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Discover the online program that more than 57, dog owners have used to rapidly transform their dog into a well-behaved, obedient furry friend. There are many things you'll need to stock up on before bringing your new puppy home. We'll try and list as many as possible to help you plan ahead. Below you will find a list of many of the most commonly used things you will need to make your life with your new GSD puppy as comfortable as possible. Any or all of these puppy supplies will make the transition into his new home as simple as can be and will be well worth the effort to have them on hand BEFORE you need them. Puppy Food and Water Bowls Important things to consider: glass and ceramic puppy bowls can be very pretty but they are also easily breakable; puppies love to chew and plastic bowls are easily chewed up and some dogs may even have an allergic reaction to plastic. Stainless steel is the best puppy supply choice of all for your German Shepherd puppy. A 2-quart bowl is a great size for dry dog food and a 2-quart pail is an excellent size for water for your German Shepherd puppy. Here's one great food bowl to check out. This also helps to keep the dog food fresher for longer and keeps other "critters" out of the dog food. A dog food scoop is a good choice to help you portion control your puppy meals each time and both of these puppy supplies can be found at almost any pet, hardware or larger dog retail department store. Dog Crate puppy supplies A German Shepherd dog crate made of wire or heavy duty molded plastic will definitely make your housetraining process go much easier, and with less incidence, and is a very important GSD puppy supply that each dog owner should own. Dogs are den animals and the crate serves as a safe haven for the GSD puppy. Dogs are also highly social animals who love to spend time with their human families. For this reason it is best to place the crate in a area near where family members spend a lot of time. Wire and molded plastic dog crates are both very acceptable to use with your new German Shepherd puppy. Wire Crates are lighter to transport and ventilate much easier while the Plastic Kennels are usually sturdier, safer and more comforting to your dog. Some owners get one of each for their GSD puppy and for different uses. Usually dogs will not eliminate in their bedding area. It is best to keep the crate area where the GSD puppy actually sleeps large enough for the GSD puppy to move about and to turn around in, but not so large that it can sleep in one area and "relieve itself" in another part of the crate. You can easily buy dividers to help separate the crate area into smaller areas while your German Shepherd puppy is growing so that you can purchase one crate large enough to accommodate your puppy once it is an adult. Never crate a German Shepherd puppy for more than 2 or 3 hours except at night when it is sleeping. Your new GSD puppy needs lots of opportunities to exercise it's body and mind and overuse of the crate can easily lead to terrible behavior problems for bored or lonely German Shepherd puppies and dogs. If you get a wooden gate, watch your GSD puppy carefully to make sure that it doesn't chew it. Remember, with time the German Shepherd will grow large enough to easily jump over a regular baby gate once it is an adult. This is exactly where all that early training comes in. Collars as puppy supplies can easily be lifesavers! In an emergency you can easily grasp the collar and restrain him as necessary. The most important thing about the collar however is that it carries that very important ID tag, another important puppy supply. In case the dog is lost or stolen, many times this is the first thing someone who finds a stray dog will look for. It is also what helps many dogs get returned to their correct owner. Make sure that the information on the puppy ID tag is current and up to date. There are many different types of collars on the market. Buckle types are one choice, however, I prefer the quick release collars with the plastic clips. There have been a few instances where my GSD's have gotten caught up together while playing and these types of collars have been truly lifesaving. One press of the clip and the puppy collar is off. That would not have been the case if the dogs had been wearing buckle type or some other style of dog collar. I do not suggest ever leaving a choke collar on a dog or puppy full time. Neck injury or worse could easily happen if the German Shepherd were to get caught up in something. If put on incorrectly, and many people do, strangulation could easily occur to your GSD puppy. Here is an example of the quick release collars with the plastic clips that I mentioned earlier that are excellent dog collar choices. GSD Puppy Bedding Fabric bedding that keeps it's shape and is easy to vaccum is a great choice of bedding puppy supplies. Bedding that has a liner that can be taken off is another great plus so that you can wash it whenever necessary and put it back on later. Puppy Doggie Door Supplies If you have the great fortune of having a securely fenced yard for your German Shepherd puppy, then a doggy door is an invaluable puppy supply and aid in the puppy house training process. They can be purchased in several sizes large should be fine for the adult GSD and most can also be locked when you do not want your GSD puppy to go outside. German Shepherd Pooper Scooper puppy supplies Several varieties are available of this particular puppy supply and they are indeed a back saver and a nose saver as well when you are picking up after your GSD. However, if you can't get one, plain old plastic grocery bags work just as well and are basically free. Large kitty litter scoops are good choices of puppy supplies also for this particular purpose when you're in a pinch. GSD Puppy Head Halters These "easy lead" halters are an alternative to conventional puppy collars - the thinking behind them being that if you control and lead the head, that the body will follow. These restraint supplies are very similar to what horses have worn for centuries. It is really important that the fit be correct and that this not be worn without human supervision. Different types of brushes used on a GSD may include any or all of the following - pet shedding blade especially helpful while shedding , a slicker brush and a Rubber Curry Brush. Do not choose anything with small removable parts - and once the toys begin tearing apart go ahead and throw them away. Do not choose balls that are small enough to be swallowed by your puppy - it is best to choose balls bigger than your puppy can easily handle to cut down on this problem. Good choices for German shepherd dog toys are Nylabones , rubber bones , squeaky toys, hard rubber toys like Kongs , balls and plush faux wool toys. Given the suggestions for best puppy toy choices, keep in mind your dogs chewing habits. Aggressive chewers need one kind of toy but destructive chewers need something different all together and each of these dogs would require a different kind of toy. Stick type dog chews are not the best idea since they may become lodged in the German Shepherd's puppies throat. Overall, don't buy too many dog toys. It's a good idea to rotate the puppies toy selection to keep the puppy from getting bored, and from tearing them up quite so quickly. Also, this will help you to see what kind of toys your German Shepherd puppy prefers. Puppy Harnesses Some people prefer these puppy supplies, especially for puppies, and they are also quite good for dogs that are more skittish to head halters or traditional dog collars. Keep in mind that while these puppy supplies are actually quite safe that they do offer much less control than other types of dog collar restraints. Every GSD owner should have several 4 -6 foot leashes, preferably made of leather , but nylon or cotton types work also - they just don't last as long as the leather. All materials have their good and bad points and in many cases it simply comes down to an issue of supply preference as well a economic issue. Other choices are long training leads and show type dog leashes. The German Shepherd puppy will probably fuss with it at first but should soon get used to it. Keep an eye on the puppy while the leash is attached to make sure that it doesn't get hung up on something else. Also make sure that the GSD puppy doesn't chew it up while wearing it. When you do finally grab hold of the end of the dog leash, follow where the German Shepherd puppy goes while holding the end of the leash. After a bit you can take the lead and have the puppy follow you. Call the GSD puppy to you and reward him generously when he comes to you on lead. After a bit of training and practice the German Shepherd puppy should follow you easily. Don't struggle with the puppy at this point and if he resists lure him to you with a cookie or a treat of some sort. You do not want to get into a tug of war and you do not want to give in to the GSD puppy either. Keep luring the puppy to you with a treat and he'll eventually learn that it is good to do what he is asked to do and the GSD puppy will be rewarded for doing as asked. Here is one great leather leash to check into investing in. Chewing is also a very important factor in helping their incoming adult teeth settle properly. As the owner it is your job to help direct your new GSD puppy as to what things are healthy to chew on and which ones are not. Anti chew spray is just one of the helpful puppy supplies to help control destructive chewing by applying a very bad tasting spray on the object to discourage the dog from chewing on it. It is best to restrain your GSD while traveling to protect both your dog, your passengers and you. This is one of many important puppy supplies you will need for your new puppy. Puppy Health Insurance Puppy Insurance plans cover pets for thousands of medical problems and conditions relating to accidents, illnesses and injuries. One puppy insurance plan is listed for you below to check out at your convenience. Getting your relationship off to a good start begins by finding the best puppy products that are also the safest and best performing. Puppies learn good potty habits when introduced to a properly-sized crate early on. You have options! Using the handy, included divider, you can slowly increase the size of the crate to match the life stage of your GSD as she grows. The foldable design adds to the convenience and makes it a great crate for travel, too. This crate is 48L x 30W x 33H inches. This crate divider from MidWest Homes for Pets comes in a variety of sizes. Make sure you choose the proper size to fit your model of crate to prevent injuries. This crate also comes in a double door style if you prefer. We like the rounded corners, sturdy wire construction, and the 1-year warranty. Enter the hard-shell plastic kennels from SportPet. These airline-approved crates are sturdy, safe, and comfortable to make sure your GSD puppy has the safest trip possible. They also make great everyday crates for at-home use, too. This crate comes in a variety of sizes, so either start small and upgrade later or go for the adult-sized crate right from the start. With rounded edges, secure-lock doors, and easy-clean plastic floor gutters, this travel crate is sure to please. The larger sizes even come with wheels to help you move through the airport with ease. Give him the next best thing by providing soft, supportive, comfortable bedding for in the crate and around the house. With supportive, comfortable memory foam and a removable and washable cover, this bed should last a long time. There is therapeutic gel infused in the memory foam to help promote proper joint alignment and bring your dog comfort during rest time. Cuddle beds are great options for pups who need a little more support or who enjoy the feeling of being cradled. Made from top-quality memory foam, your GSD puppy will be snuggled in therapeutic comfort right from day one. The waterproof liner will keep things sanitary, while the removable cover will make cleanup a snap. This crate mat from Best Pet Supplies Inc. Have a couple of these on hand for quick and easy bedding changes. Choose between small, medium, large, or extra-large to match your use. Take a small or medium in the car, place a large or extra-large in the crate or on the couch. This fuzzy blanket will keep your pup warm and cozy no matter where you go. This soft and cozy mat does double-duty covering both ends of the spectrum. This absorbent mat will wick moisture away while still giving your sweet pup a soft and comfy place to rest. Double stitching ensures the mat will last a long time, even with frequent washings. There are two colors to choose from and three sizes. We suggest having two—one for use and one in the wash. Food and water bowls should be kept clean and sanitized to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria. These products below pass our rigorous tests and came out on top of the competition. These raised feeder stations grow with your puppy and keep food and water raised above the floor. Raising the food and water dish off the floor helps your pup eat and drink comfortably while preventing pests from reaching. This one comes with 3 height adjustment settings and includes the two stainless steel bowls, too. With leg extensions, this feeder can adjust as your puppy grows, making this an economical solution, too. Puppies can really eat fast, and this often ends up in tummy aches and sometimes even vomiting. Teach your puppy to slow down with this slow feeder bowl. Small bits of kibble rest in the bottom of each dip in the bowl, making your puppy take her time to get to each one. This neat rubber mat is cute and functional, holding the two stainless steel bowls firmly in place during meal times. The edges even fold up a bit to help catch spills and dribbles. Loving Pets Metallic Bella Bowl For our readers who prefer a more minimalist approach to dog supplies, these cute bowls should do the trick. They come in a variety of colors on the outside, but the inside is time-tested stainless steel. These bowls are skid-proof on the bottom and are dishwasher safe, too. Just be sure to remove the rubber base first. The best way to safely confine a GSD puppy while still allowing room to play is by providing a playpen or play yard. Amazon comes through with flying colors with this adjustable, foldable playpen. It has rounded, safe wire construction and comes in a variety of sizes to fit your needs. You can also daisy chain a few of them together to create an ever-expanding play yard for your GSD puppy. You can choose a play yard with a door or without. This set also comes with eight ground anchors to keep even the most rambunctious puppies from toppling the sides. Inspired Essentials 34 Inch Pet Playpen Sometimes you want a safe play yard for your German Shepherd puppy but also want some class, too. With sturdy, heavy-duty plastic in black or white, this play yard can look good in any house or yard. There are non-skid feet included and it comes with a gate to make access that much easier. Bring her along with this brilliant portable playpen. This set includes a collapsible travel bowl, too, which we think is pretty neat. This item comes with inches of usable length and stands at 28 inches tall. We love that it even folds flat if you need to transport or store it. However, we can give a basic overview of things to discuss with your vet when asking about the best foods for your puppy at each life stage. There are always basic guidelines online, but your vet is the right person to ask for advice to keep your specific puppy in the best health possible. Their products are made without corn, wheat, or soy, and there are no artificial colors or flavors. Their puppy treats contain no corn, wheat, or soy, and are perfectly shaped for puppy mouths. Soft and moist, these puppy treats are great for training, playtime, or just to give your GSD puppy a special treat to say you love her. The ring shape is easy for puppy paws to get a good grip on while they chew and relieve teething pain. They are fun, interactive, and educational objects that keep your puppy entertained and out of trouble. The most important aspect, however, is that toys help you bond with your German Shepherd puppy. They often show signs of separation anxiety early on, especially while crate training. To help alleviate this stress, the Snuggle Puppy plush toy can be introduced right from day one. With a realistic heartbeat and a warm pack, this plush toy gives stressed out pups a soft, comforting, familiar place to rest and relax. The unique tube shape is easy to grasp with teeth or paws, and the squeaker is just loud enough to be fun without being so loud it gets annoying. These toys are fun to toss around, play tug with, and are durable enough for teething puppies. ZippyPaws — Skinny Peltz These sweet plush toys have no stuffing to rip out and choke on, which is a pretty big deal for aggressive chewers! But even without the stuffing, these three woodland creatures are filled with fun. This bobbing, wobbling treat dispenser is endless fun when filled with either regular kibble or a delicious treat. Your GSD puppy will love pushing the toy around and discovering which actions give them the most rewards. They come in a huge variety of colors, too. Genuine leather, handmade, comfy, and stylish! There are many colors to choose from and each is lovingly crafted with riveted strap ends, premium hardware, and padded sheepskin linings. These cute collars come with matching bowties in a variety of colors and patterns. These collars are also machine washable. Reversible Dog Harness A comfortable, supportive, and secure harness can help your new GSD puppy learn good manners while showing off her unique style. This harness comes in a range of sizes to be sure your pup is covered at every stage. Sturdy construction accompanies lightweight materials and stellar design choices for a top-notch harness option. This is a low-cost harness option with all the safety of the more expensive brands. Reflective materials and bright colors help keep your pup visible and safe, even on evening walks around the neighborhood. Great colors, sturdy construction, and a strong clip make this leash a good choice for any age GSD. The padded handle is a nice touch, while the smoothly rotating clip helps keep tangles at bay. Here are some of our favorite puppy training aids to get you started on the right paw. JdPet Washable Puppy Pads While most GSD parents want to housetrain their pups to go potty outside, there are some good reasons to potty train a pup to use an indoor bathroom option, too. We like the washable, leak-proof, and waterproof reusable pads for this situation. They are environmentally friendly, keeping disposable pads out of landfills or clogging sewage and septic systems. Get a few of these absorbent, washable pee pads for your GSD puppy and save a lot of money down the line. Solimo Super Absorbent Puppy Pads Washable pee pads might not be a good option for all homes, so disposable wee pads are still a decent choice. These potty-training pads are super absorbent, unscented, and are available in big or small packs, depending on your needs. The artificial grass is easy to clean and the catchall bottom just needs a quick spray with the hose to stay fresh. HoAoOo Pet Training Clicker Training clickers are an excellent way to train pups and older dogs to associate the clicking sound with a reward. This reduces caloric intake later on, as the click becomes the reward instead of a mouthful of treats. These clickers come with a handy wrist strap and are small enough to fit in a pocket, too. Tackle problems head-on with the right cleaning supplies. The pooper scooper. No more bending, stooping, and straining yourself to clean up the yard. This long-handled and strong scoop can pick up even the most impressive lawn apples your pup leaves in his wake. We love the slim design and the fact it hooks right onto the leash. The integrated waste bag section lets you place a whole roll inside. They will break down completely because they have no plastic. There are no dyes or other chemicals either, making these poo scoop bags even cooler. High fives all around, folks. These powerful little proteins are the products of bacteria—the good kind—and do one heck of a job fighting odors. This one even works on stains! Chemical-free, non-toxic, and powerful cleaning is right at your fingertips. Used by breeders, boarders, and vets alike, this powerful cleaner is an awesome ally in the fight against pet odors. It can even take out old, impregnated smells that have been around for years. Final Thoughts By now you should have a complete list of everything you need for a new German Shepherd puppy. Be sure to ask your vet for their recommendations as well.

