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This is a gentle dog and if you acquire your Golden Retriever puppy in Kentucky, you will be delighted to find that your new pup is easy to train because this dog is smart. In time, your furry friend will be loyal, a friend to you and your family, and love to hunt. This is an excellent dog breed for the blind. She or he will be your companion and do quite well in houses or apartments and on the farm. Golden Retriever breeders in Kentucky will provide you with a beautiful puppy, easy to potty train, and will be active with lots of energy. They are swimmers and retrievers as well if you hunt for ducks or other wildfowl. These dogs sense emotions and can comfort you when you are feeling down. They love to please you and appreciate company while enjoying the run. Intelligent and engaging, Golden Retriever puppies are usually available in different sizes, colors, and shapes. Canadian Golden Retrievers are stockier having a light golden to white coat that is thinner than the American and English Golden Retriever pups. There are a lot of dog breeding businesses having deplorable puppy mills and scams. Find a reputable Golden Retriever breeder , such as the ones reviewed here. Your puppy should have undergone a thorough health assessment so that you know when you buy your puppy, he or she is happy and healthful. Golden Acres Farms Golden Acres Farm: Golden Retrievers in Kentucky The farm has two new buildings with fences so that you can see where the puppies and dogs are raised—all on 50 acres. A climate-controlled building is available for the dogs and puppies to go in and out as they like and they can play and romp in the fenced area. The farm is in Adair County about 7 miles from Columbia in cattle farming country on a dead-end road; and, the dogs love to bark at the cattle! Golden Acres Farms assure you that your new puppy will go home with you in the best of health. When you know which puppy you want, make a Puppy Deposit either online at their website or in person. You can also make a Puppy Reservation for a deposit when you are placed on the Reserve List. She also says that the puppies are well taken care of and loved! Emily will go back to Golden Acres Farms in the future and recommends this breeder highly. One or both of this puppy's parents have undergone genetic testing. One or both of this puppy's parents are hip certified. The sad truth is that many pet store purchased pups actually come from puppy mills. Basically, there is zero authenticity with pet stores. When it comes to adopting any animal from a pet store, there is an increased risk of unforeseen health or genetic problems. You also cultivate a life-long relationship with the breeder, meaning support is available to you anytime you may need it. With My Golden Retriever Puppies , you have the option to come and visit both the puppy and the breeder in person! Golden Retrievers are an adaptable breed, meaning they are better at adapting to seasonal changes and various types of climate than certain other breeds. Goldens sport a double-coat, which ensures that these sweet pups are able to tolerate slightly colder temperatures than their friends from other breeds. Your pup deserves better than that, which is why here at My Golden Retriever Puppies , we ensure high-quality care is taken of your pet at all times. For more about the true price of a golden retriever puppy, you can read our full price breakdown here. Location Information for Kentucky Customers Our home office is located in Ohio, but we understand that long-distance travel can be inconvenient. If you prefer to meet a breeder in person, they may be able to offer private visits at their home. Of course! Here at My Golden Retriever Puppies , we value family and authenticity, which is why we always guarantee our pups through our 2-year genetic health guarantee. Like adopting a Golden Retriever from a pet store, there is an increased risk when adopting a pup from a rescue center or shelter as well. For example, pups purchased through a shelter or rescue center are far less likely to come with the kinds of health guarantees and reassurances that a breeder can provide. What type of Golden Retrievers are sold in Kentucky? We have some good news! Ready to make your Golden Retriever dreams come true? Take a look at our convenient list of available puppies. How do I know which breeders to trust in Kentucky? Our independent network of trusted breeders have already been pre-screened and verified, so that you can focus on what really matters: choosing your dream puppy. Be the first to know when we have new puppies! All Rights Reserved. She was one scared little girl but let me tell you how she has changed in this short period of time!! Initially, Molly wouldn't come out of her crate, put on a collar, make any eye contact or socialize at all. With the help of her "foster brother and sisters", some love and time, she now will do her business outside and is excited to tell you about it, plays with toys, loves playing inside or outside, plays chase with her fosters, makes eye contact and knows the come command. Molly loves snuggle time and will let you know, with a little nudge, that she wants more scratches. She will rest her head on your lap while you brush her down. She has shown no signs of being destructive while out and about in her foster home. We are working on her leash training, sit command and mastering her potty training. She is no longer afraid to put on a harness and will soon know what it means "we are going for a walk". Molly stills needs to drink more water on her own. Molly may take some time to warm up to you, but once she does, you will have yourself a compassionate, lover girl. The adoption fee covers a portion of these services, and makes it possible for us to continue rescuing animals. An application does not obligate you to adopt. Please understand that due to the volume of applications some animals receive, we are unable to contact all applicants. If your application is considered a good fit for the animal you are interested in, or even a different pet, a volunteer will give you a call as soon as possible. We are a foster based rescue and do not have a shelter location where animals can be seen during the week. Not all animals attend every adoption event, please check our Facebook page for animal event times and locations before you make a trip to meet a specific animal. A healthy male Golden Retriever weighs between 65 to 75 pounds while growing up to 23 to 24 inches tall. A female weighs between 55 to 65pounds and can grow up to .How long does it take a Golden Retriever to reach its full size? For Golden Retrievers, full physical maturity takes one to two years. Once this is attained, its bones become fully grown and can perform the same amount of physical exercise as an adult dog. Do Golden Retrievers smell? Golden Retrievers often smell bad because of its thick water-resistant coat. You can, however, maintain its cleanliness to control its bad odor. How can you keep a Golden Retriever healthy? There are several ways to keep this dog healthy few of which are high-quality food, providing it with plenty of clean and freshwater, developing a good feeding schedule, etc. How many times a day should a Golden Retriever be fed? The required food for a Golden Retriever is dependent on its age, activity level, size and built. Vets recommend about 2 to 3 cups of high-quality dry food per day for two meals. How much exercise does a Golden Retriever need? This dog is a sporting breed and therefore requires a whole lot of exercise when fully grown, high-intensity exercise is very beneficial to it. Is it alright to get a Golden Retriever in a hot climate? The Golden Retriever can thrive well in hot climates; all it requires is a shaded and aerated area with lots of water. However, it should not be allowed to exercise too much in the heat. What age can a Golden Retriever Puppy be brought home? A puppy Retriever should not be taken from its mother earlier than when it is 8 weeks old. This is because up until that age, it gets important socialization and learns important skills from its mother and siblings. Should a Golden Retriever be left indoors or outdoors? A Golden Retriever naturally wants to be with its family, if its family is indoor, you will find it right there with them. Does a Golden Retriever bark a lot? The Golden Retriever is not one to bark a lot except in cases of boredom or mental stimulation. Are you interested in purchasing a Golden Retriever? Fill out the below form and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.

