppies or to get onto our waiting list for winter silvers please apply below. The earlier you place your deposit the higher up on the list you are. To check the quality of our purebred dogs click here. If you have had a family talk, everyone is on board getting a puppy, and you are ready to take that step please apply here. If you want a puppy later this fall or winter we are accepting applications for those timings as well. If an adult lab is better suited for you view availability on this page. View our Labradors There are many pictures of our Labs on the pages of our website, please click through some of the pages to view them. There is a photo gallery of our dogs here. As well, once a litter is born and we reach your position on the waiting list we will email you a picture of the puppies and the parents for you to decide if you want to move into that litter and take one of the puppies, or, you can wait for the next litter. To see many many more pictures and videos of our dogs please scroll back through our Facebook page as it goes back to .Trained Chocolate Lab Puppies.

They have a short muzzle and have been bred to have an even and pleasant temperament which makes them a great companion for families with children. They are very playful in nature and even have some hilarious moments as they thrive for human attention and long, lasting friendships. French Bulldogs are typically less than 28 pounds. They're consistently in the top 10 of most popular registered dog breeds in America. Before you start asking where can I find a "French Bulldog for sale near me" you need to make sure it's the right breed for you. Here is everything you need to know about French Bulldogs, including their history, appearance, disposition, activity level, care needs, and cost. History French Bulldogs are the result of a cross between Toy Bulldogs imported from England and local ratter dogs in Paris, France, in the s. The breed was then exported to France, where it became known as the Bouledogue Francais. In , these dogs were brought back to England and they eventually made their way to America. Frenchies are now their own specific breed. Appearance When it comes to appearance, the number one thing people associate with them are their large, bat-like ears that are set high on their heads. French Bulldog puppies for sale typically have a stocky build with short legs, a large head, and a stubby tail. A French Bulldog puppy has a wrinkly appearance and a short nose and muzzle. French Bulldogs typically weigh between 20 and 28 pounds and stand 12 to 16 inches tall at the shoulder. Their incredibly gorgeous, short-haired and long-haired coats come in several colors and patterns, such as fawn, tan, brown, chocolate, cocoa, blue or dilute, cream, lilac, Isabella, black, brindle, piebald, and merle. Disposition If you're looking for a small, lovable companion dog, you can't go wrong with a Frenchie. These dogs are known for their affectionate, gentle nature and loving, easygoing personality, and they make great pets for families with children. They can be lively and hilarious. Searching for "French Bulldog puppies near me for sale" and finding the right pup will leave you a companion dog through and through. They love nothing more than to cuddle up with their favorite person and they make excellent lap dogs. They do well in homes with children and other pets, although they can be a bit boisterous at times. They don't bark much and don't like to be left alone for long periods of time. French Bulldog puppies thrive in any environment from apartments to rural areas. Activity Level Looking for French Bulldogs for sale may have you wondering how much exercise a Frenchie requires to be happy and healthy. They are relatively inactive dogs and don't require a lot of exercise, although they do enjoy occasional walks and playtime. They are a great choice for busy people. You won't need a large yard for a Frenchie. Grooming Requirements French Bulldogs are relatively low-maintenance in terms of grooming needs. They can have a short coat that is smooth and soft to the touch. Some long-haired French Bulldog puppies are called Fluffies. When it comes to grooming, French Bulldog puppies only need to be brushed occasionally, and their nails should be trimmed regularly. They are also moderate shedders, so you'll need to do some regular vacuuming to keep your home clean. Training Opting for a French Bulldog puppy for sale is the perfect choice if you're looking for a funny, even-tempered, social pup. Training them can be more challenging since they are so incredibly stubborn. These dogs have big personalities and a mind of their own. You can make training a French Bulldog puppy into a game and offer rewards like food or treats, praise, and playtime. However, with consistency and motivation, their people-pleasing personality will have them trained in no time. Cost If you're wondering, where can I find a "French Bulldog puppy for sale near me? French Bulldog puppies for sale can be higher priced due to their coat length, genetic makeup, and rare coat colors, including which genes they carry, such as the intensity coat color gene variant, dilution, merle, lilac, or Isabella. They also have some health problems that can be expensive to treat, such as hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, and respiratory issues, so be aware of these expenses in addition to regular veterinarian care. However, with proper care, a Frenchie can be a loving and loyal companion for years to come. When looking for Frenchies for sale, it's crucial to factor in the ongoing costs beyond just the initial price. Food, toys, veterinary care, vaccinations, and other ongoing expenses should be taken into consideration. For instance, if you're planning to travel with a fluffy friend, be ready to pay for a pet-friendly transportation service. However, for many owners, the joy and companionship that these beautiful pups provide are well worth the investment. If you're looking for French Bulldog puppies near me, be sure to research breeders carefully. A trustworthy breeder with Frenchie puppies for sale will provide documentation of vaccinations and other health records for their puppies. A good breeder will also be happy to answer any questions you have about the breed, including size, temperament, and grooming needs — so don't be afraid to ask away! Some unscrupulous breeders are known for selling sick or poorly-bred puppies, so it's important to find a reputable source like Pawrade offering happy, healthy French Bulldog puppies for sale through pre-screened breeders. Why Pawrade? Finding a reputable breeder has never been easier Ready to find your perfect French Bulldog? Pawrade is dedicated to connecting loving families with a dog that needs a home. Using Pawrade to browse for a French Bulldog for sale is a reliable way to ensure that you get a dog from a reputable breeder. Our focus is on the health of the dog and ethical, sustainable breeding practices. We ensure that the breeders on our platform are genuine, so you have peace of mind in knowing that you are receiving exactly what you expect. If you've always dreamed of owning this type of dog, choose Pawrade for your French Bulldog for sale and begin a new chapter in your life today! Stop searching for "French Bulldog puppies near me" — you've come to the right place! We understand just how difficult it is to find a legitimate breeder, so we've put our experience and expertise to work for you. Why wait any longer? Browse through our vast selection of puppies for sale from a safe and reputable source. No Puppy Mill Pledge We have zero tolerance toward puppy mills and pride ourselves in connecting you with honest and reputable breeders where puppies are raised with love and compassion. Learn More Health Guarantee As fellow puppy owners, we know the importance of having a happy and healthy puppy. Every puppy is backed by our comprehensive health guarantee. Life Span Did You Know? While the name of this breed is the French Bulldog, their origins cannot be credited to only France. One of the facts about French Bulldogs is that the idea and reason for the creation of the breed originated in England. This adorable dog breed, which has always been meant to be a companion, started as a miniature version of the English Bulldog. This mini-version accompanied lace workers across the English Channel and into France during the Industrial Revolution. Once the dog breed became prominent in France, the subsequent successful crossbreeding of the English Bulldog, Pug, and Terrier led to the creation of the modern-day Frenchie. The French Bulldog we know today originally came to the United States with groups of wealthy Americans who came across them and fell in love while touring Europe in the late s. The French Bulldog was recognized by the American Kennel Club in and is a member of the non-sporting group. The French Bulldog is an easygoing, affectionate, and playful dog that loves their family and gets along well with children. They also love to make new friends, which means they get along well with other dogs, animals, and people. Intelligent and affectionate, this small dog breed certainly wins over hearts and earns its status as a popular companion dog. Frenchies are not known to bark much, unless you train them into it, but they are naturally alert and make excellent watchdogs. As long as they are well-socialized and trained, they tend to have an open and friendly nature. The Frenchie is a highly adaptable dog that pretty much adapts to any living situation that includes plenty of love and attention. Being a short-snouted, snub-nosed dog breed, they do not tolerate heat very well and are also sensitive to cold. This tends to make them one of the dog breeds that hate winter and you will want to make sure to bundle them up to stay warm while out on cold winter walks. Because Frenchies bond closely with their families and thrive on attention from them, they do not tolerate long periods of time alone. They can also be prone to developing separation anxiety if they are poorly socialized or you do not work with them on this when they are young. Potential health concerns to be aware of in French Bulldogs can include cataracts, cherry eye, and entropion. Good breeding practices make a big difference in the health of puppies. Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. Make sure you ask about the health and genetic history of both parents. You can also ask about any health tests or clearances. Heart and joint certifications are recommended for this breed. Playful and happy, the French Bulldog is a great fit for a novice dog owner. They are sweet-tempered, eager to please, and eager to train. Occasionally, Frenchies can be stubborn and they do tend to have big personalities. Although this can sometimes be a challenge for first-time dog owners, it can usually be overcome with consistent and patient training. Puppy training classes are always an option and offer plenty of benefits aside from training. Standard coat colors for Frenchies are Brindle, Cream, Fawn, and combinations of these. They have a short coat that will shed a little year-round. Nail trims once or twice a month keep nails from growing too long and causing issues. Weekly ear checks, along with careful cleanings as needed, can help prevent ear infections. As a small dog breed, the Frenchie is more prone to developing gum disease. Daily dental care plus cleanings at the vet as needed can help prevent this and other painful dental diseases later in life. You will also need to take care of the wrinkles. Frenchies have hereditary face wrinkles and it is important to keep them clean and dry to prevent skin irritation or possible infection. The French Bulldog is an easygoing companion breed. They can be one of the laziest dog breeds that are couch potatoes. Frenchies will often be energetic when they play and will try to match their activity to yours. So, if you live a more active lifestyle, you need to be careful that your French Bulldog is not overexerting themselves trying to keep up with you. As a Brachycephalic or snub-nosed dog, they cannot cool themselves as easily and are extra sensitive to heat. They can also get winded easily, so be aware of this when playing with your dog or puppy and watch for signs of overexertion. There are safe ways to exercise flat-faced dogs and you can work with your vet on specifics for your Frenchie if needed. French Bulldogs usually stand inches tall and weigh pounds. Frenchies generally live for years on average. With this dog breed being so popular, there are plenty of celebrities who have chosen the French Bulldog as their companion, which also means there are plenty of famous Frenchies out there. Also, French Bulldogs cannot swim, at least without a life vest. They can be taught to swim while wearing one, but they should never be left unattended around bodies of water or swimming pools and require constant supervision while in the water. Featured French Bulldog Article.

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

Height: 26 inches Ratio: .This should give you their height. For example, 26 inches times 0. Using the other example, .Since each dog is going to be different, you need to look at their overall body condition rather than a weight range. Fortunately, there are body conditioning charts that you can use to figure out if your German Shepherd is at their ideal weight. Just look at them from the side and from above, feeling for ribs and pelvic bones when necessary. Younger dogs will also typically be on the thin side before they fully fill out as adults. Years of line breeding has produced several distinct types of Shepherds. Show dogs are known for a sloped back in which the back legs are shorter than the front. This unnatural formation can cause back and hip problems along with an abnormal gait. German Shepherds bred for show will also be thinner than their hardworking cousins. As you can see in this picture, this is a show-bred German Shepherd with an obvious curved back and short back legs. Working dogs, on the other hand, are bred for a sturdy, straight back so they can work long hours without getting sore. They tend to be thicker than show dogs and will, therefore, weigh more, even at the same height. As you can see in this picture, this dog has a straighter back and longer back legs, so it has been bred for working. Something else I wanted to mention here is that, according to some sources, Black German Shepherds are larger than their bi-colored cousins, despite being otherwise the same. So, if you have one of these rare and beautiful creatures, you can follow the same charts that were listed above. If your German Shepherd is diagnosed by a veterinarian as underweight or overweight for their age, then the first thing you should do is ask him or her to help you figure out the underlying cause of the problem. This will determine what should be done next. Do you have a giant German Shepherd? What about a tiny one? Comment below to tell us more about it! About Alexandra Animalso I was raised to be a dog person. My first Shepherd grew up as I did and wanted to be where I was at all times. I got my second dog as a 16th birthday present, and her loyalty for me was just as strong as my first. I hope that my contribution to Animalso will help others find dogs who give them that same unconditional love. American German shepherds have straighter backs then German shepherds. If you have a german shepherd and their lineages are close to their German roots they will have that arch in their back. Like many large breeds, a German Shepherd dog is not considered fully grown until they are about 18 months old. Female German Shepherds continue to fill out until they are around two years old, while the male German Shepherd growth rate continues until they reach two and a half years of age. Males are larger and require more time to fill out their chest and abdomen. As you can see by the German Shepherd weight chart, these dogs can continue to grow until they are three years old, but the majority of growth occurs within 24 months. If your GSD is older than 36 months and continues to put on weight, contact your veterinarian to ensure weight gain does not lead to obesity. How big should a 6-month-old German Shepherd be? A six-month-old German Shepherd puppy will be quite large, as many German Shepherds undergo massive growth spurts between two and five months old. By six months, a male German Shepherd will weigh 53 pounds on average, whereas a female will weigh about 46 pounds. How much bigger will my German Shepherd get? There are a few ways to gauge how much bigger a German Shepherd will get. First, check your puppy's age. If your GSD is younger than two years old, they definitely have room to keep growing! Another way to tell if your pup still has a lot of growing to do is their paw size. Do their paws look large compared to their legs and body? This is a classic adolescent feature of a dog and means your pup is likely still growing! Most of the time, a dog will not grow bigger than its larger parents. What is the size of a full-grown German shepherd? An adult male German Shepherd is typically 24 to 26 inches tall, while adult female German Shepherds are 22 to 24 inches tall, according to the American Kennel Club German Shepherd Standard. The estimated full-size varies significantly between sexes. In terms of weight, an adult male German Shepherd weighs anywhere from 75 to 90 pounds. A female German Shepherd weighs notably less at 55 to 70 pounds. Please keep in mind that these numbers are only estimates to give you an idea of how much bigger a German Shepherd puppy may get. Some dogs will be both smaller and larger than these weight ranges when fully grown due to a variety of genetic and environmental factors. Learn all about your puppy's physical characteristics, breed history, personality traits, and more in our comprehensive guide. Preventive care is key in helping your German Shepherd live a healthy and long life. Helping your dog maintain an optimal weight is one of the best things you can do for their health. Taking your German Shepherd to regular veterinary appointments is one of the best things you can do to ensure that they are healthy and feeling their best. Compare German Shepherd health insurance plans before they get sick or injured. They are also more susceptible to gastrointestinal tract and hip issues. A veterinarian should regularly assess your pet for these health problems and run tests for anything they may be more prone to due to their breed. Treatment for many conditions, including bloat and GI issues, can cost thousands of dollars. Dog insurance is a wise investment that can give you peace of mind by covering pet emergency expenses. Wellness plans are also available to help cover the cost of vaccinations, vet exams, microchips, and more. Some people can predict the future. For everyone else, there's pet insurance. Use Pawlicy Advisor to easily compare plans from top providers so you can find a great deal with great coverage. Get Peace of Mind Today Do you want to find the best pet insurance? Let's analyze your pet's breed, age, and location to find the right coverage and the best savings. Analyze My Pet About Pawlicy Advisor The pet insurance marketplace endorsed by veterinarians, at Pawlicy Advisor we make buying the best pet insurance easier. How about