They thrive on attention and can get pretty worked up and excited if fun things are happening. These are amiable little dogs who want to participate in your activities, too. Pugs with kids and babies are often a great combination since Pugs are fun and enjoy playtime. Finally, when it comes to a career, Pugs may have the best job in the world: being a companion to their loving family. They are average barkers not too quiet, not too much and make fairly good watchdogs. The biggest challenge to Pug care is probably their health needs, which are high. Grooming Guess what—Pugs shed! Black Pugs might shed a bit less than fawn-colored pups, but both shed year-round and not just in the fall and spring as with other breeds. Be sure to clean those wrinkles and skin folds every day with mild wipes to remove dander and accumulations; this will help prevent irritation and infections. If you see redness or swelling or smell an odor your pup may have an ear infection. Your vet can prescribe medication to clear it up. A bath about every month is also a good idea. Be sure to dry those delicious folds completely! Pugs need their nails trimmed every two to three weeks. Get the how-to here. If nails are left too long on older dogs, it can make it painful to walk. And be sure to talk with your vet for advice regarding dental health and the use of dental chews. Have your vet professionally clean their teeth every year. Regular dental care will help prevent serious issues later in their life. Pugs are people pleasers, so they want to do a good job for you. You can do this in part by taking your dog to group training classes or becoming involved in a dog sport like agility, obedience or rally. Obesity leads to other health problems down the road. Consider feeding your pup a well-balanced, high-quality commercial diet formulated specifically for toy breeds. Those treat calories count! Finally, consider getting a doggy- Puggy? They are in the best position to help you pick the right food for your dog based on their individual needs. Exercise All dogs need appropriate exercise, and your Pug is no exception. Since Pugs are a brachycephalic breed flat-faced with a short nose , some may have a compromised airway caused by the extreme facial characteristics in their nostrils, palate, larynx and trachea. Instead, aim for shorter exercise sessions, broken up throughout the day. Pugs have pretty low energy levels, and their exercise needs are also fairly low; they typically need less than an hour of exercise every day. While some Pugs do enjoy doggy sports like agility, a short walk or fun indoor playtime will be plenty. Ideal Environment Pugs are wonderfully adaptable to many types of home settings and will be happy wherever you live. No problem for Pugs. Small homes? Big homes with room to roam? You bet! Country homes with huge backyards? Your Pug will love that too, although they may not need a yard of that size to be happy. Pugs are usually open to meeting strangers, even though they may bark to let you know your guests are here. Pugs really do prefer the indoors. Back to Top Pug Health Toy dog breeds tend to have longer lifespans than large dog breeds, and the Pug is no exception. Pug life expectancy is about 13 to 15 years. However, there are a few health issues you should be aware of, so you can help your pet stay healthy throughout their life. Eye Issues: Since Pugs have such prominent eyes, they are more prone to eye issues. Treatment usually consists of medicated eye drops. Weight reduction, physical therapy and surgery are options for treatment. Patellar Luxation: This is the condition where the knee slides out of the joint. In milder cases, pain medication and weight management are treatment options. Surgery is often needed in more severe cases. Pug Dog Encephalitis: This is an inflammatory brain disease and is fatal. Within a matter of weeks, a dog will experience seizures, circling, blindness, then coma and death. At this time, there is no known treatment for the disease, nor are experts sure how they get it. Skin Issues: Keeping your Pug clean helps minimize skin issues. In particular, the skin folds require special attention to avoid irritation and infections. Ear Infections: Those floppy ears are cute, but they may harbor infections. Check their ears every day and gently wipe away any debris. Signs of infection include redness, swelling or a bad odor. Your vet can prescribe medicated ear solutions to get rid of an infection. Allergies: Pugs can be affected by skin allergies. These can be caused by something in the food they eat or their environment pollen, mold, etc. Thankfully, your vet can treat allergies with either dietary changes or medications, depending on the cause. Back to Top Pug History The history of the Pug dates back thousands of years and spans multiple continents. But their not so humble origins began as the beloved companions of Chinese emperors , and they were highly prized and valued for centuries. Some Pugs even had their own guards! By around the s, Pugs began to travel abroad, and they arrived in Europe, where they became quite popular with royalty in Holland. Over in England, Queen Victoria was said to be especially fond of the breed; she shared her home with as many as 38 Pugs. They may be small dogs, but they pack a lot of personality into their small size! The American Kennel Club recognized the breed in , but the popularity of the Pug breed in America declined somewhat around the turn of the 20th century. Today, the Pug enjoys steady popularity, currently ranking 28th of the most popular dog breeds in the US. You can also reach out to Pug rescue organizations to adopt a Pug or keep an eye out for the breed at your local animal shelter. 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. Pugs are clowns at heart, but they carry themselves with dignity. Pugs are playful dogs, ready and able for games , but they are also lovers, and must be close to their humans. Pugs love to be the center of attention, and are heartsick if ignored. Pugs are square and thickset, usually weighing no more than 20 pounds. Their heads are large and round, with large, round eyes. They have deep and distinct wrinkles on their faces. Legend has it that the Chinese, who mastered the breeding of this dog, prized these wrinkles because they resembled good luck symbols in their language. His ears are smooth, black and velvety. He has a characteristic undershot jaw the lower teeth extend slightly beyond the upper teeth and a tightly curled tail. Personality-wise, Pugs are happy and affectionate, loyal and charming, playful and mischievous. They are very intelligent, however, they can be willful, which makes training challenging. If trained and well-socialized , they get along well with other animals and children. Because they are a small, quiet breed and are relatively inactive when indoors, they are a good choice for apartment dwellers. Pugs have a short, double coat, and are known for shedding profusely. Pug Highlights Loyal and affectionate: Pugs are known for being very loyal and affectionate dogs. They love to cuddle and be around their owners, and they make great companions. Easy to care for: Pugs are relatively easy to care for. Good with children: Pugs are generally good with children. They are patient and gentle, and they enjoy playing with kids. Adaptable: Pugs are adaptable dogs. They can live in apartments or houses, and they can do well in both hot and cold climates. Funny and playful: Pugs are known for being funny and playful dogs. They enjoy making their owners laugh, and they are always up for a good time. Some historians believe they are related to the Tibetan Mastiff. They were prized by the Emperors of China and lived in luxurious accommodations, sometimes even being guarded by soldiers. Pugs are one of three types of short-nosed dogs that are known to have been bred by the Chinese: the Lion dog, the Pekingese , and the Lo-sze, which was the ancient Pug. Evidence of Pug-like dogs has been found in ancient Tibet and Japan. In the latter s and early s, China began trading with European countries. Reportedly, the first Pugs brought to Europe came with the Dutch traders, who named the breed Mopshond, a name still used today. Pugs quickly became favorites of royal households throughout Europe, and even played a role in the history of many of these families. In Holland, the Pug became the official dog of the House of Orange after a Pug reportedly saved the life of William, Prince of Orange, by giving him a warning that the Spaniards were approaching in .It is known that black pugs existed in the s because the famous artist, William Hogarth, was a Pug enthusiast. He portrayed a black Pug and many others in his famous paintings. In , Goya also portrayed Pugs in his paintings. Before she married Napoleon Bonaparte, she was confined at Les Carmes prison. In the early s, Pugs were standardized as a breed with two lines becoming dominant in England. Pugs were first exhibited in England in .The studbook began in with 66 Pugs in the first volume. Meanwhile, in China, Pugs continued to be bred by the royal families. When the British overran the Chinese Imperial Palace in , they discovered several Pugs, and brought some of the little dogs back to England with them. Two Pugs named Lamb and Moss were brought to England. He was an outstanding dog and was bred many times to dogs of both the Willoughby and Morrison lines. Click is credited with making Pugs a better breed overall and shaping the modern Pug as we know it today. Pugs became very popular during the Victorian era and were featured in many paintings, postcards, and figurines of the period. Often, they were depicted wearing wide, decorative collars or large bows around their short, thick necks. Queen Victoria had many Pugs, and also bred them. The queen preferred apricot-fawn Pugs, whereas another Pug fancier, Lady Brassey, made black Pugs fashionable after she brought some back from China in .At first, Pugs were very popular, but by the turn of the century, interest in the breed waned. A few dedicated breeders kept breeding and, after some years, the breed regained popularity. Pug Size Pugs weigh between 14 and 18 pounds male and female. Generally, they are 10 to 14 inches tall at the shoulder. He tends to be a sedentary dog, content to sit in your lap as you read a book or watch a movie. Au contraire. He is a playful, comical dog that enjoys living it up, and delights his owner with silly antics. Temperament is affected by a number of factors, including heredity, training , and socialization. Puppies with nice temperaments are curious and playful, willing to approach people and be held by them. Meeting siblings or other relatives of the parents is also helpful for evaluating what a puppy will be like when he grows up. Socialization helps ensure that your Pug puppy grows up to be a well-rounded dog. Enrolling him in a puppy kindergarten class is a great start. Inviting visitors over regularly, and taking him to busy parks, stores that allow dogs, and on leisurely strolls to meet neighbors will also help him polish his social skills. Health clearances prove that a dog has been tested for and cleared of a particular condition. You can confirm health clearances by checking the OFA web site offa. Cheyletiella Dermatitis Walking Dandruff : This is a skin condition that is caused by a small mite. If you see heavy dandruff, especially down the middle of the back, contact your vet. The mites that cause this condition are contagious, which means all pets in the household need to treated. A diagnosis of PDE can only be made by testing the brain tissue of the dog after it dies. PDE usually affects young dogs, causing them to seizure, circle, become blind, then fall into a coma and die. This can happen in a few days or weeks. They are prone to a condition called idiopathic epilepsy : seizures for no known reason. If your Pug has seizures, take him to your vet to determine what treatment is appropriate. Nerve Degeneration : Older Pugs that drag their rear, stagger, have trouble jumping up or down, or become incontinent may be suffering from nerve degeneration. Since their front legs often remain strong, some owners buy carts to help their Pugs get around, and the veterinarian might be able to prescribe medication to help alleviate symptoms. If your Pug squints or the eyes look red and tear excessively, contact your vet immediately. Corneal ulcers usually respond well to medication, but if left untreated, can cause blindness or even rupture the eye. Dry Eye : Keratoconjunctivitis sicca and pigmentary keratitis are two conditions seen in Pugs. They can occur at the same time, or individually. Your vet can perform tests to determine if this is the cause, which can be controlled with medication and special care. Pigmentary keratits is a condition that causes black spots on the cornea, especially in the corner near the nose. If the pigment covers the eye, it can cause blindness. Your vet can prescribe medication that will help keep the eyes moist and dissolve the pigment. Both of these eye conditions require life-long therapy and care. Eye Problems : Because their large eyes bulge, Pugs are prone to a variety of eye problems, including proptosis the eyeball is dislodged from the eye socket and the eyelid clamps behind it ; distichiasis an abnormal growth of eyelashes on the margin of the eye, resulting in the eyelashes rubbing against the eye ; progressive retinal atrophy a degenerative disease of the retinal visual cells that leads to blindness ; and entropion the eyelid, usually the lower lid, rolls inward, causing the hair on the lid to rub on the eye and irritate it. Allergies : Some Pugs suffer from a variety of allergies , ranging from contact to food allergies. If your Pug is licking at his paws or rubbing his face a great deal, suspect allergy and have him checked by your vet. Demodectic Mange : Also called demodicosis, all dogs carry a little passenger called a demodex mite. The mother dog passes this mite to her pups in their first few days of life. If your Pug has a weakened or compromised immune system, however, it can develop demodectic mange. Demodectic mange can be localized or generalized. In the localized form, patches of red, scaly, skin with hair loss appears on the head, neck and forelegs. Even so, you should take your dog to the vet because it can turn into the generalized form of demodectic mange. Generalized demodectic mange covers the entire body and affects older puppies and young adult dogs. The dog develops patchy skin, bald spots, and skin infections all over the body. The American Academy of Veterinary Dermatology recommends neutering or spaying all dogs that develop generalized demodectic mange because there is a genetic link. Staph Infection : Staph bacteria is commonly found on skin, but some dogs will develop pimples and infected hair follicles if their immune systems are stressed. The lesions can look like hives where there is hair; on areas without hair, the lesions can look like ringworm. You should contact your vet for appropriate treatment. Yeast Infection : If your Pug smells bad, is itchy and has blackened, thickened skin, he may have a yeast infection. It commonly affects the armpits, feet, groin, neck, and inside the ears. Your vet can prescribe medications to clear this up. Hemi-vertebrae : Short-nosed breeds, such as Pugs, Bulldogs and French Bulldogs, can have misshaped vertebrae. Sometimes, only a few of the vertebrae are affected and the dog is able to live a normal life. Others will stagger and display an uncoordinated, weak gait between 4 and 6 months of age. Some dogs get progressively worse and may even become paralyzed. The cause of the condition is unknown. Surgery can help. Hip Dysplasia : This malady affects small breeds as well as large breeds, including Pugs. Many factors, including genetics, environment and diet, are thought to contribute to this deformity of the hip joint. Affected Pugs are usually able to lead normal, healthy lives with proper veterinary attention. Legg-Perthes Disease : This is another disease involving the hip joint. Many toy breeds are prone to this condition. When your Pug has Legg-Perthes, the blood supply to the head of the femur the large rear leg bone is decreased, and the head of the femur that connects to the pelvis begins to disintegrate. Usually, the first signs of Legg-Perthes, limping and atrophy of the leg muscle, occur when puppies are 4 to 6 months old. The scar tissue that results from the surgery creates a false joint and the puppy is usually pain free. Patellar Luxation : The patella is the kneecap. Luxation means dislocation of an anatomical part as a bone at a joint. Patellar luxation is when the knee joint often of a hind leg slides in and out of place, causing pain. This can be crippling, but many dogs lead relatively normal lives with this condition. Vaccination Sensitivity : There are reports of Pugs suffering from sensitivity to routine vaccinations. Usually, symptoms include hives, facial swelling, soreness and lethargy. A dog that is sensitive to vaccines can develop complications or die, though this is rare. Watch your Pug carefully for a few hours after being vaccinated and call the vet if you notice anything unusual. Pug Care Though playful and rambunctious, the Pug is a low-maintenance companion, making it ideal for older owners. Because they are a small, quiet breed and are relatively inactive when indoors, they are a good choice for apartment dwellers as well. Light sleepers may also want to invest in a pair of ear plugs — Pugs are prone to snore. How much your adult dog eats depends on his size, age, build, metabolism, and activity level. It almost goes without saying that a highly active dog will need more than a couch potato dog. These dogs love to eat, eat, eat. This, combined with their small stature, puts them at risk for obesity. As a Pug owner, you must show great restraint. Do not indulge him with food. Feed appropriate portions , limit treats and encourage exercise. For more on feeding your Pug, see our guidelines for buying the right food , feeding your puppy , and feeding your adult dog. Pugs are typically fawn-colored or black. The fawn color can have different tints, such as apricot or silver, and all Pugs have a short, flat, black muzzle. Pugs shed like crazy, especially in summer. The wise Pug owner accepts this, and adjusts her wardrobe accordingly, wearing light-colored clothing that better hides hair. Following that, regular brushing and bathing helps keep the coat in good condition and shedding to a minimum. A monthly bath is sufficient, though some owners bathe their Pugs more frequently. These folds are hotbeds for infection if allowed to become damp or dirty. The wrinkles must be dried thoroughly after bathing, and wiped out in-between baths. Some owners simply use a dry cotton ball; others use commercial baby wipes to wipe out the folds. Because they protrude, the eyes are vulnerable to injury and irritation from soaps and chemicals. Like many small breeds, the Pug can be susceptible to gum disease. Regular brushing with a small, soft toothbrush and doggie toothpaste helps prevent this. Handle his paws frequently — dogs are touchy about their feet — and look inside his mouth. As you groom, check for sores, rashes, or signs of infection such as redness, tenderness, or inflammation on the skin, in the nose, mouth, and eyes, and on the feet. Eyes should be clear, with no redness or discharge. Your careful weekly exam will help you spot potential health problems early. Though small, the Pug is not delicate like some toy breeds, so he is a good breed choice for families with children. However, children who want an active pet to retrieve balls or play soccer will be disappointed with a Pug. Adults should always supervise interactions between children and pets. Properly trained and socialized , the Pug enjoys the companionship of dogs , and can be trusted with cats, rabbits, and other animals. Pug Rescue Groups Pugs are often purchased without any clear understanding of what goes into owning one. There are many Pugs in need of adoption and or fostering. There are a number of rescues that we have not listed. Pugs grow to between 10 and 13 inches tall, weighing in between 14 and 18 pounds. Character: The Pug temperament is friendly, loving and adaptable - Pug puppies are the perfect best friend to their humans and have been for centuries. The short, glossy coat is prone to malting, so a quick, weekly brush should do the trick, along with regular nail trimming. Pugs experience chronic dry eyes which can often lead to corneal ulcers, plus like many flat-faced dog breeds, they suffer from breathing problems. With a happy-go-lucky disposition, Pugs should be trained with positive reinforcement which these dog training treats are particularly handy for , and should never be harshly punished like any pooch, of course. Energy levels: Well-established lap dogs of the human world, Pugs and Pug puppies would happily snuggle up with their pack all day long with the odd playtime , if they had their way. But due to their short snouts, Pugs are prone to snoring, so if your pooch sleeps near you, you may want to invest in ear plugs! Below is their slightly unfortunate squashed snout which sadly causes various health issues , along with an endearing over-shot jaw, whereby the lower teeth jut out slightly further than the top. Around these unmistakable Pug features are a set of adorable wrinkles that set in rather early! Now onto that stout, stocky body. And when it comes to Pug colors, white Pugs are incredibly rare, while black Pug puppies along with fawn and sometimes brindle are much more common. How to take care of a Pug puppy Pug puppies when not napping or pining for snacks , like their adult counterparts, will happily follow you around the house between naps. Due to their snooze-loving nature, Pugs are pretty low maintenance, mainly after pet parents who are willing to share the love and attention they crave. Along with TLC, what about feeding and training your Pug puppy? And feeding your puppy Pug is no exception. So, how much should you be feeding your puppy Pug? As a general rule, try to stick to around one ounce of food per one pound of body weight. So, a positive reinforcement-based potty training regime will be your best bet. A good potty training routine starts the night before - to avoid any unwanted accidents, take your puppy outside right before bed to remind them that the outdoors is where the toilet is. Then in the morning, take your pooch out first thing so that they associate the outdoors with going to the toilet. Then during the day and especially in the early puppy days , take your pooch outside every 30 minutes to an hour. This will help your new pup to understand that going to the toilet happens outside. Many parents will opt for puppy matt training, which can be useful in the early stages of puppyhood. Well it helps your pup to understand that only parts of your living area are right for toileting. Some pet parents will also opt for crate-based toilet training. This can be effective for teaching your puppy to avoid going to the toilet in the space they associate with sleeping and relaxing. And while each pooch is different, there are a few you can look out for. And while this might be their downfall in some ways, it can be beneficial for training scenarios. So when puppy training , take a positive reinforcement-based approach, rewarding your pup when they behave in the way you intended. Getting a Pug puppy Like with any pooch, welcoming a Pug puppy into your home is a forever responsibility. Before making the decision, be sure to learn as much about the breed as possible, making sure that you, your home and the rest of your pack are right for these spunky little cuties. The result? Many cute Pug puppies and adults are waiting in shelters for forever homes. When do Pug puppies calm down? Do Pug puppies sleep a lot? If you thought adult Pugs liked their sleep, puppy Pugs are on a whole other level! For the first five months or so, Pugs will sleep between a whopping 18 and 20 hours per day. How much exercise does my Pug puppy need? Great question! Especially for new pet parents, gauging how much movement your pup needs can be challenging. Find out their exercise needs and balance it with meals, snacks and training for a happy, healthy Pug pup. A bit goofy and rambunctious, pugs have also earned a reputation as a canine class clown. Pugs are ideal house dogs thanks to their stable temperament and loving disposition. Although you'll need a quality vacuum, as they shed profusely! Playful but not requiring lots of activity, pugs are content to do whatever their owner wants to do, whether that be watching a movie or going for a walk around the block. Very intelligent, and at times willful, pugs are happy and affectionate pups who remain very loyal to their owners. As a brachycephalic breed, that adorable smooshy face can also be the source of common health problems for pugs, which potential owners will want to understand before they choose to become pug parents. Pugs come in two standard colors with a few tonal variations: fawn with a black mask or all black. The fawn or tan coat color can range from a warm apricot to a cool and rarely seen silver. Their heads feature their signature short, flat, black muzzle covered with deep wrinkles. Their prominent eyes dominate their comical, wrinkly face and showcase a range of emotions, from surprise and happiness to curiosity. They sport moles on their cheeks, called "beauty spots" and a clearly defined "thumb mark" on their forehead. Their short coat is actually a double coat, and they shed like crazy, especially during the summer months. According to the AKC standard , the perfect pug tail has a double curl. Temperament A pug's favorite place to be is right by your side. Bred to be companions, they are completely content snuggling up on your lap and lounging the day away and aren't afraid to hop right into bed with you. But be forewarned: Pugs wheeze, snort, and snore so you may want to invest in some ear plugs. They will be quite unhappy—and will let you know it—if you don't shower them with affection or if you leave them alone for long periods of time. You shouldn't expect a pug to hunt, guard, or retrieve. A pug will have nothing to do with such activities. A funny little dog, pugs often find ways to create their own silly entertainment—but please for their sake pay attention to the show they are putting on—while maintaining a dignified manner when necessary. While they are a toy breed, pugs are a bit tougher than other similar-sized pups and are up for playtime. Avoid disappointment and make sure the kids know pugs aren't likely to play fetch or chase a soccer ball though. Pugs are pretty amenable to getting along with anyone, including other dogs, cats, rabbits, and other animals. Pugs also make great companions for those living in apartments and older individuals because they don't require too much indoor space for activity. We're not necessarily saying pugs are lazy, but they are known to sleep up to 14 hours per day! They also don't bark much because breathing is a bit difficult for them. Their breathing challenges combined with their short legs make them poor swimmers, too. Although they'd likely benefit from a dip in the pool on hot summer days, as they don't tolerate heat—or the cold—well. So be diligent in helping manage their intake—limit their treats and don't feed them table scraps no matter how cute and pleading their stare may be—because their small stature makes them likely to gain weight quickly. You should also encourage exercise, although they don't need much in a day. They find creative ways to burn off energy on their own. Bathing about once monthly and regular brushing with a medium-bristle brush, a rubber grooming mitt, or a hound glove help manage significant pug shedding. And those sweet facial wrinkles need extra attention because they are a breeding ground for infection if they are damp and dirty. Dry your pug's wrinkles thoroughly after bathing and wipe them out in between baths—a dry cotton ball will do the trick. Pugs also need their nails trimmed regularly, as they don't naturally wear by spending lots of time outdoors. Regular teeth brushing is a must as pugs are susceptible to gum disease. Training can be a challenge, Nichols says. Remember their ultimate goal is simply to spend time with you. If those surgeries are not done, expect a lifelong loud snoring dog. These are symptoms of brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome BOAS , which can also cause saliva disorders, sleep issues, and difficulties with regurgitation. Pugs can face a fair amount of other health issues, including back problems, epilepsy, allergies, hemi-vertebrae or misshapen vertebrae , hip dysplasia , patellar luxation,and nerve degeneration later in life. A variety of skin conditions may affect pugs, including yeast infections, staph infections, or demodectic mange. While their big, dark eyes are adorable, they are especially vulnerable. Pugs sometimes face corneal ulcers, proptosis , and dry eye, among other ailments. Skin conditions such as walking dandruff—caused by a small mite—need to be treated by your veterinarian. Pug parents also need to watch that their pugs maintain a healthy weight; obesity can exacerbate their breathing problems. A study released in comparing the health of pugs to other dogs found "many critical health-related welfare challenges to overcome for pugs. Conversely, according to the study, pugs had significantly reduced adjusted odds of having heart murmur or lipoma tumors. One affliction unique to pugs is Pug Dog Encephalitis , afatal inflammatory brain disease. There is no known cause or test for it unfortunately. It causes a pug to seize, circle, become blind, then fall into a coma and die. Research is ongoing. History Pugs are an ancient breed—perhaps the oldest dog breed, in fact—that originated in China. Going back some 2, years, flat-faced, or short-nosed toy dogs like the pug were popular with Chinese emperors and lived lavish lives because of it, the AKC says. They were only given to those outside the Far East as gifts. But in the s and early s, Dutch traders arrived in Europe with the breed and thanks to popularity with royal households they quickly gained popularity across Europe. Their long history reveals a number of different names for the breed including lo-sze Chinese , mopsi Finnish , doguillo Spanish , and mophonds Dutch , among others. The name pug is supposedly derived from the Latin word "pugnus"—which means "fist"—to reflect the fact that a pug's face looks like a clenched fist, the AKC writes. Pugs were also very popular during the Victorian era, featured on postcards, in paintings, and as figurines. For years they remained largely pets of the aristocracy. Queen Victoria had many pugs and bred them , and Marie Antoinette also had a pug named Mops. They were standardized as a breed in the early s. Upon taking over the Chinese Imperial Palace in , the English discovered several pugs and began breeding them back in England to improve the breed. It wasn't until after the Civil War that pugs came to the United States. The breed was recognized by the American Kennel Club in .Initially very popular, pug ownership and breeding waned until the s when the, the Pug Dog Club of America was created and recognized by the AKC. Fun Facts One legend says the pug became the mascot of Holland's royal House of Orange after a pug barked a warning to save the life of the Prince of Orange before an attack by Spanish troops, the AKC writes. Another legend holds that some pugs were prized in Chinese culture because their wrinkles resembled good luck symbols in the Chinese language. A group of pugs is called a grumble. Not surprisingly, pugs' cute mugs have graced the big screen. In recent years, many pugs have become insta-famous on Instagram as well. Doug the Pug is undeniably the most popular of the bunch. With more than 13 million social followers, the celebrity pup rubs noses with stars like Joe Jonas and Shakira. Pug owners and enthusiasts are just as quirky and loveable as the breed, often dressing up their pups and hosting get-togethers and pug parades.