It gives them a much-needed boost early on — with regard to healthy growth, weight and general health. It contains lots of protein and the ingredients make it easy to digest for your pup. Perfect for breeds that love to chow down and move around a lot, this wet food will support your loyal Labrador pup. Plus, there's a variation with a multipack. FAQs How much food does a Labrador puppy need? Thankfully, many of our picks above keep things easy for us by having a feeding guide, which can be found at the back of the packet or online. Which health problems are common in Labradors? For prevention, acquire your pups from a reputable breeder that cares about the welfare of your pups. With this, ask about necessary screenings and tests. Hip dysplasia Hip dysplasia is a condition resulting from abnormal formation of the hip socket which causes the hip to deteriorate, says Purina. So, how do we spot this? Unfortunately, this condition can lead to arthritis in the future — so, we suggest screening your Labrador for this. Elbow dysplasia Elbow dysplasia is similar to the former - but with the elbow. Surgery may be necessary if the condition worsens to restore range of motion. Again, we recommend screening this on potential Labrador pups with an elbow scoring scheme. Arthritis Arthritis is a common health problem in Labradors. This is a result of their size, and it puts a strain on their joints. It can be caused by trauma to the neck or throat — or even hypothyroidism. Unfortunately, your Lab puppy is more at risk of this disease, and they may gain weight as a result. As well as this, your Labrador may lose their fur, experience lethargy and stay away from the cold. We recommend a slow feeder dog bowl to help them eat calmly. After all, obesity is a serious health issue with this breed and can lead to other issues. Common in larger breed dogs, this condition can cause sight loss over time. Specifically, Purina claims that Labradors are prone to an inherited variation, known as rod-cone degeneration, which can be fatal. Though an endearing element of their appearance, Purina claims that this breed is more susceptible to ear infections. For example, Tricuspid valve dysplasia TVD is a common issue in Labradors, which mainly affects male dogs from birth. In severe cases, this can lead to heart failure. But, most dogs with mild TVD can live happily. Just so you know, whilst we may receive a commission or other compensation from the links on this website, we never allow this to influence product selections - read why you should trust us. Want to buy the most comfortable bed for your pet dog? Check out these reversible and comfortable beds that look great, are durable and ensure comfort. This food can promote proper digestive health and metabolism in your pet labrador to ensure proper health and growth. You need to serve this food according to the age and weight of your pet to ensure that your pet gets the right nutrients. Being a delicious blend of chicken and vegetables, your pet dog will love to have this dog food every day. This kg bag is a nutritious option to keep your pet healthy and active, and is tailored to the specific needs of Labradors. This premium dog food promotes healthy digestion, strong muscles and a shiny coat as it is rich in essential nutrients. The exquisite taste of real chicken and healthy vegetables make every meal a treat for Labradors. With Pedigree, you can give your faithful pet the nutrients and energy it needs for a life of wagging tails and endless play. This precisely balanced blend meets the individual needs of Labradors and ensures that your dog stays healthy and active. This premium dog food promotes healthy digestion, strong muscles and a shiny coat with an abundance of essential nutrients. Labradors will savor every bite of the authentically delicious chicken and wholesome rice. Chappi provides your faithful four-legged friend with the nutrients and energy he needs for tireless tail wagging and active outings. Make the right choice for Chappi, because your Labrador deserves nothing less. Plus, there's now a fantastic "Buy 1 Get 1 Free" offer. This premium dog food is the key to keeping your pet strong and full of energy, as it is specially formulated to meet the nutritional needs of Labradors. It supports healthy digestion, strong muscles and a shiny coat as it is enriched with essential nutrients. Every bite of real chicken is enjoyed by Labradors, making dinner a pleasure. Meat Up prioritizes the health of your loyal pet by providing the nutrition and energy they need for non-stop play and tail wagging. About the Author Aarohy Kapoor Aarohy has been working in the field of digital content for more than 5 years. She has written on tech, sports, health, food, pets and others. She is a storyteller since childhood and can go on talking for hours. And that just makes her write something new every day! When not working, you will find Aarohy painting, watching cricket matches, cooking, reading books or being around animals. Read More. This thoughtfully crafted dog food is formulated to meet the unique nutritional requirements of Labrador Retriever puppies up to 15 months old. It contains premium proteins and prebiotics for optimal digestion and energy. With vitamin E and minerals, it supports the immune system and overall health. The kibble size and texture promote dental health. This puppy food provides a tasty and balanced diet to support healthy growth and development, making it an excellent choice for Labrador Retriever puppy owners. This nutritious dog food is made with real chicken and eggs and provides essential vitamins and minerals for healthy digestion, immune function, and overall well-being. It also supports strong bones and healthy skin and coat. Its balanced nutrition and delicious taste make it a satisfying choice for adult Labrador dogs. This high-quality dog food offers a complete nutritional profile at a reasonable price, making it an excellent value-for-money option for pet parents seeking to provide their dogs with a nutritious diet. How to find the best Labrador dog food? Selecting the optimal dog food for your Labrador necessitates the meticulous evaluation of various factors. Look for high-quality ingredients: Choose dog foods that contain high-quality proteins, carbohydrates, and fats and are free from artificial preservatives and fillers. Choose a formula for Labrador Retrievers: Some dog food brands offer recipes designed explicitly for Labrador Retrievers, considering their unique nutritional needs. Suitability with age: Age factors matter a lot when choosing Labrador dog food. Puppies, adult dogs, and seniors have different dietary requirements, so select a formula appropriate for your dog's age. Read the online reviews to get an idea of how other dog owners feel about a particular dog food brand. You may be interested in Product. We may receive commissions from purchases made via our links. Once they reach eight weeks, changing to dry kibble food is best. We recommend feeding a Labrador puppy dry kibble for the first months before changing to an adult food type. But to remain healthy, owners should know what to feed them. Dog owners should feed a Labrador puppy dry food kibble , wet food, or fresh human food, depending on their budget and lifestyle. There are many options for food for dogs, and it can become challenging to determine which one is the best option for the dog. We have found the best options and listed them below. They help us with our daily tasks, are always there when we need them, and bring great joy to our lives. But, it is essential to ensure that our dog gets the best nutrition possible. They have a lot of energy and need to be fed accordingly. This includes the number of calories, food type, and the number of meals per day. We will explain all of these factors to help understand what to feed these precious animals. A Labrador puppy needs high-quality protein in their diet, so they should not be fed just any type of food. This is why we recommend three food options: dry food or kibble, fresh food or human food, or wet food. We prefer using dry food or kibble in most cases, but it is beneficial to start with wet food for young puppies and transition to dry food after a few weeks. Feeding a puppy human food is possible, but it can be more expensive and requires extra work to stick to a cleaner diet at this age. We have found it to be a healthier and more convenient option for our pets. It is also a good alternative to wet food which can be difficult to store and prepare. The benefits of dry dog food are that it offers the pup a balanced diet that doesn't need refrigeration. It also offers convenience because we can buy it in bulk and store it in the pantry or freezer until needed. Dry dog food is also less expensive than wet food, which is another benefit for pet owners. Fresh Food Human Food Feeding a Labrador puppy a diet of fresh, real human food is one of the best things to do for their health and well-being. It will not only make them happy and content, but it will also keep them healthy. This eliminates the guessing game; they are only fed real, natural foods with no unknown ingredients. However, it will become expensive and require regular cooking and preparation. Wet Food Wet food is recommended for Labrador puppies when they are first born and for the first weeks while they grow. It can be either raw or cooked. Wet food is a good source of water and minerals, which are important in the