some details regarding their feeding habits, behavior, medical needs, grooming regimen, and exercise requirements? In this section, you will find everything you need to know to keep them healthy and assist with things such as toilet training and teething. She will discipline them and make sure they learn to be independent. They then begin to go to the toilet independently and venture away from mom. At week 8, they play, can be housebroken, and bark when startled. The famous GSD ears will start to stand up, and you can begin leash and crate training. They must be handled and groomed and realize that human commands and dominance are the norm. During this time, the mother will nurse the pups until they are old enough to begin eating puppy mush , which is softened kibble. Allow puppies to eat as much as they like at each meal. At 6—8 weeks, their first shot from the vet is due. Smith, Shutterstock 12 weeks is a turning point for your pup. Their coordination will come on in bounds, as will their learning and social skills. They will be eager to learn but easily distracted, so have plenty of patience. If you become angry, it will stunt development if they become fearful of you. Your pup is officially into the juvenile period now. All of his puppy teeth should be developed by now and are normally very sharp. So, beware of your fingers when playing. At 12 weeks of age, puppies can start to eat three to four set meals a day with measured amounts. Purpose-made dog-approved chew toys are best, not teddy bears or old shoes. As they grow through this period between three and six months, GSD puppies are more juvenile than babies. They will be more boisterous and energetic. But on the plus side will feed easily, be more friendly with animals and people alike, and more than likely be housetrained if you have managed them correctly. They will be stubborn at this age when training and could ignore you, or not come when called. The best approach is to ignore any sassy attitude and only praise and fuss when back to being obedient. His internal organs and systems are fully developed and functioning as they should, while the skeleton is still growing. His full set of adult teeth should be present and correct. Your GSD is now becoming independent and will want to roam different areas and interact with their world on many more levels. Be aware that they could weigh 50 lbs at 6 months, so caution is needed with control and safety as they explore. He may also seemingly forget commands that he has been taught. It is best to ignore, not mollycoddle, any fearful reactions to new things to not reinforce the negative behaviors. By 6 months of age, you can reduce the feedings to three per day, now paying attention to the total calories consumed. Between the ages of 4—6 months, he will shed his puppy coat too. He might still be a bit goofy, gangly, and stubborn when it comes to training. German Shepherd females are reaching sexual maturity at this age. They may have their first estrus heat period. So, be mindful of letting them off the lead during this time if other dogs are around. At 9 months, your GSD can be tested for heartworm and treated if needs be. Speak with your vet about this for more detail. You can add small amounts of solid adult formula into the puppy food to get him used to the texture. Making it the optimal time to stimulate them as much as you can with obedience training and work activities. Your GSD should be comfortable in all situations, and with all types of company as their bond with humans should be well established. Their unique personality and quirks should be apparent and set them apart as your dog. They will have developed vocal and body language traits that you recognize and use for their needs. If male, he will be reaching sexual maturity and cocking his leg when urinating. He might also be looking to challenge dogs and humans for the title of pack leader. The key to cementing all your hard work so far is to be consistently firm with any boundaries he tries to push. By 12 months, they should be on adult formula only. German Shepherds stop growing between 2 and 3 years. This is when they fill out too. It starts to slow at around the age of 1, but he will continue to grow until he reaches maturity. During this time, they are considered to be adolescents. This is the same for their mental maturity too. This is the same for all German Shepherd types. Females tend to mature faster, both physically and mentally, than male German Shepherds. There are different stages within this time frame before maturity. And these are the neonatal stage 1—2 weeks , the transitional stage 2—4 weeks , the socialization stage 4 weeks to 3 months , the juvenile stage 3—6 months , and the adolescent stage 6 months to 2 years. Research has shown that neutering dogs can affect their growth. But how exactly? But early indications show that early neutering can increase the length of time that the bone grows. Meaning potentially taller dogs. But this also poses questions about whether this affects the joint alignment and whether it can cause any problems. And for the German Shepherd breed and his heightened propensity for hip dysplasia, this is a concern to be aware of. But waiting for full skeletal maturity also poses risks. Because neutering for females can reduce mammary cancer. If spayed before her first heat, it can eliminate the chances of this type of cancer altogether. As they will be able to offer you tailored advice for your German Shepherd. Dangers of Growing Too Quickly or Stunted Growth The dangers of growing too fast can affect their skeletal development. Conditions caused by growing too quickly are joint dysplasia and osteochondrosis. By feeding him a kibble that is designed for large-breed puppies will help control the rate at which his bones grow. This is because they have the optimum ratio of calcium and phosphorus levels in the food. So, always feed him large-breed puppy food during his developmental stage. This is most common in German Shepherds, but also in some Labrador Retrievers. It is an inherited disorder of growth hormone deficiency, and it will make the affected pooch always appear puppy-like. Growth Distinctions of Different German Shepherds. However, there are certain breeds that are easier to train than others. Thankfully, German Shepherds fit into that category because they are very intelligent and quick learners. This includes house training , crate training , basic obedience commands as well as learning tricks. We recommend attending a puppy kindergarten class as part of your German Shepherd puppy socialization strategy. Once your pup knows their basic obedience commands, you can enroll them in Schutzhund training aka IPO. Partnership and teamwork between yourself and your dog are the basis for this type of training. Note that the Schutzhund environment is not a place for dogs with aggression issues, neither towards other dogs nor people! If they pass that initial level which includes a temperament test, they can move on to IPO 2 minimum age 19 months and IPO 3 minimum age 20 months. That said, protection dog trainers recommend starting training classes that include bitework and high jumps once your German Shepherd puppy is 12 months old. Dutch and Czech are two other languages that commands are frequently taught in. Stanley, my former long-haired GSD dog walking client, started going to Schutzhund training when he was a little over 12 months old. His owners practiced commands in German with him on a daily basis, and I remember getting a print out of his German commands as they asked me to use them on our walks as well. Lots, ha! German Shepherds need a minimum of 2 hours of physical exercise per day, but generally speaking, the more exercise you can provide your GSD with, the more they will thrive. Remember, German Shepherds are high-energy, athletic dogs bred to be active all day long, especially if they come from a working line! Physical Exercise Ideas for German Shepherds As far as physical exercise, this can be a mix of walks, runs, bike rides, fetch and playtime. This is Nala, one of my former pet sitting clients. She was crazy about frisbees and balls. One of my favorite ways of increasing the energy and calories a dog burns on a regular walk or hike is by using a doggie backpack. Mental Stimulation for German Shepherds Besides providing a good physical workout, dog backpacks also burn mental energy. As you probably know, bored dogs can quickly become destructive as they figure out ways of entertaining themselves. For example, chewing up your furniture and shoes, scratching doors, raiding your kitchen trash can or digging up your flower beds. So do yourself a favor and make sure your GSD gets plenty of exercise on a daily basis. Remember, a tired dog is a good dog, and that applies to German Shepherds as much as it does to any other dog breed! Former GSD client Remi pooped after a long walk. Bottom Line So, how big does a German Shepherd get? Well, German Shepherds are medium to large size dogs, so they can weigh anywhere between lbs. That said, the average expected weight for a male GSD is between lbs, and the average expected weight for a female GSD is between lbs. Both reach sexual maturity somewhere between months and are considered fully grown at about the 2 year mark. Keeping that in mind, your GSD breeder should be able to give you a good general idea of how big your German Shepherd puppy will grow to be! Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. Check out more of our favorites on our New Puppy Checklist. Barbara is a trilingual, something dog lover, e-book author, founder, copywriter, dog nutrition blogger and editor at K9sOverCoffee. Post navigation.

