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Questions about Bulldog puppies for sale in Miami FL? We have answers. How much are Bulldog puppies for sale in Miami FL? The cost of a Bulldog for sale in Miami is going to vary for a few different reasons. The coat color, and pattern, as well as the eye color of each pup can affect their price. More unusual combinations will usually cost more. The experience of individual Miami Bulldog breeders will also make a difference. What if there are no Bulldog breeders in Miami right now? How do you screen Bulldog breeders Miami? Our rigorous screening process makes it easy to sort the best companies and businesses from the rest. What makes Uptown Puppies different from other networks with Bulldog puppies Miami? We can promise you there will never be a listing from them on the Uptown network! Instead, we concentrate on fostering positive relationships with businesses with the best Miami Bulldog puppies for sale, making it a breeze to find your dream pup. Puppy mills are terrible places that care more about making a profit than taking care of their dogs. As a result, the puppies both in mills are often poorly, and at a higher risk of needing expensive veterinary treatments. They can also suffer from serious behavioral issues due to not being properly socialized. Are there Bulldog puppies for sale Miami right now? You bet! What sort of dog is a Bulldog? The original purpose of the Bulldog was twofold. They were bred to bait and fight bulls as part of an unpleasant sport known as bull-baiting, but they were also used to drive cattle. What is the Bulldog temperament like? All a Bulldog wants is to be loved! Their kind and affectionate natures mean they like to make friends with everyone. What health conditions can affect Bulldogs? The main thing to be careful of with Bulldogs is not to let them overheat. Avoiding too much exercise in warm weather is recommended, as is using air-conditioning. What are Bulldogs like to train? Bulldogs are eager to please their owners, which usually makes them the perfect training partner! Positive reinforcement techniques work great with these pups, just go easy on the treats as they can easily put on weight! Any Bulldog for sale in Miami will definitely make a fun and willing member of puppy training classes. Get to know your pet with our expert resources on pet care, behavior, and training. You can search for English bulldog puppies for sale from reputable breeders or adoption centers. Some people may choose to rescue an English Bulldog, which can be a rewarding experience for both the pet and owner. English bulldog breeders can also be a great source of information and guidance on the breed. When considering adopting or purchasing an English Bulldog, it is important to consider the temperament of the dog and the potential health issues they may face. You can also choose from a miniature English Bulldog or an old English Bulldog, depending on your lifestyle and needs. English bulldogs are a popular breed that can make great pets for the right family. English bulldogs have a reputation for being loyal, friendly, and affectionate, making them great pets for families with children. These dogs are also known for their calm temperament and love for cuddling. However, they can be stubborn, which means they may be harder to train compared to other breeds. When it comes to aggression, English bulldogs are not generally known for being aggressive. However, like any other breed, they can be prone to certain health issues that may affect their behavior, such as breathing difficulties, joint problems, and skin infections. Breeds in Miami The English bulldog puppies, the most sold dog! Characteristics of English bulldog puppies are their adorable wrinkled face, short legs, and muscular body. They are friendly, courageous, and loyal companions.

A 6-week-old German Shepherd needs to eat frequently for optimal growth. Aim for four small meals per day to provide a steady supply of nutrients and energy. Meal Schedule: Establish a routine with four meals a day. Pups love consistency! You want to feel their ribs without them being visible. Of course, always have clean, fresh water available. Pups get thirsty too! You can also add some canned, wet food mixed in to encourage them to finish their meals and add a bit more enticing flavor. German Shepherds tend to be prone to sensitive stomachs , so stay alert to any symptoms of digestive upset. As your pup grows, read more about what to feed your German Shepherd puppy. Potty Training: No More Oopsies! Take them outside every minutes, especially after meals, naps, and playtimes. Watch for signs like sniffing the floor or wandering behind furniture. Reward them with praise and treats when they go outside to reinforce the behavior. After Activities: Take them out after eating, playing, or waking up from a nap. These are prime potty times. Puppy Signals: Watch for signs like sniffing, circling, or restlessness. Praise and Treats: When they do their business outside, celebrate with praise and treats. Positive reinforcement works wonders! Choose an appropriately-sized crate, making it cozy with bedding and toys. Gradually introduce them to it with short, positive experiences. Over time, the crate becomes a safe haven, aiding in housebreaking and providing a sense of security for your pup. Crate training can be a game-changer for potty training! Crate as Safe Haven: Make the crate comfy with a blanket and some toys. Pups love their cozy den. It prevents accidents and helps them learn bladder control. One of the keys to raising a happy and healthy pup is understanding their sleep needs and providing the right exercises. On average, they sleep for about 18 to 20 hours a day. Puppies need these long beauty rests to grow and develop properly. Puppy Lullaby: Soft, soothing music or white noise can help them drift off into puppy dreamland. Keep their crates or beds in the same room you sleep in for the first few months. You can slowly transition them to sleeping in their own room without you. Short, frequent bursts of playtime are the way to go. Enjoy these exercises for a German Shepherd puppy: Short Walks: At this age, around 5 minutes of gentle leash walking is plenty. Think of it as a leisurely stroll and not a full-on workout and stick to just 3 short strolls a day. Avoid High Impact: Never run or jog with your dog at this young age. Let them set the pace. Tug of War: A good old game of tug can be a blast for your pup. Fetch: Start with short throws and a soft toy. Hide and Seek: Hide treats around the house in puppy-safe spots, of course and let them use their nose to find them. Sniffaris: Sniffing is great for their brain development at this age. Avoid Steps: Never let your 6-week-old puppy climb stairs because they could seriously injure themself. Remember, their little bodies are still developing, so keep it light and fun. And always keep an eye on their energy levels. If they seem tired, let them rest. Begin with gentle brushing sessions to familiarize them with the process. Here are some grooming tips to get you started: Gentle Introduction: Begin by introducing your puppy to the grooming process gradually. Let them sniff and explore the grooming tools before you start. Brushing: Use a soft brush suitable for their delicate puppy fur. Brush in the direction of hair growth to prevent discomfort. A pair of grooming gloves works wonders for keeping things gentle for your pup. Frequency: Start with short, gentle brushing sessions a few times a week. As they grow, increase the frequency to daily brushing to remove the most shedding. Bathing: Sometimes your little pup might get into a mess and need a bath. Always use a gentle puppy shampoo that helps ensure a comfortable and itch-free coat. Eye and Ear Check: While grooming, inspect their eyes and ears for any signs of irritation or discharge. Wipe their floppy ears if you find any dirt or wax on the outside of the ear canal. Remember to reward your pup with treats and praise during and after each grooming session to make it a positive experience. As they get older, follow a brushing routine to keep their coats in top shape. Enjoy this special time bonding together! The first vaccinations, called the primary vaccinations, are given when a dog is eight weeks old, but you need to prepare for their appointment and make scheduling arrangements. Make an appointment now for these vaccines and a health check. Until your pup has had the first full set of vaccinations, they should stay in your home and yard only. Eight weeks old is considered the safe age to bring a new puppy home. Your main priority is to keep your baby safe and healthy. You have a long life ahead with your Shepherd baby. One in three dogs needs vet treatment every year source. Insurance protects you from large, unexpected bills incurred when your pup is unwell, injured, or in an accident, and helps offset routine medical treatments. Your 6-week-old German Shepherd pup is like a blank canvas waiting to be painted with tons of unforgettable moments with you. Enjoy the tail-wagging ride ahead with your six week old German Shepherd! Before you go, why not grab this helpful freebie? Download it now and take the first step toward ensuring your furry friend reaches their full potential. Your baby German Shepherd deserves the best — grab your tracker and start tracking today! A 6-week-old German Shepherd typically weighs between 7 to 15 pounds. Males tend to be on the higher end of the scale and females on the lower end. In terms of height, they are generally around 8 to 10 inches tall at the shoulder. Individual puppies may vary, but this provides a general guideline for their size and weight at this age. You can also add a few spoonfuls of wet dog food mixed in to encourage them to finish their meals and increase their hydration. Can I give my 6 week old German Shepherd puppy a bath? Always use a gentle, puppy-specific shampoo when you do give them a bath, and be sure to rinse thoroughly to avoid skin irritation. She has a Bachelor of Science degree, with Honors, and has been training dogs for over a decade. Related Posts. Can I give my 6 week old German Shepherd puppy a bath? German Shepherds are the most recognizable and loved dog breed. They are known for their intelligence, strength, courage, and loyalty. However, a 6 week old German Shepherd puppy differs a lot from an adult dog. These puppies are born blue-eyed and black-coated. All of them are cute and clumsy when they reach six months. They require a lot of attention from a breeder or new owner. This guide will tell you how to deal with such a puppy if you adopt it at this age. You need to be aware of giving care, feeding, exercising, and training. You will find all this information here to raise a healthy dog and enjoyable companion. Though, it grows and gains weight very quickly. In general, such puppies are inches cm high. The six-week-old German Shepherd weight may differ between genders. Male puppies can approximately weigh 3. However, you need to know that every individual doggy is different, so the growth and weight gaining may differ too. The main factors that influence growth are genetic ones. Your 6-week-old pup resembles a tiny ball full of curiosity and energy. At this age, the puppy is completely weaned from its mother. Its ears are soft and floppy. It has almost all its baby teeth now. So, it can feed on more solid food. The puppy is still dark, but its natural color begins to appear. The puppy can start shedding, so you need to groom and brush it regularly. However, you can adopt it now if you know properly how to take care of such a young baby. While staying with its mom and littermates, the puppy socializes and learns canine etiquette. The breeder may start to introduce new people to it, and you can play with the puppy you have chosen for a while. It prepares the doggy for meeting and accepting a new owner. However, if you have adopted the pup at this age, you need to be very careful, especially during the first days in your home. The puppy is very playful and curious, so it can get into trouble. GS puppies need a lot of sleep when they are 6 weeks old because they grow fast. The required amount of sleep is hours per day. The little one will sleep, eat, and play all the time, so organize a quiet, safe, and peaceful place for it in your home. The first thing to know is that a puppy needs a safe and warm place to sleep and rest. It should be a special space of its own. You can put it in a crate next to your bed for the very first nights in your house. However, you have to teach it to sleep in another room soon. Follow these tips to arrange a sleeping place for your little doggy: Think about a special area in your house without loud noise and heavy traffic around. Locate the bed in the corner of the room and place a warm blanket or pad in it. Invite the doggy to sit on its bed for a while and then praise it and give it a treat. Crate training is essential at this age because even if you are not going to keep your dog in a crate, there may be special situations, such as veterinary care or grooming, when they will need to stay in a crate for some time. A 6 week old GSD cannot walk outside at this age because they have not been vaccinated yet. They can easily catch a severe virus or infection. So, take your puppy outside in your arms and let it do its business in a completely clean area somewhere in your backyard away from other dogs and strange people. Long walks are not for puppies at this age either. Walks can last only for 5 minutes. Two sessions can be enough. Take care of exercising. Do it smoothly, never run or jog, and let your pet take its own pace. If it stops to sniff something or for a rest, let it do it. Sniffing is very good for brain development. Never let your puppy climb stairs because it has poor coordination and can fall and injure itself. You can use some other ways of exercising instead of walking a lot. Play fetch with it indoors or in the backyard. Use a soft toy for this. Never pull your doggy or jerk it to prevent neck injuries. You can also hide a treat in the grass and ask your pup to find it. The doggy will do it eagerly, and this will help it to develop balance and coordination. Never make it go on far walks. Let it explore the environment slowly and comfortably in a safe and entirely secure area. There is no need to wash your dog or give it a bath. It is even dangerous for health because bathing can wash out the oils protecting the skin from unfavorable external conditions. That can lead to infections or severe itching. If your puppy really needs a bath, use soft bath wipes to remove dirt. Try not to use shampoo. If you want to do it, utilize only hypoallergenic shampoo for puppies. Never let water penetrate its ears or be splashed on the face because your little doggy is very sensitive to ear infections. Use soft puppy wipes or a piece of cotton cloth to wash their face. Do not pour water on the face because there is a risk of inhaling it and developing respiratory issues. At first, your puppy may not like bathing or grooming. Make grooming sessions short and be patient and positive. You can extend the sessions if you need them later on when your puppy grows older and does not oppose them. You will need a soft and safe brush at this age. The best solution is a brush glove. Your doggy will love it. You can make up a special brushing schedule and go step-by-step like this: Apply brushing gloves for a few minutes. Do brushing for 5 minutes 3 times per week. Offer a treat if your puppy behaves well during the brushing. Try to establish bonds with your puppy while brushing. You can follow the same routines when your pup grows older. Health and Vaccination Responsible breeders recommend finding a good vet as soon as you take a puppy home. Do not postpone the first visit to the vet for a long time. You can do it on the second or third day after you get the puppy. The first thing to do is to measure and weigh your doggy. Make it a routine because you and your vet will need to follow its healthy growth and weight gaining. The primary vaccination is usually given at the age of 8 months, but you can do it earlier. The schedule can shift depending on the state of the teeth, heart, and coat. So, a thorough examination is necessary. Before your pup is vaccinated, do not take it outside and communicate with other animals and people. There is a risk of infections. Your veterinarian will also advise you on brushing and grooming, cleaning ears, teeth, and anal sacs, trimming the nails, and checking paw pads. If you see that your pup has stopped growing or gaining weight, you need to show it to the vet immediately. There should be at least 3 meals per day, but 4 meals are ideal. Look at the package attentively. The number of calories in the kibble depends on the brand. If your dog likes goat milk, you can continue giving the milk to it throughout the entire life. It is full of nutrients, so your puppy will grow strong and healthy. Your dog needs a lot of water. Unlike the food that should be offered at certain times of the day, water can be poured into a bowl continuously. If you need to make any changes in your six week old German Shepherd puppy feeding , do it gradually because any abrupt change can lead to stomach upset. If your GS puppy refuses to eat, there may be some health problems. If you notice stumbling, vomiting, lethargy, and any inability to deal with food go and see a vet. How to Train a 6 Week Old GSD When you bring the little puppy home, your first idea may be to get it settled and accustomed for several days and then start home training. It is a mistake. You can start potty training , crate training, and socialization right away. This will help you establish closer bonds with your pet. Remember that your puppy has arrived from the well-set environment created by its mother-dog and littermates. Now, it needs to get used to something completely new for it. Potty training is essential from the first days. However, such little puppies may not succeed very much at first. They are more confident about potty walks at the age of 7- 8 weeks. Their bladder will be much stronger at that time. However, you have to start now. The first thing to do is to establish a set potty schedule. The schedule and main principles of potty training may look like this: Take the puppy outside early in the morning. Take it out late at night before it goes to bed. Go on a potty walk 10 minutes after it eats or drinks something. Always praise and treat your doggy after it does its business. Never scold or punish your little one if it has an accident inside. If you watch your puppy attentively, you will learn to notice when it needs a potty. It is a great way to prevent potty accidents. It may look exciting, go around in circles like looking for something and keep its nose close to the ground. Or it may start looking at the corner of the room as if it wants to find the right place for its needs. If you have noticed any of these signs, take your pet out immediately. You can start the obedience training too. That is why it will not be able to follow all your commands successfully. You need to be patient enough to never shout at your doggy if it fails to do what you want it to. It is too small, and its intelligence will be revealed a bit later. You can start with the two basic things to teach your pup, and then, only after it succeeds, continue with something more. Do not make training sessions too long — 2 minutes is enough. Though, you need to practice them about times per day. Do not utilize a training collar yet. If your pet does not display any interest in the commands, do not force it to follow them. You can try later when its attention span develops. Your little puppy does not look like an adult dog. It is too small. However, it is much bigger than puppies belonging to other breeds. Its height is inches cm. However, it may vary depending on some genetic or breeding factors. How much does a 6 week old German Shepherd weight? Males grow a bit bigger and at 6 weeks they can weigh 3. Females are smaller — their weight is about 3 pounds 6 kg. How much should a 6 week old German Shepherd eat? A 6-week-old GSD puppy grows very fast. So, it needs a lot of energy because its skeleton strengthens, teeth grow, and it needs a lot of energy. How often do I feed a 6 week old German Shepherd? That is why divide the daily amount of food per meals. There is no need to give your doggy a regular bath at this age. If your pup got extremely dirty, you can bathe it with warm water. However, do not use any shampoo. David W. I admire German Shepherds. They are magnificent dogs! I have been dealing with dogs, namely German Shepherds, throughout my life. I have been working part-time as a dog trainer and instructor for about 5 years, dealing mainly with German Shepherds. So I know a bit about these animals. Therefore, I decided to share my knowledge and experience about this fantastic breed. If you need help with advice and care tips or want to know more about German Shepherd dogs, welcome to this blog. This is vitally important for early socialization and training purposes since the mother dog and littermates will naturally help the puppy to develop certain important canine etiquette and social skills they will use for the rest of their life. Any reputable German Shepherd breeder will not release a puppy to their new forever home before the age of eight weeks at the earliest. In such a short space of time, a tiny puppy is replaced by a nearly full-grown adult dog! Considering that the AKC currently has breeds registered, this is a pretty amazing ranking! In fact, these dogs were developed by a former German cavalry captain named Max von Stephanitz. His goal was to create the perfect herding dog. Captain von Stephanitz founded the breed club and kept a watchful eye over the development of the breed for decades until his death in .But in , UK breeders changed the name back to the German Shepherd. Everywhere else around the world, the name that is most commonly used is simply the German Shepherd. People love the German Shepherd for their loyalty , strength, intelligence, athleticism, playfulness, beauty, and bravery. German Shepherds are arguably the most in-demand dogs for K-9 work in the military, police force, private security , and personal protection. Birth Birth, or whelping as it is called for canines, is a big process for a puppy to go through and an even bigger job for the mother dog, as Kennels von Lotta German Shepherds breeder points out. Most German Shepherd dog moms give birth naturally. If all goes well, the mother dog whelps each puppy, removes them from the placental sack, and licks them clean. This process continues until all the puppies are born. As soon as the puppies are born, the mother has to nurse them. When that is done, she has to lick them to get them to pee and poop. And after that, she has to cuddle with them to keep them warm while they sleep. German Shepherd puppies are born blind and deaf. Their only active senses are touch and smell. One week old By the age of one week seven days , a German Shepherd puppy will have doubled in weight. More excitingly, their eyes and ears will have begun to open, according to VomGeliebtenHaus German Shepherds breeder. Regardless of what their coat coloration and eye color will be in adulthood, all German Shepherd puppies typically are born with all-black coats and blue eyes. Interestingly, experienced German Shepherd breeders say that it is easy to see individual personality traits starting even at one week of age. The incisors are typically the first teeth to show up and they are tiny and sharp. The puppies are starting to explore a bit more and gain a little bit of control over their own elimination function. However, they are still very reliant on their mom. Three weeks old Three weeks is when it starts to get exciting to be a German Shepherd puppy. They start to look less like marionette puppets and more like dogs, walking with at least a semblance of coordination and jumping around and playing with their littermates. They can hear well and see much more clearly. This is usually when breeders begin active socialization with people so the puppies will be comfortable with being handled and played with. Four weeks old By the age of four weeks old, the puppies are starting to engage in serious play, including mock fighting and games. They begin to look a lot more like the adult dogs they are yet to become and gain greater independence from the mother dog. Speaking of fearless, week four is when puppies have their full set of puppy teeth and their little puppy claws on top of that. So it is not surprising the mother dog gets more forceful about establishing boundaries with the puppies this week. Those little claws and teeth are razor-sharp! Five weeks old German Shepherd dogs can easily produce litters of up to eight puppies, which is so cute and precious when the puppies are young. But once those puppies start to get bigger and stronger and begin to eat more and eliminate more, this can mean a whole lot of cleanup for the mother dog and the breeder! This is why five weeks old is the age that most breeders begin to introduce the concept of outdoor potty breaks. Six weeks old By the age of six weeks old, the puppies are finally old enough to start eating more solid foods and to get the first of their important vaccination treatments, distemper and parvovirus and, optionally, Bordetella. Six weeks old is also an important time for introducing strange people so the puppies get used to meeting and interacting with potential new owners. The puppies are bigger and stronger now and are very curious and playful. After all, your puppy is eating solid food, has all their puppy teeth and claws, is able to hear and see clearly, is playful and curious, and has been exposed to different people and socialized by their mom and littermates. What could possibly go wrong? But for general purposes, canine researchers believe the most critical period happens between the age of six weeks and the age of 10 weeks, with specific fears taking shape around weeks eight through .This is the time period when puppies begin to intensively socialize and interact with their littermates, human carers, and others, forming bonds or aversions as each situation or interaction may warrant. As Dr. This is one key reason why it is smart to work only with a GSD breeder that will not release puppies until after the tenth week. This way, the puppy is able to move through the fear period in very familiar and trusted surroundings with the mom and littermates. However, this is not to say that if you brought your German Shepherd puppy home when they were younger than 10 weeks old that you will have any problems. Some puppies make it through the fear period just fine without any trauma. How to Manage the Fear Period for a Six Week Old German Shepherd Puppy If you are preparing to welcome your new German Shepherd puppy into your family, you may be feeling justifiably worried about managing the fear period effectively. So is there anything you need to know or do to make sure your young puppy feels safe, secure, and loved right from day one of their new life with you? As a matter of fact, there are some things you can do to set your puppy up for success right away. You will especially want to supervise young children to make sure they handle your puppy with appropriate sensitivity and gentleness. A German Shepherd puppy that is properly socialized to the youngest family members will grow up to be a staunch guardian and protector to all. Establish a consistent daily routine For a young puppy, in particular, a consistent routine is key to comfort and feelings of safety. Begin socialization and training immediately While it can feel tempting to go easy for the first few days and just let your new puppy get settled in, this can actually be counterproductive to building your bond together. A better strategy is to start every aspect of training from potty training to crate training to sleep training right away. Your puppy will have come to you from a structured environment established by the mother dog and the breeder. The more closely you can match and maintain that structure, making gradual adjustments as needed for your own daily life schedule, the more easily and quickly your puppy will adjust to life away from the litter and their mother. Your German Shepherd breeder likely required you to take your new puppy for a veterinary checkup right away, and this will give you an excellent baseline against which to compare growth and development in the coming weeks. Get into the habit of weighing and measuring your puppy each week and paying close attention to food and water intake, exercise and playtime, and sleep cycles. This is also the best way to quickly identify if there are any emerging health issues that need your attention. This is why people love this breed so much. Luckily, there is lots of help available. People who love the GSD breed are usually delighted to provide a new owner with assistance. Though it is still getting used to the world it lives in, it is socializing and making new friends, getting to know its owner You better. Also, 6 weeks is the age at which you should eliminate bad habits, and teach a German Shepherd bite inhibition. Though it is gained at a very high rate, as a trade-off, the dog needs a lot of food to keep up that energy. On average, a 1. And the weight will be around 3. Also, at the age of 6 weeks, your German Shepherd will grow at the fastest rate in his early life. Be cautious and never forget! To give it more than enough food and your adult GSD will be very strong and athletic. Bite Inhibition As well as everything above, during this young age, the puppy has to understand some things about biting. In particular, the biting inhibition. Without proper training, the pup may and probably will bite uncontrollably, for any possible reason, in the future. And you surely understand what that means. But how do you train it: Firstly, at that young age, any dog will get distracted and probably will stop any action including biting if it hears a loud noise. As such, you may as well emit this voice any time a dog comes to bite you or somebody else. Otherwise, you can let the dog play with you and train its teeth. They would be very helpful in the future as well, if you plan on continuing the training. Hence you will also need to care for the said puppy with more effort. For example, sometimes the babies may get ill due to their immunity wearing down because of growth and age. And that means that sometimes the puppy will need medical attention. Take it to a medical clinic etc. The German Shepherd is still too young for that. Also, never leave the dog inside a closed house for too long. Let them breathe with fresh outside air from time to time. Probably the mother will walk and guide her puppies on such walks. Conclusion In the end, caring for the puppy in the age of 6 weeks is about the same, as if the dog was 5 weeks old. Though there are some differences, including the bite inhibition training, increased amount of care, as well as the effort to help your puppy develop into a strong and representative adult German Shepherd. So good luck with making them the best as well. And thank you for reading.