Can Dogs Eat Carrots? Here's What To Know They're a healthy treat for dogs, just make sure the pieces aren't too big. By Brendan Howard Writer and editor Brendan Howard has written on pet and veterinary topics for more than 13 years. He grew up with indoor and outdoor cats in Southern California, but now lives catless in Kansas. He remembers each meow factory vividly and happily, but he hasn't picked his next one yet. Updated on April 5, Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Jenna Stregowski, RVT Jenna is a registered veterinary technician with a range of veterinary experience that includes small animal internal medicine, oncology, neurology, emergency, alternative medicine, and practice management. As the Pet Health and Behavior Editor for Daily Paws, Jenna is living the dream as she combines her veterinary knowledge and passion for animals with her love of writing and education. In a world full of artificial foods, it's nice that we can say, yes, dogs can eat carrots—and they're good for them, too! Even the green, leafy part we humans skip. Whether your dogs eat carrots, of course, is another question. Carrots have well-known vitamins and nutrients, like beta-carotene which gives the carrot its color and is converted into vitamin A, which is good for the eyes. They don't contain many calories, either. Other healthy fruits and vegetables that dogs can eat include apples , peas avoid canned , green beans, and broccoli. Carrots can be served raw, dehydrated, or frozen, as long as they're not too hard on the teeth and not a choking hazard. Dogs can eat cooked carrots, too, just as long as they aren't seasoned with anything toxic like onions or garlic. If you're wondering how many carrots your dog should eat, start small with a cut-up baby carrot. Carrots are relatively low-calorie, but if your dog isn't used to high amounts of fiber, there's a chance that too many carrots too fast might give a dog an upset stomach and diarrhea. If your dog can't get enough of this vegetable, consider putting slices in a food-dispensing toy and letting him spend some time and energy fishing out his favorite food. Is Rosemary Safe for Dogs? Of course, make sure the carrots you're feeding your dog aren't too big. A larger dog who eats quickly could try to wolf down an entire carrot without chewing it and possibly choke. The safer option is to cut the carrots into slices or smaller pieces. If you're considering carrots as a substitute for fattier, higher-calorie treats, or are concerned about how your dog will react to this orange treat, ask your veterinarian about the best course of action. And be sure that carrots and other treats make up no more than 10 percent of your dog's daily calories. Was this page helpful? Vegetables for French Bulldogs French Bulldog vegetables? Find out which vegetables are best suited to this breed. They contain little fat and calories for taste and are also a great reward for your four-legged friend. Which vegetables are suitable for your Bulldog? The French Bulldog loves vegetables with a crunchy texture, such as raw green beans, carrots or celery, but also pumpkin, spinach and Brussels sprouts. These vegetables are rich in healthy vitamins and minerals for your Bulldog, but also a balanced source of fibre to maintain intestinal regularity. To make the vegetables more digestible, however, they can be steamed or boiled in a pot. Raw potatoes, which contain the toxin solanine, should be avoided. They should be cooked, but in small quantities. Pulses such as beans and peas should also be eaten in small quantities. Avoid onions, garlic, chives and shallots, which are poisonous to the French Bulldog. Steamed corn is permitted, but in low quantities for your French Bulldog. Oranges, peaches and cherries, pitted and seedless of course, and pineapple cut into pieces are also perfect, but avocados, which are toxic for dogs, should be avoided. Can French Bulldogs eat raw carrots? Well, I dove into the research to bring the answers to you. Here is what I found. French Bulldogs can in fact east carrots as long as they are properly cut down to manageable bite sized pieces. Carrots are a very healthy vegetable and they are safe to feed your Frenchie in raw or cooked forms. With that said, there are some precautions I would give to any French Bulldog owner intending to feed their Frenchie some carrot. It can act as a great little treat to reward your Frenchie during training. Carrots also are a great source of potassium, fiber, Vitamin A , and other vitamins. Incorporating some carrots in their diet can help improve their eye sight. Some experts say steaming the carrots can help unleash the full benefits of this healthy treat for your French Bulldog. Frozen carrots may be a great treat to consider to help your teething French Bulldog puppy. Freezing some carrots and providing those to your Frenchie can not only help them with their teething but also provide some additional nutrition for your growing pup. When your French Bulldog chews on carrots frozen or otherwise , it can help improve their dental health. We have found steaming the carrots in our Insta-pot helps remove some of the toughness and makes for a great dental-friendly treat for our French Bulldog Augie. I will share a few ways we treat our Frenchie with carrots but first here are some preparation tips: Wash the carrots first: we usually buy organic in our home but I would still recommend washing the carrots first to ensure there is no dirt or pesticides on them before feeding them to our Frenchie. Cut the carrots into smaller bites for your Frenchie: The last thing you want is for your Frenchie to choke on too big a bite of carrot. I recommend cutting the carrot into manageable bites before feeding them to your Frenchie. Once you have washed and cut the carrots here are a few ways you can feed these to your Frenchie: Cut them up and use them as reward treats — when we are in the kitchen it is almost a given that our French Bulldog Augie will be in the kitchen underneath our feet hoping for a treat from above to fall to the ground. When we are cutting up carrots for a dish we will inevitably toss a small carrot slice to our Frenchie. You can also cut up some carrot pieces to be used for a dog training session in his dog treat pouch. Put small carrot pieces in a Kong — Our Frenchie loves his Kong especially when we stuff various treats inside it. We will often cut up some carrots and stuff them inside for a quick treat for our Frenchie. It adds a nice garnish and a tasty treat to mix up their normal meal time. Freeze small carrot pieces and plain yogurt in a Kong — If you like planning ahead and want to keep your French Bulldog occupied for a longer period of time this can be a great trick. Put that in the freezer for a couple hours and then reward your Frenchie with it. Just be aware this does make a bit of a mess so choose where you let them enjoy it carefully! I spoke to my Vet at Companion Animal Hospital who has a Frenchie as her dog and she said that it is safe to feed your Frenchie a couple small carrots every day if you wish unless they have known food allergies. No not at all. Carrots are a healthy, high-fiber snack with some excellent nutritional benefits. We give our Frenchie carrots as an occasional treat or put some shaved carrot on top of his normal kibble meal and he loves it! A recommendation I would have for you is not to overdo it when giving your French Bulldog carrots as they can have some diarrhea issues if you give them too much. Carrots are high in Fiber so just keep that in mind when feeding some to your Frenchie. The bottom line is that carrots are ok to feed to your French Bulldog. They are packed with some great nutrition, can help improve eye sight, are a great source of fiber, and they make a great treat to motive your Frenchie during a dog training session. If you have any doubts, be sure to consult with your Vet and ask them their thoughts. Share on facebook. Pin3 3 Shares Any Frenchie owner will know that there are some veggies that are safe for dogs to eat. In fact, some dog food will even have vegetable elements included. But what about carrots? Are they safe for French Bulldogs to eat or are they toxic? How much carrot is ok to feed your Frenchie, and will it give them gas or diarrhoea? Does it need to be cooked first or are raw carrots ok? Frenchies can eat carrots which are cut into bite-sized chunks. Carrots are safe to feed to a French Bulldog raw or cooked. If you are a responsible owner and want to know more about the health benefits and how to prepare the carrots safely for your Frenchie please read on. The health benefits of carrots Carrots are rich in a range of healthy elements including antioxidants, fiber, potassium, and vitamin A. Claude loves a good carrot. I will need to chop this up a little smaller first, and possibly even steam it for a few minutes. The experts agree too. Carrots can help with vision and eye health My grandmother used to say that carrots would help me see better in the dark. Whilst this old saying has been debunked by science, there is an element of truth behind it as research suggests that the vitamins in carrots can help the pigment in your eyes when operating in low light condition. Better yet, carrots are loaded with lycopene and lutein — essential phytonutrients that may help protect eyes from free radical damage and UVB radiation. They are low in calories and high in fiber. They work as a great healthy snack for a hungry dog and can even help with their dental care. I feed carrots to my dogs every couple of days when cooking in the kitchen, and you should too! If you have owned your Frenchie from a young age you will know how intense the teething period can be. They will want to chew on anything and everything. Toys that have been placed in the freezer to get cold can really help to soothe their gums, but frozen carrots can do the same job, whilst also giving them additional health benefits. Instead of a teething toy why not try some frozen carrot instead? To try it yourself cut some carrots down to a manageable size, put them in the freezer overnight and then let your French Bulldog puppy chew and eat them to alleviate teething pain. Handy Hint: I published a guide which details the teething timeline of a Frenchie puppy. Read that for tips on how to deal with teething and what to expect. Carrots can support dental health Our vet also recommends regular teeth brushing for dogs. Carrots are a great solution. By chewing on them, your Frenchie can benefit from improved dental health. Carrots will battle dental disease, get rid of plaque deposits, and help keep their teeth in far better shape. Our Frenchie Claude hates having a doggy toothbrush anywhere near his mouth. To get the best from this health benefit, feed your French Bulldog carrots that have been steamed ever so slightly. You need the toughness in the carrot in order for it to work well on the teeth. Carrots can be a tasty reward or snack I would also recommend that you let your French Bulldog eat carrots as a reward for good behavior. When my wife and I are cooking in the kitchen, Claude is always on the lookout for anything he can get given. We will happily throw a cut-up carrot on the floor for him to snack on, and he will always ask for more. Carrots are nutritious, low in calories, and far healthier than any off the shelf dog snack you can buy. Did You Know? A lot of that will be down to snacking, so by switching to carrots you could help to avoid health problems such as diabetes. However, there is a recommended way to feed your French Bulldog carrot so they not only get the best from it but also to prevent the risks of choking. Steamed carrots are better than boiled: this is because when are slightly steamed, they will be rougher on the teeth and gums which can help with dental health. This cooking method will also keep the goodness in over boiling. Cut the carrots into small sticks or bite-sized chunks: to safely feed carrots to your Frenchie always make sure the vegetable is of a manageable size. Frenchies can wolf food down without chewing, so keep the carrots small. How often can my Frenchie eat carrots? Having read various forums and the website of a real vet, the general consensus would appear to be that you can safely feed a couple of small carrots to a dog each day. However, as a French Bulldog owner we limit the amount of human type food with feed our dog, believing that moderation is key. Are carrots toxic for dogs? Carrots are not toxic for dogs. However, there are some fruits and vegetables that can very toxic and poisonous — for examples, grapes and raisins are an absolute no read more. You can download the list here and stick it on your fridge to reference before feeding any dangerous fruits to your dog. Can carrots give dogs diarrhea? Are dogs allergic to carrots? This depends, which is why I always recommend you speak to a vet before feeding your dog a traditional human food. Some dogs could be allergic to carrots so if you see an adverse reaction please consult with your vet immediately. Signs of allergic illness include vomiting, diarrhea, and itching. What are good carrots recipes for French Bulldogs? Frozen carrots: can help with puppy teething. Carrots and peas: two veggies for the price of one here Claude loves this. Carrot peelings: carrot skin and peel is safe for dogs to eat. Carrot sticks: these can be just the right size for a French Bulldog. One thing I did see that people were searching on Google for which I completely disagree with is carrot cake. I do not suggest you feed your dog carrot cake. Cake will usually come packed full of sugar, raisins, and wheat. Avoid feeding carrot cake to your Frenchie no matter how many puppy dog eyes he decides to give you! Handy Hint: Read this guide to what other vegetables are safe for Frenchies to eat. Contains 38 different veggies, some of which could be potentially toxic to dogs. What other human foods can you feed a French Bulldog? Over the last couple of months I have compiled a lot of research into various foods, and how safe they are. Carrots contain vitamins A and E, as well as selenium, to help your dog stay healthy and well. Carrots also contain beta-carotene, a source of vitamin A. Beta-carotene is essential for the maintenance and repair of red blood cells. Carrots also contain vitamin C, which prevents free radicals. Free radicals can cause cancer in dogs. Carrots help dogs have good eyesight because dogs are very sensitive to light. Carrots Improves French Bulldogs Vision Dogs love carrots because they contain a compound called beta-carotene. This is a type of carotene found in many vegetables including carrots, eggplant, parsley, red cabbage, and spinach. Carrots Improves French Bulldogs Skin French Bulldogs need healthy skin for all their senses, and carrots contain vitamins and minerals that help maintain healthy skin. Vitamin E is known to help maintain skin elasticity and reduce rashes. Carrots also contain vitamin B6, which is essential for the proper functioning of the immune system. Vitamin B6 is also an antioxidant that is needed for our nervous and immune systems. Vitamin A helps maintain healthy gums, teeth, skin, nails and it also helps prevent dental disease. Just like humans, French Bulldogs need a healthy and strong brain in order to have the mental ability to perform daily tasks. The brain is an organ that is responsible for smell, hearing, and communication between other organs. Carrots contain essential nutrients that support healthy brain development for French Bulldogs. Carrots also help with digestion, but dogs need more for this than carrots, they also need the right combination of fiber with vegetables, chicken. Carrots are good for the heart, also Carrots are known to improve heart health. To support heart health in French Bulldogs, you can use raw carrots or a carrot or beet-based dog food. In addition to raw carrots, you can also serve dog biscuits made from raw carrots as they are a healthy and nutritious snack. Raw meat does not contain enough nutrients for French Bulldogs to build a healthy immune system, you need to add supplements. Carrots contain a balance of vitamin C, calcium, phosphorus, iron, and many other essential nutrients. You must feed your Frenchie raw carrots or other fruits when you feed him raw meat or bones or you will be doing him a lot of harm. Carrots are also a good source of manganese. Because of the level of carotene in carrots, it will help your Frenchie vision. Carrots contain fiber which aids weight loss, therefore giving your Frenchie carrots may aid weight loss. Carrots can ensure bowel regularity and help in digestion in French Bulldogs. The high silicon content of the carrot root can promote healthy skin and nails in French Bulldogs. Carrots can boost immunity in French Bulldogs because it contains various vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants such as vitamins B6 and K, potassium, phosphorous. Yes, French bulldogs can eat raw carrots because raw carrots are low in calories and contain large amounts of alpha-carotene and beta-carotene, so raw carrots are an excellent source of vitamin K and vitamin B6, fiber, potassium, and antioxidants. Raw carrots are safe for French Bulldogs to eat raw in small pieces. Yes, French bulldogs can eat cooked carrots because cooked carrots are high in alpha-carotene and beta-carotene. If cooked, cooked carrots are an excellent source of vitamin K and B6, fiber, potassium, and antioxidants, so cooked carrots are safe for French bulldogs to eat in small chunks. Are French Bulldogs allergic to carrots? It depends, so I always recommend talking to your vet before feeding your dog a traditional human diet. Some dogs can be allergic to carrots. If you experience any side effects, contact your veterinarian immediately. Even though French Bulldogs are prone to stomach sensitivity, it is rare to see a French Bulldog that is allergic to carrots, however, here are some signs to show your Frenchie is allergic to carrots. Carrots contain many of the same nutrients. If your Frenchie likes the taste of carrots, he will eat them. If your Frenchie has digestive problems, you can mix carrots into his diet or add some carrots to his plate with the pill. More interesting topics about French Bulldogs:. Home » Blog » Top 5 edible and toxic vegetables for Frenchies Top 5 edible and toxic vegetables for Frenchies We all know how healthy vegetables are for humans but what about dogs? Should you feed any to your Frenchie or is it better to stick to meat and dog food? Similarly to fruits , some veggies have amazing benefits for Frenchies so giving them as an occasional treat is definitely a great idea. Be careful though! Not all of them will do good for your puppy, and some vegetables are even toxic for dogs. In this article, we compiled a list of the most recommended and forbidden vegetables for French bulldogs, keep reading to find out what these are! Edible vegetables for French Bulldogs that we recommend 1. Carrots Carrots are not only safe for French Bulldogs but they are probably the best and healthiest snacks that you can give to your baby! Carrots are low in calories yet high in fibers, and they also contain beta-carotene which helps produce vitamin A. Need we say more? Simply peel a carrot and give it to your baby in whole times a week, they will not only love its taste but will even keep them busy for some time. You can serve it cooked too if your puppy has an upset stomach. Subscribe to our weekly blog newsletter: Subscribe to our blog newsletter! First name Email 2. Celery Celery is another excellent vegetable that has tons of health benefits for dogs. If your Frenchie tends to have a stinky breath, this leafy vegetable offers a solution to that too. Cucumber Cucumbers are amazing treats for all dogs, but especially those who need to maintain a healthy weight or even shred a few pounds. Vitamins K, C and B1 as well as potassium, copper, magnesium, and biotin can all be found in cucumbers making them extremely healthy snacks. Since they are mostly made up of water, we especially recommend giving cucumbers to your Frenchie in the summertime to keep them hydrated in the heat. Sweet potatoes Sweet potatoes are popular among dog owners for a good reason. They are high in fibers and are a great source of vitamins A, C, B6 and B5 as well as nutrients such as iron, magnesium, calcium and potassium. We especially recommend them if your Frenchie has some sort of digestive issue like diarrhea: simply cook a small amount of sweet potatoes you can even mash them and serve it to your baby. You should avoid giving it raw is they can be hard to digest that way! Pumpkin Pumpkins are not only safe for Frenchies but they are also widely recommended by vets! It also contains a lot of essential nutrients as well as vitamins A, C and E, making it an amazing healthy veggie snack. Toxic vegetables for French Bulldogs that you should avoid 1. Potatoes You should never feed your Frenchie raw potatoes! Similarly to tomatoes , they contain solanine which is toxic to dogs. On the other hand, sweet potatoes are completely safe and very nutritious as we explained above. Check out our French Bulldog Puppies 2. Garlic Garlic is known to have numerous health benefits for humans but not for Frenchies! Onions Similarly to garlic, onions are also poisonous to dogs in larger amounts so you should never give this vegetable to your Frenchie in any form. Even the size of a medium sized onion can cause serious problems like anemia if your puppy eats it, so you should immediately contact your vet if you see signs like lethargy, lack of appetite or even fainting. Even though there are thousands of different types of mushrooms and only a low percentage of them are actually toxic, it only takes one bite from a poisonous one and it can even be fatal for your baby in worst cases. For that reason, you should also watch out for wild mushrooms if you take your puppy for a walk in the woods! If you see or just suspect that your baby did eat some kind of mushroom, contact your vet immediately! If you can, get a sample of the mushroom too. Chili peppers, jalapeno peppers and everything similar are completely off the table, on the other hand, a small amount of plain red or yellow bell pepper is safe for dogs. To help your puppy better digest these, remove the outer skin to make it a healthy and crunchy treat. The article is based on the expert knowledge of the TomKings Puppies team who have been breeding French Bulldogs for 10 years on their farm. All the pictures in the post belong to them and their customers, and show puppies from their breed. If you have any questions or comments, let us know below the article! While they can eat a wide range of veggies, some of them are better than others. Each type of vegetable has different nutritional benefits, and they are rich in minerals, fiber, and vitamins. This blog will help you determine which the best veggies are for your French bulldog. If you are the owner of a French bulldog, you are probably well aware of how picky they can be when it comes to their diet. They might be small in size, but they still require a healthy and nutritious diet that has all the vitamins and minerals they need to thrive. Here are the best veggies for a French bulldog. Carrots Carrots are an easy way to help out our furry friends and adorable pups, and a great way to support staying active and healthy. Carrots are full of beta-carotene and Vitamin A, which are both essential for skin health. Low levels of beta-carotene have been linked to anxiety and depression, so helping your French bulldog to increase its beta-carotene intake could be a great way to reduce anxiety. Carrots are also a great way to improve oral health , especially for dogs. In addition to freshening their breath, celery also helps their vision! The vitamins and nutrients in celery also help pups keep their weight down and live healthy life. Celery can also be used to improve digestion and reduce inflammation. They can boost their immunity and fight cancer and arthritis. When consumed, broccoli creates a natural toothbrush and can ward off a host of health problems. It may cause gas, upset the digestive system, and even lead to dehydration. Always talk to your vet before giving your Frenchie any type of vegetable. There are a variety of different types of cabbage, including green, red, and savoy, each with its unique flavor and nutritional composition. Cabbage has several amazing benefits for French bulldogs. Cabbage is also a great source of minerals for dogs like phosphorus, iron, magnesium, and iodine. It can help ease joint and arthritic pain, it can also reduce the symptoms of digestion problems and it can even help reduce the symptoms of allergies in dogs. One of the best ways to ensure that your dog is getting all the right nutrients is to feed them potatoes! There are a variety of benefits to feeding your dog potatoes. This starchy veggie is a great source of fiber and carbohydrates. Potatoes contain solanine, which is a toxic ingredient. If ingested by dogs, it can cause damage to the nervous system and can also cause health problems. Peppers Peppers are very beneficial for French bulldogs, especially in dried spice form. While they can be enjoyed by humans, peppers are especially useful for dogs because of the way they detoxify the body. Peppers contain vitamin C almost triple the number of oranges. Peppers are not toxic to Frenchies, but they are not always all that healthy either. Peppers, like all spicy plants, contain capsaicin. If a Frenchie gets a hold of the pepper itself, it can get into some serious issues. Pumpkin French bulldogs love to eat pumpkins. On top of that, there are actual health benefits to pumpkins. Pumpkins can do a lot of good for them! It has a high amount of Vitamin A and many other vitamins and minerals that give vital nutrients to your dog. It can also reduce your Frenchie gas if they are prone to that. There is also a cure for constipation. Cucumber The benefits of feeding your French bulldog cucumber are many! Cucumber can be used as a cooling agent, to reduce swelling, hydrate dogs, and even as a nice, juicy treat! Cucumber is great to cool down your dog on hot days or to help heal irritated skin. If you have a tired Frenchie, cucumber can help hydrate them and make them feel energetic again! Or if you have a puppy who is teething, cucumber is the perfect safe treat for them to chew on and keep their gums healthy. Cucumber is a versatile vegetable and you can use it in salads, sandwiches, or just as a snack for your dog! Cucumber is delicious food so is best to use a slow feeder bowl for them. It promotes healthy eating and is a lot of fun. Slow Feeder Bowl Conclusion The best veggies for your French bulldog are the ones you can find that have the right amount of nutrients and calories your dog needs. Some people will recommend that you feed your dog some specific vegetables like carrots, but this can depend on your dog. Make sure to pick vegetables that your dog will like and that they can also enjoy. Well, all those nutrients in carrots that are good for humans eyesight and other things! In fact, carrots have a lot of nutritional benefits for your Frenchie. As you can see, carrots are really good for your French bulldog. After seeing how healthy carrots are for your Frenchie, you might be wondering if you can feed them to your pup every single day. The answer is no. Like all human food, carrots should only be given to your dog in moderation. If you give your doggo too many carrots, then all that extra fiber can cause tummy troubles. The most nutrients are from raw carrots, but carrots in this form are not that easy for a small dog like a French bulldog to digest. So, while you should give most dogs raw carrots for the most health benefits, you should instead slightly cook the carrots you give to your Frenchie. By slightly cooking the carrots, you soften them up and make them easier for your little pup to digest. Just remember that you should not give your dog any cooked carrots with spices, sauces, or seasoning of any kind. Carrots are not toxic to dogs, but some seasonings are — so make sure that you make plain carrots for your French bulldog. And remember, raw carrots are hard for Frenchies to digest, so reduce the chance of diarrhea with slightly cooked carrots. But only feed cooked carrots to your French bulldog in moderation! Do French Bulldogs Like Carrots? Yes, like most dogs, French bulldogs like to eat carrots. The crunch of raw carrots and the fact that the dog can gnaw on it for a bit seems to be why your dog likes carrots so much. No matter how much he whines for it, remember that you should only feed your dog carrots in moderation. Plus, if your little Frenchie is teething, then he will really love chewing on a frozen carrot. Final Word Carrots, both raw and cooked, provide both humans and dogs many great benefits. While there are not really any safety concerns that Frenchie owners should be aware of, keep in mind that too many carrots can result in tummy troubles for your French bulldog. I will discussed A-Z regarding this topic. I am sure after reading the article, you will get all the information regarding this important topic. Frenchies or French Bulldog? These small dogs are easily recognised by their bat-like ears, distinctively squished face, and muscular frame. Due to their warm and affectionate temperament, French Bulldogs are wonderful family pets and friends. Despite their diminutive size, they have a joyful and vivacious personality. Frenchies are widely recognised for their adaptability. They have a moderate need for grooming and moderate activity requirements. Many dog lovers all over the world have fallen in love with French Bulldogs for their adorable appearance and charming personality. A well-rounded diet for French Bulldogs must have high-quality protein, good fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. The majority of their diet should be made up of commercial dog food that is made especially for their breed and age. But the most important point is — you can be included in their diet, fruits and vegetables and others things should only be used as extra pleasures. Can Frenchies Eat Carrots? Hi, It is very good news for all the pet owner — French Bulldogs can eat Carrots without any issue. Carrots is not toxic for Frenchies or French Bull Dogs. Carrots is famous Fruit for his test. It contains vital nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Carrots can enhance the general health of your Frenchie. Carrots contain vitamin C, Vitamin A, vitamin K and it also contain various B vitamins, these vitamins are supports to boost the immune system and and specially Vitamin C promotes the creation of collagen. Source of Minerals : It is also contain necessary minerals, potassium, it play crucial roles in maintaining proper bodily functions, including muscle function, nerve transmission, and bone health. Source of Fiber : The fiber content in Carrots can aid in digestion and regulate bowel movements for your French Bulldog. It can also help maintain a healthy weight and prevent constipation Carrots contain beta-carotene and vitamin C , which are antioxidants. It help French Bulldogs to maintain healthy skin and shiny coats. These nutrients assist in the fight against free radicals, which can harm the skin and fur and create oxidative stress. Carrots Is Carrots Safe for Frenchies? It is a non-toxic Vegetable for your French bulldogs. But you have to use moderation key. All type of new food should start with small amount. And one more things Carrots contain natural sugars, Some times it may have a bad effect on your pets. Potential Risks and Precautions Carrots Carrots is very helpful vegetable for your pet, it have a number of health advantages. Carrots contain natural sugar, While French Bulldogs may normally consume natural sugars without harm, but over ingestion might result in weight gain and other health problems. When giving raspberries or any other fruit to your Frenchie, moderation is crucial. We need to grow gradually. Before giving Carrots to your French Bulldog, Choose out some fresh and excellent Carrots to start, and to get rid of any dirt or probable pesticides, properly wash the Carrots. French Bulldogs can choke on carrots, especially if they are eaten whole or in as big parts. The small size and distinctive facial structure of Frenchies may make it challenging for them to chew and swallow large portions of raw carrots. It is advised to either boil the carrots or finely grate them before giving them to your pet to reduce the risk of choking. Carrots can cause allergies or sensitivities in some French Bulldogs. You should stop giving carrots if you have any symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as itchiness, rashes, or gastrointestinal problems. You should also speak with your veterinarian for more advice. Depending on the particular requirements and health issues of your Frenchie, they can provide specific suggestions. When possible. This assures that you are giving your Frenchie the highest quality Carrots. To get rid of any dirt or pesticide residues, thoroughly wash the carrots. To make the carrots easier to digest and to remove any potential choking concerns, peel them. To make the carrots easier for your Frenchie to chew and swallow, grate or boil them. To avoid choking and encourage simple digestion, serve the carrots in little, bite-sized quantities. Alternative Fruits for French Bulldogs If your French Bulldog reacts negatively to strawberries or you want to add some variation to their diet. Here Some appropriate fruits are given for your French Bulldogs. Raspberries — Like strawberries, blueberries are a good source of vitamins and antioxidants. They are a pleasant and healthy treat for your French bulldog. Fruits that are high in water content, like watermelon , can be hydrating and refreshing for French Bulldogs. Just take sure to clean the rind and any remaining seeds before serving. Apples : For dogs, apples are a fantastic source of fibre and vitamins. Keep in mind to remove the core and seeds because they provide a choking risk. Healthy Alternatives foods for french Bulldogs Instead of giving your bulldog English muffins, think about healthier options that are secure and have nutritional value: Lean Meats: Bulldogs can get enough protein from cooked lean meats like chicken, turkey, or beef without seasoning or seasonings. Various fruits and vegetables, such apples, carrots , or green beans, can be occasionally consumed, but sure you should remover all the seeds, extra skin or any effected parts of this item. Plain yoghurt or cottage cheese can be given to dogs in moderation as a calcium and probiotic source. Commercial bulldog snacks: Choose dog treats that are especially created to satisfy the nutritional requirements of bulldogs. Avoid sweets with artificial additions or fillers and seek out ones created with high-quality ingredients. French Bulldogs Can French Bulldogs eat carrot tops? Yes, French Bulldogs can eat carrot tops. Is it safe to feed my Frenchie baby carrots? Yes, baby carrots are safe for French Bulldogs to consume. They are smaller in size and have a softer texture, making them easier for your Frenchie to chew and digest. How many carrots can I feed my French Bulldog per day? The number of carrots you can feed your French Bulldog per day depends on their size, age, and overall diet. Regular dental care, such as brushing their teeth and professional cleanings, is essential for maintaining fresh breath in French Bulldogs. What should I do if my Frenchie has an adverse reaction to carrots? If your French Bulldog exhibits any adverse reactions, such as vomiting, diarrhea, or allergic symptoms, after consuming carrots, it is crucial to discontinue feeding them immediately. Contact your veterinarian for guidance and to determine the cause of the reaction. Please Share.