early days of their life to help them grow strong bones and teeth. It should be given to a puppy as soon as it comes out of its mother's womb, but it must not be given before it starts eating solid foods because it will cause diarrhea. Once they get more mature, moving to kibbles is best. It is known for its low level of grain and carbohydrate content and high protein content. Once they reach the week mark, there are better options to help the puppy continue to develop and grow. This food also helps with digestion and weight management. It also promotes proper bone growth with antioxidants and necessary nutrients like vitamin E. The kibble is also shaped strategically to help puppies who chew fast while helping with jaw growth. Overall, this is the best food option for a Labrador puppy. It is designed for all life stages, from puppies to seniors, and we love the benefits it provides to younger labs. The product features a blend of highly digestible proteins, omega-6 fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, taurine, and glucosamine. This ensures the dog gets the nutrition they need while also reducing the risk of digestive tract problems such as bloat or pancreatitis. It also has a low glycemic index and no corn, wheat, or soy in the recipe. Dog owners can also expect an excellent protein ratio when using this food. Both veterinarians and nutritionists have recognized it for its high-quality ingredients for young puppies. The Acana High Protein formula is made with a blend of chicken, turkey, and fish meals, whole eggs, and natural beef or lamb meal. The product has a limited ingredient list with no corn, wheat, soy, artificial flavors, or preservatives. It also has no added sugar and a low glycemic index. This food also contains probiotics and prebiotics to help the pet maintain a healthy immune system. This is the perfect dry dog food for puppies after eight weeks old. This brand is also very affordable for those who want to feed their dog a healthy diet without breaking the bank. It features a patented recipe that helps to promote healthy digestion, strong teeth and gums, healthy skin and shiny coat, a strong immune system, healthy joints and muscles, and a healthy heart. This is a high-protein food option for Labradors too. It promotes lean muscle growth and improved body health with omega fatty acids, antioxidants, glucosamine, probiotics 5. It is made with high-quality ingredients and has a great taste and texture for labs to enjoy. This food is to help with puppy development and is suitable for all Labradors under one-year-old. This wet food provides the perfect balance of healthy proteins to support a dog's growth while providing the energy they need to maintain its fitness levels. This can be fed as a meal or as an occasional snack between meals. It has no artificial colors, flavors, preservatives, or added sugar. It also contains omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, which are important for healthy skin and the dog's coat. They are large, strong, intelligent dogs that need a lot of attention, exercise, and food. These dogs can be picky eaters and usually need a lot of calories because of their size. This is especially true for puppies so they can grow properly and remain healthy due to their increased risk of health issues. Food Type Labrador puppies' most popular dog foods are kibbles and canned wet food. Kibbles are the best option for a puppy because they are easy to chew and digest. Canned food is a good option for pups who have difficulty chewing or digesting dry food and would benefit from a little moisture in their diet. The food type also depends on the owner. Dry food or kibbles are faster to prepare, while serving human food to a lab puppy requires extensive prep time. Nutritional Value When it comes to nutritional value, we want dog food that has high-quality protein and carbohydrates. This will help the puppy grow strong and healthy. This is why we need to take into account the nutritional value, quality of ingredients, and taste. It should be made with all-natural ingredients that are sourced from human-grade materials such as vegetables, fruits, and whole grains. A brand should have all the essential nutrients for a pup but still, be low in toxic elements and preservatives too. Dietary Restrictions Lastly, consider the dietary restrictions of the Labrador puppy before choosing a dog food option. This includes any allergies or health concerns for the dog and shopping for something that suits them best. For example, lab puppies must reach a certain carbohydrate and protein number daily. Labradors are also known to have allergies, especially young ones, so planning around this is crucial. A puppy should be fed at least three times a day, with a meal size that is appropriate for its body weight. They should also be given small daily snacks to keep them satisfied and happy, including treats to help with training. We feed our puppies the best that we can. We want to give them all the nutrients and vitamins they need. We also want to make sure that they are getting a balanced diet. The most important thing when feeding a Labrador puppy is that they get enough calories from their food every day. In the first weeks, the puppy should eat four smaller daily meals. Once the lab reaches three months, this can be changed to three meals per day. And after months, we recommend two meals per day. The key is not to change the calories much when the meals change but to simply modify the size of each meal to fit the total daily food amount. Feeding a Labrador puppy is not rocket science, but there are some things everybody should know about what to feed them and when to feed them. We have covered this basis, but changes need to be made as they age. This leads to a common question about changing food to fit the needs of a grown adult Labrador. The dog's age will determine how quickly they grow and how much energy they need. Lab puppies can stick with kibbles for up to 12 months. Increase portions as your puppy grows. Be sure to follow the rule of dog treats. This is about changes over time. Nutritional deficiency or excess can lead to disease and ultimately death. You may have noticed that your dog has dandruff after changing food, but the food is really good — try adding levels of zinc and vitamin A. Your main task as a pet owner is to monitor the health of a small family member and be responsible for this life. Image credit: canva. The first one is a protein that can be found in meat, poultry, fish, yogurt, and cooked eggs. Protein is responsible for the structure of muscles and tissues, as well as the formation and growth of new cells. In the diet for a Labrador puppy, it is imperative to include carbohydrates that are found in brown rice, potatoes, and wheat. Carbohydrates supply the body with glucose, which is responsible for the functioning of the brain and nervous system. An obligatory component of dog food is fats. It is a source of energy, development, and functioning of the cells and muscles of the body. Fats are included in oil and even fish oil. Puppy food for Labs or any other dog includes a certain amount of minerals such as calcium, potassium, sodium, iron, zinc, magnesium, and others. Minerals in dog food form bones and cartilage and balance the nerves. It promotes the production of hormones in the Lab puppies, regulates the balance of fluids in the body, and transports oxygen into the blood. Like people, dog and puppy foods should include plenty of water. Water is life! Once in the body, they strengthen bones, and teeth and fill the Labrador puppy with energy. Cost point Every time you buy pet food, you think about the issue of price. Of course, cost is important when making a purchasing decision. You should be aware that higher-quality puppy food can cost more than the average price. Your dog is an irreplaceable member of your family, which must be protected and loved with all your heart. Risks and diseases Lab owners should know well about all risks and diseases that their dogs may face. Numerous studies confirm that the Labrador Retriever breed is prone to digestive sensitivities and skin allergies due to irritating foods. This leads to pruritic diseases. Skin allergies and problems with the gastrointestinal tract are severe. Labs are prone to obesity. Maintaining a healthy weight and body is considered an important point of caring for a dog. In general, Labrador Retrievers should have a taut, hourglass-shaped figure. Obesity puts additional stress on bones and joints and makes it difficult to stay healthy. To combat weight gain, you need to exercise your dog with certain physical exercises, follow a proper diet, control portion sizes, and receive treats. Another disease caused by malnutrition is Gastric dilatation-volvulus. In short, this is boating. Indigestion is a severe problem that should not be ignored. The worst risk is death from the musculoskeletal disorder of muscles, nerves, joints, arthritis, and spinal discs. Also, you should be aware that feed processing of