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Tom Thorpe Blog Have you ever wondered how many puppies in a litter of golden retrievers? That said, if you have a female golden retriever and someday you want to let her have some litter, you are prepared and able to calculate some expenses beforehand. In this article, I will attempt to cover the question regarding how many puppies in a litter of golden retrievers. Average litter size of golden retrievers Time and again, we always say that golden retrievers are a one of a kind canine breed. The fact that they are the friendliest, affectionate, energetic, and stranger to none, these reasons are what makes the golden retrievers popular and it will become one for many years to come. Interestingly enough, the largest litter size was produced by a Neapolitan Mastiff back in .On the other hand, the largest litter ever produced by a golden retriever is 17 albeit there are no official records, only online sources that only appeared. With that, golden retrievers are capable of producing a litter between 1 to 17 young pups. We can safely assume that golden retriever breeds have an average litter size of 4 to 8 puppies. For most instances, the first litter size is somewhat smaller compared to succeeding litters. Also, this is true among golden retriever breeders. They know the ins and out of very golden retrievers. Another important fact you should keep in mind is the ratios of females and males differ. Other litter will have more females than males, while in some, males are more. In addition, there is a small chance that the puppies are of one gender only. This is because there are numerous factors that make the outcome of the litter different from any other golden retrievers and other canine breeds. Thereby the question of how many puppies in a litter of golden retriever will likely have come from these factors such as: Consider the genetic factor Every canine is different from the other, although they have some commonality if we are going to categorize them according to their breeds. But still, they have different genetic structures and they are all individual creatures. This also includes the litter size. The most common observation in regards to litter size, if the mother of your female golden retriever produces in large litter size, chances are, your female dog also will produce a large litter size. That is, of course, assuming some factors remain constant. In relation to the litter size, keep in mind that the majority of the traits largely came from a dam female dog and the small percentage came from the sire male dog. The sire has likely had an influence on the litter size. Among the sire can influence are health, age, size, breed, and genetic structures. Gene Pool Diversity At some point, the gene pool diversity will somehow affect the litter size. This again will vary from dog to dog. The fact that canine who are drawn from diverse backgrounds tend to have large litters. Diet Another factor to consider is the diet. Compared to dogs fed with substandard kibble food and supplement. Health Again, health plays a crucial role. This is because they can somehow affect and have a chance to have more puppies. That said, if the golden retriever is not healthy enough, it will inevitably affect the litter size. An ideal healthy weight for golden retrievers is usually slim, and those who are overweight are prone to health issues. Thus, giving a routine exercise and a well-balanced diet has a possibility to produce in larger litters. More particularly in the case of a male dog. Male dogs who are 5 years old and above have a smaller sperm count than those who are in ages 5 years and below. This means the litter size will also decrease. This is the reason why dog breeders who have dog show quality are often bred extremely and intensively in order to produce as many quality female dogs as possible. But, it has a more major point in influencing the size of the litter size than the male and this is actually quite true. That means, dogs over the age of 7 years will have a greater chance to produce large litters than those of young age under 5 years of age. Usually, the first litter regardless of age will likely be smaller than the succeeding production of litters to come. Also, a female golden retriever who was never been bred until the age of 5 will have a tendency to produce smaller litters that are permanent. On that note, the ideal age of female golden retrievers where there is a yield in litter size is between the age of 2 to 5 years. Generally, the larger the breed, the larger the litter size. In the case of golden retrievers, the average size of litter rangers from 4 to 8 and other dog breeds like Spaniels. The fact that genetics and other various factors in dogs alone have the possibility to increase the litter size, all these factors lead to a different outcome and are somewhat related. But can humans influence or somehow affect the size of a litter? Is there any correlation regarding this? The short answer is yes, but to a certain extent only. The long answer is, although yes, there are no guarantees as to how much can humans change the course of the litter size. Fortunately, there are things that humans may likely increase the odds. In fact, breeders who are using artificial intelligence are becoming even more rampant. Thanks to the ai, the chances of finding champion dogs both in the US alone and abroad are getting bigger. However, artificial insemination does not produce large litter sizes. Instead, it only produces a small litter size. Moreover, the kind of semen will largely affect the litter size regardless if it is frozen, chilled, or fresh. In addition, canine sperm will likely die because their semen does not freeze well. Post Breeding Management The best possible and simplest way to somewhat affect the litter size of your golden retriever is just to have the best possible care. Nothing more nothing less. Obviously, any dogs who lack proper nutrition and have an imbalanced diet will greatly decrease the chance of having a large litter size. If the golden retriever has improper housing and has nutrient deficiencies, they can absorb puppies due to lack of care. So, see to it that your female golden retriever has everything they need. Make sure to not miss any appointments in their scheduled checkups with your local vet. Give them proper nutritional needs and also groom them regularly. Care Tips for Golden Retrievers Proper Treatments The best way to secure a healthy pregnancy for your female golden retriever is to have her getting proper treatments. That means, getting treatments for fleas and worms should be consistent even while in pregnancy. Vaccinations Treatments and vaccinations are the most important and should be regularly maintained if necessary. This will guarantee that the antibodies are optimal while the female mother has a puppy bump. Consult your vet with the best possible vaccines in order to keep your dog healthy. There is some vaccination that can be administered while your dog is in pregnancy. The fact that pregnant golden retrievers or any dogs will feel become lethargic when the due is near. With having adequate exercise before their pregnancy, your dog will become fit and able to carry on while she has a puppy bump that is about to give birth. This can lead to stress and other health condition that may greatly affect their pregnancy. Final Thoughts All in all, I hope the question of how many puppies in a litter of golden retriever is completely answered. If you are still confused, the average litter size they can produce is about 4 to 8. Also, if you are a first-time pet owner who has a pregnant golden retriever, you should know what to expect and even know some basic tips regarding the proper care of your pregnant golden retriever. Keep in mind that they should stay fit and healthy plus groom them regularly. Jan 20, Share Golden Retrievers are one of the most popular breeds of dogs in the United States. They are known for their loyal and friendly personalities, and many people choose them as their first dogs. Such a popular breed is always in demand, and more Golden Retriever puppies are born every day. However, there is some uncertainty about how many puppies Golden Retrievers typically have. Due to their size, larger dogs tend to have larger litters, while smaller dogs tend to have smaller litters. As a bigger dog breed, Goldens can have anywhere from one to twelve puppies per litter, but six to eight puppies are about average. Some litters may have as few as four. Read on below to find out more. Why the Size of the Dog Breed Affects Litter Size The different sizes of litter between breeds are due to the fact that larger breeds have more room in their uterus to grow puppies, while smaller breeds have less room. This is likely due, in part, to the fact that smaller dogs have a shorter gestational period and thus less time to mature a large number of offspring at a more rapid rate than larger dogs. This difference in litter size can be important for breeders, as they need to consider the size of the breed when planning how many puppies to produce. However, it is also worth noting that different breeds of dogs will exhibit different average litter sizes, even within the same size class. For example, the German Shorthaired Pointer is around the same size as a Golden Retriever, but has an average of nine pups per litter. The first litter of puppies for a female Golden Retriever is typically smaller in size than later litters. Additionally, since the first litter is typically born earlier than later litters, the puppies may not have as much time to grow and develop before being born. She should, however, have regular checkups with a veterinarian to ensure everything is going well. Despite Golden Retriever mothers being able to deliver many puppies, not every pup will survive birth. A dam may give birth to four puppies, but only two or three will survive. Pregnant dogs require high-quality vitamins, minerals, and premium proteins in addition to a healthy and balanced diet. Additives and fillers in dog food can lead to poor nutrition and ultimately affect litter size. In addition, diet plays an important role in the health and survival rate of puppies after birth. The chances of a Golden Retriever producing a small litter are higher if they are unhealthy. It is also possible that the puppies are born weak and have a lower chance of surviving. Age of Parents Female Golden Retrievers should not be bred too young or too old. Ideally, a female should be between the ages of 2 and 5 when she is first bred. It is also important to consider the age of the male. Once a male reaches the age of 5, their sperm count will decrease. Image Credit: Chendongshan, Shutterstock Lineage Overly inbred dogs are less likely to have large litters than dogs with a diverse gene pool. Ask your breeder about their parents and whether they have been tested for defects if you are looking for a puppy. Conception Method and Timing It may surprise you to learn that the way your Golden becomes impregnated may determine how many puppies she will have. Having a larger litter is more likely for Golden Retrievers that become pregnant naturally while conceiving artificially is more likely to lead to a smaller litter. This is because the freezing process kills many sperm cells in preserved semen, resulting in fewer pups. Dogs that conceive within 48 hours of ovulation have a higher chance of having a larger litter. These larger litters usually occur in the third, fourth, and fifth pregnancy. Puppy Mills Puppy mills are commercial breeding facilities that mass-produce puppies for sale to the public. In a puppy mill, the mother dog is often bred repeatedly until she no longer can bear puppies. There are many reasons why one should avoid buying a dog from a puppy mill. First and foremost, puppy mills are notorious for breeding unhealthy dogs. Dogs from puppy mills typically have a variety of genetic health problems, ranging from joint problems to heart disease. In addition, puppy mills often keep dogs in horrible conditions, with little or no veterinary care. Dogs in puppy mills may also be malnourished and abused. Conclusion In conclusion, Golden Retrievers have an average of eight puppies. However, a breeder or owner can mate their Goldie at the right time, exercise them, keep them healthy, and feed them high-quality food all year long, but ultimately they cannot control the litter size. Thanks for reading! Pet Keen is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more. Golden Retriever puppies are fluffy balls of joy, and you must be thrilled to welcome them into your home. But how many puppies should you be expecting from this upcoming litter? On average, Golden Retrievers can have around eight puppies. Litter sizes can vary depending on the breed of dog, so there are a few factors that can determine the litter size of your Golden Retriever. This article goes over what kind of litter you could be expecting based on your Golden Retriever mother. Litter Size: First-Time vs. This is the national average for first-time mothers, so it is normal for your dog to give birth to a few less or a few more. However, it is always important for her to have check-ups with a vet to ensure everything is going well with her puppies. It is very rare that your Goldie will have a single puppy birth. Litter sizes of over a dozen puppies are also possible with Golden Retrievers, but not as common. If your Golden Retriever is pregnant, it is safe to assume that she will give birth to four to nine puppies. While it is always important to feed your dog a healthy and balanced diet, pregnant dogs need high-quality vitamins and minerals and premium protein. Dog food that is filled with additives and fillers can affect the litter size. Diet will also be a factor in how healthy the puppies will be after birth and what their survival rate will be. Health: If your Golden Retriever is obese or not given enough exercise, this can affect the litter. An unhealthy Goldie will more than likely produce a small litter. The puppies might also be born weak and have a smaller chance of survival. Age of both parents. You do not want to breed your female Golden Retriever too young or too old. The age range for the female to be bred is 2 to 5 years old. However, if you wait to breed your Goldie for the first time after they are five years old, their litters will always be smaller in number. The age of the male is also a factor. The sperm count in males will decrease once they reach 5 years old. Genetics: Dogs that have a more diverse gene pool are more likely to have larger litters than dogs that have been overly inbred. This is why if you go to a breeder, ask them about the parents and if they have been tested for defects. Image Credit: PorChonlawit, Shutterstock Final Considerations If you are a dog owner, you already know how important health, diet, and exercise are for raising a strong and happy dog. These factors must also be considered when deciding if you want to breed your Golden Retriever. Have her checked with the vet before she gets pregnant to make sure she is healthy and able to carry a litter safely. Ensure the potential mate is also healthy and the right age. However, no matter the litter size, each puppy will be a bundle of pure joy! A Canadian expat, Nicole now lives on a lush forest property with her Kiwi husband and new baby daughter in New Zealand. She has a strong love for all animals of all shapes and sizes and particularly loves a good interspecies friendship and wants to share her animal knowledge and other experts' knowledge with pet lovers across the globe.Read more Advertisement. There are a range of factors that contribute to the overall litter size. Often genetics play an important role in the size of the litter. The size of the breed as well as the overall health of parents also effect the total litter size. Golden retrievers are considered a large breed dog, resulting in larger litters. Many sites state various different ranges. Websites, with less authority, like Ask and PetPlanet have a range of puppies per litter. Their overall average is 8. The American Kennel Club used to state that the average litter size was in the range of .However, that information can no longer be found. With smaller litters it could quite possibly be that the bitch was not bred at the proper time. Some of the eggs may not have been fertilized. The stud may have tied too early, or too late. Or it could have been possible that the sire was too old and not producing an adequate sperm count. The overall health of both parents can also be considered. It could also be a problem with the mother, such as injury, or physical defects. With litters on the larger end, sometimes they may have to be delivered cesarean. If the time of delivery is too long, some puppies may be stillborn. Cases have occurred where a puppy may be retained in the uterus causing other problems. Litters this large are generally not in the best interest of the mother. From my experience, most litters are indeed around in number. That could just be coincidental. Further litters often will have less. This is just something I have seen, but is not scientific. It is also important to note that male and female ratios can go in either directions. It is also possible to have a litter with all one gender. Our recent litter from Tina came out all female. She had eight female puppies at once. I was told by another breeder that she had a litter of 10 that were all female. It is very unlikely, but it does happen. We derived that number from hundreds of litters from various breeders. As mentioned above, the range is between 1 to 15 puppies in a litter. A breeder can find out how many puppies a female may have while pregnant via x-ray or ultrasound. An x-ray can be taken after the bones have ossified. That occurs around days of gestation. Ultrasounds can be taken around days to confirm pregnancy, but confirming the litters size is less accurate. It is however less damaging on the mother and puppies. Nov 29, Nov 5, This post may contain affiliate links. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. Busy taking care of puppies! A couple of weeks ago, Raven, our Golden Retriever had her first litter of puppies. Several weeks before she had her puppies we were all curious about how many puppies Raven would have in her first litter. And what did we learn? Bring your Calmeroos Puppy the day you pick up your puppy and rub it all over his litter mates and mama. Ten years later my memory of all those puppies is still vivid. Of course in the end we came home with our first puppy, Linus! Back then the smallest litter we saw was two six-week-old black Labrador Retriever pups. Our friends at Guide Dogs of America have experienced many, many more litters than I have or probably ever will in my lifetime. I would guess they have a litter of pups at the school nearly every week sometimes two litters a week! So what did I hear from my GDA friends? The largest litter I heard about was 16 Golden Retriever puppies! Let me say that again: 16 puppies!!! The smallest litter size was 1 lonely puppy…although only children get all the attention…right, Ali Ali is my wife…an only child :? After personal experience and talking to friends and family the consensus was Raven could have anywhere between 1 and 16 puppies. Our Golden Retriever puppies! Time for a little bit of internet research. Just ask Google the following questions and find the answers in the featured snippet: What is the average first litter size for a Golden Retriever? The average litter size for a golden retriever is eight puppies. Litter sizes vary from four to 12 puppies, and humans are not usually needed for help in the birthing process. Other sites in the top 10 search have similar numbers for average litter size. What is the largest litter size for a Golden Retriever? So we can probably expect less than 24 puppies…lol. The largest litter of Golden Retrievers we found on the internet were 17 Golden pups. The Golden Retriever Forum and other sites mention Golden litters as small as one puppy. After talking to friends, and family, and doing my internet research the consensus was Raven would probably have between puppies with the outside possibilities of only 1 pup or up to 17 remote possibility of 24! We took care of litters of puppies, but the youngest pups we had were already 3 weeks old. We got those little cuties when they were about weeks old and at that age, they were a handful. I specifically remember one of the rescue leaders saying that 5 or fewer puppies are much easier to handle. That number 5 has stuck in my head for over 10 years! My fingers were crossed… Puppies from our our Golden litter! However, the day we planned on bringing her in for an X-Ray her temperature dropped which was an indication she was close to giving birth. Rather than risk her giving birth in my car on the way to the vet we opted out of the X-Ray. Raven went into labor on Wednesday, November 9th, , and at… am — Female.