TOP "We love Luna and she's been great!!! She has definitely gotten comfortable and driving our other dogs crazy, LOL! We adore her! She has the greatest temperament!!! She's perfect! We cannot thank you enough! Just wanted to send a few pictures of Macky! He's growing like a weed! We joke that all he knows how to do is eat and snuggle. Obsessed with him! He is an exceptional puppy with a sweetness and sensibility that everyone comments on who meets him. We couldn't be happier with this sweet boy. He was the missing piece to our home. We are considering getting another puppy from you. Whatever you are doing, as breeders, is 'kosher' as far as we are concerned, and I trust you and your opinions. Again, I cannot say thank you enough for our wonderful Royal, and all the work you did in his first weeks, to encourage him to be the best he could be. I want to thank your children for their input also. He practically gets hypnotized when we roll him onto his back and rub him all over his belly, paws, and tail, and he absolutely loves when little kids come over to play. You can tell he had a very good experience with your kids, and passes that love on to other kids. Thanks again, Katie! A huge lover and snuggler. We can't get enough of how sweet she is! She is doing so well! She just graduated from the beginner's obedience training this past week! This is done in order for German shepherd owners who are looking to have their German Shepherd Dog as part of their family, but are unable or unwilling to have the German Shepherds that are required for Police work. This combination has many positive points, one of which being the qualities both breeds share. For example, both German shepherds and golden retrievers make great guard dogs. They are protective by nature and will protect you if they sense danger. If this sounds like your type of canine companion then read on to learn more about how you can find golden retriever cross German shepherd puppies for sale, German Shepherd Golden Retriever Mix puppy for adoption and German shepherd Golden retriever mix dog breeders. Parent Dogs: The German Shepherds are extremely intelligent dogs with a strong desire to work, which makes them great candidates for police or working-dog duties. They were originally bred in the German state of Bavaria during the 19th century to herd sheep, guard property and act as an all-purpose farm dog. German shepherds are extremely loyal and protective of their owners; you could even say they sometimes overreact about protecting you if they sense danger. This loyalty has also turned German shepherds into popular family pets today. Golden retrievers on the other hand were developed by hunters in Scotland during the 19th century as a gundog. Golden retrievers were bred to be an obedient and loyal dog, which meant they made great companions for hunters who needed a dog that could fetch lost game and return it without damaging the meat! While German shepherds make great guard dogs and golden retrievers make great hunting and retrieval dogs, German shepherd and Golden Retriever cross breeds or German Shepherd Golden retriever mix can bring together the best qualities of both breeds — obedience, loyalty, friendliness — into one pup! If not provided with enough exercises German shepherds can become destructive and hard to handle. German shepherds are a large breed so they require a significant amount of daily exercise, but Golden retrievers have been developed as family dogs throughout the years and have retained their desire to please people which also makes them great candidates as working dogs. This breed was originally bred in Germany by crossing German Shepherds with Golden Retrievers because the dogs were used to work on police and military duty. They were later exported to America in the s but this did not stop them from becoming popular across the world. A German Shepherd Golden Retriever mix is a wonderful type of dog to have. If you live in a temperate climate, this type of German shepherd mix is the perfect size for roaming around your yard and playing fetch. Golden Shepherds can be quite energetic, but they are very smart dogs. They are sweet and will make wonderful companions. They are active, trainable, obedient and intelligent; they often make perfect military or police working dogs. They will even be good with children if the owner trains them early enough between months old. This breed is popular because it can fit into many types of households without any problems. They only sleep about 10 hours every day and will fit right into your lifestyle. German Shepherd Golden Retriever Mixes are usually very protective of their owners and will fiercely protect both children and the home front from strangers. They can be trained as police dogs, guide dogs, search and rescue dogs or as pets. Physical Appearance Golden Shepherd is a medium-sized dog with long golden fur. You might find that the Golden Shepherd has the same appearance as other dogs, but because its hair can be difficult to maintain, it should not grow too long because you will notice the difference in the physical appearance immediately. German Shepherd Golden Retriever mix is one of the most popular family pets around the world, along with Labrador retriever family pet parents. The Golden Shepherd has a nice square face that covers its nose and jaws. Its ears are small and medium in size, listening to the instructions given by caregivers closely. Golden Shepherds have a long neck with good length. When seen from above, the head of the ear is slightly pointed down towards his eyes. This shape looks like an inverted triangle when viewed from above. Their hair can be short or long depending on your preference as their caregiver. Some people say it will look better if their hair is longer because they give them an elegant look. Basically, they are one of the best family pets, caring, loving, and loyal. They are highly intelligent too which makes them always fun to play with kids or other pets in the house. Temperament of a German Shepherd Golden Retriever Mix can be easily trained as both breeds are easy to train breeds. These dogs are good-looking, friendly with children, make them the perfect choice for your family. A German Shepherd Golden Retriever Mix has a high activity level so sometimes these dogs need extra physical activities to keep them free from boredom. German Shepherd Golden Retriever Mix can be easily trained as both breeds are easy to train breeds. They are active, friendly and love both children and other dogs! A quick note about their care requirements- these pups require someone who will be with them all day due to separation anxiety which you can take steps towards solving by creating an environment that does not make the animal feel alone or suddenly abandoned when left at home for long periods such as taking them out regularly. This individual needs regular exercise such as running around with friends after work; this helps release endorphins making it more likely one would stay healthy. However, like any other dog, they can become ill and it is important that you do everything possible to ensure your pet remains healthy and happy for as long as possible. Common Health Issues Of German Shepherd Golden Retriever Mix No breed is perfect and the popularity of a certain breed only means that there will be more dogs with problems. German Shepherd Golden Retriever Mix is one of the most popular dog breeds in the US, with over 30 years ranking first among all breeds registered with the American Kennel Club. The most common problem in German Shepherd Golden Retriever Mix is hip dysplasia, which can cause lameness and arthritis later on. If possible, buy from a good breeder who has tested their animals for hip problems. You can also have your own dog tested when it is old enough. The German Shepherd Golden Retriever mix is generally a healthy breed, but there are some conditions from either side of the family that may develop. Some of these include: Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus GDV — formally known as bloat — where the stomach becomes extremely enlarged and twisted, this is fatal if not treated immediately; owners should know the symptoms and be prepared for an emergency situation or know what signs indicate this condition so they can seek medical attention at once if their pet exhibits them. The causes for this life-threatening problem are still unknown but it mostly affects deep-chested dogs like the German Shepherd Golden Retriever mix. Hip Dysplasia — dogs with this condition will walk with a peculiar gait that is noticeable once you know what to look for; they often have difficulty rising from sitting positions and seem uncoordinated. There are many possible causes but if your dog suffers from hip dysplasia it can significantly reduce his quality of life by causing him pain and discomfort, it may also shorten his lifespan. Osteochondritis Dissecans OCD — this sounds very complicated but all it really means is that the articularilage of the joints does not fully cover the ends of the bones; it is more common in large breed dogs like the German Shepherd Golden Retriever mix. You should brush your pet daily so you can find out if the problem lies with his diet because there may be no need to wash him more often than usual. Best Diet For German Shepherd Golden Retriever Mix The German Shepherd Golden Retriever Mix is a large to giant dog with an average weight of 65 pounds and 20 inches in height, but the designer dogs are known for their flexibility in terms of size. So, what kind of diet does your pooch require? Well, there are some things you should know about his age, breed, and health condition if any… which will help you decide how many calories he needs on a daily basis. Golden Shepherds are known to be more active than the average family pet. A Golden Shepherd loves to exercise- more or less- depending on its energy level. Also, keep in mind that she will need more calories as she grows older. Sometimes these foods can harm your pet. Adult German Shepherd Golden Retriever mix should be fed 3 times a day. However, if he eats very slowly, you might consider adding 1 or 2 extra meals because the German Shepherd Golden Retriever Mix has a tendency for over-eating which can lead to obesity very quickly. Obesity is harmful to any dog breed and can decrease its lifespan drastically even by 5 years. In fact, the German Shepherd Golden Retriever mix has a double coat which means he will blow his undercoat once or twice per year and lose huge amounts of hair in the process. This makes him a poor choice for those who suffer from allergies as it can be difficult to control dander and loose hair around your home. However, these dogs do tend to require less grooming than many other breeds as their coats are not as long as those on certain other working breeds like the German shepherd. Brush them only occasionally with a firm bristle brush; if you brush too often you may cause their coats to become matted. They are likely to be shy when they are young but with the right training, owners can help them become more confident in new situations. These animals will benefit from early socialization with lots of different people, dogs, children, cats, strange noises etc. Make sure you start this process as soon as possible after bringing your dog home. Exercise Needs Any dog, particularly a working breed like the German Shepherd Golden Retriever Mix, enjoys a daily exercise in the form of walks or interactive play with its owner. A German Shepherd Golden Retriever Mix will need at least 30 minutes to an hour of exercise every day with his family. This dog needs time to run off-leash in a securely fenced area where he can explore new territory and work his muscles. Owners should never let their pets roam around unsupervised even if they are believed to have a good recall off-leash. It is also advisable that you take the German Shepherd Golden Retriever mix for a long walk or hike each day to satisfy his need for exercise and additional stimulation from the environment around him. This dog will make a wonderful hiking companion as he loves being outside with his family, particularly on sunny days when he can frolic in the snow or swim in a lake. But owners should always remember to bring water along as some dogs may become dangerously overheated after an excessive amount of physical activity. Working on training new obedience commands or tricks is the perfect way to keep your pet busy while satisfying his primal instincts. First of all, know that there is no one perfect method to train every dog in the world. Each dog has its own temperament and personality, it responds better to some methods rather than others. The instruction manual for dogs does not exist because each dog is unique. Therefore, when working with your German Shepherd Golden Retriever Mix, you have to remember that even if I give you a bunch of tips here, they may or may not work for your dog. You will need to play around with the methods and see what works best for your new four-legged friend. Second, you must understand that although Golden Retrievers and German Shepherds are both known as intelligent breeds, they come from different worlds. The Golden Retriever is an English breed and was bred to retrieve birds this explains their willingness to please and obedience , while the German Shepherd comes from Germany and was originally used by shepherds hence his protective instincts. Therefore, due to their origin and original task, these 2 dogs behave in completely opposite ways. For example, retrievers such as Golden Retrievers are used for hunting for birds in the sky, so they love taking things away and playing with them. Shepherds, on the other hand, were originally working dogs who needed to be aware of their surroundings at all times. This is why you should do as much as you can to train your German Shepherd Golden Retriever mix during his first 6 weeks of life or even earlier. His behavior will form during this period and anything that is not learned by then will become more difficult to teach later. On the other hand, if he learns something now it will be harder for him to unlearn it! Even though puppies are born with their eyes closed, they can still see just like cats and they start learning everything about their environment right away. Use this time wisely… Give him some space but make sure he knows where home is! This way he will learn how to find you when you call him or otherwise he may go looking for you when. You cannot imagine how often I see dogs who are lost because they followed a car or bike and never came back! Teach your puppy to walk on a leash as soon as possible, this will come in handy when you take him for a walk. This way he will learn how to behave around other dogs and people. This is because they are intelligent and have a lot of strength. The hybrid is also very easy to train because they use positive reinforcement training. The German Shepherd Golden Retriever mix is an ideal pet for people who do not want messy fur, drool or shedding because this hybrid does not suffer from any of these issues. They are also great with kids, other pets and strangers because they are naturally protective but will get along with anyone. The German Shepherd Golden Retriever mix is an extremely smart dog that would be great for active people. This is also the perfect breed if you live in a cold climate or if you want a dog that can work in the police or military. They are strong, loyal and easy to train. These dogs are beautiful, strong and intelligent which makes them very easy to train. They use positive reinforcement training methods that most people find effective. The German Shepherd Golden Retriever mix is an extremely smart dog that would be perfect for active people who enjoy working out because this hybrid combines the best features of both their parents. One of the main pros of this breed is that they have incredible leadership skills so they are trusted by police officers on duty in some parts of the world. Cons Of Having German Shepherd Golden Retriever mix Training and Socialization is a must with this breed, if not done correctly they can become aggressive towards people or other dogs, they are very protective of their family which can make them aggressive towards friends, strangers etc. They require a lot of exercise in order to burn off the excess energy they have. They are very intelligent dogs and can be stubborn at times which makes training them more difficult, if not done correctly it could lead to aggression towards other animals or people. They require a lot of attention and most likely will not be good for you and your family if you are gone often, they do not like to spend time alone. They can also become bossy or pushy which can lead to aggression unless the owner is able to control the dog. Another con is that they shed a lot although it is not as much as a German Shepherd, if you are looking for a low shedding breed this might not be the best match. If done correctly they can become the best dogs to own but if not they can become quite destructive or even dangerous towards strangers or other animals. Keep in mind that every dog is different so what applies to one may not apply to another. Take everything you hear about breeds with caution because there are always exceptions out there. For example, you can save money on spaying or neutering fees, and your pet will already be housebroken when it gets home. Additionally, the German Shepherd Golden Retriever mix is known for being highly intelligent dogs who tend to get along well with children. It takes work, study, knowledge about genetics, and much more to produce healthy, happy dogs when crossbreeding. Unfortunately, not everyone who does their research ends up with a healthy pup. They may get a pet worthy of a loving home or a stud for a breeding program but they may also get an unhealthy hybrid whose life can be cut short by genetic problems. No one wants that. As one of the most popular hybrids, the German Shepherd Golden Retriever mix is recognized as a hybrid of the world famous German shepherd and Golden retriever. This dog is usually referred to as a breed that has many talents. By studying more about this dog you will quickly realize that this is not only an intelligent but very loyal family pet with a good temperament. The father is always a German Shepherd and the mother can be either a purebred Golden retriever or another crossbreed such as Irish Setter, Labrador retriever, Siberian Husky, Labrador retriever, or any other breed with similar characteristics. This is a very popular dog breed that gained instant fame among celebrities, professional athletes, and ordinary people alike. The Golden Shepherd tends to be a friendly, energetic, and affectionate dog that is loyal to their family and tends to be protective of them. Although they are not recognized by the American Kennel Club, they are recognized by other notable organizations like the American Canine Hybrid Club, Designer Breed Registry, and more. A Golden Shepherd tends to bring the all-around friendly personality of the Golden Retriever and the intelligence and devotion of the German Shepherd into one dog. They love their families and tend to get along with everyone including children. These dogs are not necessarily suspicious of strangers, but they are alert and will tend to bark if they see something they feel you need to know about. Golden Shepherds are moderately adaptable dogs. Because they are high-energy, they tend to do better in homes with yards where they can run. They can adapt to apartment living as long as plenty of time is dedicated to giving them the daily exercise they need. They tend to do well in most climates. But, as with any dog breed, they are sensitive to heat. Because Golden Shepherds are devoted to their families and thrive on spending time with them, they do not like to be left alone for long periods of time. A mixed-breed dog can inherit the potential health issues common to one, both, or neither of their parent breeds. As a larger, barrel-chested dog breed, the Golden Shepherd, like their parent breeds, is also at a higher risk for bloat. The Golden Shepherd is a highly trainable dog breed. They are intelligent, eager to please, and pick up on things quickly. This makes them a good fit for owners of all experience levels. Puppy training classes can still be a great idea because they offer opportunities to socialize a puppy while also strengthening your bond with them. The Golden Shepherd will have a thick double-coat that sheds moderately year-round and more heavily twice a year as seasons change. A quick daily brushing, especially during seasonal shedding sessions, will help remove loose fur to make your dog more comfortable and also help keep more fur contained to a brush instead of everywhere else. Bathing is on an occasional, as-needed basis. Monthly nail trims are usually enough to keep nails from growing too long or causing issues. Plus, if anything is starting to happen, you can get the vet before it gets more serious. Because many dog owners overlook this, gum disease is one of the most common health issues in dogs. Brushing teeth or using an enzyme toothpaste every day is ideal. The Golden Shepherd comes from two high-energy dogs, so they require a lot of daily exercise to be happy and healthy. Daily walks plus playtime and time to run are the minimum. But, a Golden Shepherd will likely be up for more activity if you are. A trip to the dog park for some off-leash time, playing frisbee or chasing a ball, hiking, swimming, running, and more can all help this dog expend some extra energy. You want to keep their activity low-impact as they are still growing, but once they finish growing, try different activities to see what you both love doing together. You could even try training them for dog sports! A fully-grown Golden Shepherd usually stands inches tall and weighs pounds. A Golden Shepherd generally lives for years. Currently, we do not have any Golden Shepherd puppies available, but we can alert you when new Golden Shepherd puppies are available! Just enter your email address and click submit! Please enter a valid email address! Related Breeds. Reviews 0 German shepherd golden retriever mix Are you searching for a German shepherd golden retriever mix to buy? Look no further! The German ShepherdGoldenRetrievermix is also known as the GoldenShepherd is a designer breed which is a mix between the German shephered dog breed and a pure bred Golden Retriever. They are lively ,playful and affectionate dogs Cheappuppiesforsale is your most trusted and reliable source to find and buy purebred Golden Retriever dogs and German shepherd golden retriever mix for sale near you. We connect families with the best and most reputable Golden Retriever breeders in the United States with a blink. A Golden retriever puppy is an amazing family dog. They are wonderful with children, loving and loyal to their owners. They only need one thing from you, lots of love and attention. It was used extensively for hunting purposes, as a gun dog, to retrieve small game, such as waterfowl, or as a companion. An excellent discipline and a gentle nature makes this Golden Retriever breed a perfect breed, as the aim of this role is to return the trophy as unharmed as is possible. Golden Retrievers are are highly trainable due to their good brains and the determination to please their owners The Golden Retriever is an ideal pet for anyone with an pet owner. They can be a bit sometimes a bit mouthy, so getting them off that habit early is highly recommended. What is the Temperament Of Golden Retrievers Golden Retriever is one of the most sought-after breeds of dogs in USA and other parts of the world due to its cheerful personality and classic look. The Golden Retriever is adored by families and hunters alike due to its training capabilities, personality, and retrieving abilities. Golden Retrievers are highly well-educated, friendly and confident. Naturally they thrive with human interaction and strives to please all regardless of whether the owner is a stranger or owner. Golden Retriever breed are a highly energetic breed that requires a lot of exercise, both mentally as well as physical. About Alexis Look at this stunning Golden Retriever pup sure to brighten your days with his puppy kisses. He is a very social little fella who is being raised with children that play with him daily. This baby is AKC registered, vet checked, vaccinated, wormed and comes with a 1 year genetic health guarantee. He will be ready for all the snuggles that you have planned. Make this cuddle bug your baby today!