We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. Also known as the beagador, the beagle Lab mix is an increasingly popular designer breed. Created by crossing a purebred Labrador retriever with a purebred beagle, this mix combines the best of both worlds. If you are looking for an active, fun, and playful family companion, the beagle Labrador mix might be a perfect choice. Medium-sized, highly energetic, and sometimes mischievous, this crossbreed will keep you on your toes and provide hours of entertainment. This mix needs a lot of activity and mental stimulation to behave nicely and can turn into a real menace when not properly exercised. Whether you are looking for a family companion or an energetic canine to be your exercise buddy, the Lab beagle mix fits the bill! Read on to learn everything you need to know before welcoming a beagador into your home! Beagle Lab Mix Dog Overview Size — 19 to 24 inches tall, weighs between 30 and 80 pounds Coat — Short double coat, color varies Shedding — Moderate shedding Lifespan — 12 to 15 years Temperament — Friendly, lively, curious, and affectionate Trainable — Highly trainable, but can become bored if not mentally stimulated Activity — Very active needs from 30 minutes to an hour of vigorous activity every day Best For — Active people, families, and homes with fenced backyards What Is A Beagle And Lab Mix? The beagle Lab mix dog is a designer breed, developed by crossing a purebred Labrador retriever and a purebred beagle. This mix goes by several names, including beagador, labbe, labbe retriever, and labeagle. While both parent breeds are officially recognized by the American Kennel Club, the beagador is considered a designer dog breed. While some Labrador beagle mix dogs are a perfect blend of their parent breeds, others take more after one parent than the other. Keeping that in mind, there are a few things you can expect to see in your mix in terms of size and coat. Size As an offspring of a beagle and Labrador retriever, your Lab beagle mix will likely be a medium-sized dog. Most labbe retrievers are between 19 and 24 inches high at withers and weigh between 30 and 80 pounds when fully grown. Color There are three officially recognized Labrador colors — yellow , black, and chocolate. However, the beagle has 25 possible color combinations and can come in a variety of colors, including tan, brown, white, lemon, blue, black, red, fawn, bluetick, and redtick. Like all other double-coated breeds, your labeagle is going to shed moderately all year round and lose even more hair during the shedding season. Beagle Lab Dog Character There is no way of guessing the exact personality and temperament of any mixed-breed dog, including the beagle Lab dog. People-loving and affectionate, this mix makes a great family dog and gets along nicely with children who know how to play and interact with a dog. Before you welcome a beagle and Lab mix into your home, know that these dogs are very social creatures that crave attention and companionship. When not provided with the affection and attention they need, labbes can develop behavioral problems and turn to digging and howling. Beagadors need up to one hour of vigorous exercise every day, and they generally enjoy all sorts of activities. Jogging, hiking, swimming, and cycling are just a few of many things you can do with your dog to keep them exercised. A word of caution though — make sure you are using a leash while out and about with your mix. Beagles are scent hounds, and your mix will likely inherit a strong urge to sniff and chase after new scents. These dogs thrive and are the happiest when included in all family activities. If you have a fenced backyard, let your dog out to run, play, and sniff new scents for as long as they want to. Intellectual Stimulation Besides being highly energetic, labbe retrievers are also very smart and can get bored without proper mental stimulation. And when they are bored, lebbes are also destructive and will resort to chewing, digging, and howling just to have some fun. Companionship Beagadors are social and people-loving dogs that like to be involved in all family activities. They are best suited for larger families or homes that are never empty, meaning your dog will rarely, if ever, stay home alone. They crave attention and companionship and can easily develop behavioral issues when left alone at home. Grooming The beagle Labrador mix is a low-maintenance dog when it comes to grooming. When it comes to bathing, bathe your beagador once every two months or as needed using a mild dog shampoo. Diet The ideal diet for the Labrador beagle mix should be formulated for medium-sized dogs with high energy. Please note, like their parent breeds, beagadors tend to overeat and can easily pack on the extra pounds and become obese. The Labrador beagle mix is generally healthy, but they can inherit the same health problems that are seen in their parent breeds. These include: Hip and Elbow Dysplasia: This condition is commonly seen in Labs and is characterized by malformation of the hip and elbow joints. Both of these conditions are extremely painful for the dog and can lead to arthritis, mobility issues, and lameness. Epilepsy: This is a neurological condition and the most common cause of seizures in dogs. Epilepsy is an inherited disorder that is commonly seen in beagles. Cherry Eye: This is another condition that is more often diagnosed in beagles than Labs. Life Expectancy The Lab beagle mix has an average lifespan of 12 to 15 years. However, with proper care and regular veterinary checkups, beagadors can live longer and reach senior years completely healthy. Training a beagador might go either way, depending on which parent your pup takes more after. Most Labrador beagle mix dogs are highly intelligent and eager-to-please, just like their Lab parents. To keep your pooch interested in learning and training, use positive reinforcement, and always give your dog a reward when they follow your command. Reward-based training has been proven as the most effective training method and will give results even if your mix is too headstrong for its own good. Besides training, you should also start socializing your mix from an early age. Start exposing your beagador to different people, situations, places, and scents after they receive all the necessary vaccines. This way, your dog will get used to interacting with other people and animals from a young age and grow up into a friendly and outgoing dog. The Lab beagle mix makes a great pet and companion to active people and families with children. But, if you are active, spend most of your time outdoors, and have a fenced backyard the beagador might just be the perfect dog for you! As always, talk with the breeder first and schedule an appointment to meet the puppy and the mother. They will also be able to provide health certificates for the puppies and the parents that show their dogs are completely healthy. The exact price of the puppy will depend on the breeder, your location, lineage, and supply and demand. History Of The Breeds Beagle The beagle is a small breed of scent hound, primarily developed to track and hunt small game, mostly rabbits and hare. While beagles are still used by hunters as scent hounds, they also make wonderful family pets and companions. Labrador Retriever The Labrador retriever originated in Newfoundland, where it was originally used by fishermen to retrieve fish. The breed was later brought to England where it was developed into a hard worker and companion we know today. Eager-to-please, friendly, loyal, and kind are just a few of many traits that make Labradors universally loved and extremely popular. Labrador retrievers make amazing family companions and pets and are also used as search and rescue dogs and service dogs. Lab beagle mixes make wonderful family pets to active people or families with children. They are social, playful, and energetic dogs that like to be involved in all family activities and spend time with their owners. Keep in mind that beagadors can easily become bored and destructive if not properly exercised. How much do beagadors cost? Keep in mind that this is the average cost and you might end up spending more depending on the breeder, your location, and supply and demand for Labrador beagle mix puppies. Do beagadors like swimming? Depending on which parent breed it takes after more,your Lab beagle mix might enjoy swimming. If your beagador is anything like their Labrador retriever parent, they will love to swim in the water. Conclusion The increasingly popular beagle Lab mix makes a great companion and family pet to active people and families with children. Medium in size, easy to groom, and generally healthy, beagadors are suited for novice and experienced owners alike. Before you welcome a Labrador beagle mix into your home, make sure you can: Keep your dog exercised and mentally stimulated Have a fenced backyard for your mix to play in Have enough free time to interact and play with your beagador every day Do you have a Beagle Lab Mix? If so, what is your dog like? Tell us about your experiences in the comment section below. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. For a list of all the supplies we get for our new service dog puppies check out our New Puppy Checklist on the PuppyInTraining. A Beagador puppy should grow into a medium-sized, chunky adult although there can be some variation. At the opposite end of the spectrum are the show type Labs - big, chunky dogs that carry far more weight. These Labs can top the scales at a hefty 80 lbs 36 kg at adulthood, while also reaching a not too shabby .In contrast, if you have ever seen a pack of Beagles you will understand that they are far more uniform in size. This medium-sized hound reaches an adult weight of around lbs kg , with a maximum height of 15 inches 38 cm. Your best bet is to look at the parents, especially the Lab side of the equation. As a rough estimate, they are likely to range from between inches tall 61 cm with a weight range of lbs 11 - 20 kg ; making them a medium-sized dog. Despite this, remember that there are no guarantees when producing a cross and there can often be a wide variation between a single litter of puppies! When buying a puppy, ensure that both parents have still been health tested. Major problems for the Labrador and Beagle include hip dysplasia and degenerative eye conditions ; both of which are hereditary. This means that the problem can be passed down from the parents to the puppies. The American Kennel Club provides a list of health checks that breeders should adhere to, ask the breeder to see the relevant paperwork before you buy. It is easy to get carried away when faced with a litter of adorable puppies, but problems such as hip dysplasia can cause your little bundle of fluff a world of pain when they mature and could result in them needing surgery. At the end of the day, always ensure your little Labbe puppy has been bred not just for looks, but also health and temperament too. How easy will a Beagle Lab mix be to train? The Labbeagle is a mix of two very different types of dog. On the one hand, you have the Labrador; a powerful, agile gundog that was historically bred to spend the whole day out in the field retrieving game shot by his owner. They are used to being exceptionally obedient , responding to commands in an instant. In contrast to this is the Beagle who needed to be capable of independent working, using their exceptional sense of smell to track prey and hunt it down with little input from people. With such variation between the two parents, your Labbe puppies personality can be a little unpredictable! You may have a pup that enjoys learning and in some respects is easy to train. Yet be prepared that you might also have a puppy that develops selective deafness should something more exciting come along! A Labbe puppy and adult can often have a mind of their own, something a new owner should be prepared for. Of course, this situation can be mitigated by ensuring your puppy attends training classes as soon as their vaccines have been completed. Not only will they learn to respond to commands amid distractions, but it also provides a safe environment for them to socialize with other dogs. Otherwise, you could find they take you hunting for the day! They can be incredibly vocal! Cats especially will soon make a break for it and if your Beagador decides to give chase, not only could they hurt the cat but they could also hurt themselves if they run into a road. Their coat might be short, but be prepared for them to shed lots of hair Both the Beagle and Labrador have short, no-nonsense coats suitable for an active working dog. However, do not be deceived by this. Although short, your Beagle Lab is likely to shed lots of hair, particularly when the seasons change. Not only will this help keep your home cleaner but it can also help cut down on the hoovering! Both breeds have been bred to work well with people, and this easygoing nature ensures that as long as the children are well behaved, your dog will be too. Cuddle time is a winner with this mix, and they are also exceptionally loyal. Of course, it is important to remember that this temperament will come from you puppies parents too, so again make sure you meet them before you buy. If this sounds like your sort of dog, do not get a Labbeagle! This breed has a strong working instinct gained from both its parents, resulting in a dog that needs not only physical exercise but mental stimulation too. If these needs are not met, the result can be a noisy, destructive dog capable of doing some serious furniture damage when you are away from home. Try to avoid leaving your Beagle Lab mix for more than a few hours at a time. I would aim for two decent walks a day one hour each ; this is the bare minimum that they should receive. This will ensure that they can stretch their legs, meet other doggy friends and have a good sniff around to work that fantastic nose of theirs. This regular exercise will also ensure that they avoid becoming overweight. By ensuring they have plenty of free running time, you will keep off the pounds. An obese dog is not only at risk from weight-related diseases such as diabetes and arthritis, but ultimately they will have a shorter lifespan too. Conclusion If your idea of a dream dog is a loving sofa companion that will also enjoy spending several hours each day galavanting around the countryside with you, then a Labrador-Beagle mix could be the dog for you. Just remember to put in the hours with the training in the early days, and you will be rewarded with a well-mannered pet in the long run. Own a Labbe already? Thinking of getting one? Let us know in the comments below! About Alexandra Animalso I was raised to be a dog person. My first Shepherd grew up as I did and wanted to be where I was at all times. I got my second dog as a 16th birthday present, and her loyalty for me was just as strong as my first. I hope that my contribution to Animalso will help others find dogs who give them that same unconditional love. Eye and Ear Examination Hip and Elbow X-Rays These tests will help in the early diagnosis of your pets and get them treated immediately afterward. These tests will also help you know if your dog has acquired one or more of the following health concerns for their hybrid: Gastric Torsion. Some cases could also include the sudden death of the dog. Elbow and Hip Dysplasia. A common skeletal condition in dogs wherein the elbow or hip joints do not fit or develop properly, which results in gradual deterioration and eventual loss of function. Congenital Heart Defect. This is caused by a heart disease which can affect one or both sides of the heart. It sometimes progresses slowly, taking years before it is spotted in a dog. Osteochondritis Dissecans. It occurs when abnormal cartilage develops on the end of a bone in their joints. It is a result of the disruption in the blood supply of the affected bone. In some cases, the Lab Beagle hybrid can also develop Glaucoma. There are also cases in which minor health concerns appear in dogs such as the Otitis Externa, Cataract, and Progressive Retinal Atrophy. Lab mixed with Beagle Food Requirements In choosing what to feed your dog, keep in mind their age and lifestyle. Younger dogs will thrive on these best puppy food brands, and the Beagle Lab mix will make the most of available nutrients if you opt for one of our best large breed dry dog food picks. Your Lab Beagle pup might be on the smaller side of the dog-size scale. If so, your vet will almost certainly approve that the dog munches on any of the best dry dog food for small dogs. Depending on their exercise habits, the Lab mix should consume between 1. If your pet is an older pooch, they will be better off with one of the best senior dry dog food brands. Checking their eating habits frequently should also be done to prevent overeating which might lead to dog obesity. Another thing that can help you keep their weight in check is choosing among best dry dog food and staying away from artificial preservative-filled worst dry dog food in the market. Feeding them should occur twice a day rather than in a single large meal to prevent bloating. Here are some of the best dog foods for active puppies like the beagle lab mix: Canidae Grain-Free Pure Foundations Puppy — This dog food contains chicken, chicken broth, dried egg, peas, salmon oil, and many more. Recommended for all puppies including those of the larger breeds, it helps with the growth of the puppy. It has an above-average protein and fat, as well as below-average carbohydrates when compared to the conventional wet dog food. It has above-average protein and fat content and lower carb content. Taste of the Wild High Prairie Puppy — Comprised mostly of buffalo, lamb meal, sweet potatoes, egg product, and pea protein, this dog food is recommended for puppies of all breed in all its life stages. It has above average protein, near average fat, and low carb content. Another way to provide your pup with essential nutrients and the right amount of fat and protein is to include premium-quality supplements that will give your dog extra energy. They are ready to join you in any kind of excursion, may it be a beach trip, a forest walk, or a hike in the mountains, anytime. Just make sure to keep them in a leash because if they caught a scent of something they find interesting, their curiosity might take over. They are quite fond of swimming and will love to participate in a game of fetch, ball, or frisbee to burn off extra energy. This hybrid will also do well in dog sports like agility and tracking. They are advised to live in a household with a fenced yard, which they would not be able to dig under. This hybrid is known to be excellent diggers after all. They are not really sensitive when it comes to weather and climate but just make sure to walk them in the morning or the evenings and not in the middle of the day when the sun is glaring too hot from the sky. Their recommended weekly mileage is 14 