dog foods affects the occurrence and development of cancer. Dry food is cooked at a very high temperature, which leads to the formation of harmful chemical elements in the body of the dog. Such food also contains carbohydrates, which break down into cancer-causing glucose. You can combine dog food with homemade recipe food for your pet yourself. Moreover, it is a good way of feeding your dog if the dog food at home is over or there is very little left, but you need to extend the time until the next purchase. Dogs fed solely on home-cooked or combined diets lived for about 13 years, while those fed only processed food lived for about 10 years. Like human food, it can be chewed easily. Food is broken down in the body so that key nutrients are absorbed more quickly. Such food facilitates digestion and relaxes the stomach. Reducing stress on the digestive system reduces the likelihood of bloating. If you still decide to cook homemade food, follow the rules. Study each ingredient. Cook all animal products for the exact finish to kill harmful bacteria. Risks of homemade dog food Most of the problems are caused by a misunderstanding of the nutritional needs of the Labrador. If you do not understand the effect of food on the body of your pet, which reaction is correct and which can lead to negative consequences and different stages of life, contact a professional veterinarian who can tell you in detail about the effect of food on the body of a dog and how to properly form a pet diet. What food is best for a Labrador puppy? We made for you the list of the best puppy food for Labrador puppies. We can highlight the most noteworthy products from this list. Should I feed my Lab puppy dry or wet food? Mix dry and wet food. What is better to choose — opinions are different. But if you are in doubt about which puppy food to choose, consult your veterinarian. What is the recommended amount of water for a puppy? Older pups that have been nursed require one-half ounce to one ounce of water per pound of body weight. What do you feed an 8-week-old Lab puppy? An 8-week-old puppy should be fed several small meals a day. After 14 weeks, the Lab puppy can switch to two meals a day. Food for a Labrador puppy should be full of proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals for healthy development. Giving treats is fine, but remember that Labradors are prone to overeating and gaining weight quickly. Also, try to give treats for obedience. You can choose canned food and dry food for your dog as you wish but you should always think about the effect of this dog food on your dog. Hope this article was helpful for you and that your pet will grow healthy and strong. How often and what time to feed I will show you the best puppy foods, whether dry, wet, or raw, and look at food safety, together with schedules, quantities and even a handy puppy diet chart. Best Puppy Food for Labs The best Labrador puppy food provides a diet that is nutritious, healthy, and tasty. So, what is the best puppy food for your Lab? Puppy kibble or dried food is the most popular option. Kibble is complete and can give a perfectly balanced diet. Puppy kibble and tinned dog meat combined is another common choice among puppy parents. Feeding your Labrador puppy on home cooked food or on a totally raw diet is also possible. Raw puppy food is growing in popularity, and there are pros and cons to raw feeding your puppy. People often feel very strongly that one way of feeding is better than another, and you can always find evidence to support your view. Dog breeders, veterinarians and even nutritionists have their own strong views. The dire consequences they list for not listening to them can have puppy owners very worried. The truth is that there is no good quality evidence showing that kibble is better for the long term health of your dog, or that raw feeding is better. There are risks and benefits to both, and the main thing is to ensure that your dog has good quality food to eat. Puppy kibble suits some better, and raw puppy food is better for others. Puppy Kibble for your Labrador Puppy food made into pellets is called kibble. An airtight plastic container or tin will do the job, although you should make sure it is food grade quality. Puppy kibble is the best way of feeding your Labrador according to most breeders and your veterinarian is most likely to support this method of feeding. Good puppy kibble will contain every nutrient your Labrador puppy needs in order to grow and remain healthy. The kibble pieces will be tasty, good for keeping teeth healthy, and free from additives that can provoke allergies or stomach problems. Labrador puppy kibble only needs to be fed next to water. Puppy kibble from a reputable manufacturer is intended to be a complete and balanced food. But some owners like to mix in canned dog food or even scraps of raw food with kibble. Your puppy is likely to get an upset stomach or to not have the right balance of nutrition when fed this way. Whether you decide to feed only with kibble or you want to mix it up, pick a good dried food manufacturer and stick with them. Feeding your Labrador puppy raw food has its benefits and drawbacks. One of the downsides is that there is a lot to learn. Here is a link to the articles you need to help you decide whether or not raw feeding is for you: Although I like the raw diet for my dogs, most puppies fed kibble go on to have long and healthy lives. Whatever puppy food you choose, the most important thing is portion control. How Much to Feed your Labrador Puppy? People often tell me how much their puppy weighs, and ask how much puppy food they should give him. Your Labrador is particularly at risk if they grow too quickly. The following diet chart is for kibble fed puppies and does not apply to raw fed pups. It gives you an idea of how much to feed your Labrador puppy Lab Puppy Feeding Chart The Lab puppy feeding chart below is only a very rough guide. The quantity of food you need for your puppy will vary depending on your puppy and on the brand of food you are feeding him. Labrador puppy food must be aimed at medium to large breed dogs. Check the pack carefully and look at the dietary charts. Ideally, you want the optimal protein content and the lowest amount of additives. Part of this always comes down to the cost. The healthiest puppy food is usually the most expensive and may not be affordable for some families. The Cost Of Puppy Food Some puppy food brands are more concentrated than and contain a higher proportion of proteins, essential oils, and other nutrients. The absence of these fillers means that you can often feed lower quantities of more costly food, making them less expensive than they first seem. You might also find that cheaper brands make your puppy poop more due to those extra fillers going straight through him. While some brands are beyond the budget of many families, it is usually good to buy a premium brand. High Quality Brands of Puppy Food Some brands of puppy food have developed a reputation for producing a high quality product and have many devoted supporters, including breeders that have fed them to generations of puppies. Your Lab puppy is going to require a different balance of nutrients than an adult Lab. Different dog breeds are susceptible to different genetic health conditions. Larger breeds, like Labrador Retrievers, are prone to hip and elbow dysplasia. Nutrition plays a vital role in preventing certain health issues. In recent years concern has been raised about a possible link between grain-free and non-grain-free diets that list legumes high on their ingredient list causing heart disease. This may be of consequence to Labradors as the breed is more prone to heart conditions than others. This does not just include Labs, but owners of any large or giant dog breed should be aware of this important information so they can make the most well-informed decision. Image Credit: Didkovska Ilona, Shutterstock Choosing the Best Food While having a list of the best puppy foods is a great start, you still must narrow it down to one. So, how does one choose from a list of great choices? Below we will cover some of the most important things to consider before making your final choice. What Does Your Veterinarian Recommend? Chances are that your veterinarian has dealt with purebred Labrador Retrievers many times before. Dog Food Brand You want to ensure you are choosing a dog food brand that is reputable. Finding a brand that is made with veterinary nutritionists and is backed by scientific research is ideal. If a brand advertises that they participate in AAFCO feeding trials, this means they have invested in research to ensure there are no nutritional deficiencies in the food. The ingredients in any pet food will help you determine the quality of the food. Look for foods that contain real meat as the number one ingredient. Below is a list of ingredients that are best avoided: Ingredients to Avoid.