They are a gorgeous breed that has intelligent eyes that miss nothing. Their large pointy ears are even more alert and can hear the slightest sound. They are athletic, agile, and their form is easy to identify, no matter the color of their beautiful coat. German Shepherd Coat Types German shepherds have a double coat in medium length. Their fur is thick and sits close to the body. Some dogs may have more wiry fur, while others have a soft a wavy coat. German shepherds can also have a longer, silky coat. While a standard coat is shorter, long coats have longer fur that is somewhat wavy. The fur is caused by a recessive gene and one must carry the gene to produce a long haired puppy. Long haired German shepherds have a thicker top coat and thinner undercoat than standard coated dogs, but they do have an undercoat. They can be recognized by their longer wavy fur, thicker mane-like fur around the neck, with longer tufts of fur around their ears and legs. Some are silkier, and softer in appearance while others are bushier and have thicker tails. You will hear long haired German Shepherds are also called plushies, coaties, coated, long coat, long stock hair, long stock coat, and long stock hair, and long stock hair with undercoat. Colors of the German Shepherd: German shepherds come in many colors. According to the breed standard, dark, rich colors are more desirable than pale washed out colors in the show ring. Their muzzle should also be predominately black. Although some breeders deliberately produce pretty dogs in shades of liver or blue, the colors are considered a fault by the AKC standard. The different colors of the German shepherd coat include: Solid black A stunning solid black German shepherd may have a few red or tan hairs on their toes or a small white patch on their chest. They should not be confused with a bi-color shepherd. Black and red Black and red German shepherds can come in saddle, blanket, or bi-color. They are noted by their deep, rich red pigment rather than tan. Black and tan Black and tan shepherds are probably the most popular. They come in saddle, blanket, bi-color or sable. The tan can be very pale, almost silver, or more red hued. Black and silver A black and silver shepherd is black with very pale creaming tan that looks light silvery blond. The contrast in colors is dramatic and they come in sable, blanket, saddle or bi-color. Red and black sable A sable with rich red and black fur. Tan and black sable A sable with tan and black fur. Silver and black sable Light to dark silver or gray fur with black. Liver Solid brown German shepherd identified by its brown nose, rather than black. Not a breed standard. Liver and tan Tan that liver rather than black markings on a blanket, saddle, or bi color patterns. They may also have lighter or amber eyes. Steel blue Blue, gray fur identified by their gray, blue eyes rather than brown, black. Steel blue and tan Tan with blue rather than black markings on a blanket, saddle, or bi color. Golden tan Solid tan shepherd with a dark muzzle and black nose. White A solid white German shepherd is not an albino. There white coat is caused by a recessive gene and they have dark eyes and a black nose. Panda Black, white and brown shepherd that contains a gene mutation. These coat patterns include: Solid -solid black. Bi-color-predominately solid black with tan or red on their feet. Their heels should be black or tarheel. They may have trace amounts of tan or red on their ears or face. The lower leg and stomach are usually tan or red. Saddle back-has a black saddle from the shoulders to the rear and the chest, hips and legs are tan or red. Sable-each individual hair is two-toned or banded with black tips. They can range from light to dark and include black, silver, gray, tan and red. We hope that you enjoyed these German shepherd coat descriptions. Please feel free to share with your family and friends. Post category: German Shepherd Blanket Back German Shepherd The blanket back German shepherd is one of the most common types of dog breeds, with many owners using this type of dog. It is usually described as being a heavier, larger dog, with a head that is heavily covered in fur and a long body. These dogs are also known for their ability to be very devoted to their owners and to obey their every command. The blanket back type of dog has often been used in rescue organizations because it is a very sociable dog. This breed of dog is generally very obedient , but is not the best choice for an inexperienced owner, because of its tendency to be stubborn. If you own this type of dog, you will need to devote a lot of time to socialize your dog. If you are an experienced owner, you should be able to find a suitable place for your dog to live or can even adopt out a puppy to a friend. A great part of being a good owner is showing the dog love and affection because your dog will crave this attention when he is young. The blanket back German shepherd has the ability to bond with a family member, especially if the family is close together. Because of their herd mentality, they will bond with their family or pack of friends. One reason why the blanket back German shepherd is so popular is that it is such a loyal companion. They will often remain with the owner through thick and thin and will willingly remain with you, even if the rest of the family decides to leave for work. If you own a German shepherd, you should expect him to be a very aggressive dog, especially if he has not been trained properly. He is used to being under the control of a large pack, so when he is left alone, he can become very aggressive. The aggressive nature of this breed of dog will make it important to ensure that you will teach your dog the proper commands to keep him from becoming destructive. As stated above, the blanket back German shepherd is normally a larger dog, so he needs a lot of room to run and play. You can purchase a large dog house, but you should still allow your dog to run free. A large dog house is more suitable for smaller breeds of dogs, as the larger breed can knock over a table. They are also more susceptible to sores, as well as being easier to jump on. If you own a dog that is a blanket back German shepherd, you should be aware that it will still have more hair than the majority of other breeds of dog. As well, you should also consider the fact that this breed of dog cannot shed much. Because of this, your dog will typically develop bad breath, which can be a major problem if you have asthma. These days, blanket back German shepherd mixes are becoming increasingly popular as a family pet. These dogs are just as intelligent as their larger counterparts, and they require a lot less care. This breed of dog does not require a lot of space to live in, and they do not have the need to be kept in a kennel. For most owners, it would be a mistake to choose a blanket back German shepherd mix over a larger dog. But if you feel that you will need a large dog, this is an ideal choice. A Blanket Back German Shepherd puppy is a wonderful dog to have in the family. As a puppy, he will need lots of love and care. Here are some things you need to know about Blanket Back German Shepherd puppies and what you should be doing with the puppies when they are babies. The Blanket Back German Shepherd puppies should be well cared for before they become a puppy. You want to make sure that he is always comfortable and warm in the house. A Blanket Back German Shepherd puppy should not be left alone for long periods of time. He should be in a home environment where he can see and hear his family members and other animals. You need to keep a close eye on him. As soon as the Blanket Back German Shepherd puppy is well cared for and you have been able to get a feel for his personality, you will be able to introduce him to other people. When the time comes, you will be able to get your Blanket Back German Shepherd puppy to socialize with other people and make friends. The Blanket Back German Shepherd puppy needs to have regular trips to the vet. You should have plenty of toys for the Blankets Back German Shepherd puppy to play with. You will be able to keep a close eye on him. The Blankets Back German Shepherd puppies should never be allowed to have access to other pets. As a puppy, he will be aggressive with other animals and will probably start biting and digging. You will need to train him to be more friendly with other people. Puppies will also be more destructive when they are firstborn. They will want to scratch and bite at things. They will also need to be potty trained and need to learn that if they do not do it right they will get a bad scolding. It is important that they are never scolded too harshly. Puppies like to have playtime with other people as well. You can teach them to play with you. This is a great way for them to socialize with other people. Once they become more comfortable around people and learn how to use a litter box, you can get them used to sleeping in the same room with you and then the Blankets Back German Shepherd puppies. Share this:. Kreative Kennels is a working line Professional German Shepherd breeder. We offer german shepherd puppies for sale , personal protection dogs for sale , police dogs for sale , family protection dogs for sale , family companion german shepherds for sale. We are striving to breed great working line german shepherds for the military, border patrol, police departments and family companions. We are breeding dogs that exhibit excellent prey drive, courage, intelligence and also have a ton of energy. We have purchased some of the best german shepherd stud dogs available in the Czech Republic and Germany for use in our kennel. The same is true for our females. Kreative Kennels employees have personal contact with all of our german shepherds every single day of the year. We also evaluate the performance of each dog after its training session. We test all of our german shepherds dogs in real life surroundings. Kreative Kennels located in California is a relatively new venture that came about as a result of a present. We began researching pedigrees and titles, unable to quell our interest in the beauty of the working line German Shepherd. We have high expectations for these dogs; their pedigree and ability is that convincing. Our german shepherd stud dogs and breeding females are carefully selected. Their list of accomplishments speaks for itself in regards to quality. German Shepherd Dogs are the perfect dog to own. Their impeccable training allows them to be not only a superb guard or protection dog but also the perfect addition to any family. Feel free to contact us to schedule a visit or discuss any of our fine dogs. Any reproduction of any part of this website is strictly prohibited. If you wish to use any of the content of this site, Please contact us at npalffy kreativekennels. Discover the online program that more than 57, dog owners have used to rapidly transform their dog into a well-behaved, obedient furry friend. More often than not most people envision the traditional black and tan, saddle back pattern dog whenever they picture the German Shepherd dog in their mind or try to describe this dog breed to someone else. It is true, however, that there are a number of German shepherd coat colors and a variety of coat patterns. The final color of a young dog can only be ascertained when the outer coat has developed. Because of that we'll do our best to provide photo examples of each of the German Shepherd coat patterns to make it easier for you to visualize. So here we go.German Shepherd Saddle Back pattern - considered the 'classic' look German Shepherd Blanket Back pattern - notice the extra large "saddle" that covers most of the body German Shepherd Bi-color pattern - notice the lighter color only on lower limbs German Shepherd Solid pattern - one predominant color on the entire body of the dog German Shepherd Sable pattern - multi-color bands appear on each individual hair Many factors such as health and temperament should always be much more important than the search for a specific coat color. Coat color should always be below structure, gait, type, and character and should never take precedence over the working or companionship abilities of the dog itself. The color of the German Shepherd is one of the less important factors to consider whenever choosing a GSD puppy. As long as the colors are strong and well pigmented what does it really matter anyway since the dog will change in color as it matures unless it is a solid colored dog anyhow? German Shepherd coat patterns are all beautiful - remember, after all there is much more to the dog than coat color alone. Return from German Shepherd coat patterns to GSD Breed Standard "Like dogs in a wheel, birds in a cage, or squirrels in a chain, ambitious men still climb and climb, with great labor, and incessant anxiety, but never reach the top. 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. Black and Tan and Sable are seen mostly in Working Lines. Solid black dog with classic recessive black genetics is typically a working line, there are however, Solid Black dogs with dominant black genetics seen in Show line. This would be the most common color of this breed. Most of the time this is the type of dog that you would see in the movies or television or even the advertising of this breed. I would venture to say that b-tmore dogs of this color than any other color of this breed does the most winning in the conformation shows. In fact some judges have a hard time putting up some dogs of other colors like the black dog, the bi-color or even the sable dog. For some of them, this is not a color that they prefer. Of course the best structured dog with the most desirable temperament should be the dog that wins. However, it is a known fact that some judges just do not favor other coat colors besides the black and tan variation. West German Show Line The blanket type of coat is where the saddle part of the dog extends approximately to the elbow of the dog. There are no tan markings on this dog. However, sometimes this dog may appear to have a reddish undercoat. Most of the time that is due to the dog being out in the sun too long. Also I have seen a totally black dog have a white splash on their chest. The solid black is a recessive gene meaning that both parents must carry this color gene. 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. Vom Geliebten Haus.