According to the German Shepherd Dog Club of America the coat color may vary although strong rich colors are preferred. Pale, washed-out off-colors and blues or livers are serious faults. A white dog must be disqualified. These colors make Show Line German Shepherds truly stand out. Good balanced diet, daily NuVet, addition of carrots and Salmon oil benefit the Genetics. Many times when we are in public we are asked what breed our dogs are and when we say that they are "German Shepherd Dogs", people are surprised and say, "Wow! But they are so red! We are amazed by all the scientific research that is done in breeding and continue to learn! In a classic German Shepherd genetic table - black is a recessive gene and to produce a solid black puppy BOTH parents must carry a black gene. Owners of Solid Black dogs are extremely proud of the color of their dog and many call it "rare", as not always you can produce a Solid Black dog. Solid Black puppies are born completely black and have no tan anywhere on their body. Small patches of white can be present at birth on chest or on the paws , but they will disappear as puppy grows. It is an off-color as far as the breed standard goes and is a highly undesirable color. The darker - the better and when you see the "RED", you know it. We also see more "Black and Tan" dogs being short-stock. This is a serious fault. There are actually three variations of a blue German Shepherd Dog as they come in blue and tan, blue and sable, or blue and black. The nose of a liver GSD is brown leather as well. This is an off-color and is a fault as far a breed standard goes. Image from the web - SABLE The sable is classic pattern of a GSD and is described by gray coat that looks very similar to the coat you would expect to see on the wolf. Even with a sable, you can see variances in the color of the pigment. Sometimes you will hear people say they own a red sable. Sometimes you will hear them say that they own a gray. So you can find black sables, tan sables silver sables or red sables. This is how much the coat of a sable can vary. This is major fault as far as breed standard goes and a white dog will be disqualified from a show ring. Image from the web BI-COLOR The bi-color is a classic pattern when the saddle part of the dog covers most of the body leaving markings on the feet and sometimes on the face like having eyebrows. Image from the web Below this text is a popular image that is circulating on the web. Many off-color breeders are using it as a proof that their dogs are German Shepherd dogs of AKC recognized "rare" color. Even so, we here at Vom Geliebten Haus, go by the German Shepherd Breed standard and only respect the desired colors of the German Shepherd Dog, that include: black, tan and red. These colors can be present in any of the standard patterns: solid, bi-color, blanket back, sable and saddle. The coat color may vary although strong rich colors are preferred. Image from the web. But did you know there are actually a variety of different German Shepherd colors? Alongside being a loyal and wonderful family companion, the German Shepherd makes an excellent working dog and has exceptional versatility. These dogs are known for being guide dogs, military or police dogs , herding dogs, search and rescue dogs and drug detection dogs! These pups are strong and muscular and they love to stay active. They are best brought up with a family who likes to exercise so they can join in the fun, otherwise they can become bored and frustrated when not kept entertained. Their personality can be a little aloof and they can be wary of strangers, but when raised correctly this breed is extremely loving and even gets on well with children! German Shepherds are a medium to large breed of dog. A male will weigh between 75 and 95 lbs, while a female will weigh between 50 and 75 lbs. While they can be prone to some health issues, the German Shepherd has an average life expectancy of between 10 and 14 years. A German Shepherd has either a medium length or long coat, but did you know that this coat could come in thirteen different colors? Read on below to find out more about this wonderful breed and the different German Shepherd coat colors. History Of The German Shepherd The German Shepherd was first discovered by Von Stephanitz who spotted them at a dog show and decided that this breed was the perfect standard for a working dog. Horand was the first breed standard for the German Shepherd breed and was bred alongside dogs with a similar appearance to give German Shepherd litters. They are thought to have first appeared in the United States in and were recognized by the AKC in .There are 13 different colors for the German Shepherd, although some are not as popular and can be considered faults by major Kennel Clubs. The most popular German Shepherd colors are black and tan, black and red, black and cream and black and silver. German Shepherds will have one of two coats, either a medium coat or long coat. They are both double coats, having a more dense guard layer with a softer undercoat. However, later, more attention began to be focused on the coat color and some thought that a lighter coat color meant a weaker dog. Their coat develops as they grow and will reach their final adult color at around three years old. The black and tan coloration is actually caused by a recessive gene. The black appears on the saddle and they may also have black on their face like a mask. The tan coloring will appear their chest, sides, underbellies and on their necks. Black and tan puppies will appear more black than tan until their adult coat has grown in at around 2 to 3 years old. Instead of a tan chest, side and underbellies, the color will be more of a strawberry blonde, although it can also be a dark red that is more pigmented than the tan GSD. This colorway is very popular among show dogs and is not often seen on working dogs. In fact, it is just a lighter variation and is caused by a recessive gene, much like when humans have blonde hair. It is still presented in the same way across the body, with the black on the saddle and face. However, they can partake in obedience competitions. This color of GSD comes from the working bloodlines of these pups. This is one of the least common colors for a German Shepherd dog. Again, because of their lighter color they are often not allowed to partake in dog shows. It is not known why this color appears, but it is thought to be down to a recessive gene. Although they are labelled bi-color, the majority of their coat is black and there are tan markings around their feet and legs, and maybe on their face. It is said the ratio of black to tan on these dogs is ! Often, bi-colored Gemran Shepherds are mistaken for black German Shepherds. However, if a GSD shows any sign of another color on their coat, then they are considered a bi-colored pup. As we mentioned above, if there is any sign of another color in this dog then they will be considered to be a bi-color dog. This color can be expensive and difficult to find because it is very rare. They are recognized by the AKC as a purebred dog and have the same origins at the other purebred German Shepherds, but they are just less common. A black German Shepherd puppy can be born to either two black parents or a black and tan parent. The black pigment trait is not a dominant gene and is, interestingly, a recessive gene. It has often been thought before that black German Shepherds have a straighter back than their different colored cousins, but this is yet to be proven as true. The solid white color was bred intentionally by breeders and is not a genetic flaw. However, it was seen as a weakness when bred through the working lines of the GSD, and is still to this day not recognized by the American Kennel Club. The white color gene is a recessive gene which means that both parents need to carry this gene to create a white German Shepherd puppy. White Shepherds usually have longer coats than other variations of this dog and therefore shed more. They are also a shyer and more skittish dog but are very gentle by nature and make excellent family dogs. This color is declared a serious fault and therefore these dogs are not allow to compete in shows, although they are recognized by the American Kennel Club. The blue pigment is down to a recessive gene and breeding them means that both parents need to carry the gene. These dogs commonly have blue eyes and their coat can come in three different variations — blue and tan, blue and sable or blue and black. The color is produced due to a dominant gene in one or both parents. The grey color comes from a dilution of darker pigment genes. Often, these dogs are born with bright blue eyes that turn a honey color or light brown as they mature. These pups are not popular as show dogs, but due to their distinct color are popular as companion dogs. The liver color appears all over the German Shepherd and, unlike many colors in this list, does not have any areas of black on the saddle or face. The mask and saddle are actually brown, because the liver gene blocks the black pigmentation. This is another color that is not popular among show dogs and is thought to be a fault. Contrary to popular belief, this dog is not a mixed breed and is a purebred German Shepherd. The Panda German Shepherd is created due to a rare genetic mutation. These dogs still have the more normal black and tan coloring, but there will be white spots on their coat. The sable coloring is not a solid color and a single hair can actually be a mix of a lot of different colors. Each hair has a black tip, while the rest of the hair can be gray, tan or golden. Despite their history, they are still not as popular as black and tan German Shepherds. A variation of the sable coat, these dogs also carry the agouti gene. In the red sable GSD, a deep reddish brown replaces the usual tan in the sable pattern. The red and brown is spread throughout the body, much like the different colors in the sable dog we mentioned above. For this reason, no two red sable dogs are ever the same. Black and Tan This is the color most of us think of when we picture a German Shepherd dog. With a rich tan undercarriage and a black face and back, this color of GSD has been around since the very first was officially registered back in Germany at the end of the 19th century. Although Horand von Grafrath was a little darker than the modern black and tan GSD, the ancestry is evident. With their luxurious white coats, these pale dogs look more like Golden Retrievers with erect ears. Despite their popularity, like the white German Shepherd, the blue has been a cause of controversion in the Shepherd world because recessive dilution gene comes with inbreeding practices and health issues. Blue German Shepherds may appear gray or even silver and are sometimes mistaken for a Blue Belgian Malinois. Isabella This unusual coat color variation is another washout as far the AKC is concerned, which is a shame given how striking it is. It originates from genetically combining liver and blue dilution genes. Like the liver and blue German Shepherd dogs, Isabella GSDs often have unusual eye coloring and different colored noses. Liver German Shepherds will usually have a brown nose. Blue German Shepherds have a blue nose. There is no evidence that the Isabella coloration makes the dog more susceptible to health issues. However, Isabella is a recessive trait. Selecting for recessive traits always limits the gene pool and makes dogs more susceptible to genetic conditions. Grey Not to be confused with the silver, black, or blue German Shepherds, the gray variety look more wolf-like with their dark coats. Some breeders specialize in producing dogs of this unusual color. Silver Similar to the gray German Shepherd, silver is nevertheless recognized as a distinct color. Often grouped together, however, the gray and silver colors are produced by the same genes. Finding a breeder that specializes in silver German Shepherds is a lot easier than finding one that focuses on the grey, so this might be your best bet if you want a more exotic-looking companion. Silver is an uncommon color for GSDs, possibly because it is a recessive gene. Similar to the dilution gene, this gene influences black pigment. While you also get silver sable German Shepherds, the patterned coats mean they are categorized as sable rather than silver. However, silver German Shepherds are often seen in military work or the police force. The red color is the result of the color gene pheomelanin. It can have any shade of red, ranging from strawberry blonde to a deep mahogany red. Alongside black and tan, the black and red combination is preferred over others by German Shepherd breeders. As black and red are both produced by dominant genes, this color combination is easier to breed for, and many breeders focus on producing purebred dogs with deep red coloring. Sable A classic color for the German Shepherd, a sable comes in a variety of colors but each hair sports a black tip. Sable GSDs can be black, gray, red, silver, or tan and are also known as agouti. Agouti is a type of coloring also present in other dogs, like the Agouti Husky. In this coloring each hair has several bands of brown and black, leading to a typical wolf-like coloration. Some founding members of the German Shepherd breed believed this should be the only color present in German Shepherds. Black sables are born as all-black pups and tri-colored sables are born as black and tan puppies. As the puppy ages, their coloring changes. Some GSDs may take as long as three years to develop their final sable coloration. As every sable GSD is different, with the color and pattern both varying, it makes for an eye-catching and unique dog. Sable is a dominant color that is easy to breed for. If you breed a Sable German Shepherd to any other color, you will likely get sable puppies. Black and Silver Much like the black and tan GSD, a black and silver German Shepherd usually has a silver saddle across its back, although the pattern and hue both vary from dog to dog. Like the silver GSD, the black and silver coloration occurs only when the recessive intensity suppression gene is present. This color is not common in the AKC show ring and can mostly be found in working dog lines. Because these dogs are not visible in the dark, it is highly advisable to only walk them on a light-up dog collar in the evenings and at night. Bicolor Bicolor German Shepherds appear almost completely black and, to fit the breed standard, must have black heads, back, legs and tail. Even if their paws are brown, the heels need to be black by the color standard definition. However, the AKC accepts bicolor as a recessive color in the breed. Though technically allowed in the show ring, these dogs are mostly found in working lines. Black and Cream The last official color on our list, the black and cream GSD remains true to its origins as a lighter version of the common red and tan coloring. There is some controversy surrounding the black and cream variation. Most AKC breeders do not want them to participate in the show ring. They strive to breed darker dogs that do not show the light cream coloring. The color does little to change their character, however, and black and cream GSDs excel obedience, nosework, rally and agility and are as loyal and brave as their black and tan cousins. Her DNA proved them wrong, although the Panda coloration remains unrecognized by some kennel clubs and breeders. The Panda GDS is created by a rare genetic mutation. The genes responsible for an all-white body and the patchy white are two different ones. This does not stop them from being popular however! There is a large demand for Panda-colored German Shepherds. Unfortunately, this inflates the price and leads breeders to focus on the color mutation rather than genetic health, so be sure to only source a puppy from a reputable breeder. Albino An albino German Shepherd is incredibly rare. An albino of any species or breed lacks any pigmentation, including of the skin, hair, and eyes as well as the blood vessels, resulting in a pinkish tinge. You can distinguish an albino German Shepherd from a white one by checking his eyes and nose. A White GDS will have some pigmentation resulting in brown eyes, whereas albinos always have red or pink eyes. An Albino GSD, should one exist, may experience other health problems associated with the condition. They may, for example, be photosensitive, requiring protection from direct sunlight. What is the Rarest Color of the German Shepherd? The rarest color of German Shepherd is the isabella due to the recessive combination of liver and blue. You will have to search for a long time to get such a puppy — and his price will likely be high as well! What is the Best Color for a German Shepherd? The best color for a German Shepherd in the show ring is black and tan, followed by sable. If you are not planning on showing your dog through the AKC, you can pick any color you like. This is not based on any actual working abilities though and more of a myth that has been passed on through generations. What is the Original Color of a German Shepherd? As German Shepherd dogs were bred as working dogs, the original breeders focused on temperature rather than appearance. The original color of working German Shepherds was sable. The most traditional color in the show ring is black and tan. While you should pick the coloring you like the most, make sure to not just choose your dog based on his looks. German Shepherds are prone to developing back and hip issues. Before buying a puppy for his color, make sure that his breeder selects for health first and color second! Otherwise you might end up with a puppy with great color but poor health … which is never a good thing. Unleash the real potential of your companion! We will email you daily with training tips, ideas and videos. 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Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links. Take back control of their behavior using these quick and easy solutions to stop German Shepherd biting that actually works. Even better, have a set of toys that are only used when you want to engage in play with your puppy. Hide these toys in a basket or box after your game of play. This makes them extra special. They are under your control and your dog must give them back to you. Special toys are more fun for your pup to bite than you. When in doubt of what special toy your dog likes, choose from this specially-curated list of what toys German Shepherds love for interactive toy ideas to keep your dog entertained. Say OUCH! When your pup bites you, say OUCH firmly. This simple technique catches the attention of many puppies when done correctly and can train a German Shepherd puppy to not bite you. You could also make a YIP sound instead, just like their little brother and sisters would make a yipping noise when playing too rough. If they continue to bite and nip, say OUCH again and then get up immediately and leave the room for a few moments. You may return to play but keep repeating this simple process until they learn to keep their teeth on their toys. This will only encourage them to continue their unwanted behavior. Use Puppy-Safe Partition Gates Only use pet-safe partition gates that are high enough to prevent your German Shepherd from jumping over. If your pup bites you aggressively when you and your family walk past you, then use an exercise pen or this German Shepherd-sized pet safe partition gate to contain them. Only use pet-safe partition gates that are high enough to prevent and discourage your German Shepherd from jumping over to continue to try and bite you. Use the items during busy times in your home to keep your dog calm and out of areas that might increase their excitement and biting and nipping you. Puppies tend to bite and chew when their teeth are coming in. They do this to relieve the pain and help soothe themselves. Freeze a durable large Kong with their favorite treats and kibble and have them on hand for times when your dog is acting out and biting you. Give them a Kong to gnaw on and bring icy relief to their gums. Plus, chewing has been shown to help relax and calm dogs. Redirections are actions that keep your pup from engaging in unwanted behavior by showing them appropriate behavior. For example: When your dog nips you, find their teething toy to bite instead. When your dog jumps on you to bite your hands or ankles, look around for a Kong to give to them to bite on. Squeaky toys like this toy that continues to squeak , even after a puncture, are ideal to distract your dog from your hand to another object. These toys differ from their special toys mentioned above because these redirection toys are ones you leave out for your pup to chew most of the time. So, be sure to have them nearby! Use Daily Leadership Skills How many times a day do you teach your German Shepherd to listen to you and offer them leadership? Use daily interactions as an effective way of teaching your dog about leadership. Have them sit before you take them for a walk or exiting a door. Ignore them altogether. Only offer them interaction and come back to them when they show you calming behaviors. Our dogs love our attention. And German Shepherds crave it! An overfed dog that is under-exercised may display destructive behaviors because of boredom and lack of energy needs being met. Get up off the couch and go outside for a walk and sniff party. Low impact activities and free-running off-leash running are best. Choose from a list of fun and gentle, age-appropriate German Shepherd puppy exercises to keep your pup healthy and better behaved. Stop roughhousing with your dog before it frustrates them. Use appropriate, puppy-safe toys instead of play sessions. This way, your pup can bite the toy instead of your fingers, hands, or arms. You may also stress out your GSD by engaging them rough of play. For your pup to either keep up with the play or stop you from too rough play, they may bite you! From day one, avoid play that involves mouthing or teeth on the skin. Use toys to provide your dog a way they can bite to release their energy… Without nipping you! And this game is great because it teaches your dog a necessary life skill. Practice the game: multiple times a day for 2 to 3 minutes at a time Your pup learns impulse control during the game and this transfers over to their ability to stop themselves from biting you. Read below for the easy-to-follow directions. If your dog gets too worked up and then bites, then teach them this Rev Up and Cool Down game. After a few running steps and before your pup gets too excited, stop running and walk slowly. Keep moving slowly until your dog also slows down. When you see them slow down, take a few more steps calmly and peacefully. Continue with steps one through three. Each time your dog should slow down sooner and quicker. If your puppy knows any of these basic German Shepherd commands , incorporate those commands to make the training more interesting and fun. The link above will also easily explain how to teach over ten commands! The point of the Rev Up and Cool Down game is to teach them to settle and stay calm without nipping and biting you. You need to keep your pup exercised, mentally stimulated, and show them what calming behavior is. Be fair and understanding. A Shepherd is a joy to own when given the direction they desire and the commitment they need. Found this helpful? Share it! She has a Bachelor of Science degree, with Honors, and has been training dogs for over a decade. Related Posts. This is especially true with dogs like German Shepherds because they have a strong prey drive, but this nipping and biting can also quickly get out of hand. This often comes out as biting and nipping, but puppies will also bite when they are teething and to taste the world around them. This can, of course, quickly get out of hand if not taken care of swiftly. In this article, we look at the reasons behind German Shepherd puppies biting and seven steps to help stop the behavior. Training The first and most important step in stopping your puppy from biting is early and focused training. Beginning training at an early age is vital for powerful dogs like GSDs, as without it, they can easily develop problematic behaviors and even become aggressive. An important part of training is socialization, and getting your GSD to interact with other dogs will help teach them boundaries, as any biting too hard will have instant consequences for them. Image Credit: AnjaGh, Pixabay 2. Toys Toys are ideal for your GSD puppy to exercise their teething. There is a massive variety of suitable chew toys available, and whenever you notice your pooch getting the urge to chew, you can gently offer them a chew toy instead. Commands Basic and simple commands should be taught to your GSD from a young age. Whenever they get overexcited and bite down too hard, you can then simply issue a verbal command that catches their attention. After you issue the commands, leave your puppy alone for a few minutes so they learn that this behavior is unacceptable. Image Credit: Jim Sluder, Pixabay 4. Redirection Redirection is a useful tool in training and can work well with biting too. This method is simple and works by keeping your pup from unwanted behavior and offering them appropriate behavior instead. Whenever your pooch bites or nips, try to offer them a chew toy of some kind instead, and this will gradually lead them to chew toys as opposed to your hands. Squeak toys are great for this type of redirection, as the noise is enticing to most puppies and dogs. Reward good behavior Positive reinforcement training methods are best for leading your puppy toward desired behaviors and away from unwanted ones. These methods involve no scolding or harsh treatment, so they are ideal for cementing the bond between you and your pup. When you offer your dog a chew toy instead of biting and they take it or you issue a command that they instantly follow, you simply reward that behavior with either a treat or praise. You ignore any bad behavior. They will swiftly associate treats with good behavior and stop the bad behavior that gets them no attention. Image Credit: Happy monkey, Shutterstock 6. Games Since GSDs are such powerful and athletic animals, they need to be mentally and physically stimulated through games and interactive play. Games are also the best time to engage and enforce training techniques and get your GSD accustomed to them before biting gets out of hand. Stick to simple games like fetch or frisbee, where you can train your pooch to give the ball back when you tell them to. Harsh treatments like hitting or shouting are highly unlikely to solve the problem and will probably just make it worse, as your dog will simply become nervous and wary of you. With a powerful dog like German Shepherds, trust is vital. They are highly intelligent and aware animals, and the smallest of sounds or movements are enough to set them off. There are several reasons for this, including: GSD puppies will begin teething as early as 2 weeks old, and this can be uncomfortable and even painful for them. This behavior can go on until your puppy is 6 months old, and they will chew on almost anything that they can find — including your hand — in an attempt to try and soothe their discomfort. Separated too young. The first 2 months of your GSDs life is vital to their socialization and learning, and if they are taken away from their mother and litter too young, this may cause a lack of understanding of boundaries. Puppies will play and learn with the rest of their littermates, where they learn to control the force of their bite. GSDs should be at least 8 weeks old before they are re-homed. Fear or overstimulation. Fear, anxiety, and overstimulation are common reasons for puppies to lose control of their bite because this can cause them to become irritable or defensive and lead them into the habit of biting. Conclusion Since German Shepherds are such powerful dogs, proper training is vital, and bite inhibition is an essential part of that training. Proper training is the vital first step and will set the tone for all other methods. With time, consistency, patience, and gentle leadership, your German Shepherd puppy should kick the biting habit in no time. Puppies Have you ever reached down to play with a German Shepherd puppy, only to have that adorable little fur-ball pierce your skin with its razor-sharp puppy teeth? When I brought Allie into the family, she was fully in the German Shepherd puppy biting phase — so that first month was tough! Unfortunately, biting is an inevitable phase of puppyhood — it comes with the territory when you decide to be a puppy parent. My goal with this guide is to get you through the biting stage with as few battle scars as possible. Why do German Shepherd Puppies Bite? Up until this time, your puppy was with its littermates, and playtime meant lots of mouthy, nipping fun. Accordingly, this is the only way your GSD knows how to play! A German Shepherd puppy also uses their mouths to explore different things like toys — or hands, ankles, furniture… pretty much anything they can get their mouth around. Your puppy could also be teething, which can increase their mouthy behavior. Just be patient as you work through the German Shepherd puppy biting phase — give your pup time to learn to be gentle when playing or seeking your attention. Nothing is worse than an ankle-biter! I was very lucky not to have this problem with Allie. Why does your German Shepherd puppy target the ankles? Because your GSD is a working dog trying to do its job — herd you around the house like livestock. German Shepherds were originally bred for herding flocks of sheep. Your furry pal may also think heel nipping is just a really fun game. Using a toy as a distraction and keeping your pup active will help nip ankle nipping in the bud! Because she was too busy biting hands! There are lots of reasons why a pup may decide to start biting your hands. For one, good things treats, toys, love, attention come from hands. Also, hands are almost like swinging toys from the perspective of a playful pup — too enticing to pass up! How to Discourage Biting Behavior While the German Shepherd puppy biting phase is a rite of passage, there are some ways you can discourage bad biting behavior without harsh discipline. This is one of the most effective ways to teach your German Shepherd bite inhibition — or how to be gentle with her teeth. Think about when your pup was rolling and playing with their brothers and sisters — if your GSD was too rough, their sibling would let out a yelp. This trick worked great with Allie! Just make sure to be consistent until your pup gets the idea and learns to master the power of her jaws. Puppies will be puppies! Redirect the biting to an appropriate toy. For example, when your fuzzy friend latches onto your ankles, give a little puppy-like yelp, and then whip out a toy and encourage your dog to chew on that instead. Tug-of-war is the perfect game for the puppy biting phase. Socialize your puppy as much as possible. Other dogs are great at teaching your puppy that they playing too rough and biting too hard. Try a deterrent to prevent your dog from chewing or biting. If all else fails, there are lots of products designed to deter your dog from bad biting behavior. How do they work? Well, they taste awful. But if used correctly, they can definitely work. This is still attention — your puppy bites, your puppy gets attention. Otherwise, your pup may see this as a fun new game, kind of like tug-of-war but with your hands or feet as the toy. You want your furball to love playing with you! The goal here is to encourage your German Shepherd to play as much as ever but to play gently. As a pup, Allie thought she should greet everyone by jumping in their face and nipping — kind of like a kiss hello, but with teeth. And as she got bigger, it was harder to control. But trust me, it got old quickly. Be proactive. If I knew someone was coming over, I would put Allie in another room or in her crate. Once our visitor was in the house and the initial excitement had passed, I would let her out. By keeping her from greeting people right when they walked through the door, I could minimize her overzealous behavior. This is a simple command that teaches your dog to stay in her place until you give a release command. This is another way to allow the initial excitement to pass and your German Shepherd to calm down a bit before greeting anyone. Redirect attention to a toy like I talked about earlier. Fold your arms and turn away. Keep turning until your GSD stops jumping, then praise them and use a treat as a reward. What to Do If Biting Becomes Aggressive Although puppy mouthing is normal, there can be cases where biting can signal problems and possibly even aggression. Look for physical differences in your pup. If your puppy is having a moment of aggression, their body may stiffen when snarling, and bites will typically be more painful than during regular play. Also, if your GSD puppy is biting out of fear or frustration, you may need to take action. These types of behavior are not something your pup will just grow out of. While the biting phase will inevitably end, you may find yourself asking the infamous question — when do German Shepherds calm down!? I asked myself and our vet this question more than once! It honestly just depends. Sure, she had her calm moments thanks in part to her training , but she was still very hyper especially in more excitable moments. The type of German Shepherd dog is yet another variable that plays a role in its energy levels. So when do German Shepherds calm down? It really depends on your individual German Shepherd. Final Thoughts Unfortunately, the German Shepherd puppy biting phase is something all GSD puppy owners will go through, but it will pass. Try the tips above to help keep your sanity during this phase. Or any tips to help the rest of us? Please share!