What is a mini golden retriever? On average, they weigh pounds. Our Mini Goldens are crossed with specific Poodle lineage to avoid health and temperament issues the other breeds can cause, and are hypoallergenic, shed less and live longer than Golden Retrievers. Occasionally, we have some that weigh more than 45 pounds, or even less than 30 pounds. They generally have more Golden Retriever in them, so they are a closer carbon copy than the smaller Comforts. They generally have a little more poodle, so they may have more hypoallergenic and reduced shedding traits. Occasionally, we get white spots abstract or parti-colors from the Poodle side. Sometimes, we produce curly coated Comforts. We classify our coat types based on DNA results, not on visual appearance. Shed levels are individual to the dog, so while we hope that the majority of our dogs are low shedding, there are those who are moderate to heavy shedders. There are many factors that influence shedding as well. Some of these include season changes, weather, stress, illness, and a puppy transitioning to its adult coat. What guarantees do you offer with your puppies? We provide a 2 year health guarantee for all genetic conditions for all of our puppies. An additional 2 year guarantee is available as well more info Where are you located? We are located on the beautiful countryside of Versailles, Kentucky. Happy Valentine's Day to all, both big and small! One word — cute! As a result, the Mini Golden Retriever is an ever-evolving combo of the Golden Retriever , Poodle, and Cocker As the American Kennel Club does not recognize this cross, breeding is unregulated, and therefore all sorts of Mini Golden Retrievers have come out of the breeding pot. Creating smaller versions of purebred dogs means dabbling with their genes, which is never a good thing as they can suffer from ailments like dwarfism. There is a small possibility that they might nip and bite, so they could inherit this characteristic from their parents. This is especially important if you have a young family, as there could be a few tears! What are the differences between a Mini Golden Retriever and a Goldendoodle? Goldendoodle source Both of them are crossbred with Poodles and have a lot in common. The Goldendoodle is a medium-sized pooch with curly locks that are quite high maintenance, while the Miniature Golden Retriever is small to medium in size and also requires daily brushing to make sure those glossy coats stay at their best. Both are good with families and very active! The only significant differences are their coats as mentioned above and also the fact that Miniature Golden Retrievers are incredibly easy to train. In a nutshell, they have more similarities than differences. As mentioned above they range from 20 lbs to 45 lbs 7 kg to 16 kg and 14 inches to 20 inches tall 29 cm to 56 cm. Though they come in similar-sized packaging, you can certainly see the difference between them. Mini Goldens tend to have fur that is sleeker, with waves rather than curls. Dwarf Golden Retrievers have a condition called dwarfism, a genetic defect affecting bone growth. However, Miniature Goldens will continue to grow past two or three months of age, whereas Dwarf Goldens will present with stunted growth and skeletal deformities. As they become more fine-tuned and purer, a clearer picture will more than likely emerge. As it stands at the moment, their weight ranges between 20 lbs to 55 lbs 9 kg to 25 kg , with a height of between 12 to 15 inches 30 cm to 38 cm. A fully grown Mini Golden Retriever is small, but it has plenty of love to give! Like their larger counterparts, Mini Golden Retrievers shed an undercoat seasonally to adapt to changing climates. They are frequently called hypoallergenic, however, because they shed less dander than some other, more nasally-irritating breeds. Their grooming is simple, and only moderate maintenance is needed as long as you stay on top of it. When petting your dog, you should be able to feel down to their skin all-over, with no hard masses of fur. All the breeds that contribute to this mix are high-energy dogs. If your idea of leisure time is being a couch potato, the Mini Golden is not a good match for your lifestyle. They like to be active, and they want to play—with you. Puppies, of course, have an excess of energy. Mini Goldens are so obedient that many of them serve as excellent therapy dogs. Their loving nature and natural intelligence, combined with their manageable size, make these hybrids perfectly suited to comfort people who may be intimidated by larger breeds. Is my new BFF going to tear up my home? A yard is preferable, but they could do fine in an apartment, given daily moderate exercise and tasks to keep their minds engaged. Doggy daycare is an excellent idea, although it should not replace the time you spend with them or the training you need to provide them. This small Golden Retriever crossbreed is usually not picky about the food you put in its bowl. You can feed your Toy Golden Retriever 2. Avoid going over this recommended amount even if your Mini Golden gives you the puppy-dog eyes; this crossbreed is prone to obesity. These small dogs may also suffer from some digestive issues as they grow older, thanks to their Poodle parentage. The short answer is: by some organizations! This is probably because Miniature Golden Retrievers are a crossbreed still in development. The answer is inconclusive , as no statistically significant data has been found to support either side of the coin. However, responsible breeders will more than likely have vets doing gene testing for them to weed out known genetic diseases of the crossbreeds. When purchasing your Miniature Golden Retriever, make sure to check the breed Each dog is unique, and your Mini Golden could suffer from the conditions that commonly affect its parent breeds. Hip dysplasia, lymphoma, and skin problems are commonly seen in Golden Retrievers , whereas Poodles often suffer from progressive retinal atrophy, epilepsy, bloat, and collapsed trachea. Cocker Spaniels , which may or may not be included in the Mini Golden mix, frequently display cherry eye, cardiomyopathy, allergies, and urinary stones. How long will we have together? As mentioned in the first paragraph the life expectancy of your Mini Golden is estimated to range from 10 to 12 years. This dog can have a wildly different temperament from what you expect. Golden Retrievers: loyal to a fault The Golden Retriever, as a breed, is one of the most popular for families in the United States today. The AKC describes them as intelligent, exuberant, and eager-to-please. Golden Retrievers are perfect for active families with children. Some even say that poodles are beauties without brains. Poodles, on the whole, tend to do well with children and get along with other dogs when supervised. The American Kennel Club describes Cockers as eager-to-please, gentle, and happy. If trained properly, Mini Golden Retrievers are good dogs: loyal, active, gentle, good with families, and overall happy chaps! They have some awesome qualities to keep you happy with your forever furry friend. Not only will you learn the skills you need to be successful, but your puppy will learn incredible manners and behaviors as well! Each puppy that comes from our kennel comes home with a beautiful Registration Certificate. Continuing this daily regimen is the easiest and best way to keep your pet on the path to perfect health! NuVet Plus is a lifetime product to help support their immune system and provide assistance to their optimal health. A strong immune system will protect them from environmental and food toxins such as back yard pesticides, hormones, germs from public places, and even toxic formaldehyde in furniture and carpeting. NuVet Plus is a full spectrum, immune system support supplement that contains over 30 different nutrient dense ingredients that well better equip puppies to get and stay healthy. She is already so comfortable here and so attached. She gets so excited every time she sees us. And she has such a sweet disposition Everything goes for her. She just rolls with it. She loves to play and has lots of playful energy when she chases behind a toy or plays tug of war. But she loves to cuddle too, and she can busy herself well too without complaint. Yesterday we left her home when we went on a walk and she never barked or whined and was fast asleep when we returned. She accepted her crate as if she had never known any other place to rest. She just crawls in there and rests when she is tired. And when she wakes up, she quietly plays until we take her out of the playpen. Her potty training is going well. A couple of accidents here and there, but most of the time we catch her before anything happens, and she always does her business right away when we put her on the grass patch we have on the patio. She is getting a treat when she does her business. So, she actually figured out that if she spares some pee and squats several times, she will get several treats. Only One treat for the first time, everything after does not get rewarded any more. Wow, I have never seen a puppy learning that