Choking Can German Shepherd puppies eat raw meat? A German Shepherd puppy can start eating raw meat and bones at about 12 weeks i. Can German Shepherds eat raw chicken? There are numerous debates on whether to feed raw or cooked chicken. Some doctors believe that feeding raw chicken to German Shepherds increases the danger of salmonella infection. Others argue that feeding raw chicken to your dog is completely safe and poses no or minimal chances of salmonella infection. They defend this theory by claiming that dogs and wolves are accustomed to eating raw meat and live happily and healthily in the wild. This breed, however, tolerates all types of chicken and most meat products. You may combine the chicken with some nutritious starches and veggies that are safe for your German Shepherd to eat. Is it safe to give dogs raw bones? Bones pose no health risk to your dog. They are, in fact, incredibly healthy and supply your pet with a lot of nutrients. Bones are rich in calcium and easy to chew and the flesh left on the bones is high in protein and other nutrients. Plus your pet will also get to enjoy the delicious bone marrow inside them. On the other hand, Cooked bones will not harm your pet, but they can easily splinter, which will cause digestive problems. When you initially offer raw chicken to your puppy, you may notice that it causes diarrhea. Benefits of raw meat for dogs While raw food is usually 98 percent digestive, processed foods are just 80 percent digestible. It means that fresh food is more effective in terms of delivering nutrients. Also, many people believe that a fresh meal consisting primarily of raw meat is more representative of what German Shepherds would consume in the wild. Furthermore, dogs that eat raw meat are healthy since their bodies are well adapted to such a diet and less prone to stomach disorders, which are widespread in German Shepherds. However, there are two commonly used methods: 1. It is mainly made up of raw beef, but it also contains additional ingredients such as vegetables and nuts. The aim is to deliver a nutritional value similar to high-quality commercial dog treats , use meals free of preservatives, and have higher absorption rates. The main difference between it and the BARF approach is that it does not need any plants. What raw meat can I feed my German Shepherd? A German Shepherd can eat practically everything when it comes to protein. Any bird meat is safe to eat. These give the protein, fat, and other nutrients required by a German Shepherd. According to most people, raw meats supply all of the nutrients and vitamins that a German Shepherd requires without being cooked. Cooked meat is also safe for your pet and is best when baked or boiled. However, bones should always be served uncooked to avoid splintering, which can cause digestive difficulties. Apart from chicken, your German Shepherd can eat other raw meat bones such as: Beef. They state that raw meat is dangerous and can make both you and your German Shepherd sick. This then increases risk of nutritional deficiencies and illnesses. For example, raw food diets tend to lack enough calcium and phosphorus and may lead to bone fractures and dental problems. Feeding a German Shepherd raw meat may put it at risk of contracting harmful bacteria like E. If infected, the dog may suffer fever, diarrhea, vomiting, dehydration, and lethargy. Immunocompromised or older dogs may even die. Additionally, owners feeding their German Shepherds raw meat are also more susceptible to developing foodborne illnesses. Handling raw meat or touching any other contaminated surfaces will increase the likelihood of infection. Choking Feeding a German Shepherd raw meat on the bone may increase risk of choking and blockages. Well, advocates believe that raw feeding is more in tune with how your German Shepherd would eat in the wild. Raw meat is also believed to provide a number of health benefits, although evidence is very much anecdotal. This begs the question if raw meat is even worth it, given that a safer and generally healthier option exists. I personally recommend against it. And if your German Shepherd responds better to raw meat than dog food, then why not? Should you ever feed dog raw meat though, be sure to supplement it with other types of nutritious food like fruits and vegetables. Do keep in mind though that not all German Shepherds should be fed a raw diet. German Shepherd puppies and those with digestive issues, or kidney and liver problems should stick with kibble instead. To summarize, yes German Shepherds can most definitely eat and digest raw meat. Post navigation. Faster nutrient absorption Weight management A BARF diet ensures dogs eat fresh, wholesome, and allergen-free foods, as no chemicals, additives, or fillers are used in raw diets. Raw Dog Diet Research Increased lifespan. Generally, raw-fed dogs are so much healthier. The changes are profound. A study on feeding practices in the United States and Australia indicated that .Lisa M. Freeman Freeman, a nutrition professor at the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University, tells WebMD many benefits attributed to a raw food diet for dogs, such as a shinier coat, are the result of the high-fat composition of the typical raw diet. Ingredient contamination. Raw ingredients pose a higher risk of contamination with potentially harmful pathogens i. Coli that can sicken your pet and possibly be transmitted to humans. Feeding whole bones to dogs presents a risk of choking, broken teeth, intestinal obstruction, or internal punctures. Nutritionally unbalanced. Raw allergies. Dogs might be allergic to raw ingredients. Wash all meats, organs, and other raw ingredients. Buy raw products from reputable grocery stores or butchers with high sanitary standards. Raw bones. Avoid big bones and feed only raw bones that are small or ground bones. Never feed cooked bones. They become softer after cooking and are more likely to splinter when chewed. Speak with a vet nutritionist. They can provide nutritional guidance to formulate the best German Shepherd raw diet or recommend a raw dog food delivery service. However, after two weeks of storage, most samples declined compared to salmonellae. We also analyzed the price for the most popular meats. According to the U. It might be cheaper. Conversely, buying commercial raw-meat food over traditional kibble is a tad more expensive, but we think the health benefits and convenience are worth the price. Read our feeding raw dog food on a budget guide for tips on how to feed raw for cheap. Choose lean cuts. Raw meat is the main source of protein. Builds and repairs muscles and other body tissues. Needed to make new skin cells, grow hair, hormones, enzymes and more. Ground bones are the safest choice. Avoid heavy or big bones - They can break teeth or get stuck in the digestive tract. Provide essential calcium, phosphorous, and other essential nutrients. Great source of high-quality protein; vitamins A, B12, B6; folic acid; iron; zinc; and essential amino acids. Organs are a great source of vitamins and minerals. The more organs you add to the diet of your dog, the better the mix of nutrients your dog will receive. Fruit such as apples, cranberries, and blueberries. Fresh herbs such as parsley, basil, and oregano. Never feed toxic fruits or veggies Fruit provide antioxidants while vegetables have carotenoids, flavonoids, antioxidants, and many other phytochemicals that are beneficial to immune function and health dogs. It states every dog meal should have six indispensable nutrients to create a balanced meal that supports life and proper function in dogs. These include protein, carbohydrates, fat, vitamins, minerals, and water. No fruits or veggies. Always consult with your vet. Adding a multivitamin like Zesty Paws Multivitamin Chews ensures your German Shepherd gets the recommended balance of vitamins and minerals. For common GSD problems like osteoarthritis and other joint maladies, look for products containing glucosamine and chondroitin , which may help treat or prevent symptoms. Do you have a busy lifestyle with little time to cook for your pup? This company is the pioneer of raw dog food. They deliver Biologically Appropriate Raw Food straight to your door. Their formula is a balanced blend of raw meat, fruits, vegetables, organs, and bones. All of their ingredients are USDA-sourced. Their formulas are developed with the input of a veterinary nutritionist to meet the nutritional guidelines set by AAFCO. The body weight percentage method is the most straightforward alternative to many raw feeders new and experienced. Please consider his metabolism, activity level, lifestyle, health, and other factors to determine the perfect amount. Senior, less active, or overweight dogs weight loss : Feed 1. For a German Shepherd that weighs 65 pounds, here is how much raw food you would need to feed him daily. While some strongly believe that raw feeding is an unsafe way to feed dogs, others consider it extremely beneficial. Can German Shepherds eat raw meat? Yes, absolutely! German Shepherds can definitely eat raw meat. You just need to be aware of how to do it properly to ensure adequate nutrition and to avoid potential hazards. Benefits of Feeding Raw Meat to your German Shepherd According to the Animal Humane Society , a home-cooked and raw food diet is better only because it offers better digestibility. It only means that fresh food is more efficient at providing nutrients. Additionally, many believe that a fresh diet composed mainly of raw meat better mimics what German Shepherds would eat in the wild. Theoretically, because their bodies are adapted for such a diet, dogs that eat raw meat tend to be healthier and less prone to digestive issues, which are common among GSDs. It is mostly composed of raw meat but also includes other ingredients like vegetables and seeds. The key is to provide the same nutritional profile as high-quality commercial dog food, but through meals that have no preservatives and have better absorption rates. Its most distinct difference from the BARF method is that it does not contain any plants. Generally, a raw food diet poses the following risks: Malnutrition Commercial dog food is specifically formulated to give your pup a balanced diet. To avoid this, make sure you adhere to the recommended ratios for the raw diet method you intend to follow. Contamination Undercooked and raw meat can be contaminated with harmful bacteria like E. Always follow the same food safety protocols as you would with food for human consumption. Also, always source your meat from reputable establishments. Generally, you should avoid weight-bearing bones because those are hard enough to break teeth, cause choking, or even lead to throat or gut perforation. As long as you follow food safety protocols, feeding your GSD raw meat should be harmless. In fact, it could be a good way for your pup to get all the nutrition they need. Final Thoughts Whether you use it to replace their dog food or give as an occasional treat, your German Shepherd is very likely to enjoy raw meat. Salmonella Salmonella does not affect dogs in the same way that it affects people. A large percentage of healthy dogs will test positive for salmonella in their systems regardless of the food that they eat. It is a normal part of their GI flora and so they naturally excrete it in their feces and saliva. The majority of human salmonella cases come from ingestion and handling of dry foods and treats, and not from handling uncooked meats as popularly thought. So the real salmonella threat is to you, and not to your dog. And regardless of the food that you feed your dog, there is a good chance that it is already carrying salmonella. The people most affected by this are those who have compromised immune systems. So just remember to handle any raw meat that you prepare for your dog in the same manner that you would handle raw meat that you feed to your family. In addition to properly rinsing raw meat, be sure to disinfect counters, bowls, and any other surfaces that the raw meat may come into contact with. Also, according to the FDA , you should wash your hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and warm water after handling any raw meat and also the same before eating. Trichinosis This is a parasitic disease that is most often caused by eating undercooked pig or wild game infected with larval trichinella a parasitic worm. These larvae may, however, be killed off by heating, freezing, or irradiating the meat. While you can of course heat or freeze meat at home, irradiation is carried out in government facilities with x-rays, gamma rays, and electron beams. To effectively kill off trichinella by freezing, you must freeze raw pork meat for 3 weeks before you feed it to your dog. Toxoplasmosis This is caused by the protozoa called toxoplasma gondii. Though the vast majority of people infected with Toxoplasmosis will never show any symptoms if they have healthy immune systems. People most at risk are pregnant women and those with compromised immune systems. Infection from these protozoa can happen when raw meat is consumed, most often venison, pork, lamb, oysters, clams, and mussels. Infection can also occur from infected feces. Infection can also accidentally occur when not washing hands after gardening or eating unwashed fruits and vegetables from a garden. The risk of Toxoplasmosis can be avoided by freezing raw meat for 24 hours and again remembering to thoroughly disinfect all surfaces that raw meat may have come into contact with. Salmon Poisoning This can occur when feeding a dog salmon or any other anadromous fish fish that swim upstream to spawn , and it works like this: The fish harbors a parasite Nanophyetus salmincola , and in turn, this parasite harbors an organism Neorickettsia helminthoeca. The parasite is relatively harmless, but it is the organism that it carries which causes salmon poisoning and produces its harmful effects. And again here, freezing the raw fish meat will inactivate both the parasite and the organism. However, this requires some attention to detail to do properly. To effectively kill these off, salmon must be deep-frozen for at least 7 days. GI Parasites These parasites, which include tapeworms, roundworms, coccidia, and hookworms are often a concern for some people who want to feed their dog raw meat. So just make sure that you are not feeding your dog the GI tract of any animal, and this will ensure that he will not acquire any GI parasites. As long as you are feeding your dog USDA inspected meat, there is no risk of contraction. Food Poisoning Dogs can get food poisoning from eating rancid meat. Spoiled, rancid meat contains endotoxins that will kill just about anything that eats it except scavengers that are built to do this. If it smells off, it likely is off. On the other hand, wolves have been eating raw meat for millions of years. Even though dogs have evolved through the years to become tolerant of starches — corn, wheat, rice, potato, and other products in traditional dog food, their systems have not evolved to do so. There is a big difference between adaptation and evolution. Unlike evolution, adaptation is not a natural process, but instead a forced one. A reasonable alternative to raw meat is commercially manufactured raw dog food. You can feel safe that if you feed your dog raw dog food from a reputable manufacturer that it will not be exposed to the bacteria and parasites discussed above. Manufacturers of raw dog food use several different methods to ensure this: High-Pressure Pasteurization HPP : In this process, meat products are exposed to extremely high pressures. This pressurization inactivates or kills off microbial bacteria which makes the food sterile. Batch testing: Companies that do not want to use pasteurization use this method to test for the presence of harmful bacteria. This is the same method that the USDA uses to inspect the meat that is sold for human consumption. So this means that the meat is tested twice, which is a step above the standards that the USDA uses for humans! Inspecting the health of the herd that the animal came from: Research has shown that well cared for, stress and drug-free livestock shed significantly less harmful bacteria including E. Coli and Salmonella than feedlot cattle, which are often raised in stressful, inhuman conditions. The companies that rely on this method only purchase cattle from farmers who raise their cattle in an ethical, very health-conscious manner. Precautions when introducing your German Shepherd to commercially produced raw food Not all raw commercially available raw dog foods are properly nutritionally balanced. Because of this many dogs develop nutritional imbalances that can be avoided by purchasing a properly balanced food. A food must have a proper balance of: Antioxidants Vitamins Fatty Acids The key takeaway here is to not wait until your German Shepherd develops a nutritional imbalance before you realize the importance of giving him the proper food in the first place. Making this shift too quickly can cause GI problems like diarrhea. Also be aware that you should never mix dry kibble and raw dog food together. This is because the two food sources are metabolized differrently by a dog since raw foods are mostly protein and dry kibble is mostly starch. If all is fine, then increase the frequency of the raw food treats for a few days, and then go for an entire meal replacement. Repeat this process for a few days, and if all remains well then you are safe to switch over entirely from dry kibble to raw dog food. Final Thoughts Feeding your dog raw meat is great for your dog both from a nutritional standpoint as from a mental health point of view. Happy dogs are healthy dogs, and few things make a dog happier than eating raw meat! Just be sure that you take the proper precautions when preparing raw meat for your dog, and just use common sense. It seems many of us can relate to health problems we have encountered while feeding our dogs dried processed dog food. He is 8 years old, so an older dog, and I was told he may have cancer. Knowing this, I knew I had to focus on his bone health and at the same time stay away from all sugars and grains as cancer can feed on both of these. I also make sure to feed Boaz raw organ meats times a week. Organ meats contain nearly every nutrient including B vitamins, folic acid, minerals like phosphorus, iron, copper, magnesium and iodine. They also provide the important fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E and K. Also important is making sure that Boaz is getting vegetables into his diet. Every week in his own batch of broth, I include vegetables with dark leafy greens which he devours. The calcium in his diet is coming from the raw beef and chicken bones and fermented dairy of yogurt and cottage cheese. When feeding dogs bones, make sure they are always raw. Never feed your dog cooked bones of any kind as they can splinter and cause intestinal problems. For his essential fatty acids, I give Boaz a teaspoon every day of fermented cod liver oil and cold pressed flaxseed oil.