We may receive commissions from purchases made via our links. After weeks of continuous nagging from my kids, I was considering adding a kitten to our household. I needed to know if this was feasible given that we have a 3-year-old Lab. So, I thought I'd share some of the research and experience I've gathered around whether or not Labradors can live with cats. It is common for Labradors and cats to live together and get along well. It is more likely to be safe to pair a cat with a Lab than most dog breeds because of their mild temperament. In fact, Labrador Retrievers made the shortlist of dog breeds that are good with cats, according to the American Kennel Club. However, anomalies can occur. It is important to understand why Labs tend to do well around cats in the event that your Lab's personality or prior environment is atypical. Additionally, there are precautions to be taken upon the first introduction that you should be aware of. We will cover all of that, below. The temperament of Labs is largely the reason that Labradors can live with cats safely. Let's take a moment and deep dive into some elements of their temperament that make it easy to understand. Labs Are Gentle Even When Hunting Labs are extremely gentle dogs, which is one of the reasons why they make great family dogs. They are usually very tolerant which makes them great around children. Additionally, Labs are usually a top choice when it comes to hunting. It is important to remember that the style of hunting they are most useful for. It does not involve aggressive behavior, nor for the Labrador to perform the actual hunt. Labs are retrievers and are most often used as bird-dogs. Their job is to help in retrieving birds that have been shot and killed or severely wounded. They were bred over time to have what are known as "soft mouths" for the purpose of not clamping down too hard on the prey during the retrieval. So even in their most "aggressive" state, they are extremely cautious and treat the retrieved prey with care. Labs Aim To Please Part of what makes a Lab such a great family pet is their constant seeking of their owners approval. If you've ever been in the situation with your Lab where you put her food down and she simply stares up at you awaiting permission to proceed, then you know what I mean. These dogs never want to do anything to upset their owners. This applies to the acceptance of cats in the home, too. There may always be some instinctual territorial temptations upon the first meeting. But, as your Lab sees and processes that you are accepting of this other animal in the home, she will typically follow suit. The challenge often becomes more of the result of curiosity. Cats tend to be uninterested in being investigated. Prior Socialization is Key Labs are very sociable and curious animals. However, if yours hasn't had much experience socializing then it It would be a good idea to work on this prior to introducing a new animal into the home. This socialization can come in different ways. One way can be one on one time in a familiar environment with a friend or family member's dog. Another could be taking your dog to a local dog park. Personally, I would recommend having some experience in both situations, and then evaluating how those interactions went. What was that experience like? Did she warm up easy to other dogs? Is she skittish? It's also important to consider socialization with other humans, too. Consider how she behaves when guests are at your home. If you have to lock her up because she gets overly excited, this points to a potential opportunity. It may be a good time to start working on improving social interactions overall. Introducing a Lab to a Cat Everything that I found while researching seemed to be in line with typical guidance for introducing two animals. There are some best practices that are not unique to Labradors, or even dogs for that matter. What may be different for you is if you've never introduced two into your home, and only have experience with other animals on the street or at a dog park. Based on what I found, I was really able to consolidate this down to 6 best practices. Those are as follows: 1. Always Be Present In the beginning, it is extremely important that you are present for each interaction. This is important psychologically for the Lab in this interaction. As stated earlier, they aim to please. Knowing that you are there and approve of the cat's presence in the home is vital to keeping them at ease. If there is any scenario that might have the potential for a bad interaction, it would be the discovery of a new and much smaller animal in the home without the presence of her Master. Neutral Location Choosing a neutral spot inside or outside at the house is also important. This reduces the chances for any territorial instincts to take over. While some of that will still be present, it would be heightened if you chose a room where a crate is typically kept. Should the living room be where significant items to the animal are kept, I wouldn't recommend that either. Generally, a kitchen or large bathroom can make a good space as long as you don't close any doors! Don't Hold the Cat! I'd like to believe this one is obvious, but cats tend to be the more skittish of the two during these first interactions. Ironically, many owners have indicated the roles reverse over the long run, though! Given this, holding the cat would not be advisable as it may result in significant injury via extremely sharp claws! Use A Leash It does seem a little unfair to say to not hold the cat, but to put a leash on the dog. However, the leash should really only be used if an indication is given that things might get out of hand. Best practice would be to allow the leash to be a bit loose. Even though your Lab is likely many times bigger than the cat, it is important that they don't feel pressured or trapped and unable to defend or escape if they feel the urge. Give the Cat Room to Escape If it is the first time the cat is being brought to the home, it would be ideal to give the cat an opportunity to explore the place first. We want him to feel comfortable with the environment and to know that safety is within reach. When scared, cats tend to go high. If there are platforms or counters that are within reach this should help. When doing this in a separate room, the door must remain open. Should this lead to the cat leaving before the introduction takes place - so be it. It will be a bad experience if he is forced against his will. You will need to keep a close eye on them during the entire time, and this will really test your refereeing skills! Like a referee in a fight, you may have to know when it is appropriate to allow them to push the limits, and when to call it. For the cat, you will likely see some swatting. If he has been declawed, then the concern of scratched eyes should be minimal and it is probably okay to allow it. This of course depends on your Lab's reaction. Lab's usually tolerate this, though it may startle them. With your Lab, sniffing and poking their snout out against the cat should be expected. This may be met with some swatting. Again, you will have to manage this carefully. Any growling or hissing are typically signs that things are heading south, and you should be prepared to take a break and come back to it later. Will a Labrador Kill a Cat? It seems fairly unlikely that a typical, purebred Labrador that has not exhibited any aggressive tendencies, would harm a cat. However, one fictitious case made the claim which shocked the world, only to later come out as untrue. Although, if a Lab has exhibited aggressive tendencies or the environment at introduction is atypical, anything is possible. After all, we are talking about animals. Regardless of an animal's natural temperament, if unique unfavorable conditions are present, then normal behavior shouldn't be expected. What Other Owners Said I checked with owners through social media platforms to see what experiences they had. For the rest, there were a few suggestions that it was challenging at first but that it ended up being okay. The vast majority indicated there were no issues from the very beginning. Additionally, vetstreet. Labs came in at 2, only behind Golden Retrievers. Conclusion Given everything learned throughout the researching process, it's safe to say that in most cases Labradors can live with cats. I no longer have concerns about Labs and cats living under the same roof, and I don't think you should either. It would be foolish not to acknowledge the possibility, though. If you do decide to co-mingle the two, be sure to follow the introduction steps to a tee! We brought home our labrador pup to her two established, indoor only, Bengal brothers. We also followed the how to-s and the advice on this site. What was most prominent for us was that it was the cats house. They are 6 and 8 years old and they have been our only pets for years. Prior to getting Harley we had a tragic attempt at rescuing a stray pup but she had to be PTS due to unmanagable mega esophagus. She only lived with us for two weeks and throughout that time she needed to be crated for most of it, due to her condition. So we knew that our cats would not FREAK out at the introduction of a dog and we also knew that they are confident but not aggressive cats. They are very well socialised. When we brought Harls home we were prepared with a baby pen and the cats spent the first few days and nights pretending she doesn't exist. She was outside during the day, and at night she was always within our eyesight. So we prevented any unpleasant situations from developing from lack of our management. Once Harls was a little older and spent more time out of her baby pen, unsupervised constantly, when in the house DH made the cats barrier that went across the door of what ever room we were all in. See picture below. This allowed the cats to get away from her without having to jump over anything, we found that that type of behaviour excited everyone in the house. Harley thought it was too good not to chase and the cats because panicky. Luckily my DH is incredibly handy and technical and he built this quickly from some cheap wood we had about the house. Because Harley was at that stage small enough to get through the hole and the hole needed to be a certain size for our "healthy" boys, DH put the temporary piece of pip across the top. I must emphasize that this worked well because of two reasons: 1 Early defensiveness was not required from the cats because we allowed them to gradually get used to Harley and her enthusiam. But I must also point out that we only tolerated so much "drama" from the cats before we told them to stop being silly. Cat people will know that cats can really over react. Same as she still sleeps in the same baby pen even though she could easily escape. She just isnt that type of pup so your pup may push "boundaries" a little more than Harls and you will have to manage that in a positive training manner. The boys have their own room and the barrier is now always across the door. It also prevents Harley from getting to their food and litterbox eeuw! In the rest of the house the three of them cohabit in mostly peace with the occasional bop on the head for Harley or hiss to remind her that she is a stinky dog. Neither cat has ever bitten or scratched her. I also need to mention that it has taken WAY more time than I thought before Harley and the boys started really being okay together. I posted a video of our oldest boy and Harls on the bed last night. It has taken about 3 months for them to be able to touch noses and walk passed Harley without behaving like she has "cooties". Our two cats are very indulged and opinionated boys, the breed is not easy to introduce new animals to and they have been very fixed in their lifestyle for a long time. They are also "jealous" over attention and stuff like toys that Harley gets and will often take her toys. Again, we are really lucky that Harley is a gentle pup. Good luck and don't lose faith, it may take a few months but hopefully you can have a peaceful household, if not best friends. This is the barrier: as you can see it has a "foot" on the one side so that it doesnt get bumped over and the other side fits into the doorway. It can stand independently, if needed but then can fall over if bumped Here our oldest boy is demonstrating. We dont have the pipe there anymore, Harleys is WAY too big to fit through now After three and a half months this is exciting to see Last night our oldest cat started making some play advances to Harley. But poor Harls is as skeptical as a lab pup can be: If I can add some last novice advise. The biggest learning point for me with Harley has been that I couldn't leave her to figure things out for herself. They know nothing. And the same with our cats. DH and I are the stable factor in all of this. So when the three of them interacted we encouraged everyone to be nice, in soft voices. With Harley watching we wouldstroke the cats and say "gently", and visa versa with the cats and Harley. We tried to model behaviour and we tried, as much as possible, to prevent situations that could lead to negative interactions, like big spaces for Harley to chase her brothers etc. Okay, now I am really done. Click to expand.Omg I love it!!! I hope ours gets that way someday. One of three only just braved coming down from the third floor. There is hope! On average, it will take a dog and a cat 2—3 weeks to start forging a friendship. But in some cases, it happens more quickly, and in rare cases, it never happens at all. Are Labs Good With Cats? For every pet owner who has a story of animosity between the family canine and the family feline, there is another pet owner whose dog and cat get along great! Intelligence, breed, and socialization all play a part in whether your dog will be able to tolerate a feline housemate. Intelligence Some dog breeds, like the Labrador, consistently score high in a type of smarts called working intelligence. Which could just as easily be called people-pleasing intelligence. These dog breeds consistently learn new commands in less than five tries and tend to obey commands at least 95 percent of the time. Your Labrador wants to please you and cooperate with you. So your training challenge will be to help your Lab see your new family cat as an extension of you, to be tolerated at the least and cherished ideally. Breed Breed is another important factor in predicting how well a dog and a cat may get along or not. Labradors have been bred for generations as retriever dogs. They do not generally hunt solo but rather will accompany a human hunter and assist with retrieving the downed prey. Their prey drive — the urge to chase anything warm and moving — is relatively low. Labs have also been selectively bred and trained not to bite down hard on what they retrieve. Rather, they have what trainers call a soft mouth. They hold objects, whether a prey animal, a ball, or a playmate, gently in their mouths to avoid doing harm. Well-bred, well-trained Labs also tend to be easygoing, family-oriented, and playful, which can work great if your new cat is a sociable breed that loves to play. The best time to introduce a cat and a dog is when they are a kitten and a puppy. This way, they both go through similar growth phases and training stages side by side and are more likely to get along as adults. Watch them around strange cats, unfamiliar humans, and any small, fast-moving wild animals. If you have let your Lab chase anything and everything, are lax with training reinforcement, and downplay overly rambunctious or aggressive behavior, you will want to address these training and socialization needs before adding a cat to your family. Labs Are Working Bred Dogs If you are caring for a Labrador for the first time or only have experience with American-bred Labs, you may not yet know there are actually two types of Labrador Retriever, the American field, gun, or working and the English bench, show, or pet. American, or working, Labradors typically have a higher natural prey drive than their English show counterparts. However, working Labs also tend to be more consistently obedient due to the extra training required to assist human hunters. So this can work in your favor when socializing your Lab to a new pet cat. American Labs and Cats American Labs typically reach maturity faster and have a longer, more stable attention span for training tasks even during puppyhood. This can work well if you bring home a cat who enjoys playing and is outgoing and sociable like this amazing tabby — not so much if your new feline is shy, low energy, or less social. English Labs and Cats English Labs tend to stay in puppyhood longer than their American counterparts and can be more challenging to train until they grow out of this puppyhood personality. But once they do grow up, English Labs often display a more chill, sedentary personality that remains throughout life. Here, a high-energy kitty might be a good match if your English Lab is still young. But an older, couch-centric English Lab might do better with an equally chill cat. Labradors and Kittens Kittens are so adorable and cuddly, and it can be difficult to imagine anything so small and sweet could cause any real trouble. But just wait until your kitten starts growing up and teething and scratching and clawing everything in sight — including your Lab! The Best Time to Introduce Cats and Dogs If you can, the very best time to introduce a dog and a cat is when both are young and missing the company of their littermates. This shared experience of separation during a critical socialization phase of life makes a new puppy and new kitten more likely to bond right away. This can be particularly advantageous when your puppy is going to grow up to be quite large. Neither is predisposed to behave territorially or possessively. Best of all, they will likely have similar energy levels at similar life stages, making them a better match as lifelong companions. How to Introduce a Cat to a Dog When you decide to add a feline to your family, how you make the initial introductions can set you up for years of stress or success. These tips can help you set up a first meeting that is more likely to succeed: Introduce your Lab to the new cat in a place that is relatively neutral to both. Be sure your is Lab leashed and the new cat is confined safely. Keep the first meeting short — if it goes well, schedule another short one soon after. Watch for signs of personality clashes such as timidity or aggression. By Tom Massey May 18, Popular culture has created conflicting narratives about the relationship between cats and dogs. Some movies and shows claim that these animals are mortal enemies, forever determined to be rivals. But then you see films and home videos where a dog and cat become best friends, cuddling and playing together without a care. Despite the classic trope about cats and dogs hating each other, your pets could become best pals. Generally speaking, Labrador Retrievers are friendly and have a great temperament. And that naturally makes them more likely to behave well around cats, even forming a close bond. While you cannot force a relationship between your two pets, you should prepare for a smooth introduction process and increase their chances of warming up to each other and even becoming best buds. How to Pick a New Playmate Adding a new fluffy friend into the household can be stressful for pet owners. You want to keep the peace, but you know that a new dog or a cat will be confusing for your pet. Failing to prepare adequately for this pairing could be disastrous and cause high-stress levels or destructive behaviors within your home. If you already own a cat, consider their age and overall personality before bringing home a dog. An older cat who has lived alone for most of its life may not adapt to a new dog friend. Sometimes, they will even be upset if you add a new feline into the mix. If your adult cat has this personality type, you might not want to bring an additional pet home. If your cat is young, friendly to other pets, or has had a positive experience with canines in the past, they are likely to tolerate cohabitation with a dog. Choosing a friendly dog breed will increase the chances that your pets will behave well together. Pups who do not listen to your commands when running after a squirrel will likely chase cats. This will create a stressful environment for a feline, so chase-prone dogs should not be paired with cats. Are Labradors Good with Cats? Labradors are well-known for their sweet and gentle personality — these dogs love making new friends and get along fabulously with other animals. But not all Lab puppies are the same. You might want to consider purchasing a Labrador Retriever from a reputable breeder to ensure your pup has the distinct friendly and kind traits their breed is known for. If you want the best possible chance of your Labrador behaving well in a household with cats, look at the available White Labradors from Snowy Pines. These pups will enter your home with prior socialization with other dogs, animals, and humans, which will make the grand introduction easier for owners. Taking Your New Pet Home It would be best to keep your pets apart when your new addition arrives in your home. Keep each pet within a separate room for the first three to four days before the first meeting. Try feeding your pets on opposite sides of a door so that your Lab and cat can smell each other. Our furry friends love eating! Additionally, you want to let your animals take turns roaming freely around the house. This activity allows both pets to smell each other before coming face to face. You do not want your two animals to meet before they are ready. A pet owner needs to be in complete control of the meeting to prevent any chance of aggressive behavior. Fortunately, Labrador Retrievers from Snowy Pines go through lifestyle training and will know the basic commands of sit, stay, yes, and no before coming home with you. Training your Lab helps them learn healthy behaviors and ensures they are more open to new relationships with other animals and new people. At our facility, we also have potential Labrador owners complete the Perfect Puppy questionnaire. This helps us match you with a perfect dog for your family home. If you already own a cat or anticipate having a cat in the future, let us know so we can consider this factor while we match you with a Lab puppy. Create Safe Spaces for Your Lab and Cat Even the best of friends need their alone time, and our fluffy pals are no different. For cats, consider getting a cat tree that they can climb up and get away from your dog. Cats love high places where they can survey their surroundings, and a cat tower provides them a safe space to watch a dog from afar. For dogs, their crate should be their sanctuary for alone time where they can take a nap or enjoy their favorite chew toy. How to Introduce a Labrador to Cats First impressions are everything, especially when introducing your cat and dog. A bad first impression could cause fear in one of your pets, potentially damaging their relationship before it even starts. Use a neutral area of the house , like the living room, for the first meeting. If they want to remove themselves from the meeting, allow them to do so without discipline. However, Labrador Retrievers should be on a leash so that you are in control if anything goes awry. Do not use a retractable leash — not only are these leashes dangerous for dogs , but the line could also snap if your dog runs after the cat. One of the worst things you could do is hold one of your pets during the first introduction. Cats and dogs need an escape route from the room if they become frightened. You could experience deep cat scratches or witness a vicious chase around the house if one of the pets, hops out of your arms during their first meeting. Cats tend to enjoy things like catnip, treats, or soft pets. Labs will prefer attention and treats as a reward for their positive behavior. A cat who stops interacting with family members, using its litter box, or eating and drinking may feel threatened by its canine sibling. There is no specific timeframe for when cats and Labradors will begin to accept each other. If you find that your dog consistently lunges or growls at a cat while in the same room after repeated introductions, they will likely not behave favorably in a long-term arrangement. Alternatively, if your cat continuously hisses or swats at a dog, these behaviors indicate they are stressed in your home environment. The pairing of these two animals will not work well in these situations. All of your hard work with the pets will flush down the drain if they have a bad interaction outside of your presence. By following the right steps at the beginning, the chances are that everything will go smoothly, and your pets will begin to warm up to the idea of accepting their new sibling. However, this process could take months, so be patient with your pets and remember to praise them after each meeting. Conclusion Contrary to what popular media suggests, cats and dogs can absolutely live peacefully under the same roof. To encourage harmony in your home, closely monitor their interactions and designate safe spaces for each pet. Our puppies receive exclusive training sessions focused on socializing and understanding basic commands — qualities that will come in handy when introducing your pets. Get in touch today to learn about our available puppies! Share on. Are Labrador Retrievers good with cats? The key to a smooth friendship is understanding how to approach their co-existing living situation from their first introduction to living together full-time. In this article, you will learn how to make the relationship between your Labrador Retriever and cat work from their first introduction. You will learn how to introduce their relationship depending at which stage of their life each of your pets are at. You will also learn some tips and tricks that can help make the process smoother and allow you to better enjoy a pet-happy household. My Experience With Labs and Cats I have been a Labrador Retriever owner for more than ten years and a lover of the breed for even longer. I also was the proud cat mom to two siblings who were left to fend for themselves and in need of a good home. With my Lab called Bear already established in my home, I was unsure of how introducing not one but two 4-week-old kittens would go. To my pleasant surprise, my fears of a hostile pet household were put to rest after just a few short months. My Lab had not only accepted the two as part of the household but also took some of the mothering responsibilities onto herself. But my experience is not only limited to introducing my middle-aged Lab to young kittens. Being a life-long dog lover, I helped my friend who adopted a rescued Labrador Retriever and introduced him into her household, which was already dominated by her elderly male cat. While both experiences seemed to be from the opposite end of the spectrum, with different unique challenges, both ended in success. My Labrador named Bear So I am here to share with you what I had learned through my personal experience, my knowledge of Labs, and my conversations with my veterinarian to help you enjoy the same success I had when it came time for my Lab and cats to meet. When it comes to the cohabitation of cats with dogs, the situation and disposition of the animals can play a significant factor, but so can the breed of dog as well. While there are some dogs that will naturally be aggressive towards cats, Labrador Retrievers tend to do well with all forms of smaller pets. This does not mean that some incidents do not occur, but if the situation is approached in the right way, you will most likely be able to get your Lab and cat to form a friendly bond or peaceful toleration, at least. While we know the answer is yes, you may now be wondering why. The reason that Labradors can so easily cohabitate with cats largely has to do with the specific traits associated with the breed. These characteristics can reduce the chance of problems and also help to make the transition go more smoothly. They are naturally friendly Labradors are considered one of the most friendly breeds of dogs. They like to be social and get attention from both humans and other animals. Most Labs will approach other animals with curiosity instead of fear. They are happy to make a new friend whenever they can. In many cases, they are not even protective over their food, which can be good if your cat decides they