miles with at least 60 minutes of daily activities. You must also keep your dog within the recommended weight range so maintain their health at a maximum. Some experts even recommend a minimum of 30 to 40 minutes of rigorous daily exercise. If your dog seems to be restless and destructive, you may take it as a sign that the dog needs more training than they are getting. Exercise will help your Beagle Lab Mix avoid boredom, which might lead to unruly behavior. The breed is a people pleaser that is why it will do anything for the people it loves, making it easier to train. Although there are times that the breed can be a little stubborn and hard to teach. First time trainers might have a hard time teaching the dogs some tricks. Here are some tips by which you can effectively train your dog: Crate Training. It can be a way to keep your new dog safe and prevent them from excessive chewing. It also helps with their potty training and is a great way to manage the safety and well-being of the puppies. Remember that the crates should be large enough for the adult dog to stand, sit, and stretch out. Obedience Training. This is one of the most essential and necessary trainings for any dog. The obedience training comes from the five core commands which are the come, sit, stay, heel, and down. Most beagle mixes are sweet-tempered and get along well with different dogs and cats. Socialisation is essential to train your dog to become outgoing and confident. Remember that like every breed, the beagle lab mix must undergo training in its early stages. Positive reinforcement is also considered effective and impactful in training. Beagle mixed with Labrador and Families There are a few things to consider before buying this hybrid. Both its parent breeds are energetic and intelligent, so they might need additional room to grow and play, especially if it inherits the size of its Labrador Retriever parent. There will also be a time that you will need to invest much money and time in positive reinforcement. The natural curiosity and inquisitiveness of its parent breeds may result in the hybrid excessively wandering off, so you might need to invest in an excellent fenced-in yard. Beagle Lab hybrids are also great as a family pet for people who have kids of all ages. The hybrid tends to be loyal and patient to its family and can get along well even with the other dogs and house pets. If you find that these factors are enough, then maybe a Lab Beagle cross is the right puppy for you and your family. Finding a healthy puppy. Where Do The Come From? The Beagle Lab mix has a strong working history on both sides of the family. The Lab originated in Northwest Newfoundland, Canada. Once upon a time, the Labrador was actually known as St. In modern times, the Lab is bred as a doting family pet. In addition, Labs are known as excellent guide dogs for the blind. Their intelligence and loyalty make them great service animals to their human companions. Just like the Lab, Beagles were bred primarily for hunting. Beagles are also known for a keen sense of smell and their signature bark, which comes in handy when leading hunters to a fallen game. Temperament and Behavior of the Beagle Lab Mix As with any first-generation crossbreed, the outcome in terms of things like temperament can be unpredictable. Crossbred dogs can inherit behavioral traits from either purebred parent. Taking a closer look at the parents of your potential Beagle Lab mix puppy can give you some insight into the possible temperament your dog could inherit. In general, Labs are widely known as intelligent dogs, eager to please and easy to train. They are excellent family dogs and do well with children and other pets. But Labs like to chew! As such, they require an abundance of toys and bones to reduce the chances of damaged furniture and flooring. Labs are also high-energy dogs requiring regular exercise and love nothing more than being part of fun family activities. Beagles are known to be playful, affectionate, and highly energetic, meaning they crave constant activity and need a sufficient amount of exercise. Beagles are also known to love the outdoors. Since they are easy to train, Beagles do well in homes with children, just like the Lab. However, they are quite vocal and known for their boisterous bark! Defining Characteristics of the Beagle Lab Mix As with temperament, the Beagle Lab mix can inherit a wide range of physical traits from both parents. Features like coat color, weight, and height have to be left to chance and will depend on which parent the mix takes after. The Lab comes in three standard colors: black, yellow, and chocolate. The Beagle has 25 possible color combinations, with ten colors making up those combinations—tan, white, brown, lemon, red, blue, black, bluetick, redtick, and fawn. The full-grown Labrador will be 22 to 25 inches and weigh about 55 to 80 pounds. An adult Beagle is typically 13 to 15 inches tall and weighs about 20 to 30 pounds. In general, a full grown Beagle Lab Mix will be a medium sized dog that about 19 to 24 inches and 25 to 45 pounds. Again, size, height, and weight can vary depending on the purebred parents. Grooming Your Lab Beagle Mix For the most part, the Beagle Lab cross is easy to care for and only requires bathing a few times a month. Both the Lab and the Beagle have similar weather-resistant coats that shed seasonally. So, the Beagle Lab mix is going to require weekly grooming and brushing to help keep its coat shiny and healthy. Training and Exercising Your Beagle Lab Mix Since the temperament of the Beagle and Lab are quite similar, a Lab Beagle Mix puppy is expected to be an intelligent, highly energetic, and incredibly loyal crossbreed. Like his parents, the Lab Beagle Mix will be eager to please and easy to train. This can include daily walks on public trails or paths, hanging out in parks, and switching up scenery to get your dog used to new faces, sounds, and smells. Labrador Beagle Mixes are known to suffer separation anxiety and may exhibit destructive behavior when left alone too long. If they become bored, the Beagle Lab Mix will sometimes bark, or even howl. Consistent exercise and a variety of toys will help keep your Beagle Lab Mix calm and entertained while you are away. As with all breeds, some health problems are passed down from generation to generation, and the purebred Lab is no exception. Labs are known to suffer loose knee joints, elbow and hip dysplasia, ruptured ligaments in their hind legs, eye disease, heart disease, epilepsy, cancer, and chronic allergies. Labs are also more prone than the average dog to gastrointestinal problems and bloating. Early health screening of your Beagle Lab mix can help to avoid or prepare for future problems. Choose healthy brands of food that provide proper nutrition depending on the age and weight of your Beagle Lab mix. Doing this can help reduce the chance your Beagle Lab mix will suffer from obesity. The Beagle Lab Mix will do best with an owner who lives an active lifestyle and enjoys being outdoors. Lab Beagle Crosses makes excellent family dogs. Finding a Labrador Beagle Mix Puppy Finding a new puppy from a reputable, responsible source can sometimes be tricky. So do plenty of research before you decide where to get your Beagle Lab Mix. Most reputable breeders should be able to provide certificates regarding the health of its parents and prove they have been screened and cleared of certain health issues. Be sure to ask about temperament issues and health concerns with parent dogs when looking to adopt any crossbreed. If you are unsure about rescuing from a local shelter or purchasing a dog from a breeder you find online, you could try attending a local dog show. Networking at events like this can help point you in the right direction. You can also find a local AKC , which can help you locate the right breeder. Shelters often carry all types of crossbreeds, and one of the many advantages of a rescue dog is the price! Although most shelters incur fees, they are often a fraction of what some breeders will charge. Most shelters will cover the initial vet fees, to ensure the dog is adoption-worthy and ready for a new home. We recommend researching reputable shelters in your area to find out the specifics on pricing. Glaucoma, cherry eye, progressive retinal atrophy Joints: Hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, luxating patella Other Hypothyroidism, hereditary myopathy, Exercise Induced Collapse Epilepsy Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder that is known to occur in the Beagle parent of this mix. This issue can cause seizures in affected dogs. Beagles that are known to suffer from epilepsy should not be used to create Beagador puppies. Glaucoma Canine glaucoma actually refers to an entire group of eye conditions that affect the optic nerve. Dogs with this problem may lose their vision entirely over time. Others may experience pain and redness around their eyes to accompany this vision loss. Cherry Eye Cherry eye is another canine eye disorder that is often seen in the Beagle parent. You may notice redness and excessive itching or rubbing in dogs with cherry eye. Progressive Retinal Atrophy This is another eye disorder, often seen in the Labrador parent of the Beagador. Over time, dogs with PRA will lose their sight completely. Hip and Elbow Dysplasia Hip and elbow dysplasia are a joint disorder commonly seen in the Labrador Retriever. This can lead to pain and trouble moving and walking. But, luckily health tests are available for