They are intelligent, loyal and energetic dogs when grown, but require lots of training and stimulation to avoid boredom and become well-adjusted socially. While loving to their owners, they are often distant with strangers and can suffer from separation anxiety when their owner is away. It is highly unusual for the puppy's owner to care for them during this time and is best left to a responsible, reputable breeder. Your puppy's body will double in weight as their muscles, organs and bones develop. Nutrition During the neonatal stage, your German Shepherd puppy will get most of their nutrition from their mother's milk. At around 4 weeks you may wish to introduce a few kibbles mixed with warm water. Health During this time it is important to monitor your GSD for any infections, diseases or birth defects. Puppies are unable to urinate or defecate by themselves initially, so their mother helps them but may additionally require your assistance. Keep your vet's contact details close by and educate yourself thoroughly on this stage of puppy development. By the end of this period, your puppy will be mobile and will explore the world mouth first — be sure to keep choking hazards and toxic foods out of their reach. Behaviour During most of this time your GSD will be asleep or inactive, but they will soon be playing with their brothers and sisters. After weeks they will go through as much sensory development as a human baby does in a few months. It is important to avoid disturbing the puppies' mother as she will be likely be protective, but some interaction with the young pups is normal so they become used to human touch. This is a formative time for your puppy and will be when they learn to walk, play, bite, hold their bladder, and interact with others. In this time your GSD will develop a trusting relationship with you and will respond negatively to harsh treatment, so be sure be assertive and establish your dominance but avoid shouting. Nutrition During the weaning stage, you should slowly introduce into their diet a nutritionally complete dog food which is appropriate to your German Shepherd's large size and young age. This breed tend not to be gluttons and quickly work off any weight during exercise, but this time is crucial for developing healthy bones and joints so feed them the best quality food you can. You should also familiarise yourself with lists of toxic foods and plants to avoid and hide as your puppy will soon find ways to get into places it shouldn't be. If your GSD is a long-haired variant you should make them familiar with brushing early as this will become a daily necessity for their entire life. You must be careful to monitor play and not allow your puppy to play too rough or they may irreversibly damage their sensitive back legs and shoulders. Behaviour Due to the changes in their environment, your GSD will likely be under a significant amount of stress. It's important that you provide lots of attention and build your relationship early, but be careful not to allow your puppy to become dependent on your attention and presence. GSDs are often described as aloof since they are shy with strangers — it is important to socialise them with strangers early so that they do not become aggressive towards people and dogs they are unfamiliar with. Your GSD will be full of energy and already require lots of time exercising, playing and in training. Your dog will likely do well at puppy training school and will benefit from obedience training to help control them in public. Nutrition Your German Shepherd puppy's diet should be based around a high quality, nutritionally complete puppy food. It is particularly important that you make sure your pup has the right diet at this time to help them grow properly and avoid joint or bone problems later in life. Your GSD has a double coat which changes with the seasons: the bottom layer sheds in the warmer weather, but will need daily or weekly brushing to help it along. After around 8 weeks your puppy will be due for some vaccinations, so they will need a checkup at the vet and to arrange for boosters after that. Studies showed that dogs supplemented with a diet of bovine colostrum had a quicker and stronger immune system response to CDV vaccine as compared to dogs fed a control diet. Colostrum supplemented dogs maintained a higher antibody level even after 40 weeks. A diet supplemented with Colostrum helps bridge the immunity gap in puppies that occurs between 3 weeks and 5 months of age. Behaviour German Shepherds are unendingly loyal to their family but are distant with people they don't know, so familiarise them with friends, strangers and other dogs early. It is vital to teach your pup early to be patient with children who may not respect their boundaries and might otherwise provoke aggressive behaviour. It is important to provide your GSD with lots of sturdy, entertaining toys to stimulate them — a bored German Shepherd will destroy your furniture and backyard for fun. Recommended Articles. Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links. What to Feed German Shepherd Puppies: A Healthy Feeding Guide One of the first things you need to know about what to feed German Shepherd puppies is, right from the start, to choose a high-quality puppy-specific food for large breed puppies. What to feed German Shepherd puppies—feed German Shepherd puppies a diet that is: Specifically created for large-breed puppies. What do German Shepherd puppies eat? New owners are given a host of choices when bringing home their new pups. You can choose to offer one or the other, or even opt for mixed feeding. Dry Kibble Kibble is the most popular and economical choice for German Shepherd puppies. Plus, the major manufacturers offer a complete and balanced diet in many different flavors, with or without grains, and even limited ingredient diets. Kibble can be moistened either with water or broth. Here are the advantages and disadvantages of kibble when it comes to feeding German Shepherd puppies: Advantages Easy to purchase at most stores and online. Keeps for longer than other food options. Quick and simple to serve with little clean up. Disadvantages Can be difficult for some puppies to chew, causing them to not eat enough. Wet Food Here are some advantages and disadvantages of feeding German Shepherd puppies wet food : Advantages Softer and potentially more palatable for picky eaters. Contains more water content than dry food, which can help keep your puppy hydrated. Can leave dogs feeling fuller for longer due to the water content. Can be more expensive than kibble in the long run. Requires more preparation time. Mixing Dry Kibble and Wet Foods Feeding our German Shepherd puppies is no easy task, and deciding between wet and dry puppy food can leave us scratching our heads. But what if we told you there was a middle ground? Mixing wet and dry puppy foods can be an option worth considering, but it comes with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Wet food contributes to increased water intake, ensuring your furry friend stays well-hydrated. Allows you to provide a diverse array of nutrients, contributing to a balanced diet for your growing German Shepherd. Disadvantages Might make it trickier to regulate portion sizes accurately, potentially leading to overfeeding and weight issues. These diets exclude foods that have been cooked or processed in any way. There are also some advantages and disadvantages to feeding a German Shepherd puppy a raw food diet: Advantages Raw diets consist of uncooked, fresh ingredients that retain their natural nutrients, potentially promoting better health for your puppy. Some puppies with food sensitivities might find relief on a raw diet as it eliminates common allergens found in processed foods. Disadvantages Preparing a balanced raw diet requires careful planning to ensure your pup gets all the necessary nutrients in the right proportions. Raw diets carry a higher risk of bacterial contamination, potentially affecting both your pup and you. Sourcing high-quality ingredients and properly storing them can be costly and time-consuming. Homemade Diets For large breed puppies, like German Shepherds, homemade diets must be carefully formulated, just like commercial foods. To create a homemade diet recipe specifically for your dog, it is preferable to consult a veterinarian who holds a board certification in veterinary nutrition. Unfortunately, research has shown that many well-intentioned dog owners still overfeed or give their dogs an unbalanced diet, which can be harmful. By cooking at home, you can skip additives and preservatives often found in commercial dog food. Disadvantages Without proper knowledge and planning, homemade meals may lack essential nutrients, leading to nutritional imbalances. Preparing homemade food demands time and effort, which might be challenging for busy pet parents. Mishandling raw ingredients can lead to contamination, causing health issues for your puppy. Remember, these charts help provide a guideline, but each dog is an individual. For example, if your dog has had a busy day of training and playing, they may need a few extra calories for dinner. This helps ensure they are growing as expected, and if not, you may need to alter the recommended feeding amount. As a rule of thumb, most German Shepherd puppies will eat as follows in this chart: Age. How often you should feed a German Shepherd puppy depends on their age and their activity level. Many owners also want to know when they can switch to adult food formulas for their German Shepherd puppies. Switch your GSD puppy to adult food when they are around 12 to 18 months old. Puppies can begin adult kibble when they are approximately 80 percent of their adult weight. This usually occurs around 8 to 10 months of age, but you can safely feed puppy food up to 18 months old as long as they are not putting on excess weight too quickly. If you want to know what to feed a German Shepherd puppy, keep reading. Finding the best food to feed your German Shepherd puppy is overwhelming at times. This means choosing what to feed a German Shepherd puppy is even more serious and intimidating! Follow this feeding guide when you need to know what to feed German Shepherd puppies. I understand! The following dog foods are all recommended for large breed puppies and meet and exceed regulated nutritional standards. Feeding a high-quality kibble from a name-brand company that uses feeding trials ensures the best quality and nutrition. Here are some of the best German Shepherd puppy foods that are research-backed. Packed with nutrients to help limit inflammation of the joints and uses fresh ingredients. Easily digestible formula for puppies prone to allergies and sensitive stomachs. Rich aroma with DHA fish oil to entice puppies to finish every last bite while giving shine to their coats. The better the food, the healthier your pup will be inside and out. Cheaper GSD puppy food lacks quality proteins that are essential for your working breed dog. Adding too much weight to your German Shepherd too soon can cause lifelong joint issues that are painful to your pet and expensive on your wallet. Most GSDs are healthy and fit on commercial dog foods that are high quality. These balanced formulas keep their bones and muscles strong throughout their growing periods and can ward off later joint issues, a common breed problem, as they mature. There is a greater demand for quality nutrition during the early growth stage. For these reasons, you must feed high-quality food. Now, consider what to feed a German Shepherd puppy based on their age. These feeding charts and guides will help keep your new companion growing strong and athletic. Tiny portions of canned, wet foods are introduced. Meals per day: 4 or more Puppies should stay with their mom for to keep them healthy. Nutrition Warning! At 8-weeks-old a GSD pup is eating more solid foods and develops a better appetite for kibble and other foods. Add in only a couple of small spoonfuls of canned plain pumpkin, unsweetened Greek yogurt, or cooked oatmeal to entice your pup to eat. Meals per day: 4 Week-Old Puppy Continue feeding the same as the 8-week-old diet. Treats are not only enjoyable for your German Shepherd, but help you to eneterain and build a positive relationship with him. Be sure to keep their zoomies under control by playing plenty of fun German Shepherd games for puppies. Meals per day: 4 Week-Old Puppy Continue to feed the kibble. Watch for excessive weight gain during this growth time as their bones cannot take extra weight! Too much weight gain too quickly can cause joint issues as an adult and prevent healthy development. Use their mental energy to help keep them more relaxed throughout the day by playing brain-boosting mind games for German Shepherd puppies. Meals per day: 3 to 4 Week-Old Puppy Keep your puppy trim and athletic by monitoring how much you feed your puppy and their body condition. You can write how much they eat and track this over time, and adjust how much your feed your German Shepherd puppy to keep them at a healthy weight. Try using fresh, raw, cut-up pieces of carrots as healthy treats or small, deseeded cubes of fresh apple as part of their training treats. Keep your eyes open for a growth spurt about to begin! Meals per day: 3 Week-Old Puppy Around 4 months old, you might notice your puppy finish their meal quickly and look for more food. Be sure to watch how many treats you give them throughout the day. You can do this by holding them safely in your arms and weighing them with you on the scale. Then, place them on the floor and step onto the scale without them to weigh yourself. Remember, around 16 to weeks old your German Shepherd puppy begins to rapidly grow. Instead, when looking overhead at your puppy their waist should look trim and not rounded outwards. German Shepherd puppies should appear sleek in their waistline. Meals per day: 3 Week And Older Puppy Continue to feed your German Shepherd puppy dry kibble with a small amount of healthy foods mixed in. You can lessen the healthy food you mix in gradually if you prefer. But, even as adults, German Shepherds love a bit of tasty toppers on their kibble. Around a year old, begin feeding your German Shepherd puppy 2 meals a day. Two meals, one in the morning and evening, are not only safer but also provide your German Shepherd with sustained energy to fuel their high-energy lifestyle. You can create a positive meal time by using the following tips: Always offer fresh water during their meal times. Keep the area where they eat their food in calm and out of the way of the family hustle and bustle. I found sitting with a book reading, just keeping my GSD puppy company, encouraged my dog to eat their meals while giving us time to quietly bond. Feed your German Shepherd at the same time everyday. The best time to feed a German Shepherd puppy is in the morning, before you leave for the day, and in the evening, about 2 hours before you put your dog to bed. Allow them to potty after eating to ensure their comfort. Your dog also needs to eat at other times of the day for their health and growth. How much you should feed a German Shepherd puppy really depends on a number of factors. Your GSD pup should eat enough to maintain their growth and energy, while not carrying any extra fat. Every dog is different. Keep in mind the number of calories in the kibble, which varies from manufacturer to manufacturer. Each puppy food company has a different amount of calories and size of the kibble. Here are a few things that might affect how much your German Shepherd puppy should eat. The more active a German Shepherd puppy is, the more calories he needs to eat to replace lost energy. For example, puppies need nearly twice the amount of calories as compared to adults. And older or senior German Shepherds who are less active need less food. Health Maintaining a healthy weight is essential to feeding your German Shepherd. Simply put, you can prevent some medical conditions and health problems by monitoring their waistlines. Instead follow the healthy way to bulk up a German Shepherd. To see if your German Shepherd is at the right weight you can find the average weight depending on their age. However, it is still advised to ask for a senior-specific diet from your vet or pet nutritionist just to be safe. If you choose to give your German Shepherd dog homemade foods in all of its life stages, you may need to self-calculate and monitor its daily calorie consumption. Feeding German Shepherds has numerous factors to consider. How much you are providing them is crucial, but knowing how often you need to feed them is essential, too. Initially, feeding German Shepherd puppies begins with four puppy food meals daily. Then gradually, it should be transitioned into three equally proportioned meals a day at two months old. This gradual change should go on until they are 12 months old. After that, they should eat twice a day naturally during adulthood. Young puppies have a faster metabolism compared to adult dogs. In general, the last meal of your puppy for the day should be hours before its bedtime, so they have enough time to digest the food before they go to sleep. As for transitioning puppies to adult German Shepherds, the three meals should be given in the morning, noon, and nighttime, so they may be provided with a full breakfast, lunch, and dinner. This is crucial for their growth, especially if they are active and working dogs. Having a feeding schedule can also help monitor their food intake to avoid weight-related issues. The optimal feeding time for adult and senior German Shepherds would be during the morning and night for their two meals daily. Lastly, as owners, we must seldom give treats to our German Shepherds, preferably only during training. Too much of anything may be bad for your dog. Moreover, it should provide the sufficient nutrients needed for growth and development. There are many commercial dog foods in the market, but you can also offer your GSD puppy homemade dog food or a raw diet. Consulting a vet is strongly advised to give your German Shepherd the best diet suited for its lifestyle. To help you in this dilemma, the list below has dog food options you may want to consider offering to your GSD puppy: Dry Food: Dry food or kibble is a commercial food widely available in pet stores and dog food manufacturers. A number of dry foods are formulated to provide a balanced diet for dogs, but checking their nutritional guidelines and value is crucial since a German Shepherd puppy may need high carb foods. It can be mixed with their dry kibble to add water or moisture to their diet. These kinds of commercial foods are expensive and can spoil quickly, and they may not be enough if fed alone to your puppy. BARF Diet: Biologically Appropriate Raw Food is a type of diet that consists of raw meat, raw eggs, crushed animal bones, fruits, vegetables, probiotics, and other natural ingredients. Raw feeding is given as a substitute for processed foods with preservatives. We know a German Shepherd is a large breed dog. However, males tend to grow bigger and heavier than females, needing more food consumption. A German Shepherd puppy may need to eat at frequent schedules with smaller meals, while adult ones may not need to be fed much often but will need more significant meal portions each time. They tend to eat whatever falls from the dinner table or even whatever food they set their sights on. As we talk about food diets, we must not forget those foods you must avoid feeding your German Shepherd puppy. Generally, they may not be too sensitive to dog foods or ingredients, but other foods may be fatal to them. Coffee is one of the most toxic foods to dogs. They contain caffeine , which causes cardiac arrhythmias, high blood pressure, vomiting, tremors, and seizures. Another toxic food German Shepherd owners should not feed their dog is chocolate. As yummy as this is, chocolates contain theobromine. All dog breeds cannot metabolize this substance. Gums, peanut butter, and candies that contain xylitol are also toxic to dogs. It causes disorientation, hypoglycemia, seizures, and collapse. This is much more threatening than coffee and chocolate, so you need to be extra careful with this. Aside from those mentioned above, there are many other toxic foods you should avoid feeding German Shepherds. They may not be fatal, but they can cause discomfort and progress to severe diseases. If you doubt certain foods or ingredients, you may consult a pet nutritionist or veterinarian just to be sure. Many large breed dogs visit vet clinics due to unmonitored food intake. It only fits a week-old German Shepherd. You may need to mix dry and wet foods at a certain age for your pup, or maybe you want to incorporate raw foods in their adult diet just like many dog owners do. You just have to make sure you know how to do it correctly, and you provide the most nutritious dry dog food or wet food. You should give enough time for your dog to adjust to a new food gradually. Like other shepherd breeds, you should allow a 7-day transition period from feeding German Shepherds their old food to their new diet. If there is discomfort, vomiting, or diarrhea, you may opt to slow down the process even more or consult your vet directly. Feeding an Overweight German Shepherd If you free-feed a German Shepherd, it may likely cause excessive weight gain or obesity. Furthermore, it can easily cause heavy or labored breathing during sleep and irregular movements, such as climbing stairs. Aside from dog food or canned food, a few more factors that can cause an overweight dog breed are table scraps, treats, and not enough exercise. There are a lot of alternatives for treats bought from pet stores, such as fruits and vegetables. These are easier to digest, lighter, and healthier. Eliminate table scraps and leftovers in their diet as they are unnecessary to these large breed puppies. Following a specific schedule with specific amounts of puppy food can significantly help lose weight. Implementing control in their daily meals can help reduce unnecessary food consumption. It is essential to understand that having an overweight dog is more likely caused by the lifestyle owners expose their dogs to. Also, inform family members about the diet plan, so your German Shepherd will not be too spoiled with food. There are a lot of factors why your GSD is not eating. It could be triggered by illness, dental problems , and environmental stress. But it can also be because of adverse reactions to medicines, sudden changes in food, increased body temperature, or your dog just being a picky eater. Do German Shepherds Eat a Lot? As a large breed dog, you can expect a German Shepherd to have a huge appetite. They are always eager to eat, may it be dry food, raw, or canned food. However, it is crucial to know when or how much to feed a German Shepherd to avoid weight problems and severe diseases. Can German Shepherds Eat Bones? German Shepherds can eat bones as it is a great source of minerals. However, there are cons to consider, too. According to AKC, if you want to consider giving them bones, there are certain rules you have to follow, such as giving them raw meat bones and throwing them out after three to four days. Can German Shepherds Be Vegetarians? Generally, German Shepherds can thrive and survive on a vegetarian diet, provided that they are supplied with enough nutrients, proteins, fats, and calories on a daily basis. Since German Shepherds are energetic dogs with huge appetites, we must put extra effort into planning out their diet. Options such as dry, wet, raw, and homemade diets are all great for them. Free feeding them or giving too many treats can lead to severe health problems. It is also essential to know what foods are healthy and should be avoided, as some foods are toxic. However, aside from research, we need to consult their vet to ensure that we provide them with essential nutrients for growth, good health, and development in all stages of their life, especially for giant German Shepherds , If you have other tips in feeding a German Shepherd, make sure to share them in the comments below. My passion for animals started at a very young age as I grow up on a farm with several horses, cows, cats, chickens, and dogs on our property. Leave a Comment. Since puppies have a lot of growing to do, they require plenty of calories. You can reduce the amount of food per pound of body weight until they reach standard adult measurements. The specific amount of food to feed a German Shepherd can vary because different dogs are sized differently and have various needs and levels of athleticism. To learn more about specific foods and ingredients, check out this article on the best diet for German Shepherds. Three to four meals of puppy food a day is ideal for a month-old German Shepherd, as the food will be easily digestible and keep the energy high throughout the day. Feeding a puppy 1—2 large meals might make them feel sick, or they may be unable to finish it all at once. When it comes to how much food to give a 1—4 month-old German Shepherd, the recommended amount is approximately one cup g or a little more, depending on activity levels per meal. Be sure to spread meals evenly throughout the day, and avoid feeding your puppy before bedtime. The West Greenwich Animal Hospital recommends not feeding a dog three hours before bedtime because they may need to go out for a toilet break at night. Since their stomachs and bodies are getting bigger, they can generally handle fewer large meals than more small ones. So, you can reduce the number of puppy food meals to 2 or 3. Since the number of meals is reduced, increase the amount of food per serving to approximately 1. The meals should be spread evenly throughout the day to ensure your German Shepherd has consistent energy levels. My German Shepherd Willow at 4 months old 10 to 12 Months At 10—12 months, a German Shepherd begins to mature as its body continues growing. Split approximately 4—5 cups —1, g of food between two meals. However, this is just a recommendation — as mentioned previously, your dog may require more or less than this depending on their activity levels. Keeping the amount of food at cups , g per day may be sufficient, or it may be best to start feeding your dog more or less than this. For example, many active or working German Shepherds may benefit from 6 cups 1. Again, the specific amount is circumstantial. However, some dog owners make the switch earlier. Honestly, this is the issue with every new pet parent. Below is a German Shepherd feeding chart to help you learn more about giving your pooch the right amount of food at the right time. Remember, the below are simply recommendations, so specific amounts can vary by dog and activity level. Age Amount of food per day Amount of servings per day months 3—4 cups — g spread across multiple servings 3—4 3—4. Always check the packaging of the food you buy for a more detailed analysis. There are endless dog food options, so making the right choice can be challenging and stressful. The main protein source is chicken, and it promotes immune system health and digestive performance. Suitable for puppies up to 15 months, this dog food is the perfect solution for young German Shepherds with lots of growing to do! One of the main benefits of this food is that it comes in different sizes, including a pound 6. This dog food contains all the nutrients a German Shepherd puppy needs to grow and thrive. Blue Buffalo dog food has real chicken, fruits, and vegetables, so your pooch will surely enjoy the delicious taste! It comes in two flavors — a chicken meal with oats and a lamb meal with brown rice. Either contains enough high-quality protein to ensure your pup can grow as healthily as possible. Medium-sized dog breeds can continue eating puppy food until 18 months. Like with puppy food, there are many adult German Shepherd dog food options, so choosing the right one can be challenging. Check out some of my below recommendations to make your search a little easier. Best Breed Dr. Best Breed Dog Food aids digestion as it contains a blend of soluble and insoluble fiber. According to a study, musculoskeletal disorders and the inability to stand are the two most common causes of death in German Shepherds. Since puppies need specific nutrients to grow, their food differs greatly from adult dog food. Puppies especially need protein because it aids with the growth and development of cells. Without adequate protein in the diet , puppies are more susceptible to serious health issues, including: Weight and muscle loss General weakness Chest and abdomen issues German Shepherds can continue eating puppy food for the first year of life and beyond. Usually, 16—18 months is a good time for a dog to start eating adult food. The most important thing to remember is that adult food is never the right choice for a German Shepherd puppy that still has much growing to do. However, there are many other factors to consider when it comes to feeding a German Shepherd, like their general weight and activity levels. Weight and Size The weight of your German Shepherd will determine how much to feed it. The general rule of thumb is that the heavier your dog is, the more food it needs to stay fueled. The average adult German Shepherd is around .Pay attention to the general height and size of your German Shepherd to determine exactly how much food to feed them. For example, an underweight German Shepherd will need extra food to get back to a healthy weight, whereas an overweight one will need less food. As you can imagine, a highly energetic dog will need more food than a German Shepherd that lies around all day. If your German Shepherd is still relatively young, i. Health Health issues can affect the way a dog eats. For example, a dog with stomach issues might avoid food altogether. Other health conditions that affect how much a dog can eat include: Pancreatitis Infections Cancer Consider whether your dog is experiencing health issues when feeding them. For instance, if your dog is shedding too much, you need to change a diet that minimizes shedding. Age The age of a German Shepherd helps determine how much food should be eaten and how often. For example as mentioned earlier , younger dogs must eat smaller meals spread evenly throughout the day, while older dogs can have 2 larger meals. A vet can weigh your German Shepherd, ask questions, and listen to the heartbeat to determine a healthy diet plan. As Willow is now a senior dog, I like to take her for vet checkups every 6 months. In many cases, giving puppies homemade food over long periods can cause health issues down the line. A study by the National Library of Medicine concluded that a homemade diet given by the owner caused a puppy to experience various health issues, including vitamin D deficiency and NSH nutritional secondary hyperparathyroidism. You can give a small treat here and there, but human food should never make up the entire diet of a puppy. Below are some tasty examples! Eggs Not only are eggs beneficial for humans, but they can also be good for dogs if given in moderation. German Shepherds puppies and adults will receive plenty of nutrients from eggs, including protein and fats. The best and easiest way to give a German Shepherd an egg is to hard boil it. Avoid feeding a German Shepherd or any dog fried eggs too often due to the excessive oil. Hard-boiled eggs are usually the easiest for dogs to eat, but you can also try poached or scrambled eggs. Examples of dog-friendly fruits include: Bananas. Split that daily amount up between all meals. For example, if your 3-month-old GSD puppy is a male and weighs 30 pounds, you should feed him approximately 2 cups per day. Since she no longer needs the extra calories to help support her fast growth period, you can safely reduce her feedings to 2 or 3 meals per day. While she should still be eating puppy food at this point, you may consider purchasing a bag of her eventual adult formula. You can use individual kibbles from the adult formula for treats or training rewards. This will help her get used to the new flavor and texture. Around 9 months of age, you can begin slowly adding a small amount of the adult formula into her puppy food, though she should still be eating primarily puppy chow. Only your vet will be able to tell