fast. And loving to learn. Being really food driven helps. I could not think of a better quarantine buddy to brighten up our day. I think she will be an amazing therapy dog who brightens up the day if many more people. Oh, and did I mention she is absolutely beautiful? Thank you again for that gift, Michele. I hope you are all doing well and are coping with the many new puppies. Some stressful days ahead of you, I am sure. And you are the best puppy mom I have ever encountered. Lots of love to your whole beautiful family! We are passionate about these little treasures and our small breeding program. We are a busy family with 4 children ages .Our dogs are part of our family and live with us, in our home, and under foot. The Miniature Golden Retriever, also known as the Petite Golden and Mini Golden, is a Designer Breed that has been crossbred to produce a healthier dog with the happy people-loving temperament of the Golden Retriever, the small size and sweet cuddly personality of the King Charles Spaniel and Cocker Spaniel, and the intelligent temperament and low shedding coat of the Poodle. Our Miniature Golden Retrievers range in size from pounds. Occasionally we may have smaller puppies maturing at closer to 15 pounds and larger puppies maturing closer to 50 pounds. We will do our best to make an estimate of the adult size of your puppy, but ultimately we can NOT guarantee adult sizes. We breed for temperament, health, and size. Our dogs are DNA tested and annually health screened by our vet before breeding. All our puppies come with a 2 year health guarantee. Start the adoption process today!!! We are a family-owned breeder located out in the country in Loudonville, Ohio where we have 30 acres of beautiful farmland for the puppies to run. It is our goal to make sure all of our Golden Retriever Puppies are ready for their new family, so being a family of 11, the puppies are well socialized. We pride ourselves on making the adoption process easy, convenient, and comfortable. If you are looking to adopt a Mini Golden Retriever and do not live nearby, we offer specialized delivery right to your door. Thank you for visiting - we look forward to meeting you! Our Mini Golden Retrievers are magical! They also can be mixed with only Golden Retriever and Poodle. We strive to duplicate the Standard Golden Retriever but with added benefits. These benefits include fewer health problems, more manageable size and weight, and less shedding. Available Puppies Nationwide Puppy Delivery We offer specialized and custom delivery to any destination in the lower .We want your new puppy to arrive home safe and happy, which is why we have a designated puppy delivery team to hand deliver your special new family member! We can deliver by car or by plane and are flexible to meet your needs. More About Delivery Options Recommended Food For Your New Puppy We know that it's important for us to consume a healthy diet to maintain our health and keep us away from the doctor, and your puppy is no different. Proper nutrition plays a vital in supporting growth, muscle development, a strong immune system, and overall health so your puppy can live as long as possible. It is important not to cut corners and give your puppy food that is filled with non-nutritional fillers. PawTree is an AMAZING company that offers incredible products, and we have never found another company that is so focused on the health and growth its customers' puppies. Their recipes are clean and don't have any artificial colors, flavors, preservatives, or poultry by-products. They offer interesting seasonings to change up your puppy's food flavors, a variety of treats, toys, shampoos, potty training products, and more. Use the link below to begin shopping for the best dog food you can get! Order pawTree Products Recommended Supplements For Your New Puppy Weaning your new puppy can be quite a change in your puppy's life and your puppy won't have the antioxidants it used to have while nursing. So let's take look at your future puppy a bit closer. If your puppy is recently weaned, it may not be receiving all of the strong nutrients and antioxidants like they used to during weaning. This, along with the added stress of rehoming, can be a bit concerning for your puppy's health. With all that your new puppy is experiencing during this period of time, it is important for us to watch them closely and get their immune system up so they can naturally fight off certain ailments such as environmental and food toxins like backyard pesticides, hormones, and germs from public places. You may be thinking, "WOW, sounds pretty worrisome! These supplements come in a wafer or powder form. The wafer form can even be offered as a treat since puppies enjoy the taste so much. With these supplement boosts you can rest easier knowing you are improving your new puppy's overall health. NuVet Plus has natural ingredients and they go to great lengths to create this product in a safe yet effective form. We have not found any alternative that we recommend more! We suggest taking advantage of this product and ordering NuVet Plus even before your puppy is either delivered or picked up. When ordering, use code for our special discount. Dachshund temperament is also very different from Golden temperament. They have a higher prey drive. They are more likely to behave aggressively towards strangers, other dogs, and their owners. And they tend to be more attention seeking and prone to separation anxiety. A mixed breed puppy could inherit any or all of these traits, and not be much like a Golden Retriever at all. Corgi Golden Retriever mix Corgi mixes of all types are frequently described as looking like Corgis in fancy dress as the other breed. But the truth is, this mix could look a lot like a short Golden Retriever, or a lot like, well… a Corgi. Corgis are devoted and loyal like Goldens, but they may have a strong herding instinct. And whilst Goldens are popular family pets, some people think Corgis are best suited to families with older kids because they may nip the heels of young children to round them up. Beagles might not necessarily leap to mind when you think of dwarf dogs, but in fact all Beagles have chondrodysplasia. So a Beago will definitely be shorter than the average Golden Retriever. But they might look more like a Beagle in lots of other ways too. Dwarf Labrador Golden Retriever mix Labradors and Goldens are both traditional retrieving breeds, and their temperaments are very similar. Furthermore, the genes for dwarfism are already present in the Labrador population, albeit at a very low frequency. Finding a dwarf yellow Lab to mate to a Golden Retriever would result in puppies which are short, but unmistakable retriever-like in looks and temperament. The drawback to this is that dwarf Labs do not meet their own breed standard, so they are pretty rare. Which makes this particular mix hard to come by. Dwarf Golden Retriever Health Golden Retrievers with dwarfism are predisposed to the same health conditions as full height Goldens. They are also prone to the problems of their other parent. And some of these problems are related specifically to having dwarfism, which raises questions about whether introducing dwarfism into Goldens is acceptable in the first place. Golden Retriever health Golden Retrievers are prone to several joint diseases. Approximately 1 in 5 have some degree of hip dysplasia, 1 in 10 have elbow dysplasia, and 1 in 30 have problems with their shoulders. Dogs can, and should, be screened for all of these conditions before they are used for breeding. About one quarter of Goldens are also carriers for progressive retinal atrophy , which causes blindness. Golden Retrievers used for breeding should be DNA tested for the faulty gene, and if they carry it, should only be mated with dogs that have tested clear of it, to protect their puppies. Sadly, Goldens also have a higher prevalence of cancer than any other breed. This throws up too many possibilities to cover them all here, but the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals maintains a free to search database of breed disease statistics, and recommended health tests for breeding dogs. You can also explore our own breed pages for lots of information about all aspects of owning different dog breeds. The health implications of dwarfism Dwarf dogs appeal because a lot of people think they look cute. If you have a relatively small house or car, they might also seem more practical. In particular, chondrodystrophy also leads to the painful spinal disease intervertebral disc disease IVDD. Intervertebral discs sit between the vertebrae. They allow movement of the spine, and cushion the bones. In dogs with IVDD, the discs begin to degenerate, causing pain and paralysis. IVDD is very expensive to diagnose and treat, and sadly in some cases, it proves incurable. IVDD is rare in dwarf dogs with one copy of the chondrodysplasia gene, but almost inevitable for dogs who inherit a copy of the chondrodystrophy gene. To protect dwarf Golden Retrievers, their dwarf