this issue, so dogs with high risk can be avoided when breeding Beagadors. Luxating Patella Luxating Patella is also known as a dislocated kneecap. If your dog has this problem, their kneecap will slide or move out of its normal place. This can cause problems walking and pain. Hypothyroidism Dogs with hypothyroidism will have an underactive thyroid gland, slowing down their metabolism. Signs of this can include weight gain, lethargy, dull hair, and getting easily cold. This problem is treatable, but not curable. Hereditary Myopathy Hereditary myopathy is also known as muscle weakness. It is a genetic issue that can be found in the Labrador Retriever breed. A DNA test is available to identify carriers and aid in planned breeding to avoid passing the disease on. Be careful of overexercising and overexciting Beagle Lab mixes, especially if they are known to suffer with this issue. General Health of Cross Breeds As long as this mix is bred by a reputable, experienced breeder, they will usually have great health. Discuss any unusual or suspicious findings with your vet. Labrador Retrievers and Beagles are prone to excessive weight gain. This will increase the chance of elbow or hip dysplasia and hypothyroidism. The Beagle Lab mix will have a short, dense, double coat. It may be water repellant, like a Lab. If so, you may notice a strong smell when your dog gets wet. This is due to the oily covering on his fur that repels water. Once he is dry, the smell should dissipate. Coat Care The Beagador will always have a short, dense, double coat. It may be soft like a Beagle, or water repellant like a Labrador. A Beagador will need regular brushing to maintain a healthy coat. Regular brushing will also reduce shedding. Be sure to give him some extra attention during the warmer months, when shedding is at its peak. This breed is known to shed a lot. It will likely not be suitable for people who suffer from allergies. Based on the average lifespans of the parent breeds, the expected lifespan of a Beagle Lab mix is years. Although this is by no means a fixed length. Choosing a puppy from a reputable breeder, following the tips above, and attending regular veterinary checks will help to increase this lifespan. They need a high level of training to contain their high spirited nature. But they will provide hours of fun and loving companionship for adults and children alike. A well trained Beagador will be happy to accompany the family on outdoor adventures, hikes in the woods, or a visit to the lake. Beagle Lab mixes are pack animals that need to be with their family. They will not tolerate being alone for long. A family that is often away from home would not be a good fit for this social pooch. You may want to consider opening your heart to one of these great dogs. Rescuing a dog is a great option for people who are less particular about the exact breed or characteristics of their Beagle Lab mix puppy. Rescue organizations are also a great option if you want to adopt an adult dog. This is a good choice if you prefer specific personality traits or are looking for a dog who already has some training. Finding a Rescue Center Currently, breed centers that specialize in Beagadors are not common. To find a Beagle Lab mix available for rescue, look in rescue centers in your local area. You can also look in rescue centers that are dedicated to the Labrador and Beagle parent breeds. Many of these places will take in mixed breeds as long as one of their parents is their chosen breed.

They thrive on human interaction and love to be involved in everything their family is doing. Miniature Poodles are quick learners and excel at obedience training. Very eager to please their people, they are a great choice for first-time dog owners. Mini Poodles are usually good with other dogs and children, but they can be a little bit reserved around strangers. With proper socialization from a young age, your Mini Poodle puppy will learn to interact well with people outside of their immediate family. Expect your new for-ever family member to have a lot of energy and need plenty of exercise. They need an outdoor walk every day to keep calm and centered. Check out this best-selling dog leash with a comfortable handle! While walks are a must, the Mini Poodle is not suited to be an outdoor dog. This breed has a long history as a circus dog, so this dog is a favorite choice for owners who want an athletic puppy who is open to learning tricks. Some Mini Poodles are territorial and highly excitable, but patient and consistent training can usually modify this behavior. For all of these reasons, finding homes for our Mini Poodle Puppies for sale is never challenging. Minatare Poodle Health Considerations The average life span of the miniature poodle is 13 — 15 years. Use ear cleaner wipes and eye wipes regularly to remove crust or discharge. All breeds of dogs should be brought in for regular vet checkups. Miniature Poodle Coat The Mini Poodle has a hypoallergenic coat which is excellent for allergy sufferers. Matting eventually causes skin irritation. If your Poodle has a long coat, you should brush out your Poodle every day. Check out this popular dog slicker brush and detangling comb that is perfect for your Mini Poodle. While Miniature Poodles are a fairly low-shedding dog breed, they still need coat care. Many Poodle owners opt for a short cut or trim to minimize grooming needs. When a shorter cut, you can reduce brush outs to a few times a week and get the coat trimmed up every weeks. Mini Poodles Puppies For Sale. Life Span Did You Know? The Poodle is one of the oldest dog breeds and was originally developed in Germany to hunt waterfowl. The Poodle may have originated in Germany, but they are much-loved by the French. So much so that the Poodle is the national dog of France. The Miniature Poodle is slightly more recent. This Mini version likely originated in France. The Mini Poodle has all of the same characteristics as a Standard Poodle; they just come in a smaller package. The Miniature Poodle is one of the smartest dog breeds. On top of their intelligence, they are also known to have a cheerful disposition and a sensitive nature. They get along great with children. Due to their small size, they can be easily injured by rough play or accidental falls that can happen with younger children. Because of this, they may be better suited to a home with older children. Younger children should be fine as long as they are taught how to properly interact with a small dog and interactions between young kids and puppies are closely supervised. Although they are considered part of the Non-Sporting Group, some facts about Miniature Poodles are that they are versatile and athletic dogs that are also quite playful. Provided they are well-socialized, they get along well with other dogs and tend to do well with strangers. They do tend to be protective of their home and can be suspicious of strangers coming up on the property. They are known to bark to alert you of strangers coming to the house. This makes them a good watchdog, but overall, they are more interested in making friends. This dog breed is highly adaptable. The Miniature Poodle does well in any type of home, including apartments, and fits in with just about any family type. They do well in most climates, but, as with many dog breeds, they are sensitive to heat and extreme cold. Because Mini Poodles are people-oriented, they do not like being left alone and will not handle being left alone for long periods of time very well. Good breeding practices make a big difference in the health of puppies. Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to make sure they are not passing preventable issues to puppies. Make sure you ask the breeder about the health and genetic history of both parents and about any health tests or clearances that have been done. Miniature Poodles are highly intelligent, easy to train, and eager to please, which makes them a good fit for owners of any experience level and one of the best dog breeds for first-time owners. They are a people-oriented breed and are sensitive to moods and tones of voice. They do not respond well to harsh training methods or harsh tones as they take it personally, get their feelings hurt, and lose respect for you. A Mini Poodle tends to respond best to consistent training that is fun and focused on positive rewards. A Mini Poodle is one of the fluffiest dog breeds and will have a curly or corded coat that can come in just about any color. Although this dog breed has a low-shedding, hypoallergenic coat, their coat still needs a lot of grooming. They need to be brushed daily to prevent tangles and matting. They should also be professionally groomed every 4 to 6 weeks to keep their coat healthy. Miniature Poodles are high-energy dogs that require a good amount of exercise each day. Daily walks plus some playtime and other activities are usually enough for them. When puppies finish growing and developing, they often enjoy games of fetch and other activities like swimming, hiking, or jogging with their favorite human. Mini Poodles also tend to be great candidates for several dog sports, like agility, tracking, obedience, retriever hunt tests, and more. Just make sure to visit the vet and get your dog cleared for these activities before you jump in. Fully-grown Miniature Poodles usually stand inches tall and weigh pounds. Mini Poodles generally live for years on average. The Miniature Poodle was very popular among the French nobility. Featured Miniature Poodle Article.