you when your dog has reached maturity and can be safely moved to adult food. So, make sure you are in close contact with your vet to be sure that your feeding plan is individualized for your specific dog. Adult dog food will have a different ratio of calcium, protein, phosphorus, and other nutrients than puppy food does. Feeding an adult dog a puppy formula can cause obesity as well as put too much strain on kidneys and other vital organs. Long term use of inappropriate food for an adult dog can have catastrophic consequences. That said, there is no need to panic if your adult GSD eats a bowl of puppy food now and then. Adult German Shepherds should be fed twice a day. Again, bloat is a real problem for large breed dogs, and large meals seem to be a big cause of this. I feed my adult dogs this particular blend for a number of reasons. The blend is designed specifically with German Shepherds in mind, as it uses high-quality, animal-based nutrients to counter the extra stress put on the joints of GSDs and to help the development strong lean muscle to keep your dog in peak physical condition. You really can see the difference. This is evident by the fast decline in health, joint flexibility, and energy in older large breed dogs compared to same-age smaller breeds. When your GSD moves from the adult life stage to senior, you need to adjust her diet. Large breeds reach the older stage not quite senior, but close around half of their assumed life expectancy. Inevitably, your GSD will need to switch over to a senior diet. Older large breed dogs have lower energy needs. Older dogs also tend to slow down their digestion, so an increase in fiber might be a good choice for your senior GSD. Do be sure to confirm this with your vet, however. Not all foods are created equal. For treats, senior dogs should avoid calorie-dense milk bones and high-salt or fatty treats. Opt for healthy, whole-food treats such as apple slices or carrots. Some senior dogs begin to develop health conditions that will require special care. This is often a result of poor nutrition early in life, but can sometimes simply be genetics and old age catching up with them. But for GSDs with health issues such as kidney disease and joint pain, diet can play an even bigger role in the quality of their lives. Getting a personalized recommendation from your veterinarian is worth the time, expense, and effort. These charts can seem pretty straightforward at first glance. Instead, use them as a starting point. Observe your dog, see how he looks and feels, and note any changes in his bathroom habits, weight, or energy level. Adjust his meals accordingly. Generally speaking, they talk about daily intake, not per meal. It means to split that 3 cups total over the entire day. If your dog eats 3 times per day, that would be 1 cup at each meal for a total daily intake of 3 cups. To further confuse dog parents, some manufacturers do list per-meal serving sizes, not the total daily intake! In these cases, if you read it incorrectly, you would end up underfeeding your dog. To help mitigate some of this confusion, it may be helpful to ask your vet how many calories your dog should be consuming each day. Then you can check the calorie content in the dog food and measure things from there. Raw Diets, Cooking for Dogs, and Other Alternative Feeding This article has been focusing mainly on commercially available dry kibble since that is what most pet parents ultimately choose for their dogs. However, there are many dog owners that choose to feed alternative diets. These include raw diets and cooking regular people food for dogs. There are many viable options for feeding your healthy German Shepherd, but there are just as many harmful fads, too. As with commercial foods, be sure to speak with your vet before starting your dog on a raw diet or home-cooking her meals. Human supplements are often unregulated, minimally effective, and often contain substances harmful to animals. Never use a human supplement for your German Shepherd. Final Thoughts What you feed your German Shepherd is just as important as how much you feed them. Pay special attention to the first 4 or 5 ingredients listed on the back of the packaging. Choose high-quality, safety-tested foods with clear ingredient and nutrition labels. The best food for German Shepherd puppies in their first two to four months of life is milk from their mother. This specialised care is usually left to German Shepherd breeders or veterinarians, who are knowledgeable in caring for pups with no mother to nurse from. If you have recently brought a German Shepherd puppy into your family, they are most likely older than 8 weeks, and so have started to eat solid foods. Before the four month mark, it is advised to include some dry food in their diet. You can do this in a few simple steps: Mix some dry food with specially formulated puppy milk to form a soft mixture. You can feed your puppy this mixture three to four times a day. Over time, reduce the amount of milk you include in this mixture, until they are at the point where they are happily eating dry foods. Read on to learn how much you should feed your German Shepherd puppy as they get older. With this rapid growth can come some risks. German Shepherds are susceptible to bone growth disorders, like hip dysplasia, that can start in puppyhood. They will be very active in their adolescent years, and so should be fed with this in mind. The transition from puppy food to adult food should happen between 12 and 24 months of age. This is because, being a larger breed who grows very quickly, you want to ensure that you are feeding them according to their large breed needs. Remember that the more active the pup, the more food they require. While following feeding guidelines is important to avoid over and underfeeding, you can adjust the amounts of food you provide to your dog based on level of activity. If you are unsure, it is always best to ask your vet for guidance. You need to take special care when considering what you should feed your German Shepherd puppy, as they require different nutrients compared to their adult counterparts. For puppies, this amount will often be two of three times higher, as they are more active and growing quickly. German Shepherd puppies need to eat food that is high in proteins and fats. Carbohydrates are also essential for supporting your active pup. Aside from nutritionally complete dry puppy food, German Shepherd puppies can benefit from the extra protein that raw meat can provide them with, such as lean beef, turkey, chicken, or fish. However, they can also be at risk of gastric dilatation or volvulus, or GDV. Certain dog breeds can be more susceptible to GDV; particularly deep chested breeds including German Shepherds. GDV can occur when a dog bloats a few hours after eating a meal. Though the exact causes of GDV are not known, grains and cereals are suspected to be contributors. The amount of food you give your German Shepherd is determined by their weight, energy levels, and age. For most adult German Shepherds, between 1, to 2, calories per day from high quality food sources is ideal. Female German Shepherds, which tend to be about 8 kilos lighter than males, may need less food, as will less active dogs. Dogs who need less food, whether they are less active or simply older, will usually still need around 1, and 1, per day. You may want to alter the amount of food you are feeding your German Shepherd based on how calorically dense their food is. German Shepherds should be fed twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening. Their daily allotment of food should be split evenly between these two meals. For most dogs, it is recommended that you exercise your dog before meal times to assist with potty training. However, some dogs who are at risk of GDV may benefit from exercise after eating, to aid with digestion. You should also try to give your German Shepherd a high quality food that is specially designed for larger or working breeds, especially if they are very active. For example, less active senior dogs will need to eat less food as they will not be burning calories as quickly as a lively little puppy will. Senior dogs may benefit from a higher fibre and lower calorie diet. Your dog may also develop chronic or short term medical conditions that require specially formulated food. German Shepherds can be particularly susceptible to skin disease or allergies, including canine atopic dermatitis, bacterial skin infections, flea allergy dermatitis, forms of contact dermatitis, or scabies. If your dog develops a skin issue, it is often a sign that they may be suffering from a form of food sensitivity. If you are unsure about what you should feed your German Shepherd, you should always consult your vet as they will be able to determine if your dog is suffering from any allergies or chronic health issues: creating a nutritional plan to help keep your dog healthy and happy for years to come. Part of figuring out what you should feed your German Shepherd includes deciding between wet, dry, or a raw food diet. Wet food for German Shepherds is often high in protein and fat, and is better at keeping your dog hydrated than other food sources. A raw diet can be a good option for your German Shepherd as you have more control over the kinds of food and amount of nutrients your pup is consuming. For this reason, raw diets require a lot more work on your part as an owner. Whatever you decide to feed your German Shepherd, all dogs need a similar ratio of nutrients in their diets. The amount of food you feed your dog should be determined by their activity levels, age, weight, breed, and size. Any meals prepared for your dog need to contain the right balance of nutrients. You should also be extra careful not to introduce your dog to foods that are harmful to their health. While we might enjoy the taste of nuts, artificial sweeteners, alcohol and onions, these can be toxic for dogs and can cause serious illness and even death. German Shepherds in particular need plenty of exercise as they are a large working breed with a lot of energy. No matter how old your German Shepherd is, it is important to keep to a consistent feeding schedule. A feeding schedule can help you keep track of any changes in behaviour around food that might signal illness or physiological stress.

We can proudly boast that all of our dogs and puppies come from only the very best and proven bloodlines in the world. Each one of our males and females is health tested, titled, and has at least one parent that has earned a VA1 title Excellent Select, 1st place. The competition for VA is fierce and very few dogs attain this momentous achievement. Our Dogs Titles: So, what does all of this mean and why should it matter to a pet buyer? Working titles focus on the structural soundness and ability to demonstrate trainability and reliability in obedience, but more importantly, temperament is evaluated. Show titles provide a valuable tool for ensuring that the breed standard is followed. This is an in-depth evaluation that records the qualities and shortcomings of the dog. The temperament, conformation, courage, and function are reported. Temperament and character, along with physical and mental soundness play an enormous role in selectively choosing which dogs are breeding prospects. The German Shepherd is an athletic, loyal, self-assured, attentive, and intelligent dog. This applies to both competition dogs and family pets. Purchasing a puppy from titled parents ensures that the dogs being bred have passed vigorous testing and several judges along the way oversaw the process. Following this standard eliminates a biased breeder from breeding indiscriminately and encourages the goal to be producing the best puppies possible. At Centennial German Shepherds, meticulous planning and an abundance of thought go into producing every litter of puppies. Striving for excellence gives breeders credibility and provides the potential buyer with absolute assurance that their puppy is a product of deliberate and quality mating. Capo and our beautiful granddaughter, Shannon The meaning of Our New Kennel Name After working, showing, and breeding German Shepherds for over 25 years, we decided it was time to create a new kennel name and logo to signify our presence in Colorado the Centennial State combined with our Italian and Estonian foundation dogs. Centennial GSD chose to use the head of our gorgeous female Gucci and combine the American and Italian flags across her face to signify our team concept. Additionally, we blended the American and Estonian flags across our impressive male import's face to represent the Margman presence at Centennial. Our puppies are raised inside of our home where we can interact with them from birth until the day they leave with their new families. We assess them, take notes, photos, and videos, and create a detailed log about each puppy so that we can explain their individual characteristics and personalities as clearly as possible to anyone who is inquiring. We evaluate each puppy's growth and development, along with littermate interactions and responses to "daily life" situations on a full-time basis. Once the puppies are mobile, they are introduced to toys and small obstacles which are intended to spark curiosity and promote problem-solving and confidence. We understand that visiting the puppies or looking at photos is difficult, as both are only small snapshots of time in the rapidly changing life of a growing puppy. Visitors might experience the litter just before or after a nap, eating, playing, or any other event or activity that may skew the true personality of the puppy, and relying on a few minutes or even hours to make a decision can be overwhelming. For these reasons, frequent communication with prospective families from birth to placement is crucial. By clearly conveying expectations, we are able to assist in the selection process to ensure happiness and success for both the puppy and the individual families welcoming the youngster into their new home. Centennial GSD works hard at producing the finest German Shepherd Dogs through methodically and meticulously scrutinizing compatible bloodlines and pedigrees to ensure each breeding results in producing the best litter of puppies possible. Combining specific lines or avoiding lines that have genetic faults is important as we always have the betterment of the breed in mind. This is done by carefully choosing a mating pair that compliment one another by enhancing positive qualities and making an effort to reduce any faults known in one or both bloodlines. Our foundation dogs and the dogs we use for breeding trace back to the best Italian, Estonian, and German bloodlines. We seek out dogs with a geographically diverse gene pool while also studying line breeding to keep the integrity of the breed intact. By doing this, we reduce the risks associated with more closely related dogs. Our breeding dogs have certified hips and elbows, have been tested for DM, and are titled; ensuring that they are healthy both physically and mentally. None of the dogs in our breeding program and many generations back have joint or known hereditary issues and all of the dogs possess stable and wonderful temperaments. At Centennial quality over quantity always comes first. We stay in touch with our families after the sale of our German Shepherd puppies, whether it be for help with a question or just a friendly email to check-in. I sold several puppies almost two decades ago both out of state and overseas and have been fortunate enough to form beautiful friendships with many of those people that will last a lifetime. We take pride in our Colorado German Shepherds. Our goal is to produce healthy and beautiful German Shepherd puppies that win in the show ring, excel as working dogs, succeed as therapy or service dogs, and most importantly, flourish as loving family companions and guardians. I traveled to Estonia to pick up my female puppy Briatore Nordica, and while I was there I met another puppy her half-brother named Margman Othello. He was a gorgeous and friendly 7 month old sable youngster. Both puppies shared the same father, the magnificent multiple VA Margman Torsten. I was immediately smitten and consequently brought both back with me to Colorado. I also had the honor and pleasure of hosting Torsten, his owner, and his breeder at my home when they traveled to the United States for the first time after a Sieger Show. A few years later I imported another Margman female black and red who was bred to Torsten. Her puppies were wonderful and she enjoyed a nice life in Colorado. By this time Margman had become a household name and known for quality German Shepherds around the world. We had lovely puppies; a mix of sable and black and red, both long and short coats. It was then that I began my great love for the long haired German Shepherd. Rio was phenomenal in the show ring, he earned his SchH3 title, placed V1, and produced puppies that achieved the same and other working titles. He was a gentleman in the house and had a flawless character which he passed down to his puppies time and time again. His puppies excelled as therapy dogs, service dogs, and as healthy and loving family dogs. Rio was intelligent, possessed a solid temperament, and was stunning to look at. My beloved Rio was by far one of the best dogs I have ever had the privilege of owning and set the bar high for our future dogs. Now, many years later, I have once again imported a Margman dog; an impressive male to show, breed, and enjoy as a perfect companion dog. We look forward to combining the lines again and producing the best puppies possible. Expanding the gene pool while still staying true to the standard is our goal with future litters. Margman Dacapo is magnificent; an absolute dream dog. In we imported our first Margman long coat, a deeply pigmented black and red girl. Margit has bettered the breed by thinking outside of the box. Her sable and black dogs are the absolute best and she has also produced top long coats along with her phenomenal black and red dogs. She has combined strong females with the correct stud dogs to produce some of the best puppies in the world. She is devoted to her dogs and the future of the German Shepherd Dog. Her dedication is obvious, and the result has been and remains to be dogs that possess beauty, working ability, and outstanding character. Her vision is clear, her dedication is steadfast, and he loves the dogs so her goals are always set with the future in mind. Protection plus Love!!! We are a small "Mom and Pop", breeder of top quality, working line, German Shepherds. Established in , we are located in the very center of the state of Colorado in the Rocky mountains. Licensed, and AKC inspected and approved facility. Our goal is to breed Dogs who are top quality, and affordable. Beautiful, healthy, dogs that have stable temperaments. All our dogs hips and elbows have been checked, and passed by the OFA. We do genetic testing to insure none of our puppies will develop Degenerative Myelopathy detailed information regarding DM at the bottom of our "Family Comments Gallery" page. The medical documentation paperwork is available for viewing when you come visit to see our dogs or puppies. We breed for black and tan, black and red, sable, black and bi-color puppies. Mostly we have short coat dogs, but do produce limited numbers of long coat pups. Our dogs are predominantly Czech and German working lines. Trained dogs are a positive addition to the lives of their families. These pups can vary in drives and excitability levels but all are working dogs, capable of doing a job suited to their individual drive levels. We try to make it a top priority to match the right puppy to the right family. Our dogs bloodlines are versatile. We breed puppies who could excel in Search and Rescue, Schutzhund, French Ring or Agility, or be great pets and companions. We breed straighter back, working line dogs. We have answers. All that we can do is recommend that if you see the perfect Denver German Shepherd puppies for sale today through a reputable breeder below that you pull the trigger as soon as possible! What should I expect from the Uptown Puppies process? In order to begin all you have to do is browse some of the best German Shepherd breeders in Denver below! Yes, much better! At Uptown Puppies we look past the expensive advertisements and focus in on how the puppies are actually being treated! How does Uptown screen breeders and puppy raisers? Our company works to enforce strict standards when it comes to facility quality, sanitation measures, treatment of the puppies and breeding techniques. Because of our strict regulations and breeder pledge, the German Shepherds for sale in Denver that you will find on our website are among the best around. Do you recommend specific food for my dog? The reality is that each and every German Shepherd has different taste preferences and different dislikes which means that your new pup may turn their nose up at the top-rated food online! Can I find a cheap puppy for sale through Uptown? The breeders and businesses who have been accepted into the Uptown Puppies network never focus on selling the cheapest German Shepherds in the country. Instead with their experience, they offer a boutique variety of healthy puppies so that the end consumer can choose exactly the puppy that they want to take home and love! Why are puppy mills so bad for German Shepherd for sale in Denver? A puppy mill is a term used to describe any business who is breeding puppies for profit without care for the wellbeing of the animals. Puppy mills across the country still use inhumane breeding techniques which is why we want our customers to avoid them if at all possible. What happens after I choose my new companion? At the end of the day we want all of our customers to be happy with the new best friend they are taking home. What is a backyard breeder? Backyard breeder is a term that has been given to a puppy raiser or other underfunded breeder who does not have the proper funds to take all of the precautions necessary when raising a litter of new puppies. A lot of these types of businesses have very basic breeding setups that allow them to breed more Denver German Shepherds for sale at a cheaper price.

Email: betsneal yahoo. They occasionally have Pug pups available so keep updated on their Facebook page for new information. Kings Creek has been breeding Pugs since .Kings Creek is passionate about quality puppies and is more than happy to offer prospective owners references from prior purchasers and their veterinarians. All pups come with a health check, vaccines, and deworming, as well as a two-year genetic health guarantee. They love their dogs and show commitment to the betterment of the breed in everything they do. But how can you spot reputable breeders when you start searching for a Pug puppy? Here are some tips to help you out. A good breeder will… 1. Issue a health guarantee Make sure that your breeder of choice offers a health guarantee. A reputable Pug breeder will write up a binding health guarantee for all of their puppies. The guarantee protects you against any genetic defects or diseases. It shows that the breeder is confident that their puppies are bred according to best practices. This means if you can no longer look after your pup for some reason, you will be expected to return the puppy to the breeder rather than taking them to a shelter. Provide standard health clearances Your breeder should have full health clearances for both parent Pugs. Good breeders often provide some early health-check clearances for their pups too, although some health clearances simply cannot be carried on such young pups. Issue a written bill of sale Reputable breeders offer written bills of sale to all of their new Pug parents. This bill of sale should be signed and will outline all the roles and responsibilities to be taken on by the buyer and seller as part of the transaction. Vaccinate their puppies All puppies should be up to date on their vaccinations before being homed with new families. Your breeder of choice should be able to provide evidence of these vaccinations. Reputable breeders welcome prospective parents into their homes to see the puppies. Follow age guidelines Puppies should never leave the litter before 8 weeks of age. Any breeder offering pups for adoption before this time is not following best practices. In fact, this could be quite damaging for the puppy developmentally. A reputable breeder will keep their pups at home until eight to twelve weeks so that they can be properly socialized and spend that crucial time with their mother and litter-mates. Answer your questions Last, but not least, a reputable breeder will be knowledgeable. In most cases, they will also want to ask you plenty of questions to ensure that their precious pups are going to good homes. We have a strict selection process that takes a variety of factors into account. That way we can ensure that only the best breeders end up on our lists. This way we know that our chosen breeders offer genetically sound and healthy puppies. Health testing shows a commitment to the health and wellbeing of each Pug. Contact information Any breeder that does not offer up their contact information is a big red flag. A reputable breeder will make it easy for you to get in contact with them by providing telephone numbers, email addresses, and they will usually have a well-established website as well. It shows a commitment to breeding best practices. Event participation Breeders who also compete in doggie events are often some of the best. Because these people tend to be dog lovers par excellence. They live and breathe for their Pugs and are proud to show them off in public. They are also more likely to have a high level of breed knowledge — an excellent sign for a breeder. Breed club membership There are lots of breed clubs out there that breeders can register with. These clubs have rules, regulations, and membership fees. If your breeder is registered with the Pug Dog Club of America, this is a great sign showing commitment to the Pug breed. Recognition awards Lastly, we look out for awards! Institutions like the AKC recognize the efforts and achievements of top breeders. The very best will be awarded the AKC recognition of merit award. During this time we recommend getting everything ready before your new arrival rattles through the front door. Your puppy will need: a crate for sleeping and training during the early days quality puppy-grade food a leash and harness plenty of toys You may also wish to purchase a puppy gate if there are areas of your home that you want to keep your Pug away from. This is all about making your home as safe as possible for your new arrival. Make sure anything that could potentially cause harm to your pup is removed. Clear your schedule Having a Pug puppy is a bit like having a human baby. So make sure to clear your schedule and get all of those errands done ahead of time! Once they arrive… 4. Avoid crowds Hold your excitement. That means no crowds. Try to keep the home environment as stress-free as possible so that your puppy can settle in and start to feel part of the family. Crate training is the first step. Lay down a regular routine from the get and your Pug will be good as gold in no time. Chinese origins[ edit ] Pugs were brought from China to Europe in the sixteenth century. The pet pugs were highly valued by Chinese Emperors, and the royal dogs were kept in luxury and guarded by soldiers. In Tibet , Buddhist monks kept pugs as pets in their monasteries. Pugs were painted by Goya in Spain, and in Italy they rode up front on private carriages, dressed in jackets and pantaloons that matched those of the coachman. They were used by the military to track animals and people, and were also employed as guard dogs. His self-portrait , which is now in London's Tate Gallery , includes his pug, Trump. Every carriage I meet here has a Pug in it. Many responded to the breed's image of anti-functionalism and diminutive size during this period. The modern pug's appearance probably changed after when a new wave of pugs were imported directly from China. These pugs had shorter legs and the modern-style pug nose. The British aristocrat Lady Brassey is credited with making black pugs fashionable after she brought some back from China in .Hogarth's painting from the 18th century depicts the originally longer muzzle, as well as the picture in a edition of Brehms Tierleben. Since there has been a trend in some countries to breed "retro pugs". Following the deaths of pugs and other brachycephalic breeds, several airlines either banned their transport in cargo or enacted seasonal restrictions. Pugs have elongated palates. When excited, they are prone to " reverse sneezing " which causes them to quickly and seemingly laboriously gasp and snort. The veterinary name for this is pharyngeal gag reflex and it is caused by fluid or debris getting caught under the palate and irritating the throat or limiting breathing. Reverse sneezing episodes are usually not harmful, and massaging the dog's throat or covering its nose in order to make it breathe through its mouth can often shorten a sneezing fit. In serious cases, it makes breathing even more difficult and puts added pressure on the larynx. If this happens, one should inquire with their veterinarian whether or not surgery is needed to open the nostrils. If the prolapse happens on a regular basis, the pug might require surgery. This condition is caused when parasitic mites, that are often present in a dog's skin without causing symptoms, are allowed to do damage because their host has a weakened immune system. It is a problem for many young pugs, although not usually a major one, and is easily treatable, but some are especially susceptible and present with a systemic form of the condition. The condition occurs when two parts of a spinal vertebra do not fuse properly while a young pug is still growing, resulting in an irregularly shaped spinal cavity which can put pressure on the spinal cord. Pug photo, ca .Note its small head and long legs. A pug by Carl Reichert. The pug that was predominantly featured in the commercials was Cheeka. A few other adverts also appeared in the following months, inspired by the idea of a dog following a boy. Your vet can help you develop a care routine that will keep your dog healthy. Pugaliers are prone to weight gain, and they have moderate energy levels. Make sure your pup gets several potty breaks through the day with active play sessions and short walks mixed in. Check their ears for debris and pests daily and clean them as recommended by your vet. They should not be clicking against the floor. Your groomer can help with this. If your pup inherits the folds in their skin from the pug parents, make sure to keep the skin clean and dry, as they are prone to developing skin infections. You should brush their teeth daily, as small breeds are prone to dental issues. Pugalier Feeding An ideal Pugalier diet should be formulated for a small breed with a moderate energy level. They have a tendency to gain weight if they are overfed, so you should stick to a regular feeding schedule and not leave food out during the day. A good brushing per week will probably do, though if their coats are more like their Cavalier parent, they may need two to three brushes per week. Baths should be sparse as they need their natural oils for optimum radiance. Pugalier Children And Other Pets Because the Pugalier is on the small side, they can be easily injured by overly excited children. Pugaliers are great for families of all ages of kids, just supervise and make sure everyone knows how to play gently. When it comes to other pets, Pugaliers get along well with most animals if they are introduced slowly and calmly, and early socialization will help this go smoothly. Always be cautious introducing new dogs to each other. While Pugaliers are very friendly, some dogs are not. Dogs should always be separated during meal times. Pugalier Rescue Groups It may be hard to find a breed-specific rescue for Pugaliers because they are a mixed breed. However, you may want to try Pug or Cavalier King Charles Spaniel breed specific rescues, as they often care for mixes, as well. Here are some rescues you can try:.