want to try something new for dinner. They are easily trained Labs love to please their owners, which makes training them easier than with other breeds. Since they can be effectively trained, they can get control over their chase instinct, which can sometimes be triggered by a running cat. Having impulse control can help to make the introduction more comfortable for the cat, which can lead to a more peaceful existence. They are not aggressive While any dog can be trained to be aggressive, Labradors by nature are not. They can sometimes be high-strung depending on their mood, but rarely will attack unprovoked. This makes it a safer situation if you bring in a playful kitten. While it is possible to introduce any age cat to any age Lab, you will have greater success by introducing an older Lab to kittens or your older cat to a Lab puppy. You may be wondering, are Lab puppies good with cats? It may seem strange if you have an older, less mobile cat and a high-strung puppy, but the truth is they can get along rather well. Even though Lab puppies have a ton of energy that they are throwing around, and it may seem to stress the cat out at first, their young age makes it easy for them to learn and adapt to the situation. Why are Lab puppies good with older cats? If your older cat is dominant, a Lab puppy will pick up quite rapidly the fact that they are not at the top of the food chain in that specific household. They can learn how to give the cat space, what it likes and dislikes, and how to coexist with them in the household. Lab puppies will also be much more receptive to your guidance, not only through specific training but also through your actions. They will see that you love and respect the cat and will try to do the same in order to gain your favor. In addition to the ability to better learn and adapt to the situation, an older cat may be less intimidated by the smaller size of the puppy than they would of a full-grown Lab. Why are older Labs good with kittens? You can also find that introductions can go easier on the opposite end of the spectrum as well, by introducing an older resident Lab to young kittens. As mentioned before, Labs are not territorial animals when it comes to other pets, so even though they are established in the household already, they will not see the addition as much of a threat. Also, the size of kittens compared to the size of a full-grown Lab will definitely take any anxiety out of the situation on the part of the Lab. Another reason Labs are good with young kittens is that they are playful even when they are older. Kittens are balls of energy, and the Lab will likely respond to that energy by becoming energetic as well instead of being startled. Female Labs especially will take on mothering roles with young pets and may see young kittens as no different than a puppy that would pull at their ears and jump on their back. As for the kitten, they likely have not learned to fear dogs by this point, so the size of a full-grown dog will not intimidate them. If you start with a successful introduction, you will have a better foundation for a solid and mutually respectful relationship. There are different ways to introduce your Lab to your cat, and the method you choose will probably be dictated by the age of the pets that are meeting. The crate and leash method If you are wondering how to introduce a Lab puppy to cats, then the crate and leash method will likely work best. With this method, your cat can still exert its dominance while slowly getting used to the new addition in its living environment. Step 1 Start with your Labrador in its crate , and then bring your cat into the room. Step 2 Place the cat on the table so that they are higher than the puppy in the crate but can still see them. By being elevated, they are likely to feel less intimidated and more in command. After trying this a few times, you can move on to the leash portion. Step 3 Have your cat in the room on the table. Have your puppy in the adjacent room on a leash. Give them treats to calm down. Once the puppy is calm, bring them into the room on the leash and have them sit. Keep both of them calm and reward them with a treat. Step 4 Proceed with this exercise getting the two closer together each time until they are within a few feet of each other. Step 5 If they have shown success with this, now is the time to let them meet without the leash. Stay in the room so you can control the situation. Always make sure your cat has an escape route if they become too uncomfortable. Step 6 Once they can both be loose and stay calm in the same room with each other, they should be OK to be with each other unsupervised. The dinner method If you are introducing an older Lab to young kittens, the dinner method may give you the best success. Step 1 Start by keeping your kittens and Lab separate when eating but place their food on the opposite side of one door. This will allow each of them to associate the sounds and smell of their new roommates while engaging in a pleasant activity: eating. If your dog begins whining or scratching at the door, correct them and redirect them to continue to eat. Step 2 Then it is time for their face to face. Bring the kitten in the room in a crate and the dog on the leash. Have your dog lie down a few feet from the crate so they can now make a visual association with what they were hearing and smelling. Reward them with treats. Start with short sessions to start with and work your way up. Step 4 For the next stage, let the kitten loose in the room and keep control of your Lab on the leash, allowing the kitten to investigate without feeling threatened. If your dog acts aggressively or agitated, verbally correct them, but if they stay calm, reward them with treats. After several calm interactions, they will be ready to both be loose when supervised and eventually unsupervised. What Precautions To Take When Introducing Remember, even the sweetest pets may act aggressively when they feel threatened, and it can be hard to determine what they might consider a threatening act. Because of this, it is important to always take precautions when introducing your Lab to a cat. Always start with having one of the pets contained and have the ability to restrain at least one of them if the need arises until they have had sufficient time to get to know one another. Make sure your cat is always comfortable It is also important that your cat always has an escape route. Even the slightest discomfort can make a cat skittish, and they can attempt to flee. Instead, wait for them to calm down to try another session. Avoid introductions around children Another precaution to take is to never perform the introduction process with young kids around. Children can add to the anxiety of the situation and make it uncomfortable for the pets. There is also the chance that one of the pets could take out their aggression on the child, possibly leading to an injury. Final Thoughts Labrador Retrievers are the ideal breed if you plan to have a cat as well. Their disposition and traits make them good companions for other pets, and their social nature makes them want to seek out new friends. While some Labs and cats will become fast friends, for others, it can take longer. Be patient and take the proper steps to ensure a successful and happy household. Gotta Love Labradors Labradors make great companions when enjoying the outdoors. You may find these articles an interesting read:. I have a friend who has a Labrador and two cats. How come that these pets can live together, while born rivals. That is why I thought about writing an article about Labradors and Cats and everything there is to know about the subject. The fact is- dogs chase cats not because they are born rivals, but because of prey drive or excitement due to motion triggers. This trait in dogs come from wolves as they belong to the same canine family. It is a natural instinct they have. Prey drive is essential for an animal who is superior in the food chain for their survival. Hunter Breeds and Cats Most of the hunter dogs will chase a cat naturally due to prey drive and some healthy dogs just for fun; those who hunt for pleasure are more likely to be friends with a cat. But even when hunter breeds have been trained to live with cats. They have become excellent friends, like family, with the cats. Labradors, unlike other gundogs, were used for retrieving rather than chasing or killing prey. This habit can be easily unlearned with some training and grooming exercises together. So, yes! Labradors can be friends with Cats. Any lab can become affectionate with a cat after some training sessions, which is easy to be done at home. Friendly dog and cat resting over green grass background After being socialized and establishing a bond, you will often see them snuggling, licking, and even teasing each other by love. One friendly warning is, when they will play together, they can mess up your living room settings. Sometimes labs chasing a cat can try to hold her by mouth while playing gently. They generally do share a beautiful and unique bond after being trained. Labradors are a very tolerant dog, and he may allow cats even to eat together and also let her play with his toys. Labs are very fun-loving; he is known for having pleasuring human intelligence. The interaction will also be dependent on the nature of the cat to some extent, but labs are generally friendly with a cat after well socialized. The introduction of a Labrador with a cat is going to be very important for upcoming training sessions. During the introduction, you will get to know about the things you have to work on for making a relationship between your pets better if your Lab is not socialized with cats earlier. Initially, you may face some difficulty while introducing them to each other. Before introducing with a cat, make sure your dog knows basic etiquettes and follows your commands like sit, stand, etc. It is also important that he gets enough exercise. These methods may work initially, but in the long run, it can aggravate the behavior of your dog. Way of introduction will depend on the situations like; whether your dog is a puppy or an adult which one, cat or dog knows you best Whether a cat is an adult, or she is a kitten How to Introduce a Labrador Puppy to a Cat? If you have a puppy lab, then introduce him with a cat in a crate or puppy home. Until they are fully known to each other, never leave them alone. Labrador puppy introducing himself to a cat Always introduce your dog with the cat in your very presence. Use a leash to control the puppy if it shows different behavior or aggression. If the dog is behaving aggressively, then control them by command and for doing well, reward them with their favorite food. How to Introduce an Adult Labrador to a Cat? An adult lab should follow similar methods. If the Labrador is not acclimated to live with the feline, he will try to behave aggressively in this situation hold him by leash and command him to sit calmly. Follow this process of confronting Lab with a cat often, until you have not found them being comfortable with each other in your presence. After being socialized Lab will consider the cat as your part and he will take care of her. Let them smell each other and feel comfortable in the presence of that kind of smell. It is called nose to nose method. You can also exchange their toys for doing so. He will only act a little curious while introduction which is obvious. An adult lab weighs around 80 pounds which is many times greater than even an adult cat. A cat generally hesitates to come near adult dogs because of its size. If an adult dog is not well socialized with cats before, he will have problems getting along with the cat. Labrador puppies look similar in size to an adult cat. So, a puppy is more likely to feel comfortable with a cat. If the puppy grows up playing with cats, he will share a superb bond with his roommate after being an adult. Socializing a puppy to a cat is more comfortable than doing the same with an adult Labrador. The relation between the Lab and the cat is not only dependent on the Lab. It is also dependent on the nature of the cat. If a cat is fragile and shy, it will not tend to play with a puppy. If a cat is bold and confident, she will quickly get along with a dog. A puppy can be trained to live with any cat comfortably. You can rectify the problem of your dog earlier, and you can teach your dog accordingly. The Labrador is a fun-loving breed of dog. Naturally, he is not aggressive. Do Labradors chase cats? The roommate cat, labs sometimes chase just for playing. Chasing cats by a Labrador will be caused by various triggers. The trigger can be of any type; it can be a prey trigger, trigger due to motion and trigger of sound. Prey Trigger Talking about prey trigger, we already know that labs are called retriever hunting dogs. Like they were used to pull fishing nets for their owner or bring downed pigeons for the owner. So, they have less urge to chasing prey than other breeds. But they chase unknown cats due to motion trigger. Similarly, as it chases a moving the ball to fetch it. Moving cats seem like a small running object for them, so they chase them. The way labs chase a cat is dissimilar to the hunting dogs, who keep their feet silently and run agilely behind the prey. Labs run by barking; it proves he is not intended to kill. When a labrador reaches near a cat, he does not attack the neck, rather than he will only move near that place and wink their tail rapidly. If the cat will not be afraid and retaliate strongly, he will not even go near her. Although he has reached a cat, he is not going to bite her hard, but his size and barking are enough to make any small cat afraid. This trait of chasing and the trigger can be easily controlled by some training. Use the right training methods to control the chasing of a cat by a lab. To stop your Labrador from chasing your cat, socialize him with your cat and initially keep them separately to avoid confrontation. Pets will make your house feel livelier. Having a single pet is okay but with more than one pet, and from different kingdom will give you added responsibilities together with added fun. Cat and Dog together on a sofa What do cats and labradors need for the best living space: Labradors.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links. You probably already know that learning how to potty train a German Shepherd puppy can be a stressful time. But… once you know these easy steps, great things happen! Knowing how to potty train your German Shepherd is vital to having a happy, comfortable life with them. Use this training consistently to have the most effect. A proactive approach works best. Which means you should… focus on preventing accidents, instead of waiting on them to happen! Follow a strict feeding and bathroom schedule to see the best results. Basically, you teach your German Shepherd puppy the right potty skills… until it becomes a habit humanesociety. The key to quick success is taking your pup out every 2 to 3 hours and never giving the opportunity for them to have an accident inside. This means at least 8 to 10 trips outside every single day! In their welcoming and safe crate either resting, eating their meals, or enjoying a play toy. In an exercise pen or playpen with a strict potty area. Under your direct, undivided attention. This means you are always watching your pup. All it takes is for you to check your phone for a few seconds for your pup to have a toileting accident! You can either use a crate to speed up their potty training or provide them an area indoors to eliminate. I prefer the crate method. Housebreaking with the use of a crate speeds up your success rate incredibly! But you want to use the crate positively so they learn to love their little den. Make their crate an enjoyable and inviting place to go. How to show your pup how to love their crate: Never force your pup into their crate! Take your time with crate introduction and allow them to explore under their own will. Serve your pup at least one meal a day inside their crate. Use a Kong with their meal stuffed inside and mixed with a small spoonful of unsweetened Greek yogurt or peanut butter to entice them to stay and work on the Kong inside the crate. Offer treats when they willingly go inside to rest or explore their crate. Use a verbal cue when you want your pup to go into the crate. You can learn all the benefits of teaching your dog to use their crate in this easy post on crate training your German Shepherd successfully. Check it out to get the complete facts, tips, and step-by-step instructions to perfect crate training today. Use Puppy Pads You can use puppy pads if you need to… or skip to step 4 to learn potty training without pads. Not going to use puppy pads? You can skip to step 4. But… if you prefer to use puppy pads, then you need an area where you always take your dog when they need to go to the bathroom. Preferably place their pads near the door that you eventually want them to use to go outside. Place more pads down than you think you need at first. This is because puppies have poor aim and also may find a spot they prefer other than the one you pick. After a couple of weeks, you may remove the extra pads until there are only two puppy pads on the floor in the primary area they prefer to go. Keep the food and water area away from the puppy pads in another place. Using Puppy Pads Successfully Change your puppy pads as they become soiled. But a lightly soiled pad is attractive to your pup in the beginning stages of training and helps them learn the right area to potty indoors at first. Once they are reliably using the correct spot, you need not continue to use this trick and can throw away the pads as they become too soiled. Training Them to Go Outside After Using Pads Indoors If you set up your pads near the door you use to take them outside to their elimination area, then you can transition them to go outside more easily. So, place or move your puppy pads closer to the door from their original spot to begin the transition to the outdoors. When your pads are close to the door, watch them for their elimination signs and get them to the outside as swiftly as you can. While I generally use a crate to house train my German Shepherd puppy I also totally understand that you might prefer to learn how to potty train a German Shepherd puppy using a puppy pad for any number of reasons. Teach Them a Potty Routine Every day, follow the same routine and schedule to keep your puppy from having accidents inside your house. Teaching your dog to eliminate outside means that you must have a strict schedule. Watch for signs that your pup needs to go potty so you can avoid indoor accidents. Morning Potty Routine First thing in the morning when you let your pup out of their crate or from their sleeping area take them to their potty spot. If in doubt, carry them outside yourself. If you will not leash your pup when you take them out in the morning, then run ahead of them to lead them outside quickly. If you have stairs, carry your pup since rushing downstairs on a full bladder is never a good idea. Outside Potty Routine Stay with your pup until they do their business. You can place your pup in a small confined area to go potty or keep them leashed to you. Stand quietly until they potty. Then, praise them and offer a tasty treat. This can bore you at first, but potty training a German Shepherd puppy becomes easier every day. After 10 to 15 minutes, take them out of their crate and repeat the above process. Learning how to potty train a German Shepherd puppy takes repetition and patience. How do you know when to take your GSD puppy outside to potty? Take them out after a nap. They need to relieve themselves after sleeping or napping in their crates. Take them out after a play session. Take them out after they drink a large amount of water. Take them out first thing in the morning and the last thing before you place them in their crate or go to bed. Take your dog out when their body language says they are searching for a potty spot! You should take out your German Shepherd puppy every 2 hours for an 8-week-old pup. Add an hour for each month your pup is old. So, a week-old dog needs to go out every 3 hours. And a week-old German Shepherd needs to go outside to relieve herself every 4 hours. Puppy Age How often do you take them outside to potty? Most dogs do not have full bladder control until they are six months old. This means that even if your puppy does learn to hold it, accidents may still happen if it is left inside too long. Not potty training early can extend the process and make things harder. As the puppy grows, the mess and smells will increase. It is also harder to break an existing habit than prevent one from starting in the first place. How long on average does it take to potty train a puppy? If everything goes according to plan, your German Shepherd can be potty trained within five days. However, that does not mean your pup will be able to be locked indoors for eight hours while you go to work and not make a mess. Therefore, a two-month-old puppy needs to go out every two hours. A three-month-old can hold for three, and so on. German Shepherds also often have a high play drive and might completely forget that they need to potty when they want to play instead. There are few things more frustrating than playing outside with your puppy for an hour, only to have them calm down enough to relieve themselves the moment they come indoors. Have a complimentary diet An upset stomach is one of the most common setbacks in housetraining. In particular, puppies are vulnerable to garbage gut because they tend to eat anything smelly or exciting. This is another reason to make use of a crate. Excellent digestive health is not only good for your puppy, but it makes it much easier to stick to your routine. Use a specific door By now, you might be noticing a theme of consistency and routine emerging. Taking your puppy out through the same door helps condition and imprint the housetraining process on your dog and will also serve you later when your dog learns to always ask to go outside at the same door. Leash and lead The leash or lead is a further way of conditioning your puppy. The lead ensures that you can keep them close and make sure they always go to the specific spotty to potty. Do some research on the best collar for German Shephards , as there are some breed specific requirements. Then give a treat or some playtime to reward the correct behavior. Guide your dog back inside A potty run needs to be conditioned as a potty run. While praise, playtime, and treats should be used to make it a positive experience, your pup must learn to stay focused on the task at hand. Creating a negative experience for your dog is more likely to cause sneaky behavior such as peeing and pooping secretly out of fear that you will reprimand them if caught. Make sure you check on your puppy at least twice throughout the night Set an alarm clock and check if your puppy is awake and restless at least twice a night. This is your cue to take the pup outside. If the crate is near your bed and you are a light sleeper, you will likely wake when you hear rustling or whimpering. Stick to a routine A rigid routine is the quickest and smoothest route to a house-trained puppy. Be sure to take the puppy outside as soon as it wakes up in the morning, as well as after a nap, after playtime, and after meals. Until they are at least twelve weeks old, they should be taken out a minimum every two hours during the day. Positive Reinforcement As with all dog training, positive reinforcement works best. Make sure to praise and reward within three seconds of your puppy going potty to make a positive association. While your German Shepherd is learning that the entire house is out of bounds for elimination, the crate is a useful tool to avoid accidents. Once this has been achieved, you can gradually allow your puppy more free rein indoors. Pee Pads are not helpful. Puppies Puppy accidents are inevitable and can also be the most frustrating part of welcoming a new dog into your household. However, with a little bit of patience and the commitment to establishing a routine, you should get your GSD puppy potty trained in no time. This article will dive into how to potty train a German Shepherd puppy as well as give you step-by-step instructions and tips for success. German Shepherds become aware of their ability to control their bodily functions at around 3 weeks old. However, it is best to start potty training as soon as you bring your puppy home, usually, this is around 8 weeks of age. So, a 2-month old can hold their pee for about 2 hours. To avoid accidents, take them for potty breaks once every hour. No, not all adult German Shepherds are potty trained. Nevertheless, the general process of training an adult is pretty much the same as potty training a puppy. The key is in setting your rules and establishing a routine from the beginning. Ideally, choose a relatively quiet place. German Shepherds, like many other dog breeds, are creatures of habit. Having a designated potty area and using it consistently is key to making this process work smoothly. When dogs eliminate, their urine and feces leave behind a unique scent. Smelling it will signal to their brains that it is, indeed, time to go potty. Step 2: Establish a schedule Just like having a consistent potty area, sticking to a regular schedule is essential. Take very young puppies to their designated potty area every hour. As they age and as they become familiar with the routine, you can lengthen the time between their potty breaks. Start by choosing a command and sticking with it. When your pup gets to their potty spot, say your chosen command. Then say your command again and praise your pup as soon as your pup has successfully eliminated. You can usually tell this by their body language. Keep doing that until you can just give the command and your pup knows to squat and poop. Step 4: Reinforce positive potty behavior Whenever your GSD pup potties successfully, give them a good time! Reward them especially when they potty on command. Make sure you give them lots of praises and maybe a good head scratch. Depending on what motivates them, reward them with food or play. Step 5: Give it time and patience Following these steps will give you the best chance of success, but expect it to take some time. Top Tips for Potty Training Success German Shepherds are easy to train , so by following the proper potty training steps, you should get your GSD pup housebroken in no time. Nevertheless, here are some tips that will set you up for success and allow you to get over this tedious phase much more quickly: Tip 1: Make crate training a priority Crate training offers plenty of critical benefits, especially to puppies. Apart from providing a private space where they can feel safe, the right crate can be an excellent housebreaking tool. Tip 2: Establish a routine German Shepherds tend to thrive on a daily routine, so try your best to make every day the same for them. It will also help you more accurately predict when they need to go potty. Try to limit feeding times to three times a day for puppies younger than 6 months. German Shepherds that are at least 6 months old can eat once in the morning and then again in the evening. Tip 4: Withhold water at night Dogs should always have access to clean drinking water, but free access to a water bowl will make potty training more difficult. Once housebroken, your dog can have free access to water. When you take your dog out to potty, try to keep yourself relaxed and only talk when giving the potty command. This will also make your post-potty reward extra special. Disciplining your puppy for a potty accident is likely to do more harm. It will lead to negative potty behavior like being afraid to eliminate in your presence as well as feeling anxiety over having to pee or poop. Just clean it up and hope you can both do better next time. If your dog is having accidents too regularly, you likely need to take your dog out more frequently to prevent it. This is also the best way to maintain proper hygiene and good health. Tip 8: Listen and observe Dogs have their own way of communicating and will be especially communicative when they need to go potty. Some dogs might whine while others paw at the door. You just need to establish a routine and give them time to develop full control over their bladder and bowels. As long as you are committed to following your protocol, you should be able to enjoy a fully housebroken dog soon enough.