To make this calculation easier, all dog foods produced and sold in the United States have a feeding guide on the packaging that will allow you to see just how much food your dog needs. You will also find that most premium brands offer a variety of age-specific products that will ensure that your pet gets the right balance of vitamins and minerals that they need to live a happy and healthy life. Typically, a nice long walk around the neighborhood or a run in the park is enough for them. If you are extremely active, your Box-a-Shar will quite happily exercise with you. Of course, you should remember that just as exercise is important for good human health, it is also an important part of keeping your dog fit and healthy, which means that a dog that exercises more frequently is likely to stay healthy longer than one who gets less regular exercise. Also, these dogs can occasionally become a little stubborn, and as frustrating as that is, the best way to move past this may be to change up what it is you are doing and try to turn the activity into a game for your dog. Ideally, you should brush them at least once or twice a week to remove any loose hair from their coat. When it comes to bathing, it is best to limit their baths to when they need it. Box-a-Shars should also have their teeth brushed once or twice a week with a canine toothpaste, their ears checked for obstructions regularly, and their nails clipped every other month to prevent them from growing too long and breaking. With hybrid breeds, it is difficult to say with any certainty whether conditions that typically affect one of their parent breeds will be passed on to your puppy, but unless you have veterinary advice to the contrary, it is always best to assume that they can. Careful and selective breeding practices can reduce the impact of many hereditary health problems. For this reason, you should always purchase a puppy from a reputable breeder. The conditions to which the Box-a-Shar is susceptible include: Minor Conditions. Nevertheless, in they were accepted by the club as a member of the Non-Sporting Group. The box-a-shar are always available at different colors including golden, brown, brindle, black, merle, red and brindle that is speckled or spotted depending on the individual preference. Box-shar is a hybrid breed offspring of Chinese shar-pei and boxer. Box-pei has a powerful bite and strong jaws used for holding prey like wild boar and bears. Even today they are still brave and have a strength of their ancestors but their affectionate and loyalty natures have made them famous family pets and they are also used as therapy and service dogs. Since they are strong they were used on farms for hunting, however, they later became fighting dogs. What do the boxpei looks like? The Box-a-Shar have a large sized breed that has coats that can come in a different of colors including light red, brown, golden, black, brindle or merle and they are always speckled or spotted depending on the individual dog. Their coats are usually fine and straight and medium and short in length. They take characteristics of both parent breeds although this could changing depending on which one is more overriding. Having both parent breeds like brachycephalic breeds of dogs, the Box-a-Shars are likely to have moderately short noses and muzzles with a wide and flat skull shape. The Box-a-Shar does require consistent grooming to keep looking good. They are gentle and intelligent dogs and friendly to children since they are a great pet. They are also considered as good watchdogs as they help to alert you in case of any intruders. She is also called a Boxpei. She is a large to medium cross that has talents in guarding and watchdog. She always has a life span of 8 to 12 years and she is a loyal dog and totally very calm. Therefore, they have a decent life expectancy and if treated well will all the right checkups, they live longer. Shar-pei boxer mix health The Shar-pei boxer mix just like any dog can inherit health issues from her breed parents. To reduce the risk get the parental health clearances from the breeder. However, we have some health issues include heart problems, OCD, deafness, Joint dysplasia, skin problems, hypothyroidism, Cancer, patellar luxation, eye problems, bloat, allergies, and swollen hock syndrome. Always visit the puppy before you buy it, to see her health and the conditions under which they are kept since they determine the health of them all. Therefore I prefer them having a regular check-up after every 3 months and in case they possess weird behaviors. Shar Pei Boxer mix black is nice and calm door who are friendly to my children. I like when my children play with them since they become familiar and they can stay peaceful even when am not around. Feeding shar-pei boxer mix is easy since it feeds on routine 2 or 3 times a day. Since the Box-a-Shars are not hypoallergenic dogs, therefore, they only require a moderate amount of grooming to keep looking good and at prime health. Thus, their maintenance is simple. They are adapted such that they shed more during shedding season, therefore, they will require much brushing of the coat 3 times a week using slicker or pin. Uncertainty if the dog has wrinkles ensure that they are dried each and every time after a bath, this will prevent the formation of any fungal or yeast infection. In addition, always bath your pet when it is necessary and make use of shampoo this will prevent skill irritation. Lastly, brush its teeth daily and if necessary clip the nails, also check the eats and gently wipe any dirt with damp cotton wool. Box-a-Shar Temperament Box-a-Shar being an intelligent, calm and loyal dog provide joy to family and more so children. The breed is also friendly to other pets, unlike most dogs. I always provide early training and socialization. This breed is easier to train, although you have to be patient since it is stubborn. Absolutely like the parent breed, the Box-a-Shar is usually watching dog since it is more alert. They are more wary of an intruder but very affectionate and friendly to those they know. They require less exercise and live happily to an apartment provided to them as long they are taken out for daily exercise. This breed is not known to bark excessively however it is always fine if left alone for a reasonable amount of time but it loves being around the family. They are moderately very active and they always enjoy playtime and like walking. In addition, apart from walking consider 0ffering her time at the dog park. She will live comfortably in your apartment while playing inside and therefore access to your yard will be safeguarded. Since she is calm and much intelligent this dog is easy to train, more so when you use a positive method like encouragement, reward, and praise. Also, apply a firm tone and be patient and consistent. She will reach a point where she can respond to hand signals or voice commands. Early training and socialization are crucial to ensure she is as well rounded as she can be. The fact that she is a good watchdog and always alert every time make it more famous. She backs excessively to strangers. However other costs can include a collar and leash, crate, chipping, shots, spaying, blood tests and deworming. With that much easy maintenance cost and the above endless listed benefit consider buying and keeping one Boxpei for both security and petting. Recent this is the most sophisticated breed. You Might Be Interested In. Black, golden, light brown, merle Suitable for: Families with children and pets who want an affectionate breed Temperament: Loyal, affectionate, great with other pets and children This breed is ideal for families that already have other pets or children and are looking for a large, affectionate dog. Although this breed is large and strong, it is really affectionate, loyal, and gets along with almost any member of the family. If you are considering reading a Boxpei, read this article first. This complete guide tells you everything you need to know about Boxpei ownership so that you can decide whether or not this adorable breed is right for your home. Dogs that are harder to train will require a bit more patience and practice. Proper exercise, nutrition, and hygiene also play an important role in the lifespan of your pet. More social dogs have a tendency to run up to strangers for pets and scratches, while less social dogs shy away and are more cautious, even potentially aggressive. Even though Shar Peis and Boxers alone are really popular dogs, this mix is not. Because of the rarity of this breed, finding a Boxpei puppy can be a bit challenging. There is almost no chance that you will be able to find this attractive breed in a local shelter, especially if it is a puppy. Occasionally, you can find an adult Boxpei at the local shelter, but even that is not a given. In addition to paying for the puppy, you will have to pay other puppy prices, such as getting the dog vaccinated, licensed, and comfy in your new home. They are incredibly loving and loyal, even to other animals and children. At the same time, they are moderately intelligent and want to please. Together, these factors make Boxpeis one of the more loving and easier to train dogs. Are These Dogs Good for Families? They are patient, gentle with children, and like rough playing with older members of the family. These facts make Boxpeis a great addition to any family, whether the family includes adults, children, or teenagers. With that being said, socialization is really important for any dog. If you socialize the Boxpei early, it will be more likely to get along with every member of the family. Even though Boxpeis tend to be a very gentle breed, that does not mean that an individual dog will not act aggressively to a child that is pestering it. At the same time, make sure that you teach your child how to play with dogs respectfully and appropriately. In addition to being great family dogs, Boxpeis tend to be really great with other animals as well. When it comes to other dogs, they are much more friendly than other breeds of its size. For best results, get puppies at the same time so that the two dogs grow up together. For cats and other small animals, the Boxpei is likely to get along with them too. Many Boxpei owners claim that their cats love to curl up and snooze with their dog. Once again, socialization with cats and other animals is an important step to ensuring your Boxpei gets along with them. This is true in terms of exercise, training, and grooming, though they do eat a lot. These facts make it a great dog for people who want a low maintenance breed or who have never trained a big dog before. Because of their large size, you need to fuel them with the right amount and type of food. Make sure to always provide your Boxpei a lot of water. Taking your Boxpei on a walk once a day will be enough to keep it happy and healthy. At the same time, your Boxpei will be more than happy to be active with you if you are an active person. With working roots, these dogs can keep up, even though they tend to be a bit lazy by choice. This makes them a great breed for both active and moderately active families alike. These dogs are very eager to please their owners and are moderately intelligent, resulting in an easy training experience. Focusing on encouragement and praise goes a long way with these dogs. On the other hand, negative reinforcement does not work very well with Boxpeis. Because they want to please their owners so much, negative reinforcement often causes them to withdrawal from the task. Remember to be patient with your Boxpei and use as little negative reinforcement as possible. Brush their coat once or twice a week to keep it healthy and minimize shedding around your home. Only give your Boxpei a bath when they need it and use a dog approved shampoo. One thing you have to be careful about when it comes to Boxpeis is their dental help. This breed is known to have poor dental checkups. Brush their teeth once or twice a week using toothpaste formulated for canines. Also, clean out their ears as necessary, and clip nails every other month. However, to unhealthy parents will often result in an unhealthy puppy. Talking to your vet for screenings can help you rule out severe illnesses from an early age. Reputable breeders make sure to use parent dogs that are healthy and never abuses them. Still, there are a couple of illnesses that are most prevalent in Boxpeis. These conditions can range from minor to serious. Minor Conditions. Height: 18 - 20 inches at the shoulder Weight: 40 - 65 lb. Lifespan: 9 - 11 years Boxer Shar Pei Mix - Boxpei Personality Like all hybrids, you have to look to the parents to get a good read on how they will likely behave. This could obviously make for a very powerful and strong breed. Both of these parent breeds can be strong and powerful and have very strong prey and drive instincts. They should get along well with other animals if exposed and socialized properly as well. They are somewhat capable of independence, or alone time when the house is noisy or full. She responds well to positive reinforcement, like all dogs. She should be rather affectionate and enjoy spending lots of time with you. However, the one positive thing about getting a puppy is that you can avoid this as much as possible. A breeder should absolutely offer a health guarantee on puppies. A reputable breeder will be honest and open about health problems in the breed and the incidence with which they occur. Health clearances prove that a dog has been tested for and cleared of a particular condition. The Dalmatian mixed with the Shar Pei might be prone to Eye problems, Hypothyroidism, Cancer, skin problems, bloat, patellar luxation, OCD, Joint dysplasia, Swollen hock syndrome, Note that these are just common problems in both breeds. This will be a more challenging dog to groom due to the wrinkles with the Shar Pei. Be prepared to brush them a few times a week. Either way, get ready to invest in a good vacuum if you want to keep your floors clean! Give them baths as needed, but not so much that you dry out their skin. Never tie your dog up outside - that is inhumane and not fair to him. What are the exercise requirements? Plan on taking them for extremely long walks and hikes to keep their energy level down. This exercise will keep them from being destructive. A tired dog is a good dog. A tired dog is a good dog though. What are the training requirements? This is an intelligent dog that will be a little bit challenging to train. They are going to want to take the alpha position and need someone with a firm, strong, hand that can let them know their place. The best thing you can do is break the sessions into shorter daily sessions to keep their attention span higher. It might have a prey drive and be disposed to running for and chasing small prey, but if handled properly this can be managed. All dogs respond best to positive reinforcement. So make sure to praise her when she does well. She is an intelligent dog who loves to please, and loves a physical challenge. The more exercise she gets the easier she will be to train. Proper socialization is imperative to all dogs and puppies. Make sure to take her to the park and doggy day care to get her around as many people and dogs as possible. Each one is unique and has different dietary requirements. Most dogs in the U. A mix like this one that is prone to hip and elbow dysplasia should really be on fish oil and glucosamine and chondroitin supplements as soon as possible. Overfeeding any dog is not a good idea as that can really exacerbate health problems such as elbow and hip dysplasia. A good diet to look into is Raw Food Diet. A raw food diet will be especially good for the Wolf background. Links to other breeds you might be interested in.