Since dogs were first introduced into society, people have been creating new breeds for many reasons. Such examples include breeding a new to become a better hunter or to create a more hypoallergenic coat. In fact, Borador came to North American in the past 10 to 20 years. These dogs make fantastic family members, hunting dogs, aids to police officers, and therapy dogs to those in need. The best way to get to know the Border Collie Lab Mix is to get to know the parents that make up this crossbreed. They originated in the United Kingdom as herders and guard dogs for sheep. Their unrelenting work ethic makes them great at their jobs. Otherwise, destruction and misbehaviors are sure to follow. Despite this, they are still very loving and family orientated. They come in a variety of colors, though the most common is black and white. Their fur is long and soft to the touch, and they can way anywhere between 30 to 50 pounds 13 to 23 kgs. Breeders initially created them to become smaller versions of Newfoundlands. They helped to retrieve fish for fisherman, and many labs came from a single dog born in .This is due to their gentleness and loving nature. Labs are also brilliant, making training a breeze. These dogs are large-sized , have short hair, and come in three different classic colors, you might already be familiar with, black, yellow, and brown. Thanks to this mixture of traits, the Border Collie Lab Mix is a beautiful and adorable dog. The Borador will fall somewhere in between its parents in size. As mentioned above the Border Collie Lab Mix size comes at around 19 inches tall 48 — 60 cm. The Lab weighs between 55 to 75 pounds 25 kg , while the Border Collie ranges between 30 to 45 pounds 14 — 20 kg. The Border Collie Lab mix weighs around 40 to 46 pounds 18 — 20 kg. Borador females tend to weigh lighter than the males. In fact, the Lab Collie mix is often described as having the same mental ability as a 2 and half-year-old child. These dogs are also kind and happy. They make fantastic family dogs thanks to their ability to get along with kids of all ages and other pets in the household. In fact, these dogs are perfect for those who already own dogs as they love to be a part of the pack. They are barkers and tend to get very excited. This means lots of jumping and licking, which can end up hurting if not trained. But they mean well! Training is a Breeze With The Borador Lab Collie mixes need lots of training and mental stimulation to remain happy pups. If not, they can become bored and even destructive. Do your furniture and yourself a favor and get to training. The good news is they are extremely easy to train thanks to their intelligence and eagerness to please owners. Since they can sometimes be stubborn too, use a gentle yet firm hand with training. Training can also help with any anxiety issues they may have from being separated from you. It also may help them calm down their chewing instincts. Make sure to give them lots of chew toys! They also make fantastic agility competitors, like Border Collies. Plan to schedule several hours of play time a day. Hikes, long runs, play time in lakes, and other outdoor activities will make these dogs extremely happy. Not only is it great for your dog, but for you too! These dogs will undoubtedly help keep you in shape. If you work a office job, the Borador may not be the best fit for you. As well, these dogs need a home complete with a large backyard to run around in. No apartments for the Border Collie Lab Mix. Instead, plan to groom your Border Collie Lab Mix once or twice a week with a bristle or pin brush. Slicker brushes are excellent at removing any mats that might build up with all that play time. As well, since they are adventurous dogs, they will need baths every weeks. Brushing their teeth and trimming their nails regularly also helps to fight against common health problems. Do Lab Collie Mixes Shed? However, there still will be some shedding, so plan for that. They are not a hypoallergenic breed. This might require training, but it will help prevent any bloating issues this breed can have. As well, be careful to measure out their food and not give them anything in addition. These dogs are known to overeat. Since the Borador is a mix breed, they could potentially run into fewer problems than if they were a purebred dog. Here are a few medical conditions they could inherit from their parents. The first is congenital deafness. This happens when the ear does not get the blood flow it needs. Border Collies also have issues with elbow dysplasia. This is a medical condition caused by the abnormal growth of cells, tissues, or the bone. It possible that the Border Collie Lab Mix could run into these issues. Take your dog to regular checkups to spot any medical problems before they rise into bigger issues. Labs have poor joint formation, which can lead to more significant problems like hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, osteochondritis, knee dislocation, and general arthritis. These issues can later lead to lameness and difficulty walking. As well, Labs can run into eye problems like cataracts. They also have heart problems like a poor formation of heart valves, which can become a serious issue if not spotted early enough. Like with the Border Collie issues, Boradors could also have any of those issues. Again, regular check-ups are essential for a happy and healthy pup! The good news is that if treated well, the Borador can live up to 13 years! Mix breeds tend to live longer than their purebred parents, so get ready to enjoy more than a decade of adventure and laughs with your Labrador Collie Mix. Breeders are all across the country, but make sure to do your research before choosing. As well, rescuing is another fantastic option! Mix Breeds are common to find in most adoption agencies. You might be wondering if the Borador is an expensive mix breed, but this is not the case. The Border Collie Lab mix is a wonderful cross-breed that combines two of the most popular dogs in the world. Let us know what you think of this breed in the comments down 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. Leave a Reply Your email address will not be published. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. Also known as a borador, or border Lab, this energetic and clever mix combines the best traits of its parent breeds. If you are looking for an affectionate and lively companion dog that loves children and can keep up with your active lifestyle, check out the border Lab! Medium to large in size, these pups are best suited for active families and homes with access to securely fenced backyards. Take this to heart. We had a borador who was an absolute escape artist. He found his way out of our backyard and to the local park on nearly a daily basis. This exceptionally smart mix craves attention and needs a lot of mental stimulation to stay on the best behavior. When bored or left to their own devices, border Labs can become destructive and resort to chewing or digging just to have fun. If you want an outgoing, eager-to-please, loyal, and smart mixed-breed dog for your family, read on! Border Collie Lab Overview Size — 19 to 24 inches tall, weighs between 40 and 65 pounds Coat — Short to medium-long double coat, color varies Shedding — Moderate to heavy shedding Lifespan — 10 to 15 years Temperament — Eager-to-please, outgoing, clever, and energetic Trainable — Highly trainable but can become bored if not mentally stimulated Activity — Very active needs around one to two hours of activity every day Best For — Active families and people, and homes with outdoor space What Is A Labrador Border Collie Mix? As you may have guessed, the Labrador border collie mix is a cross-breed created by mixing a purebred Labrador retriever and a purebred border collie. While both parent breeds are officially recognized by the American Kennel Club, the borador is considered a designer dog breed. Border Collie And Lab Mix Appearance Like all other mixed-breed dogs, no two border Labs are the same and there is no way of knowing exactly what you will get when mixing a border collie and a Lab. Most, however, have a Lab-like build, although they are on the thin side. When it comes to the head and general features, this mix takes more after the Labrador, but they do have the slightly pointed nose of a border collie. However, nothing is set in stone, and the only thing you can do is wait and see how your border collie and Lab mix puppy will grow up to be. With that being said, there are some things you can expect from your mixed breed, mainly when it comes to size and coat color. Size As a mix between Labrador retriever and border collie dog breeds, expect your border Lab to be a medium to large size dog. Most border collie Lab mixes are between 19 and 24 inches tall at the shoulders and weigh between 40 and 65 pounds. There are yellow, brown, black, and fox red Labrador retrievers , but border collies come in many different colors and markings. Most border Labs have brown, black, or tan coats and white markings like their border collie parent. The amount of white fur varies greatly from one borador to the next, with some dogs having completely solid coats and others having several white markings. Coat Depending on which parent they take after, boradors can have short to medium-long coats. Having a double coat means your Lab mix is going to shed moderately all year round, and lose more hair during the shedding season. Most border Labs are outgoing and people-loving dogs that make amazing family pets. In fact, this mix is so friendly that they will likely meet everyone with a wagging tail. They generally become fast friends with children and are very gentle with them. However, thanks to their border collie ancestry, some boradors may try to herd and nip smaller children or other pets. If your mix exhibits this trait, know you can curb their nipping tendencies with training and positive reinforcement. As an offspring of the border collie — the smartest dog breed in the world — the borador tends to be pretty smart as well. Aim to take your border collie Lab mix for at least two long walks every day and also include several playing sessions throughout the day. Games such as fetch, tug-of-war, hide and seek, and flyball are some great ways to exercise your borador and keep it mentally stimulated. Our Border Lab mix, Maffy was high, high, high energy. Obviously inherited from the Border Collie side of the equation. However, a Lab is no slouch when it comes to energy level. Caring For A Borador As with any other dog, you should develop a care routine as soon as you bring a border collie Lab mix puppy home. Exercise Ideally, boradors need around one or two hours of exercise every day. Activities such as running, swimming, jogging, cycling, and hiking are just some ways you can keep your mix exercised and in good shape. Boradors also excel at agility, which is a great way to keep your dog both physically and mentally challenged at the same time. Intellectual Stimulation Since they are very smart, border Labs do best with lots of mental stimulation. If not properly challenged, your mix will become destructive and turn to digging and chewing to relieve boredom. A word of caution, a bored Lab border collie mix might be a recipe for disaster! You might return home from work only to find your shoes, pillows, or carpets chewed and shredded to pieces. Invest in durable chews, interesting puzzle toys to stimulate your dog , and spend some time every day interacting and playing with your pooch to keep them mentally stimulated. Our Border Lab got into all kinds of trouble in the yard digging holes and hiding treats throughout the yard. Another game he enjoyed playing was dropping his ball into the swimming pool. Then wait till it floats to the middle then jump in after it. Without mental stimulation Boradors definitely invent their own games. Companionship Eager-to -lease, loving, and friendly border Labs are true companions and are happy as long as they are involved in all family activities. These dogs crave attention and companionship, and they are best suited for homes where there is someone who can spend a better part of the day playing and interacting with them. When left at home alone a lot, this mix can develop separation anxiety and become destructive. Grooming When compared to other Lab mixes, the borador is a fairly low-maintenance breed when it comes to grooming. Although they shed moderately all year round, their coats are easy to groom and need to be brushed two times a week. Brushing your mix regularly with a slicker brush will help you remove loose hair and keep the shedding to a minimum. Diet An ideal diet for a border Lab should be formulated for medium to large size dogs with high energy. Make sure to feed your mix with age-appropriate high-quality dog food that contains all essential micro and macronutrients. Avoid free feeding your mix and set up a regular feeding schedule to prevent obesity and health problems associated with it. Although border Labs are generally healthy, they are prone to some of the same health problems that affect Labrador retrievers and border collies. This can be extremely painful for a dog, causing arthritis, difficulty walking, and lameness later in life. Collie Eye Anomaly: This is a congenital eye disease that occurs in border collies and affects the retina, sclera, and choroid. CEA is caused by a recessive gene defect and can be a mild condition or cause blindness. Hypothyroidism: This is a condition in which the thyroid gland is no longer able to produce the hormone thyroxine. Life Expectancy The border Lab has an average life expectancy of 10 to 15 years. When properly cared for and taken to regular veterinary checkups, some boradors can reach senior years completely healthy. We had a Border Collie Lab mix that we rescued from our local animal shelter. They told us he was approximately 2 years old when we rescued him. He lived with us for 18 years! Add on the approximately 2 years he lived before he came to our home he lived a whopping 20 years! True to their parent breeds, border Labs are eager to please and very intelligent, which makes them highly trainable. Like all other dogs, the Lab border collie mix responds well to positive reinforcement and reward-based training. Start training and socializing your borador puppy as soon as you bring them home when they are eight to 12 weeks old. While your pup might seem small, you can start potty training and teach them basic commands. Border Labs make truly wonderful companions and pets to active people or families with children. Couch potatoes be warned; this designer hybrid needs a lot of exercise and will keep you on your toes. Due to their energetic nature and high exercise needs, boradors need a home with access to a fenced yard where they can run around and play. Buying A Border Collie And Lab Mix Puppy If you want to purchase a border collie and Lab mix puppy, find a reputable breeder and schedule an appointment to visit their facilities. A reputable breeder will let you meet the mother and all the puppies. Check your local shelter and rescue groups to see if they have any border Labs. You can also contact Labrador retriever and border collie breed-specific rescue groups since they often take care of mixed-breed dogs too. History Of The Breeds Labrador Retriever One of the most popular dog breeds in the world, the Labrador retriever originated in Newfoundland where they helped fishermen catch fish. Universally loved for their kind, friendly, fun, and loyal nature, Labs make great family pets and companions. Highly intelligent, gentle, and eager-to-please, Labrador retrievers are favored as service dogs and are often seen assisting people with disabilities to lead fulfilling lives. Border Collie Developed in the border country between Scotland and England, the border collie is a working and herding dog breed. Originally bred to herd sheep, border collies are a highly intelligent and very trainable dog breed. Naturally athletic and energetic, border collies need a lot of exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy and thrive. Boradors are good companions and amazing pets to active people and families with children. They tend to be friendly, loving, eager-to-please, and smart, which makes training fairly easy even for novice owners. As long as they are properly exercised and provided with the attention they need, border Labs make wonderful pets. Are boradors aggressive? Boradors are rarely aggressive towards people or other dogs and tend to greet everyone with a wagging tail. Inherently friendly and kind, the collie Lab mix gets along well with children with whom they become fast friends. How much does a border collie Lab mix cost? Conclusion Extremely clever, eager-to-please, and friendly, the border collie Lab mix makes a great pet for active people and families with children. True to its parent breeds, this mix has a lot of energy and needs lots of exercise and mental stimulation, otherwise, they can become bored and destructive. Boradors are best suited for: Outdoorsy people and active families with children Homes with securely fenced backyards People who can interact and play with their pup every day We told you a little about our Border Collie Lab mix, Maffy, but how about you? Have you ever owned a Borador? What was 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. Although a playful pup sounds endearing, consider how many games of fetch or tag you want to play each day, and whether you have kids or other dogs who can stand in as playmates for the dog. Click here for more information on this characteristic Borador Highlights The Borador is a mixed breed dog. They are not purebreds like their Border Collie or Labrador Retriever parents. The main colors of Boradors are brown, black, tan, and white. Sometimes their coats are solid, and sometimes they have a mix of colors. Boradors are very easy to groom. A good brushing per week will probably do. Most Boradors are so outgoing that they will often greet any stranger with a wag of their tail. This makes them better as companions than as watchdogs. Any nipping related to herding tendencies can be easily curbed with positive reinforcement and training. Boradors are generally great with kids, other pets, and all members of the family. Playtime between dogs and kids, as always, should be supervised. Borador History The Borador dog breed may have existed naturally over the years, but designer breeders started intentionally mixing Border Collies and Labrador Retrievers in the early s, likely in North America. Breeders likely started to cross-breed the Labrador Retriever and the Border Collie to create a smart, family-friendly dog. Both parent breeds are working and herding dogs, and when combined, they make for an intelligent, affectionate pup. Breeders continued to create Boradors as demand for the mixed breed dogs climbed. Even though the Borador mixed breed got their start as a designer breed, some have ended up in shelters or in the care of rescue groups. Consider adoption if you decide this is the breed for you. Check your local shelters, look up Borador rescues, or check with breed-specific Labrador Retriever or Border Collie rescues, as they sometimes take in mixed breed dogs and find homes for them. Borador Size As the Borador is a relatively new mixed breed, there are few standards when it comes to size. That said, as a mix between Border Collie and Labrador Retriever parents, you can expect Boradors to be on the medium to large side. Most weigh in at 40 to 64 pounds and range in height from 19 to 24 inches at the shoulder. That said, many can be smaller or larger. Borador Personality Many Borador enthusiasts stress that the mixed breed is truly a family dog. The good-sized pooch is eager to please, and they are just as happy to participate in agility contests as they are to snuggle on the couch—as long as its with their family. In fact, they are so outgoing that they will often greet any stranger with a wag of their tail. Since they are smart and highly energetic dogs, Boradors do best with lots of activity and stimulation. If not properly exercised, the Borador could fall into some bored destructive behaviors. Prevent unwanted chewing and digging by providing plenty of physical and mental stimulation for your Borador. Borador Health The Borador breed is predisposed to some of the same conditions that the Border Collie and Labrador also face. While most are generally healthy, some may be prone to a few health issues, which is why it is important to maintain good care and regular veterinary checkups. Some of the more common health problems Borador suffer from include : Collie Eye Anomaly. Breeds By Meg Marrs 6 min read September 24, Comments K9 of Mine is reader-supported, which means we may earn a small commission through products purchased using links on this page. When you combine two already-awesome things, you usually wind up with something even better. And this is especially true when you are talking about mixed-breed dogs. For example, Labradoodles, chorkies and Gerberian Shepskies are a few of the most well-known and popular designer dogs, but few mixtures are as reliably awesome as the borador — a cross between a border collie and a Labrador retriever. Labrador Retrievers Labrador retrievers are one of the most popular breeds in the world the most popular breed, according to the AKC. They are famous for being loving, fun, energetic and intelligent pups, and most people who can provide proper training and sufficient exercise fall in love with their labs. Although originally developed to help fishermen collect their nets and retrieve escaping fish, they also excel in hunting, therapy and bomb-sniffing contexts. Of course, labs also make fantastic family pets; they are gentle with children, friendly with strangers and simply love to hang out with their people. Labs are medium-sized dogs, who typically weigh somewhere in the to pound range. They have very thick, short- to medium-length hair and come in three different color forms: Black, golden and chocolate. Border Collies Border collies were originally used as herding dogs, but they also make great family pets. Border collies have one of the most well-developed work ethics of any breed, and they are very smart many authorities consider them the most intelligent breed. This means that you must keep them busy and stimulated, or else they may become destructive. Border collies are very good at a number of different jobs, and people frequently use them in agility, disc, obedience and tracking competitions. Most are very friendly and loving with their families, although they occasionally exhibit a bit of dog aggression. Border collies are covered in fairly long, soft hair, and they are generally black with white masks, chests and feet. However, some border collies also display patches of brown. Most weigh between about 30 and 50 pounds. Borador Traits and Characteristics While boradors can vary from individual to individual, most are relatively similar in terms of appearance, personality and skills. Image from Pinterest Size and Shape Boradors are medium-sized dogs, who are generally about 15 to 17 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh between 35 and 65 pounds. However, all dogs are individuals, and some will fall outside of this range. Boradors usually have a lab-like build, although they are often on the thin side. Color Patterns Most boradors have black and white markings, like their border collie parent. However, the amount of white fur varies greatly, with some individuals being nearly black and others possessing several large, white patches. The most common places to see white on these dogs is the face and chest. Temperament Boradors are typically lovely dogs, who are sweet and affectionate with their families. While they will gladly bark at strange noises or people, they make friends quickly and generally get along with people and dogs alike. Neediness Boradors usually prefer to be with their pack as much as possible. This can lead to separation anxiety and other problems, if they are left alone for long periods of time. Image from Pinterest Intelligence As you may expect, when you cross two of the smartest dog breeds in the world , their offspring tend to be pretty sharp puppies. Make sure to have some dog puzzle toys on hand to keep those canine brains sharp! Energy Level Given the fact that both of their parent breeds are bursting with energy, it should come as no surprise that boradors are some of the most energetic dogs on the planet. Owners who are not willing to go on multiple walks and toss the ball for a while on a daily basis should look elsewhere for a pet. Boradors who do not get enough exercise and playtime often become very destructive and depressed. Training Potential Most boradors love to work with and please their person, so they are generally easy to train. However, their impressive intelligence can occasionally make training difficult, as they can be headstrong from time to time. Nevertheless, most boradors respond well to firm, consistent training based on positive reinforcement, so grab your clicker and a handful of treats and teach your borador a new trick! Health Profile Boradors are generally healthy dogs, who are not especially susceptible to many illnesses or ailments. Bloat can also be a concern, given their relatively deep chests, so encourage your dog to eat slowly consider investing in a slow eating bowl or — even better — start a hand feeding routine and insist on a period of calmness after meals. Maintenance Needs Boradors tend to have the short hair of their lab parent, which means they need relatively little grooming or maintenance. Lifespan The average lifespan of boradors can vary widely, but most probably live between 10 and 12 years. Best People and Families for Boradors The best families for boradors are active and love to get out and about with their pooch. They may not be the best choice for families that already have other pets particularly cats , although some seem to get along with other pets more than others. What kinds of things surprised you about your borador? Did she present any special challenges? Let us know in the comments below! Like it? Share it! The three recognized Lab coat colors are black chocolate Grooming your Lab Collie Mix Labs require regular brushing, with more frequent grooming during shedding season. Both rough and smooth Collies have undercoats and require grooming during shedding season. Rough Collies need more year-round regular grooming than smooth Collies. Your Lab Collie mix will require a lot of coat care, regardless of which parent they take after. Are Lab Collie Mixes Hypoallergenic? Both Labs and Collies are high shedding breeds, so their offspring will not be dog allergy friendly. Lab Collie Mix Temperament Both parent breeds are known for their agreeable temperaments and share many similar personality traits. While both are known as gentle, loyal, intelligent, and friendly dogs, there are a few differences. Dog experts agree that while the Collie is active, the breed