This section will provide you with an introduction to the White German Shepherd temperament. However, never forget that there will always be some variation between individual dogs. Not every White German Shepherd will display all of the characteristics listed below. Extreme Intelligence The White German Shepherd temperament is defined by extremely high intelligence. White Shepherds are one of the smartest breeds in the dog world. They excel at obedience, canine sports and all kinds of jobs including search and rescue, narcotics detection, and police work. White German Shepherds excel when they have a job to do. If you keep one as a pet, you will need to provide sufficient mental stimulation to keep them from getting bored. Examples of mental enrichment can include toys, brain games, trick training, or food puzzles. You can tell that these dogs were bred to work from sun up to sundown. White German Shepherds are athletic and energetic. They need a lot of daily exercise. Be prepared to devote at least one hour a day to exercising your White German Shepherd. White German Shepherd exercise can entail jogging, hiking, biking, swimming, etc. Without enough exercise, your White German Shepherd will quickly become bored and destructive. Watch out for behaviors like barking , digging or chewing. If you see these behaviors it probably means that your White German Shepherd is not receiving sufficient daily exercise. Learn more about how exercise can help dogs with bad behavior. Devoted to Family The loyal White German Shepherd temperament makes this breed very devoted to its family. White German Shepherds love to be with people and they need a lot of attention. These dogs do not do well being left alone for most of the day. German Shepherds are sensitive dogs that can be prone to separation anxiety and other anxiety disorders. If you believe your White German Shepherd is developing separation anxiety, reach out to a trainer right away to start behavior modification. If you are contemplating adding one of these dogs to your family, make sure you have the time to give them the attention that they need. Protective The alert White German Shepherd temperament makes this breed a good watchdog. White German Shepherds are highly attuned to their surroundings. They are also vocal dogs that will alert you by barking at any strange noises or suspicious activities on your property. White German Shepherds are not very trusting of strangers right off the bat. When you have guests visit your home, make sure they go slow and allow your dog to warm up to them at their own pace. As their name suggests, German Shepherds originated in Germany. However, the White German Shepherd variation emerged later. In fact, White German Shepherds were historically disqualified from shows and breeding programs. A small club of people in the United States started promoting the white coat coloration in .However, the white variation is still not recognized officially by the AKC. The only major difference is the coat coloration. Whereas regular German Shepherds can be various shades of black and tan, White German Shepherd colors are exclusively white. The typical White German Shepherd weight range is between 50 and 90 lbs. The normal White German Shepherd height range is between 22 and 26 inches. Males are usually larger than females. White German Shepherds have erect ears, long tails, sloping backs, and thick fur. Longhaired White German Shepherds are rare but do exist. However, most White Shepherds are shorthaired. White German Shepherds are incredibly intelligent, focused and eager to work with their owners. With consistent, positive training, you can teach these dogs to do just about anything. White German Shepherds are used in a variety of working capacities including herding, protection, search and rescue, police work, military work, and as service animals for the disabled. Training takes a lot of time, patience and work, though. You must be prepared to invest the time. Sign up for a puppy kindergarten class or a basic obedience class with a local trainer. Make sure to locate a trainer that uses force-free, positive training methods. It may even cause your dog to react with fear or aggression. Instead, keep training upbeat, fun and positive for you and your White German Shepherd. Once you have finished basic obedience, you can explore more advanced activities such as agility, flyball, rally obedience, or nosework. His online resource contains Hundreds of Excellent Dog Training Videos that will take you step-by-step through the process of developing a healthy, happy well-behaved dog. White German Shepherds shed profusely once or twice per year. You will need to brush them daily during shedding season. You may even need to bring them to a groomer for professional grooming a few times per year. Even with diligent brushing, White German Shepherds shed a lot. If you are not ok with dog fur in your house, this is definitely not the breed for you. Make sure you are prepared for White German Shepherd shedding before you bring one home. Is the White German Shepherd Hypoallergenic? The White German Shepherd is not hypoallergenic. If you suffer from allergies and are looking for a breed that is hypoallergenic, check out this article for a list of suggestions. Talk with your vet before you commit to adopting a White German Shepherd. Make sure you are prepared to handle the medical expenses that are often associated with this breed. Below are some of the most common medical concerns within the White German Shepherd breed. Updated on 11 February White German Shepherds are rare dogs with a striking coat. However, White GSDs can have some subtle differences. White German Shepherds have been recongised by the UKC since — and the organization have created a breed standard for this particular variety of GSD. While they were banned from registration in their native Germany in , North America proved something of a hotbed for these dogs and a breed club was formed for White German Shepherds in .Ash, who owns a White GSD called Ghost, warned prospective owners to be prepared for their dog to be confused for another popular dog breed! You will constantly be asked if your dog is a Husky white fur that is so noticeable, needs a lot of attention, lots of energy. They can become very attached to their dog owners and members of the family. This can translate to them being excellent family dogs! Alyssa highlighted this loyal trait, having firsthand experience with Lumi. White Shepherds are incredibly loyal and great family dogs. They love their families and will do anything to protect them. Because of this, they typically are a bit skeptical of strangers but this can be worked through with proper socialization and training. While German Shepherds can often be incorrectly stereotyped as aggressive dogs, the White GSD tend to have more mellow personalities. Only the Border Collie and the Poodle are considered more intelligent! They should be quick to learn new commands and can be highly obedient dogs. Having said that, sometimes smart dogs can have a stubborn or mischievous streak. Alyssa explained that consistency is key where training White GSD is concerned. White Shepherds are incredibly smart. Just keep at it and make sure to give lots of praise when they exhibit the correct behaviors. With high energy compared to other breeds, they may not be suited to all pet parents. As mentioned before they need a solid amount of exercise and mental stimulation or they can become bored and destructive. You should be prepared for lots of white fur on your clothes, on your furniture and on the floor. Alyssa shed further light on White GSD shedding! If you have issues with shedding, White Shepherds are not for you. White GSDs require regular daily exercise to stretch their legs. Aylssa provided her insight on White German Shepherd exercise. Exercise all depends on the drive and energy level of your dog. German Shepherds on average White Shepherds included need quite a bit of exercise. They can get bored very easily so its important to keep their mind busy. Training sessions also do a great job of keeping them mentally stimulated. They need regular brushing to remove shedded hair and debris from their coat to maintain their overall coat health. Ash underlined the importance of regularly grooming a White GSD. Sometimes the fur can grow back, other times the elbow becomes a little bald patch which can scab if it gets hurt. Hiding treats for your dog to find. Obedience training Grooming The White German Shepherd is a heavy-shedding dog with a double white coat and requires regular brushing. Ideally, a White Shepherd should be groomed every other day, possibly daily, during the peak shedding season. Male vs. Female While for many animal species, the female is larger, with the German Shepherd, it is the males that are larger. While German Shepherds are all loyal and loving family dogs, it is often noted that females are more docile than males. This makes a female Shepherd a better choice for homes with young children. A female White Shepherd reaches sexual maturity at two years of age and has a litter of between five to ten puppies. They have an intelligent and fearless personality and are eager to learn and please. These traits make them wonderful family pets. A determined personality also makes shepherds adept at being working dogs. The White German Shepherd is a loyal and loving dog that quickly forms an unshakable bond with its family and is fiercely protective of them. It is vital for all dog owners to understand that training is important. Any German Shepherd breed needs to be trained and socialized correctly. Failing to do so leads to problems with jealousy and distrust of strangers. White German Shepherd Health and Care All dogs come with their own potential health problems and care requirements. For the White German Shepherd, there are several critical quality-of-life considerations to make. While both White and regular German Shepherds suffer from a lot of the same health issues, there are some with a higher prevalence in white breeds. Hip Dysplasia Hip dysplasia is one of the most common health issues faced by White German Shepherd dogs. Caused by a misformation of the hip joint, dysplasia is a painful condition resulting from bone-on-bone grinding. While it can be seen in White German Shepherd puppies as young as four months, it is more common in older dogs. It can be treated with the help of CBD Oil for hip dysplasia. Sadly, this painful condition is very prominent in German shepherds. This is largely due to their combined size and energy levels. Unfortunately, arthritis is a progressive condition that cannot be cured. In the White GSD, arthritis is more common in their hind legs than in their front. Gastric Bloat Gastric bloat is the common name for a serious medical complaint known as gastric dilatation volvulus GDV. Bloat commonly occurs in larger dogs, particularly German Shepherd breeds. There is no time to waste with this condition. If a dog is showing signs of bloat, they need immediate medical attention, as it could quickly become fatal. Canine Degenerative Myelopathy CDM Canine degenerative myelopathy is a degenerative disease that affects the spinal column. German Shepherds are one of the most commonly affected breeds. The result of CDM is commonly rear-leg paralysis. Middle-aged dogs between 4 and 14 years are more likely to be diagnosed with CDM. Pay attention to any limping or signs of motion impingement. Other Diseases Deafness is another disease that is more common for the White German Shepherd than other breeds. As a general rule, deafness is a common health concern for white-coated dogs and other animals. Some of the core allergies that affect this breed are related to chicken, wheat, and dairy. Dental decay is also a serious problem that is frequently observed in German Shepherds. More so with them than many other breeds. Using dental chews in combination with a healthy diet is a great way to promote healthy teeth and gums. They love to be challenged, while their loyalty sees them eager to please. While Shepherds make great pets, it is important to train them from a young age. Below are five training tips for White German Shepherds. Be consistent: White and other German Shepherds all respond better to training when there is consistency to things. Everything from your manner to the commands you use needs to be consistent from one training session to another. Layer your training in easy-to-iterate steps. Master one of two commands before introducing something else. Be a leader: It is important to remember that dogs are looking for you to be a leader and not a dominator. You must be prepared to take charge rather than use aggression as a training tactic. Communicate properly: Dogs do not communicate the same way humans do. It is important to understand the right way to communicate with your White Shepherd. Short and clear commands yield the best results. Also, avoid using similar-sounding commands, as these are likely to confuse your dog. Practice positive reinforcement: Never punish a dog for not doing well in training or for struggling to recognize a command. Instead, positive reinforcement is the recommended training practice. Reward your furry friend for every good deed. However, the exact costs will vary depending on where you are and the size of the litter. The price also relates to buying White Shepherd puppies from a recognized breeder and not from a puppy farm or through shelter adoption. White German Shepherds are different from other German Shepherd dogs in so far as they have a white coat rather than the traditional tan and brown. However, genetically, there is no difference between White Shepherds and other shepherds. The difference between them is that the White German Shepherd carries a recessive white gene that changes its fur color. This is the same way some humans are born with blond hair. Conclusion The White German Shepherd is the rare form of one of the most easily recognized dogs in the world. Wonderful family dogs. German Shepherds love to be part of the family. They struggle when home alone for long periods. Luckily, this breed is very good with children. The same as any other dog, White Shepherds need to be trained. Exercise is also crucial for this breed, as they can become destructive if they do not get enough physical and mental stimulation. If you work from home or have a family member at home a lot of the day, then a White German Shepherd is an ideal dog. Just make sure ahead of time that you understand the amount of work it takes to train a shepherd puppy from a young age. Whether you are a new or experienced dog owner, the White Shepherd is a great choice for your house. All dogs need love and affection, but the hyper-intelligent German Shepherd needs more than most in order for them to truly feel settled in their home. Luckily, the effort you put in is returned multiple folds in the affection your dog shows. Related Guide:. This unique dog is bred from German Shepherds and carries many of the same characteristics, yet it also carries the recessive white furred coat gene. Read on below to find out more about this special breed of dog and whether they could be the right pup for you. This is because the White German Shepherd carries the recessive white furred gene, which is just the same as some humans carrying the recessive blonde haired gene. This color never really stuck, and therefore the White German Shepherd never became as popular as other colors of German Shepherds. They are very popular working dogs who are known for their work as police dogs, military dogs and herding dogs. They are also very popular family dogs because of their loyalty and protective nature. They were first discovered by Von Stephanitz who spotted the German Shepherd at a dog show and decided that this breed was the perfect standard for a working dog. Horand was the first breed standard for the German Shepherd breed and was bred alongside dogs with a similar appearance to give German Shepherd litters. They are thought to have first appeared in the United States in and were recognized by the AKC in .Appearance White German Shepherd puppies look like little balls of fluff and are extremely cute! By 1 year of age, they should be at their adult height. You should always buy from a reputable breeder because sometimes breeders try pass off German Shepherd mixes for pure white German Shepherds. The White German Shepherd can weigh anywhere between 50 to 85 pounds with a male weighing more than a female. They are classified as a large dog breed and stand tall at 22 to 26 inches at the shoulder. Again, females are normally shorter than the males. They are a very muscular and athletic breed, which is no surprise because they were bred for their working capabilities. They are very strong and wear a proud posture and have erect ears. Their feet are big too, even when they are puppies! Coat The White German Shepherd has two different types of coat — short coat and long coat. If your White German Shepherd has a long coat, it will typically be much longer than other German Shepherds in the breed. The fur is thick and straight and does require quite a bit of grooming, although we will go into more detail about that below. When they are a puppy, their coat is normally super fluffy. It does become more coarse as they get older, but their ears remain fluffy. Their coat is also a double-coat which helps add protection against harsh winds or rain. Color Of course, the coat color of the White German Shepherd is white! This is what makes them stand out and a unique breed. The white coat recessive gene only impacts the fur color and does not have any effect on their skin or eye pigment. This makes identifying a white German Shepherd very simple and also closely resembles their wolf ancestors. In every other aspect, they mirror the appearance of a standard tan German Shepherd with the same dark brown eyes. They are very protective and make excellent guard dogs or watchdogs. They are also extremely loyal and love to be around people, which makes them a great family dog as well as an excellent working dog. They may also bark at strangers, but this is just because they are trying to protect you! A White Shepherd is an active dog and needs to be mentally stimulated. As we mentioned above, they are originally a working dog and love to be outside running and playing. Lifespan The life expectancy of a White German Shepherd is relatively long. They can live between 12 to 14 years. Many of the problems they are more likely to develop are the same problems that other breeds of German Shepherd deal with. The most common health problem for the German Shepherd dog breed is elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia. Dysplasia is a condition that is seen in many large dogs and is a disease of a malformation of the joints. The joints can become very painful and may worsen over time causing lameness. The best way to ensure your pup is less prone to any of these conditions is to buy from a reputable breeder and to ensure you get health clearances from both parents. You should also check your dog often for any signs of these issues and take them to the vet regularly for checkups. Daily Life Now you know all about the characteristics and traits of this unique German Shepherd breed, it is time to take a look at what daily life with them is like. We will look at what to feed this dog, how much exercise they need and what grooming of this big breed should be. It comes as no surprise that this is a high maintenance dog breed, but they are worth it! It is recommended that you feed them a diet specially formulated for large dog breeds and you should always check the back of the dog food packet to see how much food you should be feeding your doggie based on their weight. Experts recommend that a White German Shepherd should be eating around calories a day, which is around 3 cups of food. As a puppy, they should be fed three times a day which can then be decreased to two meals a day as an adult. However, if you have a busy lifestyle then this can just be one meal a day. Their food should be healthy and nutritious. It should cover all the nutrients that a dog of this size needs, including proteins, fats and carbohydrates. High-quality dry kibble is a great option, although some dog owners opt to feed their pup raw food. Exercise It is not a surprise that this breed of white dog is very active and has high exercise needs. As a working dog and a breed that is often used as a police dog, they need lots of mental and physical stimulation to keep them happy. You should ensure that you are exercising your German Shepherd for 60 to 90 minutes a day. This includes walks, playing and mental games. Your doggie will want a big back yard to run around in too, so they will not be getting the exercise they need if you live in a small apartment. Without adequate exercise, they can develop unwanted and destructive behaviors due to frustration and boredom. Family Compatibility A White Shepherd makes an excellent family dog. Because they are so loyal, they will want to protect you from anything harmful, which makes them an excellent guard dog. However, you will need to train them from a young age to understand that not everything is a threat, otherwise they may well bark for hours! We mentioned above how much exercise a German Shepherd needs. As a working dog, they need lots of physical and mental stimulation, so they are the perfect pet for those who are outside a lot. Because they are a large dog, they also need a good amount of space. This includes a back yard that they can run around in. Your German Shepherd will not thrive in a small apartment as they will feel like they are being cooped up and may begin to exhibit destructive behaviors. This breed does have a naturally high prey drive, so you will need to take care when introducing them to children for the first time. That being said, when socialized properly, White German Shepherds love children and will even take your children under their wing. The older your dog is, the harder it will be to introduce them to new things and people, but it still can be done. They also get on very well with other family pets, so there will be no issue there and they will become a loved family member. Training The White German Shepherd is a very intelligent dog and is therefore very easy to train. Their ease of training means that they make a great family dog as well as a dog for couples or individuals. You should train them from a very young age and always use positive reinforcement. This can include verbal praise and yummy treats to show them that they are doing a good job. German Shepherds can be a little stubborn, so you should never punish them or scold them. They are great detectives too, so hiding treats and getting them to sniff the treats out makes a fun game to play! Grooming Unfortunately, your White German Shepherd will shed all year round. This is because their coat is so thick. One way to minimize shed is to ensure that you brush them at least two to three times a week. Bathing is not necessary often — only when they look dirty. Brushing their teeth is very important to prevent dental decay and gum disease, although you can give them dental chews every day to help keep their teeth clean. One way to ensure that grooming your German Shepherd is not a traumatic experience for them is to begin grooming them from a young age. This will show them that there is nothing to be afraid of. If you are contemplating making the white German Shepherd part of your family, you may wonder whether they are a mix or purebred. White German Shepherds are purebred. They are the progeny of the first German Shepherd bred in Germany in the late s and developed to herd sheep and other livestock. Often, herders preferred the white coat, as it was easy to recognize them from the darker European wolves. They were not bred to be companion animals; instead, they were bred to be working dogs. Their olfactory scent, intellect, work ethic, strength, bravery, versatility, loyalty, and speed made them ideal farm dogs. They were responsible for not only herding but defending flocks from predators. The German Shepherd breed quickly grew in popularity before the s and spread to other countries. It is said that the white-coated German Shepherd was bred specifically by the kennels of the then Queen of Hapsburg, Alsace-Lorraine, Austria, as she wanted them to match the white horses that pulled her carriage. Sadly, the purebred white German Shepherd began to be considered a flaw by the Nazi regime in the s, who saw the white coat as an undesirable characteristic and blamed it for causing coat paling across all colors and diseases. They were subsequently excluded from breeding and disqualified from the breed standard. These white-coated dogs have descendants who can trace their lineage back to the white GSDs of the early s. Many myths exist about white-coated German Shepherds and the gene that determines their coat color. When some people see them, they think they are an albino. But are they? White German Shepherds are not albino. Albinos lack all pigment, whereas white German Shepherds have black noses, black pigment around their mouths, black paw pads, and brown eyes. Their eye rims and nails also have dark skin. The white gene is recessive and is only responsible for coat color. Although the albino can exist in German Shepherds, it is extremely rare. This genetic mutation causes a complete absence of pigmentation. Most albino dogs will have skin that appears pink around their eyes, giving the appearance of pink eyes when their eyes will usually be blue in color. You will also be able to spot the pink nose easily. What Causes a White German Shepherd? German Shepherds with all-white coats have always been present in litters. However, now that you know they are not albinos, what exactly causes their beautiful white coats? The gene is only related to coat color and has nothing to do with health or temperament. The easiest way to explain it is that the white gene is a recessive gene that works independently of all other color genes. If a dog has two copies of that gene switched on, the white hides the color. To guarantee an all-white litter, two white GSDs will need to be bred. Are White German Shepherds Rare? The discrimination against the white German Shepherd by Nazi Germany quickly spread to breeders elsewhere. Breeders also wrongly believed they were inferior and had a genetic fault. White German Shepherds are rarer than the colored variety as only two white German Shepherds are guaranteed to produce all-white puppies. However, they are not too rare, and if two non-whites both have the white recessive gene, a small percentage of the litter may be white. A reputable and experienced breeder will confidently breed two white German Shepherds to produce a litter of purebred, fluffy white German Shepherd puppies, as long as the demand is there. The main purpose of the American Kennel Club is to maintain a pedigree registry of purebred dogs. However, there is often confusion around the white German Shepherd, albeit purebred. The confusion is that white dogs are disqualified from the conformation ring, but they can still participate in herding, tracking, and obedience. The official breed standard prefers strong, rich colors. Although the UK Kennel Club recognizes the white German Shepherd, they state they are highly undesirable for conformation. This is where things start to get a little complicated! Allow me to elaborate… Advances in science proved that the white recessive gene did not cause albinoism. Scientists also proved that the white German Shepherd was not accountable for any other health issues or the paling of color-coated dogs. In the late s and s, supporters of the white German Shepherd Dog began to form their own breed clubs and registries. So theoretically speaking, the white German Shepherd and the White Shepherd are now considered different breeds recognized by different organizations with separate breed standards: The white German Shepherd is recognized by the American Kennel Club although it is disqualified from showing and the UK Kennel Club. In North America, opinions about whether the purebred white German Shepherd should be considered a different breed from the White Shepherd are still divided. Apart from the color of their fur, the white German Shepherd Dog looks almost identical to any other breed variety. White German Shepherd puppies do not change color. The same goes for black German Shepherds, whose color is also caused by a recessive gene. If pups are born all black, they will remain all black. The white German Shepherd is truly a stunning-looking dog, and often heads will turn to look at its gorgeous coat and features. White German Shepherds have the same appearance as other varieties, apart from their all-white coats. They are medium-large sized with a muscular and athletic build. The GSD is double-coated, having a low-set bushy tail. A striking feature is their erect ears, with a noble head and a long muzzle. Fully grown white German Shepherd males are typically 24 to 26 inches tall, while females are generally 22 to 24 inches tall. When fully grown, males weigh 66—88 lbs 30—40 kg , and females weigh 49—71 lbs 22—32 kg. However, remember that each dog is unique, and sizes can vary. For example, my female is very tall and weighs 88lbs 40kg. The white German Shepherd has a double-coated, weather-resistant coat that is either medium or long in length. The undercoat is thick, and the outer coat has coarse, straight, or slightly wavy hairs that lie close to the body. White German Shepherds are good family dogs sharing the same temperament as the colored variety. They are intelligent, protective, loyal, affectionate, and easy to train. They will get along with children, other dogs, and even cats if introduced to them when young and properly trained. While the white German Shepherd makes a good family dog, they are high-energy, and you need to have lots of time and enthusiasm to socialize, exercise, and train them. Nonetheless, they are excellent with children and other family pets, especially if raised with them. The breed is keen to please its owners and enjoys having a job to do. This makes them enjoyable and easy to train. Basic obedience training should begin at a young age, preferably around eight weeks old, when you first bring the pup into your home. This is due to their undying love and loyalty. They need to be a part of the family and are prone to separation anxiety if left alone for long periods. White German Shepherds, like all varieties, are very active — exercise is essential to keep them out of mischief. They need at least two hours of regular physical activity every day. This should include various activities besides walking, such as hiking, off-leash running, flyball, agility, frisbee, and fetch. Mental stimulation is also essential, which includes playing games and having interactive or puzzle toys. This toy will keep your doggo entertained for hours and gets thousands of positive reviews. Without regular exercise and interaction, German Shepherds will display unwanted behavior such as chewing, biting, scratching, digging, whining, or barking. They can live outside but prefer to be inside with their family. Although they can do okay in a small house or apartment, a house with a yard is preferred, where they can run and burn off some energy. Allow me to share my experience; Willow is my first dog and is fantastic for all the family. Are White German Shepherds Protective? German Shepherds are often used in the police, military, search and rescue, and service or therapy dogs due to their versatility, bravery, loyalty, boundless energy, and easy trainability. But do they make good guard dogs, and are they protective? White German Shepherds are protective due to their natural guarding instincts. When faced with strangers, they can become nervous or suspicious and watch over their family, especially children. Early socialization and training are important to prevent any over-aggressiveness. Remember, they were originally bred to herd and protect livestock, so protecting their family is an instinctive characteristic of the breed. Are White German Shepherds Aggressive? There is a range of myths and misunderstandings that surround the GSD, no matter their color. In particular, many of these are based on fear, and culture or are caused due to inadequately trained dogs. This may cause you to wonder whether white German Shepherds are aggressive, especially if you want to raise one with your family. White German Shepherds are not aggressive if they are socialized early and are well-trained. They can become aggressive if provoked or mistreated. Since the GSD is often used for jobs that require them to be aggressive, it seems they have developed a reputation for being aggressive. They are large, athletic, and muscular dogs often used as guard dogs or in the police and military due to these characteristics and their high intelligence and protective nature. White German Shepherds can be trained to be aggressive towards strangers or certain individuals. However, a well-raised and socialized white German Shepherd has no reason to become aggressive. From someone that worked in law enforcement for almost 30 years and has experience with the breed, I can honestly say I never once saw an aggressive dog — except when commanded to be aggressive in the right situation. As long as you socialize and train your young pup, he will gain the trust and experience he needs with all new people and other dogs. This will allow him to react calmly and confidently to most situations he will encounter. Training a White German Shepherd is not any different from training other varieties of German Shepherds. White German Shepherds have the same temperament, intelligence, and trainability as other German Shepherd varieties. Here are some steps to help you train your White German Shepherd: Start with basic obedience training: Begin with basic commands like sit, stay, come, and heel. Use positive reinforcement techniques like treats and praise to encourage good behavior. Socialize your White German Shepherd: Expose your dog to different people, animals, and environments to help them become well-adjusted and confident. This can help prevent behavior problems like aggression and anxiety. Use positive reinforcement: Reward your White German Shepherd for good behavior with treats, praise, and playtime. Be consistent: Use the same commands and training techniques every time you work with your White German Shepherd. This will help them understand what is expected of them and prevent confusion. Use training aids: Consider using training aids like clickers, leashes, and collars to help reinforce good behavior and make training easier. Practice regularly: Consistent practice is key to successful training. Remember, training your White German Shepherd is a lifelong process. So, how much does a white German Shepherd cost on average? I obtained this price from the average of 4 breeders I contacted. Prices vary depending on various factors such as breeder reputation, demand, location, bloodline, litter size, and whether full breeding rights are included. These are the white German Shepherd breeders I contacted to get the prices of current litters. Some breeders will charge more if you want your pup to have AKC full breeding rights.