parent can be DNA tested to find out which dwarfism genes they carry. This is done by a simple cheek swab, and your breeder should have a copy of the results to share with you. However, dwarfism can only be introduced to Goldens by crossing them with other dog breeds. So, a dwarf Golden Retriever might also have physical features and a temperament which more closely resemble that breed too. One of the most common forms of dwarfism in dogs is chondrodystrophy, which also causes IVDD. Tell us about them in the comments box down below! Petite Golden Retriever Description The Miniature Golden Retriever is not yet a purebred dog, however there are many breeders independently working on it. For now it is a cross between the Golden Retriever , Cocker Spaniel and the Poodle , at various stages of development and various mixtures of the three breeds. The best way to determine the temperament of a mixed breed is to look up all breeds in the cross and know you can get any combination of any of the characteristics found in the breeds. It is very common for breeders to breed multi-generation crosses. Chance the Miniature Golden Retriever, bred by C and S Ranch, which is breeding their dogs to be about inches at the shoulders and between lbs. Harmony the Miniature Golden Retriever, bred by C and S Ranch, which is breeding their dogs to be about inches at the shoulders and between lbs. Rosemary the Miniature Golden Retriever, bred by C and S Ranch, which is breeding their dogs to be about inches at the shoulders and between lbs. Rosemary the Miniature Golden Retriever bred by C and S Ranch, which is breeding their dogs to be about inches at the shoulders and between lbs. Life Span Did You Know? This cross is meant to produce a smaller version of a Golden Retriever that retains the classic Golden look and their characteristic friendly and sweet temperament. Mini Golden Retrievers tend to maintain a temperament very similar to Golden Retrievers. They tend to have a sweet, open, and friendly nature. Mini Goldens get along well with children, other dogs, and other pets. These dogs tend to make great family pets and can also be found working as service dogs or therapy dogs. Due to their smaller size, the Miniature Golden Retriever is a highly adaptable dog breed. As long as they get enough exercise, they are happy in apartments as well as larger homes with yards. They also do well in just about any climate. As with most dog breeds, they are sensitive to extreme heat or cold. Because these dogs are so people-oriented, they do not like to be left alone for long periods of time as they would much rather be an active member of the family. For Mini Golden Retrievers, these could include elbow dysplasia, heart issues, eye disease, and hip dysplasia. Asking the breeder about the genetic history of the parents and checking out available health clearances or tests can help allay potential health concerns. All of the dog breeds in the cross for a Mini Golden Retriever are highly trainable. So, these dogs tend to be highly trainable, intelligent, and eager to please their owners. They tend to be a good fit for dog owners of all experience levels, including first-time dog owners. They respond best to positive training methods focused on praise, play, and reward. Although the aim is to have the Miniature Golden Retriever look just like a smaller version of a Golden Retriever, there will be variance in the coats because it is a mixed dog breed. You may have puppies that look identical to a Golden Retriever or you may have puppies with tightly curled or wavy coats from their Poodle or Spaniel parents. With the Poodle in the cross, there may be a chance of a low-shedding coat, but you will want to be prepared for a dog that will shed moderately year-round and that requires regular brushing and bathing with the occasional professional grooming session. Floppy ears tend to be more prone to ear infections, but regular checks and careful cleaning can help prevent them. Dental care for dogs is so important. But, it is often overlooked, which is why dental disease is one of the most common health issues in dogs. The Miniature Golden Retriever is likely to be a high energy dog that requires plenty of exercise to be happy and healthy. Daily walks, plus playtime and some extra activity should be sufficient for this dog. They will likely enjoy any activity that means they get to do things with you, which means they may enjoy hiking with you, taking trips to the dog park , swimming, or even training to compete in dog sports. A fully-grown Miniature Golden Retriever usually stands inches tall at the shoulder and weighs between pounds. A Mini Golden Retriever generally lives years. Dwarfism does occur in Golden Retrievers, which results in a smaller Golden Retriever and can also cause additional health concerns. Meeting the parent breeds in person and asking to see health tests can help you verify that you have a Mini Golden Retriever. Miniature Golden Retriever Puppies for Sale.

This is not true. They have a large, muscular build They have a fluffy tail Their ears are erect They have a double coat They are heavy shedders They are a solid black color They can be larger They often have a straighter back Their coat can be longer, sometimes with a flowing mane around the rear of the neck , skirting on either side of the body between the front and back legs and feathering long hair on the ears, backs of legs and beneath the tail 3. Black German Shepherd puppies are born black All German Shepherd puppies are either born black, gray or white and can change color as they grow. Their true coat color can usually be determined at about 8 weeks of age. Black German Shepherd puppies are born black and will stay black through adulthood. So, if you are looking for a solid Black German Shepherd puppy, you will want to get her at this age, and not before, in order to be sure she is indeed a solid black color. A German Shepherd that is, say, black and tan, can carry the recessive solid black gene and produce Black German Shepherd puppies. However, both parents must have the recessive gene for solid black to appear in the litter. It can happen. The second way solid Black German Shepherd puppies are produced is by mating two solid blacks. This mix can only produce a solid black litter. The color of this dog does not affect its temperament. The Black German Shepherd is just as loyal, alert, active and intelligent as the standard variety and is not predisposed to aggression. She is often aloof at first, but once you bond with her, she will be your companion for life. Black German Shepherds are also incredibly trainable and are used as police and military dogs, disability aid dogs, and obedience dogs. Look how obedient this month old Black Shepherd puppy is: Just like any German Shepherd, their protective instinct can be strong. These are dogs that were used to herd and protect livestock, and they will do the same with their human pack! In the case of your family coming into danger, have no doubt this dog will defend you. As a companion dog, however, you want her to recognize that not all people are a threat. Make sure you socialize her from a young age so that she gets on well with people in adulthood. They can be pricey Black German Shepherds are quite rare and for this reason tend to cost more, especially if they have the long, luxurious coat. Like all German Shepherds, they are prone to health problems The German Shepherd breed can, unfortunately, suffer from numerous health issues. The number one concern for this breed is hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia. This condition occurs when the ball and socket joint is malformed and can result in arthritis or even lameness. This can be helped by maintaining a healthy weight in your dog. Other potential health problems include: Heart disease. Playfulness Watchdog Ability The German Shepherd Dog is a natural protector and so adaptable and intelligent that they have performed about every job known to dogs. If he had opposable thumbs, he would be unstoppable. Intelligent and obedient, purebred German Shepherd puppies are more than devoted pets - they are lifelong companions. Pure-breed black German shepherd puppies have the right temperament to make engaging family pets. Leave them alone or confined. These pups will grow mischievous and become high-strung. As the name implies, they originated in Germany in the late s. As part of the Herding Group, German Shepherds were used for livestock, herding, and guarding sheep. Back then, GSDs were not considered pets or companions but servants of farmers. Although German Shepherds weren't considered household pets, their owners did provide proper food, protection, and shelter. In the early s, a German cavalry officer named Captain Max Von Stephanitz made it his mission to create an ideal German herder. He co-founded the world's first club devoted to German Shepherds. Von spent 35 years promoting and refining the wonderful breed. People finally noticed how strong, smart, and obedient German