What an incredible boy, with the most contagious smile ever! Nathan has brittle bone disease. He has broken many, many bones and endured countless surgeries. He is unable to walk, and is confined to his wheelchair. What an incredible example and inspiration Nathan has been to our family. What an honor it has been to be able to provide Nathan with a dog, to be his best friend and support as he tackles each new day with incredible enthusiasm. Liberty was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes when she was 2 years old. Every time she plays, every time she is sick it affects her insulin. If her blood sugar goes too low she can go into a coma. It truly is life threatening every day. Her mom has to set an alarm every night to check on her to make sure it is not too high or has dropped too low. We were so excited for the opportunity to be able to provide a best friend and a life saving companion for Liberty. Luke was diagnosed with Leukemia at 6 months old. He endured many surgeries, treatments and many long stays in the hospital. Luke would smile at everyone, and anyone that needed to be cheered up. What a blessing it was to be able to donate a puppy to Luke. He loved the puppies and was able to pick out the perfect puppy for his family. Luke peacefully left this world at the age of 2. She has endured countless physical therapy sessions and many more to come. What a pleasure is has been working with her and her family and seeing the impact Champ has made in her life! He always helps me when I go on hikes or when I fall. He wears a harness and helps me keep my balance. Champ is also a very social dog and is friendly to everyone. He always loves and supports me and I am truly grateful to have him in my life. You can pay by sending money via Venmo or Check. We will send you an email announcing their birth, along with a picture of the litter. We will then send you an email each week updating you on what we are working on with the puppies and more!! At 6 weeks old, we will ask for your selection as we contact each new owner in order. We will meet with you in person or via FaceTime. By then we will have completed are three week temperament testing program and will be able to help you match the perfect puppy with your family. Puppy pick up day is a very special day. We will be contacting you and scheduling a time that works best for you to pick up your new puppy. We will then provide you with a "puppy folder" full of wonderful information to get you off to the best start possible. Your puppy will be fully bathed, very familiar with a crate, and ready to become apart of your family. Our dogs are a part of our family and we are so grateful for the opportunity to be able to share such a wonderful blessing in our lives with others. She is just great fun to have around. Regulars at the neighborhood outdoor cafe expect to see Lily come by every day, wagging her tail, looking for attention from everyone. I can't overstate how the Herbsts did everything to give her a good start on life, and to ease the transition from farm to her new home, and to point me towards a puppy who would be a good fit for me. He has a very loving personality, quickly attached to our entire family, loves to play with everyone, and has been easy to train. We potty trained him in just a week by praising him like crazy every time he went outside, and he understood so quickly. He learned all the basic commands very easily as well. He loves people and lets strangers come up to pet him. Katie Lewis "Daisy May" is doing great. Super smart and perfect for our family. She loves to play and is super obedient. By far, the smartest dog I ever owned. Being so obedient, I was considering doing trials or shows with her. Greg Fitzgerald Since Rex joined our family, my wife and I have both commented on how much laughter and joy he has brought to our day. He is such a sweet dog, a quick learner and absolutely wants to please! Ron Harrison He is a great family dog. He has been house trained. We are happy to report that he has not had one accident inside the house. He is well mannered. Shaunie Critchfield Timmy learns fast and shows good potential for competitive obedience events at some time in the future. She is able to immediately light up a room with her happy demeanor. Our three older children, ranging in age from 4 to 7, needed a friend after losing their brother. Maese has been the perfect addition to our family, and a wonderful therapy dog for us all! He has an amazing temperament and is very empathetic. He seems to know when the kids or my husband or I need some comfort. Maese does everything with our family, from hiking and vacations to working the yard or watching a movie. He was the easiest puppy to train, and has continued to be very well-behaved. He's only a class or two away from being certified as a therapy dog, and we look forward to taking him to the local Children's Hospital cancer floor for pet therapy days.We love our Maese! She is gentle with my grandchildren and friendly to everyone she meets. Her disposition is everything the breeder promised and more. Julie Bench When I came to the nursing home, I had to give my dog away to my family. Seeing Buck every day made me feel right at home. Vetrans Home Finny is a physically beautiful golden and we are constantly asked if we will consider him as a show dog. Our vet has also told us repeatedly that Finny is a perfect example of flawless breed standard. We could not be happier with Finny and do hope to get another dog from Amazing Goldens in the future. Mo Smith I just want to update you on our beautiful dog, Sage. She will be one year old on Sunday. We absolutely adore her. She is smart, she is sweet, she is loyal. We couldn't ask for a better canine family member. I've attached a couple of photos of her. She is about 5 months in the fall picture. She just earned her Canine Good Citizen certificate this week, just in time for her first birthday. I plan on continuing training her and eventually will have her serving as a therapy dog. She loves people so much, I know she will be excellent in the role of a therapy dog. I hope all is well with you and your family. Lisa Bakhsheshy. Share 0 Shares Everyone knows what a Golden Retriever is and how lovable they are. Besides the obvious golden color of a Golden Retriever, they also come in dark golden, cream, lightly golden, and red. They are full of energy and make the best companions especially if you love the outdoors and have an active lifestyle. Since they are Retrievers, naturally they love the water so bring them to lakes and oceans for a nice swim! They are expected to live from years old which means plenty of time for love and cuddles. Males and females will also have some distinct characteristic traits, if interested in the difference, check this article. To bring home the perfect Golden Retrieve means that you need the perfect breeder. It is important to find a breeder who focuses on the health, longevity, and temperament of their dogs. The Golden Retriever puppies should also be well socialized before going to their forever home and be screened for genetic hereditary problems including hip and elbow problems. Make sure their Goldens are also AKC registered as well! Many of their dogs are trained to hunt and train on their acre farmlands. Their program is versatile and produces a healthy and optimal Golden Retriever. All their dogs are AKC registered and on their website, there is a tab that if you click on it, will provide you with the dams and sires information pertaining to overall health and genetics. They take the quality of life of their Goldens very seriously and will only be giving their Goldens away to the right people. All puppies will be sold with limited AKC registration and with WM Farms kennel name requirement for tracking purposes. A thorough 6-week exam and first vaccines will be conducted before you receive your puppy. There is a lot of information on their website from their training programs to how they started this business. I suggest contacting them directly for more detail as they are extremely professional and care about their dogs. Name of Owner. We have puppies placed as close as Utah and as far away as New York. We have a pet nanny service that helps with transportation. That too is family owned. We only have litters a year so we can spend the time needed to raise outstanding puppies. At 8 to 10 weeks of age our puppies sit at your feet when they approach you and know the command and hand signals for sit, stay, reinforcement commands for, soft mouth, kisses, come, and best of all, how to be your best friend. They do not nip at hands or feet. They are well acquainted with the crate, and travel in a crate in the car. None of our puppies are barkers. They keep their sleeping area in the house clean even at night when they are locked in. The puppies are trained to use a dog door during the day. Our lines are champion, working, hunting, and show lines. We breed for temperament, health, and beautiful conformation. We do Advanced Cardiology testing on all our breeding dogs. We researched our lines to be as free of cancer as we can determine. Jack was raised by the Hunting Trial Judges of Hungary. This kennel produced the first Sieizure Alert Dog in Hungary. All of our puppies carry this line. Our puppies are from Hungarian and Danish championship lines. We use the Rule of 7 introducing them to as many sounds, people, environments, and surfaces as we can. We provide our new families with the information about the Rule of 7 so they can continue the training needed for a well rounded dog. We also desensitize the puppies to startling noises, plastic, movements, vacuums, yard equipment, etc. They are handled from the moment they are born and they are loving, loyal, and courageous. We will never hide anything about the temperament, health, or personality of the puppy you choose or we choose for you. Puppies live right with us so they are used to the sounds of a busy household and adapt very well to home environments with, conversation, laughter, children, building projects, and machinery etc. This makes them easy to live with. We have been raising puppies for 14 wonderful years. We are located in scenic Southern Utah. Come and visit us and see all of the beautiful national parks in our area at the same time. We would love to meet you! We are always here to answer your questions. We hope to welcome you to the Southern Utah Goldens Family. If you are interested in a puppy from this litter or a future litter, please fill out the application form or reach out on the 'Contact Us' tab. This is the link to our current litter. Documentation available upon request. AKC proudly supports dedicated and responsible breeders. She has a sweet temperament and is a very happy dog. She has a beautiful full coat with a lot of feathering. She is a very good example of the standard for a female Golden Retriever. She weighs 55 pounds. Jack with Dr. Forney Dr. He is our Cardiologist and has cleared all of our breeding dogs for any heart abnormalities.

For the complete list please see our German Shepherd Breeders listings by area page. It is important to remember that you get what you pay for, so be sure to do your research before purchasing a puppy from an unknown or unlicensed breeder. The best way to find a responsible German Shepherd breeder in Hawaii is to ask your friends and family members if they know of any good breeders in the area. You can also search online for clubs or organizations that specialize in this breed of dog. The breeder should be willing to provide you with a health certificate, registration papers, and a pedigree for the puppy. If you are unable to find a German Shepherd puppy for sale in Hawaii, please contact your local animal shelter or rescue organization. There may be adoptable dogs available in your area. The breeder should be more than happy to answer all of your questions and provide you with whatever information you need. Some good questions to ask include: How long have you been breeding German Shepherds? Do you have any health guarantees for the puppies? What type of training and socialization do you provide for the puppies? What is the temperament of the parents? Are the puppies registered with the AKC or any other breed registry? Can I see documentation that the parents have been health tested? What supplies will I need to bring my new puppy home? How much exercise do German Shepherds require? What type of food should I feed my puppy? Do you have any tips on potty training a German Shepherd? They should be more than happy to help you out. When you get your new German Shepherd puppy, make sure to take him or her to the vet as soon as possible for a check-up. Your Hawaii German Shepherd breeder should be able to recommend a good veterinarian in your area. Be sure to ask the breeder if they have any experience with the vet and whether or not they are happy with the care their puppies have received. Ask your friends and family members for recommendations or search online for reviews. Taking your new pet to the vet for an annual check-up is one of the most important things you can do to ensure his or her health. If you encounter one of these breeders, here are some signs to watch out for: The breeder is not willing to provide you with health certificates, registration papers, or a pedigree for the puppy. The parents of the puppies are not available for inspection. The puppies are kept in unhealthy or unsanitary conditions. The breeder is not willing to answer your questions or provide you with information about the puppies. The puppies are sold at a cheap price without any guarantee of quality. If you encounter a breeder who displays any of these warning signs, it is best not to do business with them. They are likely only interested in your money rather than providing you with a healthy puppy. Before you buy a puppy from any breeder, it is important to ask if the puppies have been health tested and what, if any, health problems they may have. Your breeder should be happy to provide you with information about the health of the puppies and their parents. If they are not willing to do this, it is best to find a different breeder. As soon as you bring your new German Shepherd puppy home, make an appointment to take him or her to the vet. This is an important step in making sure that your new pet is healthy and has received all of Ask You Hawaii German Shepherd Breeder if You Can Meet Past Customers Before you purchase a puppy from any breeder, it is important to ask if you can meet some of their past customers. Meeting with other people who have purchased puppies from the breeder will give you more insight into whether or not they are conducting business ethically. Taking a few moments to read what other people have had to say about the breeder will help you get an idea of how reputable they are. When buying a puppy through a breeder, it is customary for them to remain their mother until they reach eight weeks of age. If you are not the one who will be taking care of the puppy, it is important to make sure that the breeder understands this and is willing to hold the puppy until you can take him or her home. How to Prepare Your Home for You German Shepherd Puppy Once you have found a reputable breeder and purchased a healthy German Shepherd puppy, it is time to start preparing your home for your new pet. Here are some tips on how to do this: Set up a special area for the puppy in your home where he or she can sleep, eat, and play. Make sure that the area is free of harmful items such as poisonous plants, small objects that can be swallowed, and electrical cords. Put up a fence in your yard to keep the puppy safe when he or she is outside. Purchase a crate for the puppy to sleep in and use it as a place to put the puppy when you are not able to watch him or her. Train the puppy to understand basic commands such as sit, stay, and come. This will help make him or her a well-behaved dog later on. Be Patient With Your German Shepherd Puppy When you first bring your German Shepherd home, he or she is going to be excited and confused about the new surroundings they are in. German Shepherds are very intelligent dogs with lots of energy that need time and patience when they first come into a new environment. Potty Training Your New German Shepherd Puppy No matter how well you are prepared for bringing home your German Shepherd puppy, there is always the possibility that they will have accidents when they first come into your home. This can be especially frustrating if you are paying a lot of money to purchase this dog from a reputable breeder in Hawaii The best way to potty train your new German Shepherd is through positive reinforcement along with giving them plenty of opportunities to go outside. If you catch the puppy having an accident in the house, make sure you show them where it is appropriate to use the bathroom at all times. Keep in mind that young puppies may not be able to hold their bladder for more than four hours at a time so take them out often. Socializing Your New German Shepherd Puppy Just like any other breed of dog, German Shepherds need to be socialized from a young age in order for them to grow up friendly and well-adjusted. Some good ways to socialize your new puppy include: Taking him or her on daily walks through crowded areas such as the beach or a park. This way they get used to all different types of people and animals. Playing with them around other pets in your home can familiarize them with having another member of the family around from an early age. This is why it is important to make sure your German Shepherd puppy gets enough exercise to keep his or her mind and body active. Taking them on regular walks through the neighborhood will give them a chance to explore while also giving their mind some stimulation. Playing games like fetch or catch outside with you are great ways for the both of you to bond while your German Shepherd puppy gets some exercise at the same time. Whether this new addition will be joining your pack, or if he or she will simply be staying in another home temporarily until they are old enough to leave their mother, it is always best to prepare yourself ahead of time before bringing a new dog into your life. Having a puppy can be very rewarding but it does come with a lot of responsibility. By following the tips above, you can help make the transition period go as smoothly as possible for both you and your new German Shepherd puppy. I love animals and love helping people adopt a pet. It all started when attending Missouri State University and I began volunteering at an animal shelter. Maui, HI Jess and her family are just amazing at what they do. I could go on forever about how great she is but if you're looking for a German shepherd puppy she is the best of the best. You will not regret your choice. Ashleigh K. We will definitely adopt another GS in the future from them. Wesley S. Engaged loving home for males and females, thoughtful combinations of adults for