is not as highly energetic as the Lab. Expect your mix to be a lively, outgoing, and good-natured dog. Since both the Lab and the Collie are popular family dogs, your mix should do very well with children of all ages. Collies are a bit calmer than the high energy Lab but also enjoy the opportunity to run and play. Your Lab Collie mix will be happy with regular daily exercise and play sessions. Both the Lab and the Collie are intelligent and eager to please breeds with backgrounds in retrieving and herding and are therefore very trainable. Early training and socialization are important for all breeds and mixes, especially those with the exuberance of a Labrador. Experts recommend gentle training using only positive reinforcement training techniques. Mixed Breed Health Mixed breed dogs are said to be healthier than purebred dogs, a concept known as hybrid vigor in genetics. Is this true? Well, the health of your mixed breed dog still depends on the health of its parents. Health testing can take the form of DNA tests or examinations performed by veterinary specialists. Responsible breeders will not breed dogs with certain health issues. Lab Health Like other breeds of this size, the Labrador Retriever can be prone to the painful inherited joint conditions known as hip and elbow dysplasia. A potential genetic mutation can cause a serious health condition called exercise-induced collapse in Labradors and Labrador crosses. Certain inherited eye disorders can be common in Labs, including cataracts and retinal disorders progressive retinal atrophy and retinal dysplasia. Collie Health Collies can also inherit eye disorders, including progressive retinal atrophy and a developmental disease called collie eye anomaly. Collies and other herding dog breeds can also be prone to certain drug sensitivities, caused by a specific genetic mutation. Like Labs, Collies can also be prone to hip dysplasia. As a larger, deep-chested breed, they are also at risk of bloat. Looking for a lap dog to snuggle up with on the couch? A smaller, less active dog may be a better choice for you. The Lab is known for its exuberance and high energy level. A Lab Collie mix puppy can grow into one large and enthusiastic dog, so be prepared for lots of action! The Lab Collie mix temperament makes it a good choice as a family pet. While both parent breeds are known to do well in families with children, every dog is individual, so be sure to provide your pup with proper training and socialization from an early age. Yes, it is possible to find a Lab Collie mix at your local animal shelter or breed rescue group. Rescues are a great option if you are interested in rehoming an adult dog. Where can you find an adoptable Lab Collie mix? Many shelters do their best to identify mixed breed dogs in their care. You can also contact breed-specific rescue groups for both the Lab and the Collie and let them know you are interested in a mix. Avoid getting a puppy from an online ad or retail pet store. Many of these dogs come from commercial breeding operations known as puppy mills. Collie Lab Mix Breeders Your breeder should share all health test results with you and provide clients with a contract and health guarantee. Visit your breeder in person and note the living conditions and overall health of the puppies. Choose a puppy that is curious, friendly, and playful. Make sure that its stools are well-formed and not too loose. Raising a Puppy Proper training and socialization will ensure that your puppy is well-behaved. While Lab Collie mixes are generally trainable and eager to please, inexperienced dog owners can benefit from organized puppy kindergarten classes or one on one lessons with a professional trainer. As your puppy grows, considering enrolling your dog in activities like agility and obedience trials. The good-natured Lab Collie mix can also make an excellent therapy dog. Invest in a good quality crate and bed, food and water bowls, and secure collars, leashes, and harnesses. What about toys? Active and playful dogs like the Lab Collie mix will appreciate interactive toys that keep them busy. Here are some other breeds and breed mixes to consider. Labrador Retriever mixes come in all shapes and sizes. Labs mixed with Poodles, Border Collies, Corgis, or Huskies are all popular choices among dog lovers. What about Collie mixes? The Lab Collie mix is a handsome dog with an appealing personality. An excellent choice for active, outdoorsy families with kids, the Lab Collie mix will be happy to accompany you on all your adventures! Remember to choose your breeder carefully and start training and socializing your dog from an early age. Already share your life with one of these lively and affectionate pups? Tell us about your best friend in the comments below! The Veterinary Journal. Kraijer-Huver IMG et al. American Journal of Veterinary Research. Miyadera K. Dobutsu Iden Ikushu Kenkyu. Parker HG et al. Genome Research. Dowling P. The Canadian Veterinary Journal. Finding a healthy puppy. It worked alongside the fishermen, in the water as often as on land, helping haul nets and lines, and retrieving fish. The hunting and sporting community in the UK began to fall in love with these Labradors in the late s and early s thanks to their tireless energy, wonderful temperament and ability to work. The American Kennel Club followed suit 14 years later, in .The Labrador is the most popular pet dog in the US and the UK today, and is the most popular working retriever in the world. The Rough Collie is believed to have originated in the Highlands of Scotland in the 18th century, where it was bred as a sheepdog for herding and guarding the flock. It became a show dog in England in the s, and the first English Collie was brought to the US in .The Collie Club of America was founded in , making it one of the oldest specialty clubs in American existence. This Collie comes in four different colors. Sable is the most popular. The Collie is considered a medium to large size dog, typically ranging 50 — 65 pounds for a female and 60 — 75 pounds for a male. Average height is inches for the female and inches for the male. Labradors are also a medium to large dog. Male Labradors tend to range in size from 65 to 80 pounds, and .Females range from 55 to 70 pounds and .Coats and Colors Labradors have an undercoat, and a short, dense, water resistant top coat sometimes called a Guard coat. These dogs also have a distinctive otter tail. They come in three solid colors: brown, black and yellow. Regardless of which color coat your Collie has, it will likely have a white collar, chest, legs, feet, tail tip, and sometimes a blaze, or white markings, on its face. While similar in size, the face shape, coat type and coloring of these two parent breeds are very different. You might find a black lab collie mix, or any other combination of lab and collie mix. As you can see, there are many possible physical combinations that a Labrador Collie cross could end up with due to this. Both the Labrador and the Collie shed seasonally. However, we can look at the general temperament of both parent breeds to get a better idea of which characteristics Labrador cross Collie puppies are most likely to exhibit. Labradors are an incredibly popular dog, and one of the reasons for this is their remarkable temperament. Labs tend to have very friendly, outgoing, and playful natures. They are high energy, very active dogs that typically get along with others, whether human or animal. As sporting dogs, Labs are known for their instincts in woods and water and tend to love to swim. Labrador Retrievers have a reputation for being tireless and incredibly social, with stable, even temperaments. The Collie is a dog who is proud, graceful, and completely devoted to its human family. These dogs are moderately active and incredibly intelligent. They tend to be very good with children, but require lots of human interaction and contact. Collies have a tendency to be vocal and bark, but are not generally aggressive dogs. With a healthy puppy from a good home, proper socialization and training, this interesting mix is likely to result in a very social, loving and active dog. The labrador collie mix temperament and personality should be amicable and stable. Socialization Of course, socialization of any dog is important. Some dogs might take more work than others but even with friendly dogs, it is vital that you take proper care to familiarize them with new people, places and other animals. Fortunately for this mix breed, both parent breeds are friendly, outgoing and playful and loyal. Make sure to check out our guides on socialization of both puppies and older dogs. Training and Exercise Labradors are high energy dogs built for endurance. Collies are medium energy but still fairly active dogs that will enjoy and benefit from long walks. Labradors are in the Sport Group of dogs and tend to excel at running, hunting, fetching, and swimming. Collies tend to excel at agility and herding; often enjoying and excelling at obedience and obstacle training courses that incorporate these skills. This means that regardless of whether you have a Black Lab Collie mix, a Chocolate Lab Collie mix, or a Yellow Lab Collie mix, your puppy is likely to need a fair amount of daily exercise. If this exercise includes mental stimulation such as teaching tricks, even better! Proper training is important to ensure your pet is a well-adjusted and well-mannered companion. Thankfully, a Labrador Collie mix will likely be intelligent and eager-to-please, which should make training relatively easy, compared to more stubborn breeds. To avoid them, make sure that they are both fully tested for the conditions relevant to their breed. The Lab parent should have good hip and elbow scores, a clear eye test and be PRA clear. The Collie parent should be clear for Collie Eye Anomaly and not have shown any reaction to drugs like Ivermectin. The life expectancy of a Collie tends to be years. The average life expectancy for a Lab is 10 to 12 years. So, you can expect your Labrador Rough Collie mix to live anywhere between 10 and 14 years. Do Lab Collie mixes make good family pets Both Labradors and Collies are generally loving, social animals that do well in homes with small children and other pets. Labradors and Collies will enjoy prolonged periods of exercise outside, but not alone. If Collies are kept outside for extended periods of time without human contact they will become bored and lonely, which could result in behavioral problems. In other words, Lab Collie puppies will do best in a home with a family that will take them out to suitable natural environments regularly for exercise and will be home often to provide social contact. Pay attention to the type of living conditions the puppy is in. Ask about both parents and get as much information as you can to understand the background of your puppy. This will help predict any potential issues or areas for concern. Breeders vs rescue dogs A Combined History Mixing dog breeds is not a new thing. In fact, cross-breeding has been around for centuries. But, it takes many years to create a distinct breed that is recognized and registered. Designer dogs are typically named based on the breeds used for mating. Border Collies and Labradors are both intelligent working dogs. They have been selectively bred for generations to choose dogs that are driven as well as cooperative, but in slightly different ways. Border Collies are a traditional herding breed mostly used by sheep farmers to control their unruly flocks. Labradors on the other hand spend more time waiting than working, then have bursts of energy fetching fallen birds over long distances and tricky terrain. Like many of the other designer breeds, the Borador has come into existence within the last 10 to 20 years in North America. By mixing the lovable Labrador with the hard-working Border Collie, breeders hoped to get the best of both worlds — an intelligent, energetic, and people-oriented dog that suits almost any role. Most Labradors are quite a bit bigger than Border Collies. But, your mix could fall anywhere between the sizes of its parents. Most Borador dogs will be somewhere between 40 and 60 pounds. Females are usually smaller than males. While Labradors are seen with a solid yellow, brown, or black coat, this mix often takes on the distinct dual or tri-coloring of the Border Collie. You could also end up with a beautiful black Lab Border Collie mix. Black is a dominant coat color, so the black Lab Border Collie mix is one of the most common colors. This can be in a plain form, or bi-color pattern, such as a white and black Lab Border Collie mix. Grooming and Shedding The Border Collie parent can have long or short fur. Labs will have short dense fur. Your Borador mix could be anywhere inbetween. Both parent dogs are known to shed all year round, and heavily during hotter seasons. So, expect to find lots of fur around your home if you own one. Use a bristle or pin brush for grooming once or twice a week and use a slicker brush to remove any mats that you see. Especially if your dog spends a lot of time exercising outdoors. You may need to groom more frequently when shedding is at its heaviest. Border Collie Lab Mix Temperament These dogs can inherit some very unique and positive personality traits from their parent breeds. For starters, Collies are extremely intelligent. According to studies completed by the American Psychological Association, the dogs have the same mental abilities as a two to two-and-a-half-year-old child. While Labradors may act more like toddlers, and have a good deal of smarts themselves, what really stands out about them is their kindness, happiness, and generally easy-going attitudes. Socialization Early socialization is hugely important if you want to raise a healthy, happy, outgoing dog. This process involves exposing your puppy to other dogs and to different people when they are young. It is done so that your dog will not be fearful or aggressive around new people or dogs. Ideally, socialization should begin when your puppy is between 3 and 14 weeks of age. Luckily, both the Border Collie and Labrador are known for their easy, kind temperament, so you should find this process easy and effective. Training Both Labradors and Border Collies are dogs with high levels of intelligence. So, a Borador is likely to become bored and disruptive if not properly entertained. Training can go a long way to help with this. There are various programs that can help you with training. Keep in mind that studies show that positive reinforcement or reward based training are best for your dog. Not only is it highly effective, but it reduces the incidence of problem behaviors and anxiety issues. Borador Energy Levels It should not come as a surprise that the Border Collie Lab mix also needs a fair amount of exercise. They are extremely active dogs that love to run, play, and exert energy for hours each day. The Lab part of the mix typically calms down the hyperactive nature of the Border Collie. But, it depends entirely on the traits they inherit. Some Borador mixes will still have strong herding instincts and could even try to herd young kids or other pets in the house! Border Collie and Labrador Health All dogs are at risk of certain illnesses. The Borador is no exception. Here are some health problems that potential owners should be aware of: Hip dysplasia. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. If you are looking for a friendly and energetic dog to adopt into the family, then the Borador, which is a mix between a Labrador retriever and a border collie, might be a perfect choice! Attractive, intelligent, and friendly to a fault, these dogs have the perfect temperament for playing at home with the kids or accompanying their parents on epic adventures. However, they do need lots of love and attention to thrive. While there exists a diverse range of different types of Boradors, the most popular mix is between a black Labrador and a border collie. This typically results in a distinctive and sleek black pup, often with white accents. Always consider heading to your local shelter before purchasing a pup. Read on to learn everything you need to know about Boradors and decide whether they are the perfect pup to join your home. The breed was established in the s and has been one of the most popular dog breeds in the Western world ever since. Their friendly nature, intelligence, and eagerness to please make them ideal working dogs, and you will often see Labs in service dog roles such as disability assistance. Their composure makes them the ideal dog to accompany their owners into public spaces, though they are known as big shedders. The border collie is a herding dog that was developed along the Anglo-Scottish border. It was officially recognized as a breed in .Border collies are both intelligent and athletic, which has made them favorites as sports dogs, particularly in sheepdog trials. It is believed that initial combinations of Labs and border collies were probably accidental, but breeders soon realized the combination made for a very desirable mix. While all kinds of Borador mixes exist, the most popular mix is between black Labradors and border collies, creating distinctive-looking black dogs with white accents. The term is not generally used for accidents, but rather specifically for these designer dogs that are emerging. However, it is important to differentiate between crossbreeds and pure breeds. Pure breeds tend to pass down physical and character traits in a very predictable way, making it possible to define the breed. When it comes to crossbred dogs, though, there is less consistency in the way characteristics manifest. It is possible to generalize to an extent about what to expect from a crossbred dog, and breeders do control for characteristics as much as possible. Luckily, when it comes to Boradors, you are working with two incredibly intelligent and friendly breeds, so the result always tends to be something special. Borador Appearance Labrador and border collie mixes are medium-to-large-sized dogs that tend to fall somewhere between the size of their two parents. Breeders typically make sure the mother is larger so they have no trouble passing the baby pups. Labradors tend to be between .They usually weigh between 55 and 80 pounds. Border collies are a bit smaller, reaching between 18 and 22 inches in height and weighing between 30 and 55 pounds. They tend to have a longer muzzle and a leaner physique, though this is not always easy to see through their medium-length hair. As a result, you can expect a Borador to be between 19 and 24 inches tall and weigh between 40 and 65 pounds. Remember, you can get a better idea of the potential height and weight of a puppy by looking at their parents. Most Borador pups tend to have the slightly heavier build of the Labrador, though they are usually a little on the thin side. They also tend to have the broad face of their Lab parent, though with a longer, more pointed nose. You can usually expect your Borador puppy to be a mix of whatever color their parents were. Most puppies take on the more solid black color of their Lab parent coupled with the white markings of their border collie parent. So, if you are mixing a black Lab with a border collie, you can expect a mostly black dog with white accents. Boradors typically have a double coat that will either look like the short hair of a Labrador retriever or the medium-length hair of a border collie. Regardless of their coat color, your Borador will shed quite a lot, as both Labradors and border collies are known for their high-shedding coats. Borador Personality Labradors and border collies have a lot of personality traits in common, so the characters and temperaments of Boradors are relatively easy to predict. First and foremost, both breeds are considered to be highly intelligent. They can both learn new things quickly, and they are also able to think independently. This allows them to adapt to new situations and determine what is expected of them, even if they have not been provided with specific instructions. But unlike very independent dogs that can be difficult to train due to their stubbornness, both Labradors and border collies were bred to work alongside humans. This has made them very eager to please, which makes training through reward and positive reinforcement highly effective. This is also why Labradors can be trained to complete the complex tasks required of a guide dog for the blind and why border collies can be trained to deliver elaborate tricks in a sporting dog competition. You can expect a Borador to be highly trainable as well. Both dogs tend to be friendly with strangers and other animals rather than territorial. They are more likely to be curious and keen to make friends than raise the alarm. This quality makes Boradors great companions but not very effective guard dogs. Their affectionate nature tends to be particularly notable with children, around whom they are instinctively careful. It is generally considered safe to let Labradors and border collies play with small children, though they should be supervised at all times in case of any mishaps. This can involve giving them a nip that is designed to surprise rather than hurt. Fortunately, they can easily be trained out of this behavior if you notice it and implement corrective training early on. While they can safely be left alone for up to four or five hours at a time, they can develop anxiety if they are left alone for long periods of time while everyone in the household is off working. You can expect them to respond with destructive behaviors, such as digging and chewing. This is not done out of vengeance but rather boredom or frustration. Finally, these dogs are very energetic, and they need lots of exercise. Ideally, they should get at least an hour of activity each day, spread out over two shorter sessions. They will also love to accompany you on weekend field trips and hiking adventures. Due to their size and energy levels, Boradors do best when they have a big home with a nice backyard to play in. While they can be trained to put up with apartment living as long as they have regular opportunities to stretch their legs, it is not the ideal environment for them to thrive in. Borador Health Risks You can expect a Borador to have a lifespan of around 10 to 15 years, which is respectable for a dog of their size. While they are generally healthy dogs, they are at risk of some health conditions. In particular, they may develop elbow or hip dysplasia, which is a painful malformation of the joints that can make movement difficult, especially as they get older. Boradors are less likely to develop this condition if they get sufficient exercise and have a healthy diet. An orthopedic bed will also give them a lot of comfort in late life. Boradors are susceptible to a variety of different eye conditions that can cause them to partially lose their sight in later years. This can be highly disorienting for them, but they can still feel comfortable in a familiar home where they know where everything is. Finally, Boradors can also be prone to obesity, as they have little control over their hunger hormones. This is why it is imperative that they get enough exercise and that you monitor their calorie intake, reducing or increasing portions as required. Never leave food out for these dogs; they do best with strict and limited meal times. With all that information in mind, you might still be wondering whether a Borador is the right dog for you. Here are a few questions to consider when making your decision. A Borador can actually be a great dog for first-time owners. They are easy to train and they have a friendly temperament, so you are unlikely to find yourself dealing with an aggressive or troublesome dog. A Borador will want to be part of the family and involved in everything. You also need to invest time in exercising them and teaching them, as they need the mental stimulation of training. Do you have time to look after a dog like this? If so, the Borador is likely a good choice. How Big Is Your Home? Boradors are pretty big dogs with lots of energy, so they do best when they have quite a bit of space. Will your home feel full with a inch-tall dog wandering about? Additionally, do you have an outdoor space where they can let off energy when needed? When you bring a Borador puppy home, you can expect them to live for anywhere from 10 to 15 or more years. Can you handle the responsibility of caring for them for that time, including the financial responsibility of caring for them? Do you have people who can look after them when you go away or in case of an emergency? Dog ownership is a big responsibility, regardless of the breed you adopt. Yes, Boradors are considered very good dogs, especially if you are looking for a loyal and fairly easy to manage family dog. They are highly intelligent, very trainable, and bond with families quickly. Boradors are high-energy and need a lot of attention, so they are best for families that have time to enjoy them. How smart are border collie Lab mixes? Both border collies and Labrador retrievers are considered among the smartest dog breeds, alongside the likes of poodles and German shepherds. As a result, you can expect crossbreeds that bring together their genetics to be highly intelligent. How much does a border collie Lab mix cost? Can Boradors swim? Labrador retrievers are known for their love of playing and swimming in water, so there is a good chance their Borador offspring will also love a good swim. If they have the longer coat of their border collie parent, just beware of the amount of water that they are likely to drip after a swim! When is a Borador fully grown? Boradors actually remain playful puppies for quite some time and can take quite a long time to reach their full size. You can expect females to reach their full adult size when they hit around 24 months, while males take a bit longer and are not fully grown until around 36 months. While the dogs will also lose most of their puppy energy upon reaching adulthood, they will remain energetic and athletic dogs for most of their lives. The Verdict If you are a first-time dog owner or anyone looking for a friendly, intelligent, and easy to manage dog to adopt into your family, a Borador is a great choice. Since their Labrador and border collie parents are both intelligent, trainable, and friendly dogs, their offspring are sure to inherit these wonderful traits. Overall, the Borador crossbreed is: High-energy and needs plenty of space to feel comfortable Agreeable, friendly, and loyal, though they are prone to developing separation anxiety if left alone for long periods of time Quite large dogs, like their Labrador and border collie parents While Boradors are generally easy to manage, they also need quite a bit of your time and dedication to stay happy. Take time to consider whether you have the time to look after one of these pups properly before taking them home. Do you have any experience with Boradors? Share your insights with the community in the comments section below. Related Article:.