Like many large breeds, a German Shepherd dog is not considered fully grown until they are about 18 months old. Female German Shepherds continue to fill out until they are around two years old, while the male German Shepherd growth rate continues until they reach two and a half years of age. Males are larger and require more time to fill out their chest and abdomen. As you can see by the German Shepherd weight chart, these dogs can continue to grow until they are three years old, but the majority of growth occurs within 24 months. If your GSD is older than 36 months and continues to put on weight, contact your veterinarian to ensure weight gain does not lead to obesity. How big should a 6-month-old German Shepherd be? A six-month-old German Shepherd puppy will be quite large, as many German Shepherds undergo massive growth spurts between two and five months old. By six months, a male German Shepherd will weigh 53 pounds on average, whereas a female will weigh about 46 pounds. How much bigger will my German Shepherd get? There are a few ways to gauge how much bigger a German Shepherd will get. First, check your puppy's age. If your GSD is younger than two years old, they definitely have room to keep growing! Another way to tell if your pup still has a lot of growing to do is their paw size. Do their paws look large compared to their legs and body? This is a classic adolescent feature of a dog and means your pup is likely still growing! Most of the time, a dog will not grow bigger than its larger parents. What is the size of a full-grown German shepherd? An adult male German Shepherd is typically 24 to 26 inches tall, while adult female German Shepherds are 22 to 24 inches tall, according to the American Kennel Club German Shepherd Standard. The estimated full-size varies significantly between sexes. In terms of weight, an adult male German Shepherd weighs anywhere from 75 to 90 pounds. A female German Shepherd weighs notably less at 55 to 70 pounds. Please keep in mind that these numbers are only estimates to give you an idea of how much bigger a German Shepherd puppy may get. Some dogs will be both smaller and larger than these weight ranges when fully grown due to a variety of genetic and environmental factors. Learn all about your puppy's physical characteristics, breed history, personality traits, and more in our comprehensive guide. Preventive care is key in helping your German Shepherd live a healthy and long life. Helping your dog maintain an optimal weight is one of the best things you can do for their health. Taking your German Shepherd to regular veterinary appointments is one of the best things you can do to ensure that they are healthy and feeling their best. Compare German Shepherd health insurance plans before they get sick or injured. They are also more susceptible to gastrointestinal tract and hip issues. A veterinarian should regularly assess your pet for these health problems and run tests for anything they may be more prone to due to their breed. Treatment for many conditions, including bloat and GI issues, can cost thousands of dollars. Dog insurance is a wise investment that can give you peace of mind by covering pet emergency expenses. Wellness plans are also available to help cover the cost of vaccinations, vet exams, microchips, and more. Some people can predict the future. For everyone else, there's pet insurance. Use Pawlicy Advisor to easily compare plans from top providers so you can find a great deal with great coverage. Get Peace of Mind Today Do you want to find the best pet insurance? Let's analyze your pet's breed, age, and location to find the right coverage and the best savings. Analyze My Pet About Pawlicy Advisor The pet insurance marketplace endorsed by veterinarians, at Pawlicy Advisor we make buying the best pet insurance easier. It is not recommended to take it from its mother and littermates because it starts its socialization and gets the first experience of biting inhibition from them. When you take your doggy home, follow the advice of your breeder and veterinarian. In addition, you need to measure and weigh your pup to be able to follow its growth. You should also think about crate training your dog from the first days of staying at your home. Start potty training as soon as possible. However, be very careful about the first walks. The immune system of a little German Shepherd is too unstable and vulnerable to many infections. It has already received all the nutrients it needed during its first month. You can opt for high-quality puppy kibble or homemade food. However, you should avoid poor-quality products and cheap kibble that is full of chemicals. If you are planning to feed your pet with kibble, it is recommended to moisten it with goat milk or fresh water if this milk is unavailable. Giving it cow milk is not recommended. Give your puppy 1. Try to formulate a consistent feeding schedule with the same hours for feeding. You should have two bowls for your German Shepherd. One is for food and the other for water. Your puppy needs a lot of water, so you can leave the water in the bowl to let it drink whenever it wants. As for food, do not leave the leftovers in the bowl. Your puppy cannot control how much it wants to eat, and it can lead to overfeeding if it eats something every time it sees its bowl. You need to make the feeding schedule work. However, do not feed the puppy two times per day. It is too young for that, so it can overeat too and have severe digestion problems. You should teach it to recognize the connections between commands and responses or responses and consequences. Foremost, you need to set primary anchors. It means that you should develop certain reactions to your actions to teach the puppy to follow you, eat food or receive treats, and sit. Your clapping hands, whistling, or a specific word can be such anchors. Avoid setting anchors that your puppy will feel as similar. The next training step is establishing authority. Your puppy should understand that you are its guide, and it will help you when you start training more complex commands. Your little pet should understand that you are its pack leader. So, the first thing to teach is to follow you. Praise the puppy if it does everything correctly, and never punish it if it does not understand you. Early socialization training is also very important. However, early exposure of your pet to many people and unfamiliar things may lead to psychological problems. That is why start socializing your puppy gradually. You can take it on short visits to your family or friends. Keep socializing your doggy every day but in small portions of positive experiences. Start potty training as soon as you bring your GS puppy home. Show it where you want it to do its business, in the backyard or garden. Ensure that this area is quiet and fenced. It has to be something soft like grass or mat. Establish an exact schedule for going potty. Taking the puppy outside is the first thing you need to do after it wakes up in the morning. Then, follow the schedule after each meal, playing, and before going to bed. Keep the puppy out of biting and nipping. You should not beat or punish it anyway. Though, teach the puppy to avoid severe bites on the hands and legs. You can arrange timeouts for it if it bites too harshly. For example, if it bites your hand while taking a treat, withhold the next treat until it understands how to take it gently. Reward it with a treat when you see that the little one understands what you want of it and denies biting at all. German Shepherds are very clever, so they understand the explanations very quickly. Be patient while training your little dog. It will be trained enough to understand how to control itself by the 10th week. Therefore, your boy will grow as tall as inches cm , while the little girl will be inches cm tall. How much does a 2 month old German Shepherd weight? GS puppies gain weight at this age very quickly. They tend to double it in comparison to the first month. Your male doggy will approximately weigh pounds kg. If you have a female puppy, its weight will be smaller — pounds .How much to feed a 2 month old German Shepherd puppy? You can give your puppy .How often should I feed my 2 month old German Shepherd? You should feed your pup times per day. Never make a feeding schedule of 2 times per day because your doggy can overeat and have digestive problems. How much exercise does a 2 month old German Shepherd puppy need? Little GS puppies are very energetic, so they need a lot of exercises. However, they are too young for hard exercise and training. The sessions can be very short about minutes or less and not too intensive. Can I walk my 2 month old German Shepherd? Yes, you can walk your puppy in the backyard or any other fenced space after it is vaccinated. Though remember that your little doggy cannot go on long walks yet, so never make its walks too long. Another thing to consider is that it cannot follow you yet, so try to avoid going for walks in the open spaces and streets, or your pup can get lost. Learn a lot about the breed before you decide to adopt this dog. You also need to know that your pup will have enough space for its activity and energetic behavior. You also need to consider your budget. Get prepared that your doggy will bark, whale, bite and chew everything around. However, you will also get a lot of joy, playing, laughing, and loyalty. German Shepherds are very intelligent, and you will get the best friend for many years if you are patient and consistent enough during its first days at your home. 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.