pups. Smart food and human contact. I asked Jess for a certain kind of female and she heard me and sent the perfect match to my farm on Big Island. Tika is very smart, beautiful with all the alert skepticism a young GSD should show. Very healthy and always happy. Great pack dog. Jess is a good conscious breeder. I will purchase another dog from her in the future. Linda M. Jess pours her heart and soul into her breeding program and it shows in her puppies. From selecting parents with the right temperament to giving the puppies early exposures to car rides and loud noises. These dogs are not only beautiful, but extremely trainable, loving and even tempered. You cannot go wrong with Oahu German Shepherds! Hint: Follow them on instagram for an inside look! Anne W. From day 1 10 days old Jess worked with us and our needs as well as letting us visit whenever we wanted. Amber S. Maui, HI An absolutely amazing experience to work with Jess to bring home our beautiful puppy. I highly recommend them for their ethical and well researched breeding practices that will ensure your puppy is a perfect fit for your family. John B. Our puppies grow up on our property with our young daughters with constant socialization. We prioritize temperament: instability, reactivity and aggression are not tolerated over here! Our puppies are ready to go to their new homes at around 8 weeks old. We believe that this is the optimal time for them to transition to their new families and begin their training and socialization. At this age, they have received their first round of vaccinations, have already been microchipped and have been regularly dewormed and vet checked. We provide our new puppy families with a puppy goodie bag and a book full of information on how to continue their care and training at home. How much is a Puppy? This deposit is fully refundable if you change your mind for any reason before the puppies are born. We understand that the cost of a German Shepherd puppy can be a significant investment, but we believe that the quality of our breeding program and the health and socialization of our puppies is well worth the investment. We put a lot of time, effort, and resources into ensuring that our breeding dogs are health tested, come from champion bloodlines, and are raised in a stimulating and nurturing environment. Additionally, our puppies are the only GSD puppies on Island that are raised following the Puppy Culture socialization program, which has been proven to produce confident and well-socialized puppies. Our puppies come with a health guarantee, first set of vaccinations, microchip, dewormed, an awesome go-home bag with lots of goodies and a puppy packet with information on how to care for your new puppy. What is the Process to Reserve a Puppy? You can submit a Puppy Application Here. Why shouldn't I buy a cheaper puppy from a Backyard Breeder? These issues can lead to costly vet bills, behavioral rehabilitation, and heartache for the families who adopt them. We truly believe that purchasing a German Shepherd puppy from a responsible breeder who prioritizes the health and well-being of their dogs is a worthwhile investment that will bring you joy and companionship for years to come. What type of German Shepherds do you breed? We specialize in breeding West German Showline German Shepherds, which are widely recognized for their striking appearance, sound temperament, and reliable stability. Our dogs are bred to adhere to the highest standards of health, temperament, and conformation. We believe that by carefully selecting only the finest dogs from Germany, we can produce puppies that grow into amazing companions. West German Show Line German Shepherds are selectively bred for their physical appearance to meet the standards set by conformation shows, resulting in a more refined look and a calmer temperament. On the other hand, Working Line German Shepherds are bred for their working abilities, with a focus on high energy levels and a strong drive to perform tasks at all times. Often Working line German Shepherds require far too much exercise and engagement than a family can provide. Due to their calm and composed demeanor, Showline German Shepherds are a great match for home life as they have the ability to relax and unwind with their owners. Do you Ship to other Hawaiian Islands? Yes, we do offer shipping for our puppies to their new homes. We prefer to have our puppies picked up in person whenever possible. If shipping is necessary, we work with Hawaiian Airlines to ensure that your puppy arrives safely and comfortably. Additional fees will apply for shipping, including the cost of the flight, health certificate, crate, and transportation to the airport. We will provide all the necessary information and support to make the process as easy as possible for you and your new puppy. Personal delivery is an option for an additional fee. Antverpa and Lord v. Listed within is the foundation of our exclusive breeding program designed to produce dogs with working drives, sound nerves, correct structure, classic saddle back markings, as well as robust health and longevity. We have gone to great expense to bring together the stock capable of producing our ideal. Take a look and see, we are sure you will be as satisfied as we are! How to purchase a German Shepherd Puppy We make sure each dog has the health care and worming at the appropriate ages. Worming is done at 3 weeks, 5 weeks and 7 weeks of age. We will also help to crate train the pups by establishing a morning routine for the pups. We let them on the grass to relieve themselves, feed them, let them have 30 minutes time outside to do their business again, then put them in individual crates to learn how to be relaxed and quiet in a crate alone. We start with a positive 30 minutes on the first day. Then increase the time till the pups can stay in their crate for up to 3 to 4 hours at one given time. If a puppy can hold in the kennel for 3 to 4 hours, this allows for the new owners to be able to have a head start on house training. We give them their first puppy booster shot at 7 weeks then monitor them in separate kennel runs, 5 x 15 feet, for 7 days prior to shipping them to their new homes at 8 weeks of age. This teaches the puppies basic manners and how to continue their routine in new surroundings. Mail to: Alpha K-9 Kennels, P. Box , Hakalau, HI .Venmo Laurel-Smithson-1 Deposits are active for a maximum of 2 years only. Price will be subject to change. Deposits will be forfieted after 2 years. Some clients pass on a puppy when they are contacted. Not intended for breeding. Pick of each puppy is determined by the order in which the deposits are received. You will be contacted once the litter is days of age. Obedience, watch dog, sport or just a good family companion. Pictures will be posted every 2 weeks or so. Deposit 1 will pick first at about 7 weeks of age. Then the rest will follow. Personalities do not show till about 6 weeks, so we need to be patient and let them develop so I can observe and test closer to 7 weeks of age. Complete payment is required by PayPal, Venmo, check or Money order 10 days prior to shipment of each pup. Puppy will have a new crate yours to keep and will be shipped on Hawaiian cargo. Stateside, Guam, Canada Shipping available. Puppies will be ready for shipping at weeks of age. Prior to this time we will contact you to arrange a flight date and time. You may also fly to Hilo to pick up your puppy. We will contact you days in advance to verify flight arrangements. A copy of their shot record 7 weeks ,3 worming dates. A sales contract will be e-mailed containing a guarantee on each pup for hips up to 1 year of age. It is recommended to take the puppy to the vet within 48 hours of arrival to approve the purchase. First name according to the litter letter may be selected by the owner. Limited AKC puppy registration application will be mailed weeks after pick up. If you need any additional information on our dogs, please do not hesitate to call or e-mail alphak9kennels gmail. Thank you again for your interest. Mahalo, Laurel Smithson Our Dogs.

The clip, with more than 3 million views and posted under the username 3goldens1heart, shows Gus as he "slides" off the couch, much to the amusement of owner Kayla. The caption reads: "Now this is the only way he gets off. It's the slide of nothing. The way in which the month-old golden retriever gets himself off the furniture has left the internet in stitches. First seen at a British dog show in , golden retrievers were brought to America by way of Canada around this time. They were recognized as a breed by the AKC in .Sport hunters were drawn to the agile nature of the dogs, while others fell for their sweet temperament and flowing golden coat. The popularity of the breed in the U. Today, the breed is loved for its joyous and playful approach to life and energetic nature. Affectionate, good with other dogs and children, they make a great family p et. Thousands of commenters on the TikTok video thought that Gus' slide was hilarious as people rushed to share their reactions. Since the first slide-move, Gus has taken to using this tactic to get off the couch every time. He jumps up onto the couch but slides off when he's sleepy. Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to life newsweek. Read more. However, one doxie or wiener dog has been affectionately labeled a miniature golden retriever, due to his surprising resemblance to the larger breed. Bjorn the month-old cream-shaded miniature dachshund has gone viral. He appears in a July 21 TikTok video sarahandweens where his owners joke that his large head is exactly like that of a golden retriever. Everyone adores him. I thought of the video as a funny joke to show how much of a 'miniature golden retriever' he really does look like… and A LOT of people took it quite literally. He has been likened to a golden retriever due to having an unusually large head, and his owner has shared a video of him to social media that has gone viral. SarahAndWeens Bjorn's owner added that, while she wouldn't recommend breeding a miniature dachshund with a golden retriever, her pup is a "perfect mix" of both because of his pleasant temperament. Bjorn's owners adopted him at 9 months old. His previous family rehomed him after they discovered that their older cattle dog did not like other canines. Sarah said this affected Bjorn's development: "Unfortunately, as a result of that, in his puppy stage, he grew up being scared of other dogs. Now, we can walk past them and go to dog meetups to keep his socialization high," Sarah said. What Do the Comments Say? Since it was shared to TikTok by sarahandweens, the TikTok post has been viewed more than 7. Or a golden wiener," one user wrote. Another added: "Can we go with Golden Weetriever? Send them to life newsweek. Read more. It's hard to get cuter than a basket of puppies. From their tiny paws to their little whines, there is oh-so-much to soak in before they grow. In their most recent viral clip, Malibu watches on in awe as her pups pile up in a cute wicker basket. If you ask us, it would make the perfect picture! View the original article to see embedded media. Those little angels don't even look real! It's hard to believe they're already packing so much cuteness into such tiny bodies. No wonder their video went viral! Just like stephcraig noticed, Malibu is one "Beautiful, proud Mama!! To be fair, though, it's pretty impossible not to smile when around puppies, especially when they're as adorable as these Golden Retrievers! That sounds about right, though it's also a great reminder to take in every moment you have with your puppy. They grow up so fast! Do you have a pet who's funny, smart, full of personality, or just downright adorable? We'd love for you to submit a video of your fur baby for a chance to be featured on PetHelpful and our social channels! Click here to upload your clip and share your beloved pet with the world.

Responsible breeders have an inherent responsibility to breed healthy dogs. We do not ship our lab puppies and we sell our labrador puppies on limited registration in order to prevent them from ending up in a puppy mill. English Labrador puppies are wonderful family dogs, and faithful companions. They are very calm dogs and do well in inside environments. Though they might lay around inside all day, they still require some daily exercise. It can be as simple as fetching a few balls, swimming in the pond or pool , or an evening walk around the neighborhood. From newlyweds, a family with young children, or a retired couple; anyone can be a perfect fit for a labrador puppy Even though labs are very easy going and can adapt easily to any situation, owning any breed is a big responsibility! This is not the time to hunt for a bargain. Your new labrador puppy will be a member of your family for his lifetime, so you'll want to make a wise investment. Before purchasing a puppy, you need to make sure that you are prepared for the financial and time responsibilities of owning lab puppies. Labs need a quality food, annual vet visits, monthly flea, tick, and heart worm preventatives. Purchasing a labrador from a responsible breeder that only breeds healthy dogs that meet the breed standard will reduce your veterinary bill for the life of the dog. It is also important to purchase the best quality food you can afford. Its also very important that you dont over feed a labrador puppy as this can cause health problems later in life. One wayto make your Labrador puppy a joy to be around for everyone is through quality obedience training like the AKC S. A poorly behaved labrador puppy is a problem for everyone. Nothing is more frustrating than attempting to corral a dog that will not "come" when you call. A well trained dog is not only a pleasure to own, he is a goodwill ambassador for the entire canine community. A well-behaved dog is the result of the dog's owner being willing to work with the dog regularly in a systematic manner. Time spent training your dog is time well spent. Labrador breeders that truly want to better the breed can help you locate a reputable training facility. If you are looking for a labrador puppy that is going to be an inside family member at your house, then we are the labrador breeder for you. We are not looking to sell yard dogs. All rights reserved. Since Welcome to Tru-Heart Labradors! Tru-Heart Labradors is an established professional dog breeder situated between Jacksonville and Gainesville, Florida, that proudly produces the finest dual-purpose chocolate, yellow, and black Labrador Retriever puppies currently available in Florida. Our puppies are sold on a limited-registration basis to pet homes only, and we take pride in the fastidious, loving, and stimulating environment in which they are raised. Because we want every Tru-Heart puppy to find the best possible forever home, we ask that you submit an application before we discuss pricing or accept a deposit from you for one of our outstanding puppies. We do not inbreed. How do wild animal populations manage to remain healthy for thousands of generations without DNA testing? They don't lose important genes from the gene pool. In the wild, animals occasionally move from herd to herd, or flock to flock, which helps to restore genetic diversity to the population. If a particular group becomes isolated, and new individuals are prevented from entering the population, the gene pool is effectively closed. Breeders of other domestic animals understand this. Dogs are no different, and we put this truth into practice. By adhering to our scientifically-proven breeding philosophy, we ensure Tru-Heart puppies are born with sound temperaments, aesthetically-pleasing conformation, good bone, and genetic health and vigor. Please watch the following video on this subject from the Embark Canine Health Summit:. Duke is a perfect fit in our family. He loves our small children. He is medium in size. He is just like his momma Lacey.I highly recommend Penny Lane Labradors! Jennifer Sample: Duke I constantly get comments not just on how handsome he is but his temperament. My husband has had labs his entire life and I have owned one other lab with him for 10 years. Bosun is hands-down the best dog we've ever had. Thank you for breeding such great animals. He is a gem! She is adjusting well! Thank you for taking care of her for 8 weeks :! Charlotte Kountz: Dannie Thank you for our puppy muffin Juno. She is so sweet. She is definitely getting spoiled. She is a good little girl. We just adore her! Deanna Morrey: Delilah Lexi has the most adorable smile and is a little cuddle bug! Rachel Roberts: Lexi We named our little ball of joy Maisie. Thank you for such a wonderful pup! We love her so much!! He loves to swim at the beach and go on walks. Laura Watson: Sully Brady on his 11 wk birthday. He is very good - after the first night he has slept thru all of the nights. He is the perfect puppy!! Loves to get into the refrigerator- never seen anything like it! Took her to the beach first time Yesterday- she absolutely loves all the other dogs and people she meets, and they love her. She sleeps thru the night now in her kennel next to our bed. Thanks for raising such a fine puppy- she has stolen our hearts and filled our lives with joy! She is adjusting fine. She slept free in her own bed in our room till about then went straight back to sleep. Erika Foster: Olive. She was born in late June and is very friendly. She weighs about 55 pounds - and has likely reached her full-grown size. We do not know her exact breed mix. Pictures don't do her justice - she's loving and affectionate, but can be a bit camera-shy. She is fully-recovered from her spay surgery, and has been microchipped and is fully vaccinated. She's receiving monthly flea and heartworm prevention - and had a recent fecal negative and heartworm test negative. Mallory did fantastic with crate training as she recovered from her spay. She's very affectionate and is quite fond of peanut butter. We've working Mallory on leash walking - she loves to explore and choose her own direction and will need some continued training - but she will pee on leash. Her ideal home would have a large fenced yard so she can sniff, explore and zoom. She has not been introduced to young children or cats. Mallory has one brothers also currently available for adoption, Jackson, as well as a sister, Sioux "Sue" If you want more information about Mallory, call or text Jody at or email her at SCRWestLevy gmail. Thanks for your interest in adopting - and for your patience as we are an all-volunteer rescue! We do keep our posts current! Sometimes we have to repost a pup when an adoption falls through. Thanks for understanding. While we are grateful that AdoptAPet shares their information with partner sites, including Overstock and PetHarbor and others, we don't have any control over how frequently those partner sites update their content. Therefore, if you're interested in a particular animal, we encourage you to visit www.