January 23, 0 Comments WorldAnimalFoundation. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. These cute little designer dogs can be great family pets and good companions for work-at-home people. They were bred for those who loved the standard Labradoodle but wanted something smaller. This crossbreed is a popular choice for both experienced and new dog owners because of their calm temperament. They get along with other people and dogs and are easy to train. They can be stubborn, but they are very reward-driven. Even someone with allergies can potentially keep this dog. The idea originally started when breeders bred purebred Labrador Retrievers and standard Poodles to make more hypoallergenic dog breeds with Labrador friendliness and intelligence, creating the standard Labradoodle. But as wonderful as Labradoodles are, they can get pretty huge. Both the Labrador and the standard-sized Poodle are pretty big. So reputable breeders started breeding the purebred Labrador Retriever with the purebred Miniature Poodle to make a smaller version: the Mini Labradoodle. These cute little dogs are known for having big personalities despite their smaller bodies. They love their humans and can sometimes be protective of them. They also love running around and playing. Mini Labradoodles are highly intelligent, like their parents, and are very easy to train. They combine the loyalty, intelligence, and easy trainability of the Labrador with the low-shedding, more allergy-friendly coat of the Standard Poodle and Mini Poodle. Vital Statistics Height: inches, highly dependent on parents Weight: pounds, highly dependent on parents Average lifespan: years Energy level: High energy and needs lots of exercise Trainability: Highly intelligent dogs and easily trainable Shedding: Low shedder, high grooming needs History of the Mini Labradoodle Miniature Labradoodles are a relatively new crossbreed. They are believed to have been bred in Australia in the s when a breeder made the first successful cross of a Labrador Retriever and a Mini Poodle. And so, a reputable breeder wanted to mix the Labrador Retriever with a breed having a non-shedding coat. The standard Poodle was the perfect candidate. Both standard Labradoodles and Miniature Labradoodles came along from this need. First, the standard Labradoodle came along. Standard Labradoodles were popular but much too big for some people. So then the Lab was mixed with the Mini Poodle to make a smaller pup. Generally needs .You should have a good decade or so before you have to worry about health problems related to aging. Some dogs may live longer or shorter lives depending on how healthy they are. Lifestyle management can help maximize the time you have with your dog. Be on the lookout for health issues potentially passed down from the parents. Size Miniature Labradoodles are meant to be smaller versions of the Labradoodle. The designer dog mixes the traits of Labrador Retrievers and Toy Poodles to make a smaller dog. Smaller individuals may be around 14 inches tall. That said, the exact size may depend on the characteristics of the parents. These dogs still come from a fairly big breed. Larger individuals may be closer to 24 inches tall. It can be difficult to determine how big a Mini Labradoodle puppy will get until they grow. Weight Smaller Mini Labradoodles may weigh around 10 pounds or more. Again, they may be bigger and heavier depending on the genes inherited from their Lab and Mini Poodle parents. Larger individuals may weigh up to 30 pounds. Coat The Mini Labradoodle is meant to have the Poodle coat, a low-shedding coat that is allergy-friendly. The coat type and color can vary from individual to individual based on the genes of the Poodle parent or Labrador parent. Some coats may have a wool texture, coming from their Poodle genes. These coats require a lot of grooming. Other coats may be a soft, fleece texture. It may be wavy or curly. Some individuals may also have a hairy, straight coat closer to that of Labrador Retrievers rather than a Poodle coat. Color Mini Labradoodles can come in many colors. They may also be single-colored or multi-colored. It depends on the genes they inherit from their very different-looking parents. Mini Labradoodle Temperament and Personality Mini Labradoodles are believed to be the perfect family pet and companion because of their family-friendly characteristics. They are great with kids and other animals and are all-around easy to get along with. That said, they can also be protective of their family. Miniature Labradoodles can get lonely easily, and they do not like being left alone for too long. Leaving them alone for eight hours or more a day may lead to depression, separation anxiety, and the destruction of your furniture. As adorable and friendly as they are, they may not be the best for families that are out of the house all day. As tempting as it can be, avoid overfeeding your Mini Labradoodle with high-fat treats, no matter how much they beg. Like their parent breed, the Labrador, they can get overweight if overfed. Also, keep their age in mind; puppies and senior dogs need different kibbles. Mini Labradoodles and any breed should be kept on a puppy-based kibble until they are a year old to ensure they get the nutrients needed to grow properly. Seniors, meanwhile, may need senior food that helps them get the most nutrients out of their food. As they age, some dogs have trouble getting the nutrients they need from normal kibble and lose weight at an alarming rate. Family Compatibility Mini Labradoodles are great family dogs because of their friendliness. They can get along great with families and other pets. These dogs are also very playful and love family interaction. You can potentially take your Mini Labradoodle on hikes, trips, or errands without too much trouble. Children should also be taught not to be too rough with them, no matter how easygoing they are. No jumping on them, pulling their tails or ears, or chewing on them. Even the gentlest dogs have limits. Mini Labradoodles can get lonely easily and even depressed if left alone for too long. That said, they can suffer from some health conditions passed down from their parent breeds. Some health concerns these dogs may be at risk of are hip dysplasia, obesity, and bloat. Hip dysplasia occurs when the hip develops incorrectly as a puppy, causing problems later on. It can cause pain and dysfunction as the dog grows. Over time it can cause problems like arthritis and mobility issues. Obesity is a common problem among Labradors that can be passed down to their Mini Labradoodle children. Therefore, avoiding high-calorie treats and overfeeding them too much is best. Obesity can cause a range of other health problems in the future, like arthritis or joint pain. This is a hereditary disease passed down from Labradoodle parents. Mini Labradoodle puppies are more susceptible if their parents had it. Do not breed your Mini Labradoodle for Mini Labradoodle puppies if they have this disease. Exercise-induced collapse occurs when a dog overexerts itself while exercising. This particular problem is more common among Mini Labradoodles, so keep an eye on them when running around. This can be life-threatening. While your Miniature Labradoodle is running around and exercising, watch for symptoms like a lack of coordination, muscle weakness, or other signs of exhaustion. Make sure they stop and take a break if they seem to be tiring themselves out. Owners should also be careful of diseases like hypothyroidism. In addition, you should clean their ears periodically to avoid ear infections. Mini Labradoodles need consistent grooming and coat care to keep their fur from matting and getting messy. They need to be groomed multiple times a week, at the least. Daily brushing is recommended if possible. These dogs are incredibly active, coming from two very active breeds. They need a good minutes of exercise a day. They enjoy running and need to be able to burn off all that energy. Mini Labradoodle Training The Miniature Labradoodle is considered very easy to train, even for new dog owners. When all else fails, you can pull out a bag of dog treats to get their attention. You should start training early to avoid behavior problems later on. Keep a bag of low-calorie treats handy during the early days of training. Praise good behavior with a treat as soon as it shows desirable behavior. If your Miniature Labradoodle does something wrong, do not lash out at them, as it may worsen things. Punishments like hitting may lead to fear or aggression that would not have existed without it. Instead, redirect them to the right behavior and then reward them. These little guys can be stubborn and set in their ways if you wait too long. They love their humans, but they can also be a bit protective of them. Teaching your Mini Labradoodle puppy early on that other people and animals are safe is a good way to avoid any future problems like growling or lashing out at strangers. Trust me; you do not want to wait until your dog starts getting nervous about new people and animals to start socializing them. Once they start getting antisocial, it gets harder to mingle them. So go ahead and start taking them out and letting strangers give them treats and pets. Do Mini Labradoodles Bark a Lot? Miniature Labradoodles are not known for barking a lot. Depending on the individual, they may occasionally bark at the door or bark while playing. This breed is generally seen as a moderate barker. Any excessive barking can usually be addressed through positive training by rewarding quiet behavior. They may get into trouble and chew things up out of frustration or just get depressed to the point of illness. Never leave a young Mini Labradoodle puppy alone. They may get into something and get themselves hurt. Is the Mini Labradoodle Hypoallergenic? The non-shedding coat of the Miniature Labradoodle is more allergy-friendly than most. They can also be a good choice for those with concerns about allergies. These small to medium designer dogs are intelligent, loyal, and love pleasing their humans, much like their parent breeds. Mini Labradoodles also require consistent attention and will get lonely if you leave them alone for too long. Make sure you have the means to care for any dog you decide to get. Kelly Smeby Kelly Smeby is a freelance writer specializing in pets and animals. She has written several articles about pet health, training, and behavior. Kelly has lived with many types of animals since early childhood. Kelly has also lived with multiple cats, birds, and fish. Kelly currently lives in Florida with a two-year-old Pekingese and a cat and continues to learn new things from them every day. She enjoys learning even more about animal health and behavior and sharing that knowledge with others through writing. She has a strong background in research, business, and writing from her time in college. Kelly hopes to use her experience to help other pet owners who need help understanding their dogs, cats, or other pets. She hopes her work will help promote better understanding between humans and animals. Leave a comment Your email address will not be published. Post Comment. We are happy to refund deposits any time for any reason. We will clearly announce the pricing for each mini Labradoodle litter in a litter announcement. Apply Now If you are interested in a miniature Labradoodle puppy please consider filling out the application. Years ago, we'd announce litters to nearly people on an email waiting list. Within the first minute or two, the entire litter would be spoken for, and families who received a doodle puppy felt like they'd won the lottery. Since then, we've developed a thorough application process, seeking the very best mini Labradoodle forever homes. Please do not place a mini Labradoodle deposit unless your doodle application is accepted. We seek to fairly and thoroughly evaluate each miniature Labradoodle application within business days at which point we let you know the answer for your mini Labradoodle application: "yes," "no," or "wait. Your mini Labradoodle application does NOT obligate you to give a deposit or adopt a mini Labradoodle puppy. The mini Labradoodle application is simply your first step to express a level of interest in getting a mini Labradoodle puppy. After giving a deposit, your family would receive mini Labradoodle litter announcements in an effort to match you with the perfect miniature Labradoodle. Each adopting family has the option to pass on as many Labradoodle litters as they want until finding the perfect doodle puppy. Seeking to be the best mini Labradoodle breeders, we refund doodle deposits any time for any reason. It doesn't make sense to us why nearly every other mini Labradoodle breeder requires non-refundable deposits. We have FAR more demand than supply for our mini Labradoodles. Your application helps us determine if your family would make an excellent forever home to one of our precious mini Labradoodle puppies. We have no desire to keep a family's mini Labradoodle deposit if they've located a mini doodle with another breeder or if they've chosen not to get a mini Labradoodle at all. With high energy, this breed is not for the faint of heart. While your Mini Labradoodle will be perfectly content to snuggle up on the couch with you, he needs rigorous exercise to ensure optimal health. Thanks to their Poodle ancestry, our Mini Labradoodles are whip smart — making them a breeze to train with positive reinforcement — but this is tempered by the easygoing nature of the standard Labrador. Sociable and friendly, our Mini Labradoodles for sale get along well with other dogs — but their high energy may make them a bit too exuberant when it comes to play! Mini Labradoodle Puppies Health Considerations Every breed of dog comes with its own unique health considerations. Though generally healthy and long lived — with an average lifespan of 12 to 14 years — our Mini Labradoodle puppies for sale are no exception. This will help you quickly identify symptoms and seek immediate treatment should an issue arise. They can also be short, dense, and sometimes harsh in texture, more similar to the Labrador. Like all doodles, Mini Labradoodles come with a range of coat varieties. Some take more after their Labrador parent—with straighter coats—and others have the tight ringlets of their Poodle parent. Most will fall somewhere in between, and nearly all Mini Labradoodle puppies have coats with minimal shedding. Initially, you will need to brush your Mini Labradoodle puppy around four times a week until his coat is established — at around eight to 12 months, you can reduce this to three times a week. You can take your Mini Labradoodle pup to the groomer for a trim between two and four times a year — with many owners opting for seasonal cuts — but should wait until your pup sheds his baby fur before taking him for his first cut! Meet Mini Labradoodle Puppies for Sale. Life Span Did You Know? Second-generation crosses could include a Labradoodle and a Mini Poodle or two Mini Labradoodles as parents. This hybrid dog breed was originally developed to create smaller potential service dogs that might be a good fit for people with allergies to dog fur. With a mixed breed, you can end up with any combination of traits from the parent breeds. Often, Mini Labradoodles are smart, friendly, and sociable dogs that are highly trainable. They are often found working as service dogs and therapy dogs and living as beloved family companions. Although they are not recognized by the AKC, the Mini Labradoodle is recognized by other canine registries. A Mini Labradoodle is a combination of two friendly dog breeds that crave human affection and are always happy to have company. These dogs also tend to have playful, energetic personalities and low prey drives. Well-socialized Mini Labradoodles tend to get along well with children, other dogs, and other pets. Due to their smaller size, these dogs can be injured by accidental rough play or accidental falls, so any interactions between young kids and puppies should be closely supervised. Miniature Labradoodles will usually bark to alert you when someone is at the door, but generally are not prone to nuisance barking unless they have been trained into it. It may not be a bad idea to train your dog to stop barking early on. Well-socialized Mini Labradoodles may be initially wary of strangers, but tend to warm up quickly and will often be happy to make a new friend. Miniature Labradoodles are highly adaptable. Provided they get enough exercise, attention, and mental stimulation, they can adapt well to apartments as well as larger homes. They tend to do best in moderate climates, but can tolerate warmer or colder climates. As with any dog, they are sensitive to heat. Although they tend to have a fluffier coat, they are also smaller and may need to bundle up in some winter dog products to stay warm while out on walks in the cold. Mini Labradoodles are also very much companion breeds. They bond closely with their families and thrive on being near them, so they do not like to be left alone for long periods of time. The health of the parents and good breeding practices make a big difference in the health of Mini Labradoodle puppies. Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. Make sure you are asking the breeder about the health and genetic history of both parents. You can also ask about any health tests or clearances that have been done to help allay any concerns you may have. Miniature Labradoodles tend to be highly intelligent and eager to please. This generally makes them easy to train and a good fit for owners of all experience levels. In fact, their parent breeds are considered some of the best dog breeds for first-time owners. These dogs respond best to consistent training and positive reinforcement. Puppy training classes can ensure that owners of any experience level learn the latest training techniques and start building a strong bond with their puppy. Grooming requirements with a Mini Labradoodle can vary. On the Poodle side, you have a low-shedding, but high-maintenance, coat that needs daily brushing along with trimming and grooming every weeks. On the Lab side, you have a higher shedding coat that is more low-maintenance, requiring some weekly brushing or brushing a few times a week and intermittent bathing. Overall, Mini Labradoodles range from having a non- to low-shedding coat. They can have one coat type or the other, or a combination of both of them. So, you will want to be prepared for brushing a coat a few times a week and the possibility of more grooming needs. Regardless of coat type, there are some other general grooming tasks you can count on. Regular dental care for your dog will help prevent serious dental issues like gum disease and tooth decay later in life. This is especially important for dog breeds with floppy ears as they are more prone to developing ear infections. Miniature Labradoodles can be high-energy dogs. In general, they require daily walks plus some playtime and extra activity to be happy and healthy. Since they love to be around their family and can have an exuberant and outgoing personality, they will likely be up for more playtime if you are. This little dog may get tired more easily at times and could push themselves too far in their excitement. On the other hand, they may just keep going and going with no signs of slowing down. What is most important is making sure your Miniature Labradoodle gets enough exercise and mental stimulation. Fully-grown Mini Labradoodles usually stand inches tall and weigh pounds. Miniature Labradoodles generally live for years on average. Featured Mini Labradoodle Article. Active and needs lots of exercises History Of The Breed The labradoodle has been around since the s as a mix of the Labrador retriever and a full-size poodle. This breed was developed to create dogs with the loyalty, intelligence, and trainability of the Labrador retriever, with the low shedding coat of the poodle. The loyalty and high intelligence of poodles made them a great personality match for a Lab as well. Despite being bred as companion dogs, standard poodles are actually pretty big. They are at least 15 inches tall and can weigh anywhere from 45 to 70 pounds. When you combine that with a Labrador, which is inches tall and can weigh 70 pounds, you get a pretty big dog. They tend to be around inches tall and can weigh pounds. They are dogs that take up quite a bit of space! Of course, you can get a smaller labradoodle by breeding a Lab with a miniature or a toy poodle. This is not as easy to do as there can be a huge size difference between the pure-bred parents, but some breeders have been working for several generations to gradually reduce the size of their labradoodle pups. Mini Labradoodle Appearance There is still quite a bit of size difference between the miniature Labradoodles that you can get from a breeder; they can weigh anything from 15 to 30 pounds, and most will measure somewhere between 14 and 16 inches tall. The appearance of miniature Labradoodles can be more predictable than that of standard Labradoodles as they are usually bred from two labradoodle parents, rather than directly from the parent breeds. They will almost certainly have the low-shedding coat of a poodle since this is one of the principal traits that is controlled for. They could have a wool coat that needs daily brushing to release hair that gets caught up in the wiry texture or a fleece coat that is wavy. These may shed slightly more, but this coat is easy to care for. They can vary significantly in color since poodles come in a variety of colors, unlike Labradors which are yellow, black, or chocolate. They can be apricot, black, blue, brown, cream, gray, red, silver, silver-beige, or white. They may also be bicolor, though this is relatively rare. Temperament Labradoodles are highly intelligent dogs. Both Labradors and poodles are considered among the most intelligent breeds and can learn a new command with as few as five repetitions. Their offspring will certainly inherit this intelligence. Labradors are also highly trainable because they are eager to please and love having something to do! They are also reward-driven. This means that mini Labradoodles will be highly trainable as well. Both parent breeds love people and tend to form tight attachments with their families quickly. They are also pretty relaxed with strangers and are more likely to want to make friends than raise the alarm when someone shows up at the door. This is one of the reasons that they make excellent guide dogs or other working dogs. You should always pay attention when your miniature labradoodle starts barking. They can be a bit more standoffish with other pets, but socialization from a young age can teach them to make friends. You should take the time to introduce new pets into the home and let them get to know each other from a distance first when dealing with these dogs. Because both parent breeds love being around people, so do their miniature Lab children. They can become highly stressed and even develop depression. It is also common for them to become destructive when they feel frustrated. Since they are highly intelligent pups, they need a lot of mental stimulation. Teaching them tricks can be a great way to activate their minds, and puzzle toys can keep them distracted for a while, though they tend to figure things out pretty quickly. Be warned that they are also excellent escape artists, so all escape routes from the house need to be secured. Labradoodles love children and instinctively know how to be careful and protective of them. Of course, you should never leave children unattended with any dog for the safety of both, but a miniature labradoodle will love playing with kids, and the two high-energy forces can work to wear one another out. Activity Levels Despite their smaller size, miniature Labradoodles need almost as much exercise as their larger labradoodle cousins. They need at least an hour of active exercise each day, preferably split into two 30 minute periods. In addition to formal exercise, they do best when they have some outdoor space at home that they can potter around in and use to let off a bit of energy throughout the day. Nothing will make these dogs happier than accompanying the family on hikes and other adventures. Thanks to their Lab parent they also love the water and tend to be excellent swimmers. Health Concerns A miniature labradoodle may live as little as 10 or as long as 18 years, which can be very difficult to predict, but you should expect your canine companion to be with you for quite some time. While they are generally healthy dogs, they can be predisposed to a few health conditions that pet parents should be aware of. The first is gastric dilation, which is basically bloating. Gaining weight can be an immediate sign of this, but it wreaks havoc with many of their systems. This is another good reason to watch what you feed them, and consult your vet about relevant medication. These collapses can be life-threatening, so it is important to monitor your dog during exercise and rein them in if they show any sign of muscle weakness or lack of coordination. Consult your vet for long-term treatment. This can also be a sign of centronuclear myopathy, which is not unknown in this breed. Hip dysplasia can be another common issue, which is exacerbated if you overexercise your dog as a puppy. Restrict exercise until they are fully grown to ensure against abnormal growth. Eye conditions including cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy are also pretty common, but most breeders should be screening for this. How To Find A Mini Labradoodle Puppy Labradoodles are a popular breed, so there are many active breeders, but finding one who specializes in miniature Labradoodles can be more challenging. Thankfully, there is a big community that loves this type of dog so there are many forums where you can ask around and get advice. Having read our guide to the miniature labradoodle, are you considering whether you should adopt one? Consider the following to make your final decision. This can lead to destructive frustration and serious depression. They do best in households when there is nearly always someone about, or when they can go to work with you. Their good behavior and low shedding mean that they are good dogs to take with you to other places. You also need to take the time to train these dogs, as they need lots of mental stimulation to keep them entertained. Are you willing to commit the time to their development? Despite their small size, these are high-energy dogs. As well as formal exercise, they will love joining you on weekend adventures and would rather be on the trail than sitting in front of the TV watching Netflix with you. Do you have the type of lifestyle that your dog will enjoy? Do You Have Kids? Miniature labradoodles are great with kids and they know how to both be protective and play gently. The key is to teach children how to treat dogs gently as well. They might not be the best fit for very young families just because they have lots of energy and need lots of attention. It can be a challenge to juggle the needs of young children and an energetic young pup at the same time. There are, however, lots of things to look out for to make sure these pups stay healthy and happy. They will bark during play or if they want to get your attention, but excessive barking is uncommon and is normally something that you should pay attention to. Do labradoodles chew furniture? Find our recommendations for the best puppy chew toys here. Can mini labradoodles be left alone? These dogs should not be left at home repeatedly for long workdays, though. These dogs do best when they have company for most of the day. Do labradoodles bond with one person? All dogs have a tendency to bond more strongly with one person than everyone else. This is usually their principal caregiver, but they have big hearts with room for everyone in the family, plus most of the strangers they meet. The miniature labradoodle is a smaller version of the original labradoodle that can do better in smaller family homes; however, they still have the same high energy and need at least some outdoor space to call their own. If you have always wanted a labradoodle, but resisted adopting one because of its size, the miniature labradoodle might be exactly the dog you are looking for. Do you have experience with miniature Labradoodles? Share your thoughts with the community in the comments section below. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. Check out more of our favorites on our New Puppy Checklist. Colby Colby Morita has been raising and training guide and service dog puppies for over 13 years. Colby has been writing to the PuppyInTraining.