It is important for senior dogs to have a feeding routine, that the food bowl remain in the same area of the house so that they know where to find it, and that they have a rug or yoga mat to stand on while eating to avoid slipping or having trouble standing on hard floors. If your senior dog has gone longer than 24 hours without eating, they should see their veterinarian for a thorough physical examination and possible diagnostics to investigate the cause of their loss of appetite. Is Your Dog a Puppy? Small breed puppies, especially, are at a high risk of hypoglycemia low blood sugar and should be watched closely for signs of lethargy or collapse if they are not eating. If this happens, they should be treated on an emergency basis. Some puppies may not like larger kibble, as it can be hard for their puppy teeth to chew, especially if they are just transitioning to solid food. This can be remedied by mixing in water and letting it soak to create more of a porridge consistency, or the kibble can be mixed with canned food as well. If your puppy still will not eat, they should be seen right away by a veterinarian. If they are also lethargic, vomiting, or having diarrhea, they should be seen on an emergency basis. A newly adopted dog can take days or weeks to settle into their new home. It is important to ensure that they are given a quiet place to eat, away from other pets or children that may interrupt them. However, if they are lethargic, vomiting, or having diarrhea, or go more than 48 hours without eating anything, they should be examined by a veterinarian to rule out any underlying medical conditions. Did Anything Change in Your Household? Some dogs may be sensitive enough that a change in their environment may cause inappetence. Examples include a new addition to the family whether a new pet or a new baby , construction, having people over, or even a change in the location of the food and water bowls. Some dogs with separation anxiety even expect their loved one to be in the room while they eat, and will stop eating if their human leaves the room. While this is not necessarily a health concern, it is a sign that your dog may have severe anxiety that needs to be addressed. Calming chews such as Composure or Solliquin may be helpful, and calming pheromone collars or diffusers such as Adaptil can be beneficial as well. However, if you are concerned that your dog may have severe separation anxiety, consider consulting with a board-certified veterinary behaviorist for help. Did You Switch Dog Foods? This also allows your dog to get used to the new food over time, rather than making a sudden switch. Is Your Dog Pregnant or in Heat? Early in pregnancy , your dog may have a reduced or absent appetite. If your dog is in the middle or late part of her gestation, she may eat less because her stomach has less room to expand due to the presence of puppies, but she should make up for this by eating a smaller amount more frequently. Regardless of what point of gestation your dog is in, if she has not eaten in over 24 hours, your veterinarian should be called right away to ensure that everything is okay. Dogs in heat may also have a decreased appetite, which is considered normal. However, if she goes longer than 48 hours without eating anything, she should be checked by her veterinarian. If she is lethargic, vomiting, having diarrhea, or drinking and urinating more than usual, she should be seen by her veterinarian right away, as this could indicate an infection in the uterus known as pyometra. Is Your Dog Diabetic? If your dog is diabetic and will not eat, this could be an indication that something is seriously wrong. If your veterinarian advised you to give a half dose of insulin if your dog skips one meal, do so, but alert your veterinarian immediately if your dog skips another meal. If your diabetic dog skips a meal, is lethargic, nonresponsive, or vomiting or having diarrhea, they should be seen by a veterinarian immediately, as this could be an indication of hypoglycemia or diabetic ketoacidosis, both of which are life-threatening if not treated right away. It is not unusual for your dog to skip a meal or two after a surgery. You may try tempting your dog to eat with a spoonful of canned food or boneless, skinless, boiled chicken on top of their kibble. Better yet, ask your veterinarian for a few cans of a prescription gastrointestinal diet to feed for the first few days after surgery. These foods are highly palatable, are easily digestible, and can help counteract some of the gastrointestinal upset that can happen after surgery and anesthesia. If your dog had oral or facial surgery, your veterinarian may recommend feeding only canned food for two or more weeks. This also means that your dog should not receive hard treats or chew on hard toys until they are declared healed at their recheck appointment. If your dog is refusing to eat the prescribed canned food, reach out to your veterinarian in case there are any post-operative complications. Heat canned food for a few seconds in the microwave make sure to take it out of the metal can and put it into a microwave-safe bowl. Canned food can become scorching hot quickly, so feel the food first to avoid any burned tongues. Try mixing some plain, boneless, skinless boiled chicken and rice with their kibble to encourage them to eat. Add a probiotic such as Purina Fortiflora or Advita on top of the food. Not only can this make the food more palatable, but it can also help any inflamed or irritated intestine heal by rebalancing a healthy gastrointestinal flora. If you have tried these tricks and your dog continues to refuse his food, he should be seen by his veterinarian to rule out any underlying medical conditions. Unless explicitly prescribed by your veterinarian, your dog should not be given any over-the-counter gastrointestinal medications like Imodium or Pepto Bismol , as these could cause serious side effects or even interact with medications that your veterinarian may want to give. It is best to consult with your veterinarian before attempting to treat symptoms at home. Featured image: iStock. Help us make PetMD better Was this article helpful? There are many reasons why a dog might not want to eat. Dental problems Dental issues can often cause appetite loss. Signs of a larger dental problem include a foul smell, any loose teeth or lots of tartar build- up; if you spot any of these, make sure to see the vet right away. And of course, prevention is the best cure! Environmental changes Changes in environment or routine can upset some dogs and put them off their food for a while. If your pup has experienced a stressful event recently, this may be the cause. Normally, once the initial anxiety has passed, dogs will return to their normal eating habits. Medication The same is also true for vaccinations or new medications — from time to time, they can cause dogs to lose their appetite temporarily, but this should fade within a day or so. Overfeeding Sometimes, there may not be a medical or behavioral problem causing your dog to refuse their dinner. They might just not be hungry! Giving dogs too many treats or overfeeding in general is surprisingly easy to do. Remember that the suggested amounts on food packaging typically overestimate the amount a normal dog needs. Try keeping a list of the number of treats your dog gets in a day and make sure no-one else in the house is sneaking them food! You may just have a picky eater on your hands. Puppies are notoriously fussy eaters. New puppies take in a lot at once — they may need time to adjust to their new lives, and you may need to experiment with their food. If dogs have become accustomed to getting human-food treats on a regular basis such as high-fat, tasty morsels of cheese or salami , they may turn their nose up at their blander kibble, in the hope that something better might come along later. If you think your dog is just being picky, check out our tips below for how to get your dog eating again. The ingredients could also have changed, so it may be worth trying a different flavor too. Dogs are pack animals by nature and may feel more comfortable eating when you are home. If this is the case, try to make sure you feed your dog at least 10 to 15 minutes before you have to leave so they have time to finish eating their meal before you part ways for the day. If dogs have become accustomed to getting human-food treats on a regular basis, they may turn their nose up at their kibble. Try rotating through several alternative dog foods Try a few different flavors, mix dry and wet food together, or switch between dry and wet to see if another food appeals more to your dog. Ensure you make any changes gradually, to not upset their stomach. Add a tasty topper or mix to their food Mix in a little human food to see if that does the trick. Warm up the food Even us humans tend to prefer a nice, warm meal. Add a little warm water, just a tablespoon or so, or pop the food in the microwave briefly. Go for a walk before meals Make sure your dog is well-exercised before you feed them, to help them build up an appetite. Feed at consistent times Divide the food into two or three meals and serve them at consistent times each day. This leaves your dog no choice but to eat their food and hopefully get used to it. If your dog stops eating for more than a couple of days or experiences any other concerning signs, you should contact your vet right away. We hope these tips are useful. We are here to help! Related articles. You could simply be dealing with a picky eater, or this could be a sign of a more serious health issue. If your puppy normally eats his food eagerly but has suddenly stopped, the first thing you should do is make sure he is healthy. A sudden disinterest in food may mean your puppy is sick, perhaps intestinal woes. If your puppy eats other kinds of food like wet food or snacks and refuses to touch his dry food, he may just be a picky eater. If your puppy is younger than that, he may be too young to eat regular dry food meals. In most cases, pet owners take ownership of the puppy when he is six to eight weeks old, after weaning. Is Your Puppy Teething? Feeding your puppy on a regular schedule, versus leaving food in his bowl all the time, can help him regulate his digestive system. As a general rule, puppies under six months of age should be fed three small meals a day and then switched to twice a day: once in the morning and once in the evening. Once your puppy reaches maturity about a year old for most puppies, or two years for giant breed puppies , you can decide whether to feed him once or twice a day. After all, our taste, texture and smell preferences differ from person to person. You can also try moistening the dry food using three parts kibble and one part warm water. Want to learn more about how and what to feed your puppy? Click here to learn everything you need to know about feeding your puppy, from the nutrients he needs to promote healthy growth to how his breed and size can affect his diet. Related articles. But what can you do if your puppy is not eating, or isn't eating enough? Veterinarian Joanna Gale, BVetMed, a Mars Petcare expert, explains how much your puppy should eat and gives the lowdown on why young dogs sometimes skip meals, how to get them to eat, and what signs indicate something is seriously wrong. Exhaustion Puppies go-go-go until they suddenly crash into a sleeping pile of cuteness. Your little one may simply need a nap before he's ready to chow down. As long as your pup digs into his bowl at the next mealtime, it's OK for him to miss one feeding. Distraction If there's a party going on, a new person or pet in the house, or an opportunity to play, your puppy might be too excited to eat. Your four-legged friend should be ready to eat once things settle down again. Stress Has anything changed in your puppy's environment recently? For instance, a new home, pet, or person? If surroundings have changed, that can cause puppies to act differently. It may just be a matter of your puppy adjusting. But make sure feeding times are as calm for your pet as possible and consider placing your puppy's food bowl away from other pets' feeding areas. Vaccinations Just like in people, pets can feel a little blah after getting a shot. Fatigue and reduced appetite are normal side effects of puppy vaccinations , but they shouldn't last longer than a day. Finicky Eater Many pet parents assume that if puppies aren't eating, it's because they don't like the food. But, Gale says, "Most healthy puppies have a good appetite and aren't fussy about their kibble. If you add human food, you're unbalancing the meal that's been carefully formulated for puppies. And your puppy may end up picking out the bits that he likes and leaving the rest. Too Many Snacks It's important that puppies learn good manners with some basic positive reinforcement training. But teaching young pups the do's and don'ts usually requires lots of treats. If your puppy is filling up on treats, he may not be hungry for his normal meal. If that's the case, use pieces of his regular kibble or try buying specific training treats as incentives during training sessions so he gets proper nutrition throughout the day. Illness A complete loss of appetite could mean your puppy is sick, particularly if he is listless or quiet, Gale says. The problem could be anything from a virus to eating something that isn't food hello, little shoe chewer. It's essential for puppies to regularly refuel. Growing bodies need lots of nutrients. So if your puppy is acting like his goofy, normal self but hasn't eaten for a full day, call your vet for advice. Is your puppy also refusing water? Then ring your vet after a half-day of no eating or drinking, Gale recommends. If your puppy becomes inactive or starts to vomit or have diarrhea, it's best to see your vet right away. Diarrhea and vomiting can quickly dehydrate a puppy and could indicate that something is seriously wrong. How to Get a Puppy to Eat Again If your puppy has other symptoms or has missed an entire day of eating, seek veterinary care. Otherwise, there are a few things you can do at home to encourage your pup to eat his next meal. And, make sure mealtimes are calm and relaxed. One other secret to enticing your pup to eat is to mix wet and dry puppy food. It's a change that's still nutritionally balanced and appropriate for puppies. Like human babies, puppies have tiny stomachs and need to eat several small meals a day. As your puppy grows, you can feed larger amounts less frequently. Your veterinarian can recommend a schedule, but Gale says these are the general guidelines: 4 meals a day: Recently weaned puppies of all sizes need four meals a day. This chart helps break down the feeding schedule by your puppy's breed size. Always discuss the best feeding schedule for your puppy with your vet. Puppies need varying amounts of food, depending on the dog's size and breed. For a starting point, check the feeding guides on puppy food packages. But remember, Gale says, that the feeding guides list the total daily amount—so split that amount equally into the number of meals that's right for your puppy's age. For example, if it says your 3-month-old puppy needs 1 cup of food a day, divide that by four. So you would feed your pup a quarter cup of kibble four times a day. Your veterinarian can also help determine if the amount of food needs to be adjusted based on your dog's growth and weight at each well-visit. Young dogs need the extra nutrients they get in puppy food for proper growth. So if your furry pal is refusing to eat, it's best to check in with your vet especially if your pup has skipped several meals. Once your adorable fur ball is chowing down again, you can relax knowing your spunky pup is getting everything a growing dog needs. Was this page helpful? Signs your puppy needs to see a vet Besides the long-term risks of puppies not eating as they should, there are some immediate risks to take into account when your puppy refuses to eat. This is particularly true for toy breeds that are prone to hypoglycemia a drop in blood sugar , which can lead to serious complications. Puppies are also more susceptible to dehydration than older dogs. This seems especially the case if their main diet is canned food, as pups eating the "wetter" canned food tend to drink less. Here is a list of the more common reasons. Finicky Eater Being a picky eater isn't all that common in puppies. After all, your puppy has two qualities that should make them happy to eat just about anything: they're 1 a dog and 2 a puppy! However, in some cases, puppies can become picky eaters and have certain preferences in their eating habits. To be on the safe side, you always want to have your puppy's veterinarian evaluate them to be sure they are healthy if they show signs of not wanting to eat. If your puppy is given a clean bill of health by their veterinarian, consider whether they are happy to eat other things besides their meals, such as healthy dog treats or dog-safe fruit. If they are happily eating those things, it may be that they are getting a bit picky with their regular food. You have a couple of options here: Change their food. You certainly wouldn't want to be forced to eat something you don't like, day after day. Sometimes it's as easy as switching to a different texture or hardness of food. I don't advise changing the protein source chicken, beef, etc. Changing protein sources for your dog can make it more challenging in the future should your pup develop food sensitivities or allergies. This is one reason when pets do develop food allergies, they have to be fed veterinary hypoallergenic diets which tend to be much more expensive instead of limited ingredient or new protein diets. Stick with the same protein even if you're switching or adding canned food to their meals. And be sure to change your puppy's food gradually to avoid stomach upset. Make their food more enticing. This may be a food topper, fish oil supplement although don't overdo it, and remember that it is a fish protein in case of allergy concerns , or some wet food. Even just wetting the food with warm water and letting it sit for a few minutes can make it more enticing read: smelly for your puppy. Do this before you offer the food to your puppy. You don't want to build a habit of them refusing dry food and learning that doing so means you'll add something yummy. They're always learning! The goal here is to just get calories in. See below for some options on food toppers to try. If a puppy is truly being picky — again, this is rare — the usual recommendations from canine behavior consultants are to put the food down for 15 to 30 minutes and then put it away if uneaten after that time. It doesn't reappear again until their next mealtime. HOWEVER, because it's extremely important for a puppy to get enough calories from a balanced diet, this isn't recommended for young puppies or toy breeds that are prone to hypoglycemia low blood sugar. Be sure to rule out other causes for their lack of appetite first, and then speak with your veterinarian about whether they are old enough to try this method. Maybe you brought them home very recently. If you have children, maybe they have just gone back to school, and the puppy is experiencing separation anxiety. Or maybe the kids are spending more time at home. Keep an eye open for potential sources of stress for your pup. Well, the same can hold true for puppies. If you think this might be the reason, check out some ways to help keep your pup cool. Teething or Pain Just like babies become fussy about eating when they are teething, so can puppies. The discomfort and soreness they experience in their mouth can make them reluctant to eat their food, especially if it is dry food. The pain could be from an injury — after all, puppies can be quite accident-prone! Pups can also experience inflammation of their pancreas pancreatitis or growing pains from their developing bones. They could even have something stuck in their mouth — like a splinter or piece of wood from chewing on a stick — or a broken tooth from a bad chew toy. Check for any external or obvious sources of pain. See below for some teething toy suggestions and alternatives to dry food. Some snacks and treats, whether stolen by your puppy or given freely by you, can cause digestive upset as well as obesity and begging later in life. They may even cause your puppy to reject the healthier and balanced dog foods they should be eating! You can greatly decrease the chance of your pup sneaking their own treats by puppy-proofing your home and teaching them not to counter surf. If your pup is having diarrhea for more than 12 hours, they are at risk for dehydration. The risk for dehydration increases if your puppy is also vomiting. For those that are severely dehydrated, the skin will remain tented. This is a critical situation for puppies, and medical attention is needed immediately. Connect now Rates may differ for those residing outside the U. You'll have access to a vet for 7 days. Many puppies have roundworms or other parasites in their gut before you get them home. This is a big part of the reason why we vets usually deworm puppies at their puppy visits, recommend fecal poop testing, and vaccinate to prevent Parvo and other devastating diseases. For example, puppies with liver shunts will have stunted growth, poor muscle development, abnormal behavior such as head pressing, seizures, circling, etc. They may also have vomiting, diarrhea, or abnormal appetites. Acute kidney failure due to a toxin or infection can cause decreased appetite, abnormal urination, vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, etc. Respiratory Infection One of the more common respiratory infections, kennel cough, can be mild and self-resolving, but it can also spread and reach the lungs. For some, this can be another reason not to want to eat. The best way to protect your puppy from kennel cough and perhaps even canine influenza, a. Therefore missing a meal or two can be problematic and be a cause for concern. Always err on the side of caution and call your veterinarian for advice in these situations. Add about 1 part water to 3 parts dry food. You can even warm it in the microwave for 30 to 60 seconds to enhance the smell. Be sure it is not too hot before giving it to your puppy. Add in a little bit of canned food. Some puppies like it cold, some room temperature, and some prefer it warmed. Note: Choosing canned food is best done with your veterinarian's recommendation, but you can start by looking to see if the dry food you feed your pup is available in canned form. And stick with the same protein source. If the kibble is chicken, find a chicken canned food. However, these diets and the options below all require a veterinary prescription. Veterinary-formulated diets are meant to treat, cure, or alleviate certain medical conditions and if they are used incorrectly or for the wrong condition, they could cause other health issues. These diets should always be used under veterinary supervision. When you need a truly smelly and appetite-stimulating canned food, Royal Canin's Recovery canned food is a good option. If you wanted to switch dry foods — normally you'd want to transition over time — but because it's critical for a puppy to eat, this food is safer to switch suddenly. Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets EN Gastroenteric dry canine formula provides complete and balanced nutrition for the growth of puppies and maintenance of adult dogs, including the growth of large breed dogs 70 lbs or more as an adult. You can try adding some peanut butter. If Feeding Canned Food: Try offering it cold, room temperature, or warm to find your pup's preference. Avoid broths containing onions, onion powder, chives, or garlic — as these can cause a breakdown of your pup's red blood cells. Mix Native Pet's Bone Broth powder with water as a pet-safe way to add broth to their food, or sprinkle this broth flavored food topper on their food. Some pups will perk up their appetite when you add a little bit of plain boiled white rice or pasta to their meals, or some boiled and shredded, boneless, skinless, spice-less chicken breast. Add some low-sodium green beans can encourage some puppies to eat. And the added benefit of green beans is they contain essential vitamins and minerals, as well as fiber. Add some room temperature or warmed chicken or turkey baby food the brands we linked to don't contain onions, which shouldn't be in any food you give your dog. Add some fruit, such as blueberries, cantaloupe, cranberries, etc. DO NOT give grapes, raisins, or currants since they are toxic. Check out our list of safe and unsafe fruits you can give your dog. You can also try a very small amount of canned pumpkin. While pumpkin has a lot of benefits, sometimes too much of a good thing can create issues. For example, excess fiber from the pumpkin could block the absorption of protein if the puppy consumes more of it than their normal diet. Additionally, too much can cause diarrhea, which would be an additional complication. If you normally feed your pup their food in a bowl, try a different type stainless steel instead of plastic or switch to a plate. Change where you feed your puppy. Feeding them in their crate or puppy playpen is the best idea, which provides some separation from other dogs, cats, and the hustle and bustle of your home. It also has the added bonus of creating a positive association with their crate an essential part of crate training and helping prevent resource guarding issues. You may need to stimulate their appetite by increasing activity before mealtime. Try taking them for a walk or have playtime before you plan to feed them. Try setting a fixed feeding schedule to see if they will eat once hungry. Providing puppy-safe teething toys can give them some relief. A cooling teething stick can help soothe gum irritation and feel good to gnaw on, and the softer rubber in puppy teething toys is gentler on your puppy's sore mouth. These pheromones mimic the scent of a mother nursing her puppies, encouraging a sense of safety and security. Adaptil Pheromone Diffuser Available at: Provide calming enrichment activities. Licking, chewing, and sniffing are excellent for not only providing mental enrichment but are also self-soothing. Spread some wet food on a licking mat you can even freeze it to make it longer-lasting or to use on hot days and give it to your puppy in their crate or playpen to work on. Make sure to supervise their licking mat session, as these aren't meant as chew toys. You can even blend up their dry food with some water or food topper and then smear it on the licking mat so they can get those much-needed food calories. Hyper Pet IQ Treat Lick Mat Available at: You can try spreading a bit of your dog's wet food, peanut butter, pureed pumpkin , or low-fat greek yogurt on this mat to provide a soothing enrichment activity. If you feel really desperate, you can attempt hand feeding. Just be warned, this could become a habit your puppy starts to rely on! Start by feeding from your hand and then work towards holding the bowl for them instead of feeding straight from your hand. From there you can build them up to eating from the bowl on the floor while you're further away Don't Over Treat: Be sure that you are not giving too many treats and spoiling meal time. A puppy that is full of yummy treats won't eat their regular meals because they just aren't hungry. There are a couple of options here to help mitigate extra treat calories and to ensure your puppy is getting a complete and balanced diet during intensive training. Use a portion of your dog's regular food as their training treats. Measure out their daily allotment and pull out a portion to use for training exercises. Use regular food treats indoors and for easy cues, saving the high-value training treats for puppy class or practice out and about. Rely on a different type of food as a training treat. For example, if your puppy eats dry food for meals, use air-dried dog food for treats, such as the Ziwi Peak Air-Dried food. The texture is different and many dogs find these types of food more valuable than dry food, but they are still formulated to provide a balanced diet. Speak with your veterinarian about how many calories your puppy should be consuming each day. This will help you balance out the calories they are getting from treats with the amount they are getting from food. Incorporate real-life rewards for your puppy's training. One of the best things you can do when training your puppy is to practice identifying what it is that they want in a particular moment and then using that as a reinforcer and reward for their behavior. It's not always about treats! For instance, they might want your attention, access to the yard, to go for a walk, or to play. By using these real-life rewards from the start with your puppy, only using treats to get better focus or to teach a brand new behavior, you'll be on the right track for fading out food treats later on in life. If your puppy has decreased energy. If your puppy is weak. If your puppy shows signs of hypoglycemia low blood sugar — abnormal gait walking , weakness, seizures, and even coma. If multiple dogs in your home or among your circle of friends are also experiencing decreased appetite. If you know your pup has recently gotten into the trash or dirty laundry. If your puppy got into cleaning agents mop water, freshly cleaned toilet, etc. If any toys are recently missing or destroyed. If they've recently been spending time at the dog park, doggy daycare, or any other group of dogs. If your puppy was just vaccinated. If the whites of their eyes, their gums, or the inside of their ears are yellow or even yellowish. See the photo below as an example of a dog's eye that is yellow. For a growing puppy, a good, well-balanced diet is extremely important. Puppies have unique nutritional requirements and therefore need diets specially formulated for their optimal health and growth. You are laying the foundation of a healthy adult when you properly feed your puppy. A well-balanced puppy diet will help: Achieve a healthy growth rate — not too rapid and not too slow. This is extra important for large and giant breed puppies. Support proper immune functions Prevent the possible occurrence of developing orthopedic issues in the legs and hips When you are looking for the right diet, you want to purchase food with the AAFCO American Association of Feed Control Official certification. This is the organization that supervises the entire pet food industry. An ideal diet will also have completed a feeding trial before it is marketed. You want to feed a diet formulated for puppies based on their size small breed versus large breed formulations are different. A good puppy diet should contain the proper levels of DHA. About the author Dr. Beth Turner Beth Turner is a veterinarian with over 20 years of experience. She graduated from North Carolina State College of Veterinary Medicine and following graduation, she began her career as an associate veterinarian and worked closely with the local shelter. In she accomplished her dream of practice ownership, designing and building her own clinic. Another meaningful role, while running her clinic, was serving as her county's shelter veterinarian. This gave her the opportunity to help improve the lives of many animals in her community as well as work with the rescue she loved. She sold her practice in to move across the country. A family member moving out Relationship break-up A change in your routine, such as working shifts or nights Moving his bowl to a different area All of these changes may upset your Labrador and cause him to be disinterested in food. Multiple changes should be done one at a time. If your dog has a stomach upset, vomiting, and diarrhea , you may need to contact your vet sooner. Your dog may have also eaten something toxic. Take care with foods like grapes or chocolate, and never leave these where your Lab can reach them, as even a tiny amount can be highly poisonous. Medication or Vaccinations Some medications may cause a reduced appetite or nausea. If your Lab is taking a new course of medication and this occurs, you should inform your vet as there may be a more suitable alternative. If your Labrador Retriever has had his recent vaccinations, sometimes these can cause adverse reactions, including loss of appetite. The good news is this should only be brief. Ensure your Lab is drinking plenty of fresh water and keeping himself hydrated. If your Lab finds it difficult to keep hydrated, you can always try a pet water fountain such as the Petsafe Drinkwell from Amazon. The free-falling stream of water entices your dog to drink and keeps his water constantly clean. Dental Pain When your Labrador suddenly stops eating his kibble, it could be because the food is causing him some pain in his mouth. It might result from gum disease, an abscess, or a damaged tooth. Choose a more fragrant food. Try choosing a better quality food that has a powerful meaty smell. Add some warm water or unsalted chicken or beef broth. Add a topping. You can add wet food or other toppings such as plain yogurt, egg, chicken, other meats, or fish. I often do this to mix things up for my dog. Try hand-feeding, as your Lab might need a little TLC! Exercise your dog before feeding so that he works up an appetite. However, wait an hour before putting his bowl down which helps prevent bloat GDV. If you have been hand-feeding your Lab, try stopping for a while. Remove his bowl after 15 minutes and then only put it down again a few hours later. Limit treats to training times only. Try keeping his mealtimes separate from yours. Put him in another room at your mealtimes. Do not feed your dog table scraps. Try switching to a ceramic bowl instead. Give him lots of praise when he eats from his bowl. Make feeding time fun — try putting a lid on his food, so he must remove it first. They are good, especially if your dog is easily distracted by his environment. This bestseller has almost 75, positive reviews! If your dog senses that you are stressed and anxious about his loss of appetite, he may also become stressed and not eat at all. I know initial vet visits can be costly, but so are treatment methods if