We have been breeding standard poodles since with an emphasis on producing puppies that excel in a wide variety of service dog roles, as Emotional Support Animals, as Therapy dogs or as consummate family companions. Our puppies are home raised using Puppy Culture early socialization protocols as well as Early Scent Introductions ESI to insure a very well socialized and confident dog. I feel it is absolutely the best start possible for any puppy. We also do formal temperament testing, which is done by a 3rd party animal behaviorist. We are very proud of our exceptional puppies from our healthy and health tested adult poodles. Our adult dogs are each health tested for hip, cardiac, eye exams, and genetics clearances with the results then publicly recorded with OFA. We are located on the beautiful St. Delivery throughout the USA is available. We have litters planned for , and we are making plans now. If you may have some interest in adding an Aglow Standard Poodle to your family, please inquire for information on our upcoming litters! For many more photos, please visit our Facebook page, Aglow Standard Poodles, or find us on Instagram at aglowstandards. About me.I am so glad you made it to this page! My name is Shawn and I have been breeding standard poodles since and it is truly a joy! I love raising puppies, knowing that these first weeks they spend with us are very important. Matching a puppy to her forever family is very rewarding. I breed only standard poodles; no other breed holds my heart the same way as standards. Our puppies are lovingly raised in our home. They are well socialized, started on potty training and ready to join your family. I make every effort to offer the most physically sound poodles I can by doing responsible health testing that is also publicly registered with OFA. Our dogs are negative, not carriers nor are they affected by these diseases. Cardiac and eye exam results are "normal". I look for the same testing results in any potential stud dog I may pair with one of my girls. Please inquire with any questionsI love to brag about our beautiful poodles! Join Our email list! Be the first to hear about our new litters, poodle approved treat recipes, and helpful advice. Join us! Conformation indicates what the animal appears to be. But performance indicates what the animal actually is. We are passionate about demonstrating the versatility of the Poodle. Our dogs excel in a wide variety of performance sports, conformation, and service work. Our program has produced many titles in obedience, conformation, rally, dock diving, Fast CAT, lure coursing, nose work, disc dog, trick dog, etc. The Poodle is one of the most versatile breeds of dogs. Athletic and energetic, they make a wonderful outdoor friend. Calm and intelligent, they make the perfect indoor companion. Their warm, loving nature makes them excellent with children. Poodles are recommended by the AKC for allergy sufferers because they do not shed and have very low dander. We are also passionate about bettering the brown Standard Poodle as there is a limited gene pool of quality dogs compared to other Poodle colors. We love their fun personalities! We have been certified as an AKC Breeder of Merit because of our dedication to the Standard Poodle breed, performance show achievements, and commitment to fully health certifying all breeding dogs. We are a member of the Better Bred breeder community that works toward maintaining diversity while decreasing complex genetic disorders within the Poodle breed. All our dogs are fully health certified by the OFA and CHIC for numerous orthopedic and genetic diseases by a multitude of genetic tests and physical examinations so our puppies come from a healthy background. As a member of the Better Bred community, all our dogs have also been tested at the Veterinary Genetics Laboratory as part of the Canine Genetic Diversity project which helps breeders to improve the health of breeding programs. An increase in genetic diversity decreases the likelihood complex autoimmune disorders and other complex diseases. We fully support this research which helps reduce complex genetic disorders within the Poodle breed. All our puppies come with a written 2-year genetic health guarantee. Life Span Did You Know? Although the Poodle is the national dog of France, they actually originated in Germany over years ago where they were commonly used as a duck hunter. Their curly coat protected them from the elements and they were bred for their excellent swimming skills, high intelligence, and incredible retrieval skills. The Poodle comes in three sizes — Standard, Miniature, and Toy. Throughout history, this dog breed has served many purposes. From living in the lap of luxury as companions to nobility to working out in the field as a valuable hunting companion to entertaining people in circuses around the world, the Poodle is right at home. Although they are more popular as a companion dog, the Poodle still maintains their athleticism and working dog instincts. Poodles are known for their intelligence, cheerful disposition, and sensitive nature. They are versatile dogs that make great family companions. They tend to get along well with children, other dogs, and other pets. Due to their sensitive nature, they tend to be a better fit for older children who understand how to approach and interact with a dog appropriately. These dogs prefer peace and harmony in the household, so very young children that are too loud or rough can stress them out. The Standard Poodle also tends to be quite energetic until they are about two years old and may be prone to knock over small children in their excitement. Standard Poodles also tend to make great watchdogs and have some protective instincts. Without proper socialization, they can become skittish, nervous, and wary of strangers. Making sure any puppy is socialized early and often helps them grow into a confident, well-rounded dog. Standard Poodles are highly adaptable dogs. Their energy level tends to make them better-suited for larger homes with room for them to run. But, they can adapt well to apartment living as long as they receive the exercise, mental stimulation, and affection that they need. They tend to do well in most climates. As with most dog breeds, they are sensitive to very hot and very cold weather. These dogs are in-tune with their owners and thrive on human companionship and affection, so they do not like to be left alone for long periods of time. Poodles are a relatively healthy dog breed, but there are some potential health concerns to be aware of. Because of their larger, barrel-chested body type, the Standard Poodle is also at risk for bloat. Responsible breeders will screen and test their stock to ensure the genetic propensity for breed-related conditions is not passed along to the puppies. Poodles are highly intelligent, sensitive, and eager to please their owners. They are highly trainable, pick up things quickly, and are a good fit for owners of any experience level. Because they are sensitive and in-tune with their owners, they respond best to consistent, positive training techniques focused on rewards and praise. Poodle coats are curly or corded and come in a wide variety of colors. Although Poodles are known for their low-shedding, hypoallergenic coats, their coats still require a lot of maintenance. Keeping your Poodle in a short clip can help reduce daily maintenance, but still requires regular professional grooming every four to six weeks to maintain it. A longer coat requires daily brushing in order to prevent matting in addition to professional grooming every four to six weeks. Regular professional grooming often helps with this as nail trimming should be done monthly, at least, to keep nails from growing too long. Dental care for dogs , like brushing their teeth or using an enzyme toothpaste every day, is essential to protecting them from painful dental diseases like gum disease and tooth decay. You, your dog, and your groomer will thank you for it! Who knows? If you ensure these experiences stay positive, they could even become a bonding time that your dog enjoys. These are high energy dogs that require a good amount of exercise and mental stimulation every day in order to be happy and healthy. They love to stay busy and may enjoy running with you, going for a swim, taking trips to the dog park , hiking with you, and more. They also tend to be a good fit for several dog sports, such as agility, dock diving, obedience, flyball, tracking, and more. A fully-grown Standard Poodle usually stands inches tall at the shoulder and weighs between pounds. They can be slightly smaller than the usual as the Standard size is denoted by being more than 15 inches tall at the shoulder. A Standard Poodle generally lives years. Featured Standard Poodle Article. To this day, their conformation and the texture and pattern of their coats reflect the purposes for which they were bred. Miniatures and Toys have been bred down from the larger Poodles and they exhibit the same general characteristics. The Poodle is an active, intelligent, ruggedly-built dog which is at the same time elegant and refined. Well-bred Poodles in all three varieties have steady, calm nerves, hardy constitutions and they can be easily trained. A Poodle is a "person" and he expects to be treated as one. Each one is a character and for that reason they make wonderful companions. The Moyen Poodle is the 4th size of the Poodle breed and is not as small as the Miniature Poodle, and is not as tall as the Standard Poodle There is a huge gap between the Miniature and Standard Poodle when it comes to sizes. If you put a Moyen and a Standard Poodle next to each other, the only main difference you'll find is their size. Standard poodles are generally inches tall. Moyens inches tall. This size poodle is highly daughter after by Doodle breeders because they can naturally breed a moyen sized poodle to their Standard sized Doodle which will downsize the doodle offspring to a medium or sometimes mini size. This size of doodle is highly sought afterby many families who are looking for a Doodle Hybrid Mini Moyen and standard Did you know.The small standard is at the bottom of these averages. The Poodle is ranked 2nd smartest breed of dog breed next to the border collie. It retains its hunting heritage and loves to run, swim and retrieve. It gets along well with everyone, although it can be somewhat reserved with strangers so make amazing alert dogs. You will feel safe with a poodle in your home. They want to protect their owners. They are very family orientated and do not do well as outside only dogs. They want to be close to you. Poodles are excellent with children. Historically Poodles have been used as circus dogs, hunting dogs and service dogs. Most people do not know that Poodles are water dogs. Poodles are renowned for being one of the most trainable dog breeds. Due to their intelligence poodles have been trained an almost unlimited number of tasks, including hunting, agility and even jumping rope! What about the Doodles? You have to breed a beautiful AKC registered bloodline to another in order to produce the best of both breeds. No more new breeds allowed! Who has the authority to say that? Mattie — Standard F1 Aussiedoodle — Does this look like a mutt to you? If you want more info on the Sire please contact me. Please do not contact us looking for poodle puppies. This was a one time breeding for our program and I kept them all. What to consider before bringing your poodle home Our Philosophy We believe that standard poodles are loving members of the family. They are excellent companions who are devoted to their people. Poodles have a range of personality traits with varying levels of play drive, retrieve drive, prey drive, and, of course, couch-potato-ness. Most poodles love to play. Average, well-socialized poodles love to go everywhere with their family. The hallmarks of the standard poodle personality are well-rounded athleticism, intelligence, and a will-try-anything attitude that makes for a can-go-anywhere kind of dog. Standard poodles don't shed, are good with with children, and generally interact well with other pets. Just like people, each is unique and comes in a wide range of colors and patterns. Whether it's one of many solid colors, spotted or parti, a brindle, tuxedo, sable, or a phantom pattern, there's a standard poodle for everyone. Poodles need quality time with people and other animals, physical exercise and mental stimulation, quality food, medical care and grooming. Poodles are not outdoor dogs to be left tied up, away from people. Due to their high intelligence and athletic abilities they need something to do, someone to play with, and someone to guide them. If you have any questions about how best to care for your new family member, just ask. We're happy to help! Heart Song Standard Poodles is located just outside of Huntsville, Alabama on 4 acres where the poodles can watch our horses, bark without fear of bothering the neighbors and enjoy the natural outdoors. We strive to improve the breed with each puppy we bring into the world. We focus on temperament, health, diversity, and the breed standard. We carefully select our mothers and fathers, producing happier, healthier dogs in a range of colors. As advances in genetics improve our understanding of health issues, we continually adapt and modify our breeding program to take advantage of the latest science. As professional breeders we breed red, apricot, black, creme, white, brown, parti, phantom, sable, solid colored and brindle standard poodles. This is not written by us but it's how we do things. I thought of you years before you even realized. I planned for and cared about your baby long before you started thinking of adding to your family. I worried about your future with that puppy before you knew there would be one. There were hours upon hours spent researching lines for the parents of your puppies. Going over breeder after breeder, choosing not only my pet but looking for a dog that will make you your pet. Worrying if you'd be happy, if I had chosen correctly and your puppy would grow up healthy and happy. Going over puppy after puppy with fellow breeders, running over my program with as many knowledgeable breeders as I can, determined to not miss anything. Tracing lines back as far as I could, learning the ins and outs not only for my knowledge but so that I was informed, prepared to go over every detail with you, to answer the questions that sometimes you don't even ask. Then there's years of watching your puppies parents grow. Loving them and enjoying them as part of my family. Taking them every where I can, training them, socializing them, watching how they fill out. Asking myself I had made the right choice in both of them. Scrutinizing their conformation, how they move, and their temperament. There was the stress of health testing. Praying not only that my babies were healthy but that they had the genes to make your baby healthy. Finally came the time to put your puppies parents together. For the next 63 days I worried, I obsessed, I grew excited. I watched your puppies mom like a hawk. Making sure my baby was ok, monitoring her diet better than I do my own. Concerned that she was getting enough of the right nutrients and that your growing baby was getting the best start possible. I spent hours on the couch, floor, and dog bed with her watching her tummy grow and anxiously waiting. As your baby and mine grew I laid my hands on her tummy and felt the first movements of your puppy. As the time grew close I spent most nights in the nursery with her. Making sure she didn't go into labor without me knowing, in case something went wrong and one of our babies needed help. When labor started my whole life stopped. I spent every second with her. Your baby was born into my hands and I held my breath as I cleaned them up, watching for movement and breathing, cleaning them up, checking them over, and wondering if you'd love them as much as I already did. I helped your babies brother when mom got tired and he was stuck. I cried when your babies sister didn't make it. For the first 8 weeks most of my life was filled with your baby. Watching them grow and making sure I was doing everything possible to make sure they started their lives the right way. Making sure each one was getting enough to eat, enough socialization time, that they were de-wormed and given their shots. I was the first person they saw when they opened their eyes. I spent my weeks playing with them and keeping them safe. I searched for you and interviewed you. As you spoke I tried to read your character. Would you love them as much as I do? Would you bring them in as part of your family? Would you care for this tiny life that I brought into this world that I am responsible for? Some of you were turned away but some of you were welcomed into our family. The day you took your baby home was harder than I'd ever let on. I was excited for you but I was also terrified. Had I chosen correctly? Were you who you seemed to be? My love and worry didn't end there. I thought about your baby regularly, saddened when I didn't get updates, ecstatic when I did. I hoped you were caring for your baby the way I care for mine. I answered your questions happily and answered them again just as happily to your babies siblings new parents. When your puppies sister ate a couch I stayed up that night she was at the vets, waiting to hear that she was ok. When their brothers parents decided he no longer fit in their life I welcomed him home, sorry that I had chosen wrong for him and promised him it wouldn't happen again. I loved your baby first and I will never stop. Our puppies have been placed all over the United States. They adapt easily to any environment and travel well. We have puppies happily living in downtown Atlanta, Nashville, Miami and other large cities. Some of our puppies live in typical suburban homes, others in a rural setting or on the beach. You must fly with your puppy or drive to pick them up in person. We do not ship puppies. The poodle is also regarded as the national dog of France, where it was once commonly used as a retriever. Many poodles love water starting from a young age. Poodle puppies often play in their water bowls. Poodles also drink from the hose and frolic in the rain. On the opposite end of the spectrum is the poodle who doesn't want to get their feet wet, walks on the sidewalk, and refuses to go out in the rain. This poodle stands in the doorway, sniffs the rain in the air, and looks at you to say, "Do we really need to go out today? Sometimes, a poodle's size is described as teacup or royal standard. These terms are used to describe a very small toy or a large standard poodle, but are not official size categories of poodle. In Europe, there is a fourth size, known as a moyen in France meaning medium or a klein poodle in the rest of Europe. Moyen or klein poodles range between 15 and 20 inches at the shoulder. In the United States, a moyen or klein is considered a small standard poodle. At Heart Song Standard Poodles, we breed standard poodles. A standard poodle is a poodle that is 15 inches or over at the shoulder. Standard poodles can range from the smaller 15 inch to the larger 27 inches or more. The majority of standard poodles are between 45 and 60 pounds. Standard Poodles come in a variety of colors and patterns, including red, black, white, creme, apricot, silver, blue, brown, silver-beige, cafe-au-lait, parti, phantom, tuxedo, abstract, brindle, and sable. Some poodles are solid colored, while others are multi-colored. Multi-colored poodles include parti poodles, phantoms, brindles, and sables. AKC does allow both multi-colored and solid-colored poodles to participate in all other events including obedience, agility, rally, and more. Poodles are classified in the non-sporting group in the AKC. UKC allows both solid colored poodles and multi-colored poodles to be shown in conformation. They allow all poodles to compete in all events. Poodles in the UKC registry are classified in the gun dog group. Dogs that are advertised as merle poodles are not full blooded poodles. The poodle breed has no gene for the merle color. Dogs that are merle colored must have been mixed with another breed, even if it was many generations back. Be careful when anyone claims to have merle poodles. Unfortunately, unsuspecting buyers may purchase a merle puppy thinking it is a purebred poodle. They often pay a premium price because it is advertised as a rare color. Heart Song Poodles Blog Everything poodles, articles and tips on how to care for your poodle. Read our latest news. See More Available Standard Poodle Puppies for Sale When our Standard Poodle puppies are born they are individually identified with a small bit of different colors of nail polish, applied to the rump for the males and between the shoulders for the females. We have found in the past 25 years this to be the safest method of identifying our babies. In the past we have tried using, yarn which could be ingested and cause a blockage in the puppy. From the day they are born and for the first three weeks, all our Standard Poodle puppies are weighed every day. This process lets us know that each puppy is healthy, because a puppy should gain weight every day at this young age. If there is any weight loss, it is a warning that something could be wrong. Every other day, we feed the four to eight week old puppies an appetizing mix of chicken broth and kibble. Any puppy slow to dive into this tempting treat is weighed and examined and watched closely for several days. The first sign of a puppy not feeling well, is a loss of appetite. Our Standard Poodle puppies are well socialized and are exposed to horses, four wheelers, golf cart rides, car rides and more. They have had their faces and tails trimmed, nails clipped and ears cleaned multiple times before they reach seven weeks. We use the Dr. It was developed by the military and featured in an article in the May issue of the AKC Gazette. We felt this was a very encompassing socialization program and soon incorporated it into our program. Our Standard Poodle puppies are accustomed to being inside in a smaller climate-controlled area at night and have access to the outside and a large grassy yard and play area all day by the use of a doggie door. All age appropriate vaccines and de-wormers are administered to our Standard Poodle puppies. When you take your Standard Poodle puppy home you will receive a sample of the food that we use. You will have lots of questions about what to do about grooming, feeding, crating and other things related to taking your Standard Poodle puppy home. You will also have our assistance available to you throughout the life of your puppy. We also offer our own personal ground delivery service. All through the years we have also had great success shipping our Standard Poodle puppies by plane to their new families. Please take the time to read the fees charged and how both the shipping and personal ground delivery process works. Below, you will first see individual Standard Poodle puppies that are ready for their forever home now. You will be able to view photos of the Standard Poodle puppies available and under each photo will be a link to the video of the Standard Poodle puppy in the photo. Next you will see the younger Standard Poodle puppies that will be ready for their forever homes in the near future. You will see a slideshow of the Dam and Sire of each litter as well as a video of the litter itself. The date of birth, available pick up and available shipping date of litter will be listed.