your Lab is diagnosed with a condition or disease! I would recommend having a decent pet insurance policy in place. This will always give you peace of mind and avoid unexpected vet costs. But if your dog has gone more than two days without eating you should call your vet. Labradors should eat at least twice a day at hour intervals to prevent bloat GDV. Puppies under 6 months of age should be fed more often as they need small meals throughout the day. Hopefully, these suggestions will fix the situation and return your Labrador to his everyday eating habits. Related Posts You May Like:. Picky dogs can have their appetite perked up by being offered another food or treat, but unwell dogs will refuse even their favorite meals. Partial anorexia is when a dog eats, but not enough to keep him healthy and fit. There are many reasons why a dog or puppy might go off their food. If a dog eats nothing for a few days or loses his appetite over a period of time this can be a sign of a serious illness. A mild illness, like a tummy upset, could cause him not to eat for a day or two. Problems with his teeth or pain can also cause him to eat less — just like you would. But there are other reasons for a dog to stop eating. Lack of appetite can be caused by changes in the environment or emotional upsets. Not eating can also be a learned response. But first things first. You could have a medical emergency on your hands. First try and see if you can figure out a reason. He tries to, picks at his food but then backs off. Check his body all over for signs of an injury, bloating or any unusual lumps at bumps. Are there any signs of problems with his teeth, mouth or throat. Check his stools and whether he is passing urine. Does he have a fever? If your dog looks really sick — withdrawn, lethargic or unusually quiet, he may be in trouble. He needs to see a vet without delay. Dogs with severe tummy pain may just take to their beds and not make a sound. Bloat or some kind of obstruction from eating trash are possibilities your vet might want to consider. You can also try and offer food again in a few hours. Dogs can go without food for a few days without any adverse effects on their health. There are many reasons why a dogs go off their food besides health problems. Or even if he seems just a little bit reserved. You dog might just not be hungry. Or bored with his food. Someone could have slipped him too many treats. Have you changed food brands? Some dogs are very suspicious of unknown tastes and smells. A new bag of kibble you just opened might be off — check and smell the food. When dogs have emotional upsets it often puts them off their food — just like our children. Have you moved house? Even a simple thing like a new food bowl or changing the place where you feed him can have him turning up his nose at food. Most dogs also stop eating for a day or two when their owners go off on holiday. Are there visitors who might be upsetting him? Or a new pet? But, if he normally has a healthy appetite, keep an eye on him, watch and wait. One of the things you need to watch for is that your dog drinks water. Right away. If your dog is drinking a lot more water than usual and refusing to eat this can also be a sign of an infection or a serious disease. Just like people, dogs get tummy bugs. These minor bugs are not usually serious and most dogs will carry on behaving normally throughout. And they will drink enough water to replace lost fluids. Veterinary advice is to not feed your dog for about 12 hours after a tummy upset. Then start by feeding small amounts of bland food every few hours on the first day. This allows the digestive tract to recover. Increase the amount of food gradually and if it seems that the problem is solved you can start reintroducing normal food. A lack of appetite accompanied by absence of bowel movements, or by straining, may indicate a bowel obstruction. Illness aside, the vast majority of dogs that go off their food are not in the throes of a medical emergency. Many dogs that gradually stop eating do it because they want you to feed them different food. If you ate the same old pellets every day, you might get bored too. Having said that, most kibble fed dogs consume their daily ration with gusto. So why do some dogs stop eating dry food? There may a perfectly good reasons. Older dogs, or those with dental problems or painful jaws may find them hard to chew. Or in winter the food might just be too cold. The solution here is simple — add a bit of warm water. But most often the reason is that someone added something tasty to the kibble at some point. And the dog has really appreciated that addition. It might have been some tasty gravy or some after dinner scraps. So the dog turns his nose up, and what happens next? Which he does! Job done. Or not. No — he is prepared to hold out for the tasty additions he has come to expect. So what do you do? Or paying a small mortgage for fancy food in a pretty pouch? The bad news is, your dog will make you feel like a bit of a heel whilst you go about teaching him not to be a fussy eater. He may also lose a bit of weight which could be a bonus. Which brand should you try? People often ask us which brand of dog food they should try, especially when their dog is refusing several brands. We simply cannot advise you on which brand of food you should feed your dog. That is a matter for you, and possibly your vet, to decide in consultation with your wallet. But be very wary of switching brands on more than one occasion. You can end up in a cycle of constantly switching from one food to another whilst your dog gets more and more picky. Your dog has learned to play you. How long can a dog go without eating Forget about hours. If he has access to water, a fit and well dog can last days without food. And most healthy, well balanced, dogs will give in and eat what is put in front of them within two or three days. So if you want to, you can safely refuse to feed a fit and well dog alternatives, until his hunger gets the better of him and he gives in and eats what you provide. That includes mentally well. Or a dog that has a health or emotional reason for not eating. A dog who has a chronic illness may need a special diet. And those recovering from a health problem could need some coaxing to recover their appetite. So do dogs who are recovering from a serious illness or have pain from recent surgery or conditions like hip dysplasia. This is only partly because they are less active and need less food. Various metabolic changes also take place when the body is under stress. Your vet will probably advise you on what to feed your sick, injured or recovering dog. He is likely to suggest that you tempt your dog with foods that he enjoys. Meals should be nourishing, easy to eat and to digest. You should offer smaller meals more frequently. Dogs find moist, warm food with a strong flavour more appetising. Canned dog foods, meat, fish, and eggs fit the bill. Sense of smell and taste can decline with age, and lower activity levels may mean that the dog simply needs less food. Most older dog gain weight because of inactivity. Those who keep losing weight usually have an underlying long term health problem, problems with their digestion or difficulty in swallowing. So if your older dog it not eating and keeps losing weight you should have him checked out by your vet. When older or chronically ill dogs eat too little over a long time they lose, not only body weight, but also lean mass muscle. Labrador puppies usually have voracious appetites, and will eat pretty much anything with relish. Even if your puppy seems otherwise well, talk to your vet if he stops eating altogether for more than a few hours. Moving home can be very stressful for a dog. He may need a little time to settle in first. His emotional health is the priority here, not your ability to control his diet. That can wait a week or two. But what happens when your dog eats everything besides the food they should? Fussy eaters Your dog that is happily settled in your homes, in great health, and refuses to eat the food allocated for him. He happily scoffs treats, or food of a different make? What about dogs that will only eat if you wet their food? Or pour gravy on it. These are the fussy or picky eaters of the dog world. These are often dogs that are having a great time making their adoring humans run around after them — providing their favorite delicacies — and generally giving their dogs what is very often a completely unbalanced diet. Just read on for the cure. How to cure a fussy eater The cure for a fussy eater is straightforward. Here are the steps: Decide what you want your dog to eat and offer him a small quantity in a bowl. Set a timer for five minutes. When the timer goes off, take the bowl away. Do not feed him any treats whatsoever until his next mealtime. At the next time, offer the dog a small quantity of exactly the same food again. For exactly five minutes. Do not feed him anything else. Make sure he has clean drinking water available at all times. Rinse and repeat Build up quantities as soon as he starts eating again. But you will win this battle.

Margaret O. I could not be happier. A mentally healthy dog is so important. Our little guy came to us in an unexpected unique way. After a previous family was unable to take him, Jeff called us and asked if we were interested in coming out to meet the puppy that same day! They are willing to sit and talk through any questions you have, they give you a lot of information about the breed, and what to expect when you bring your puppy home. Another big plus for us was seeing that the kennels were clean and all the dogs that we saw looked very healthy. Our puppy was the sweetest when he first met us! He ran up to us, showered us in puppy kisses, and was just overall a happy chill little dude. He just had his first vet appointment and was given a clean bill of health! He is sweet, gentle, and such a fast learner! I have never met any dog with this level of intelligence and at such a young age! We have only had him for 6 days and he has settled in so quick and has already learned basic commands. Thank you so much Jeff and Rhonda for our new little addition to our family! When we first went to meet with them and take a peek at Adrian and Barus litter, we liked that they had all the dogs in the home and the home was clean!!! Adrian had a calm temperament as well as the rest of the dogs. Caught on extremely quick w the training and is extremely good with our young grandchildren. We definitely chose the right breeders. Good communication and great canine genetics are obvious! Response from the owner Thank you so much April for the kind words. Rhonda and I try very hard to make things special for our puppy families. Pride and integrity means everything to us. Rhonda takes care of pupies like her own kids! We have 3 of their dogs one male that is the puppy of untox and panja. H gets to play fight likes that and playing with his ball. Rhonda was spectacular to work with, detailed and friendly. She is one of the most intelligent, healthy puppies we have ever owned and her temperament with our family is world class. When we were looking for a puppy we met with Rhonda and could not of been happier. There dogs were so well behaved, stunningly gorgeous and just wanted to be loved. Exactly what my wife and I were looking for. We all no there is never any guarantees in life when it comes to purchasing a puppy, but I can say we have a true champion in our little Bella. She has been a total blessing since we got her. Thanks Rhonda and Jeff!! Response from the owner. Best temperament, easy to train and an absolute sweetheart. However, I have an extraordinary story to share about my young pup. Mila our female puppy has a sense of medical issues. At .I typically experience these attacks once every year or two. At first, I thought maybe I spilled so food or something on my shirt, so I changed my shirt, but she continued. Then a little over an hour later, I had an attack. Mila did not leave my side for the entire time. No matter what way I tried to lay in bed to get comfortable she would move her body to press up against my gallbladder. Normally she is crated at night and does great, no whining or anything.Having her warm body and the slight pressure of her body next to me really actually helped. The next day I was back to normal, and Mila went to her crate for bed no problem. We are a breeder of top, world-class quality German Shepherd puppies of West German bloodlines with impeccable Temperaments and type. If you are looking for a German Shepherd puppy or an adult dog suitable for confirmation, obedience, therapy, assistance dog, search and rescue, K-9 training, schutzhund or for the ever present loyal companion.Occasionally, we do have long coat German Shepherd puppies available as well. All litters are raised in our home, well socialized and each held and cuddled several times a day. The result is a pup that is comfortable around people, children, vehicles and other animals. It is not uncommon for our puppies to be housebroken by the time they leave our house. I have been actively showing and breeding since , and have always had West German lines. I use the pronoun "I", but could not do this without backup from my family. I breed because I love German Shepherds. Quality German Shepherd breeders follow the German rules. With my puppies, I strive to improve this wonderful breed. This is not how I make my living, but how I choose to spend my time. Vollmond's Laro Our German Shepherd puppies are all wormed, given the appropriate shots, and Vet checked before leaving to go to their new families. We also offer puppy foundation training in obedience and Shutzhund training, ring training and show support. Please call for details. Vollmond's Laro is a Karo son out of our own breeding to Vollmond's Eika. We are Proud to say he is a 2nd generation Vollmond dog!! Vollmond's Kai - First Time Swimming For therapy or just exercise, swimming is great for german shepherds. Kai has been swimming to supplement his regular exercise at a terrific new place with an indoor, heated, resistance pool specifically designed for canine therapy and exercise. You can order yours today at or Use order code number Quick Links. We specialize in family companion dogs, and our dogs are used for children with Autism and Aspergers. We also provide dogs for epileptic and diabetic detection, as well the hearing impaired. Our dogs also serve as companions to veterans , and we work closely with VA hospitals to provide dogs who assist with PTSD and anxiety. A large number of our dogs are also competitors and working schutzhund dogs. We make use of a private courier service to pick up and deliver our dogs. We're very mindful to ensure the dogs are completely happy throughout the delivery! If we think you're the right match for one of our dogs we can deliver them to you wherever you are based in the US. All of our dogs come with a lifetime guarantee on health contingent on meeting criteria stated in the contract. Our dogs are gentle and attentive and have dispositions perfect for family companionship or special needs. Puppies come with comprehensive training included, along with a full year of shots. A list of individual dogs accomplishments include Va Winnie, Va Ollie, V1 Saint and many dogs involved in the 6xwinner of the progeny group competition. Regis Regal German Shepherds have also worked in many different areas of public service, such as patrol dogs, search and rescue dogs, avalanche rescue dogs, bomb detection, narcotic detection, and even arson dogs. As featured in Puppy Rental for Special Events Looking for a memorable experience at your next event? Rent one of our German Shepherd dogs for a limited time at your next special event. Our team is perfect for birthdays, conferences, conventions, company retreats, and special events all over the country! Get in touch with our AKC German Shepherd breeders to learn more about our puppy rental services and event guidelines. Contact our team to learn more. Client Testimonials "I purchased my German Shepard from them when she was a puppy and she is now a beautiful, sweet tempered 4-year-old dog. We took home our pup and have had only good thoughts and things to say since we left. Cindy shared so much time and knowledge with us before we left. Axle just turned two years old and will be an important part of my kids lives as they grow up. We work closely with them in order to train our dogs to assist veterans with PTSD, anxiety, and more. Cindy's Latest Articles Cindy Kelly loves to share her expertise on breeding, training and raising world class German Shepherds. When she has time she publishes articles on the Regis Regal blog - you can find some of her most recent ones listed below. If you would like to hear Cindy's thoughts on any particular element of owning or raising German Shepherds then feel free to get in touch. Learn here! Read More Trending States Based on their Interest in our World-Class German Shepherds We make use of a high quality, private courier service to deliver our dogs where a customer is unable to come to our premises in Illinois.