Shepherds are. So now the military employs them as working dogs. Their intelligence, strength, speed, obedience, agility, and keen sense of smell make them perfect for the job. German Shepherds are also very versatile and make great companions. Their impressive and lovable personalities soon drew the attention of other countries. German Shepherd dog was brought to the United States in the early s, and American breeders began to develop their own lines of the breed. The American Kennel Club recognized the German Shepherd in , and the species has been one of the most popular dog breeds in the United States ever since. Today, GSDs are not only considered one of the most favorite household pets. The versatility and outstanding characteristics make German Shepherds beautiful pets, companions, and protectors. Due to the breed's reputation for being loyal, courageous, and easy to train, German Shepherds are used as police or military dogs. Personality Know the personality and temperament of your German Shepherd Dog German Shepherds are well-known for their smartness, confidence, intelligence, loyalty, and courageous personalities. As household pets, German Shepherd dogs get along with their owners and other members of the family. However, they do not get along with strangers easily, but with time, they warm up to anyone who tries to be friendly with them. The German Shepherd dog breed is distinguished for courage, loyalty, and the ability to maintain training. Because German Shepherds have strong guardian instincts, they tend to be loyal and protective of their owners and children. Given their strong guardian instincts, inadequate training and poor socialization can make them aggressive toward strangers. Their over-protective and aggressive behaviors can put any owner at risk. Therefore, GSDs should be carefully socialized with proper training from a very young age. The best thing about GSDs is that they are intelligent. German Shepherd dogs are usually active and like to be occupied with an activity. They do well with people who allow them to stay active. They need an ample amount of exercise daily to retain their activeness. They should be continually exposed to supervision during the training period. Most importantly, your German Shepherd should not be confined to a kennel or backyard alone, as GSDs like to be around their loved ones. Keeping them tied up alone will make them lonely and aggressive. A German Shepherd dog should be purchased from a good and reputed breeder. We do not hand over any puppy or dog without having them vet-checked. Health Health is wealth, even for your German Shepherd dog. As a dog lover, when you welcome a German Shepherd puppy into your family, they become an integral part of your life. Besides training your dog, it is best to focus on your pet's wellness. You must do everything you need to optimize your pet's health and happiness. Most German Shepherds are usually healthy dogs if purchased from a good breeder. A responsible breeder will screen breeding stock to check on health conditions such as elbow dysplasia, canine hip dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy, etc. The German Shepherd Dog has an average lifespan of 9 to 13 years. Male, Adult German Shepherd weighs around lbs. Female, Adult German Shepherd weighs around lbs. They can run 30 mph Maximum Running. Moreover, German Shepherds are prone to experience problems like bloat, skin allergies, gastric torsion, and abdomen swelling. German Shepherds experience these conditions. German Shepherds must be taken to the vet, like most other dogs, for routine health checkups. A regular checkup allows you to track your pet's health condition. Owners should be aware of all the GSDs' health-related symptoms to take care of them by taking their dogs to the vet when any symptom occurs. Besides, if you want to buy a healthy pet, you must contact a good breeder. We do everything a good breeder would do to deliver a healthy puppy to a customer. We also discuss health problems in the genetics of a puppy or dog. Grooming The importance of grooming your German Shepherd dog The adorable appearance of the German Shepherd dog is known to all. They are very adorable and majestic to look at. GSDs usually shed twice a year. Proper grooming helps in controlling shedding and keeps the coat nice. They only need a quick brushing a few times a week. A thorough brush helps to remove loose hairs from their coat and keep the fur nice and shiny. During the shedding time, frequent brushing is required to prevent the mess caused by heavy shedding. Giving the occasional bath should suffice to help them clean and smell nice. Your dog can end up hurting you unintentionally if the nails are too long. Invest in quality dog grooming products to ensure proper and safe grooming. Thus, do not forget to groom your precious German Shepherd dog. Finding How to find the right German Shepherd Breeders? The German Shepherd is one of the most popular dog breeds in the U. S and all over the world. GSDs have love and affection towards their owners, whether a puppy, a young dog, or an adult dog. Find and choose a good breeder to find the right German Shepherd puppy. Finding a good breeder is the key if you want a purebred and healthy German Shepherd puppy or dog. You need a good and reputed breeder to find the right puppy or dog for your family. Most importantly, puppies and dogs sold by breeders must be AKC-registered, which means that they follow the rules and regulations established by the AKC. We care more about placing the puppies in the right homes than making big bucks. We are happy to share any information you need about a puppy. We welcome any questions about a puppy with a big smile. The price is determined by several factors, including but not limited to the following: The breeder's location Show Record How many puppies can a German shepherd have? A German shepherd can have six to eight puppies. Larger litter are usually born to dogs that are bred early and often. The mother's milk production is also stimulated by the hormone prolactin, which is secreted in large amounts after mating. When do German shepherd puppies' ears stand up? Some puppies' ears stand up as early as 5 or 6 weeks old, but others don't have completely erect ears until they're a few months old. As long as the puppy's ears start to stand up by about 8 or 9 weeks old, there's no need to worry. If the puppy's ears haven't begun to stand up by then, you should take it to the vet to see if there's a problem. Contact us before the puppies get sold. However, the black German Shepherd is much less well-known. This coloration is extremely rare and not currently recognized by most major kennel clubs. But they have since grown significantly in popularity. Usually, German Shepherds have a single coat pattern — black and tan. However, fully black German Shepherds do exist. This is not due to crossbreeding; the gene for completely black coats is carried by purebred German Shepherds. It is much rarer than the usual coloration, though. They have the same build and grow to be the about same size as a purebred German Shepherd. Males usually weight between 65 to 90 pounds, while females are 50 to 75 pounds. These are considered medium-to-large dogs, so consider whether you have the space before adopting one. Their height is around inches. This is correct for both males and females. Black German Shepherds are completely black. Most German Shepherds have at least a little bit of black on them. However, German Shepherds have nothing but black. Their coat is generally the same besides for their different in coloration. Their double-coat helps them stay clean and warm. As working dogs, these canines are built to work, and it shows. This coat color is accepted by the AKC. It is also not the result of crossbreeding, as some misinformation may state. Instead, it is simply a rare color that very few German Shepherds end up with. It only showed up recently and is sometimes encouraged through selective breeding. While the gene for a solid black coat was once though to be recessive, many people now consider it to be dominant. These dogs always have dark-colored eyes. Blue eyes are extremely rare and usually a sign that a dog has other breeds in his pedigree, such as Huskies. Other than the color, the body of black German Shepherds looks just like his black and tan cousins. As in all German Shepherds, the ears are typically erect, though floppy ears in adult can be seen occasionally. History By , the generalized herding dogs of Europe had split themselves into a few different distinctive breeds, including the German Shepherd. During the s, there was an attempt to standardize dog breeds and promote traits that encouraged sheep herding, including speed, strength, endurance, and intelligence. However, varieties still existed from place to place. Slight breeding difference had led to slightly different shepherds. During the industrial revolution, the need for sheepdogs decreased along with the predator population. Luckily, by this point, people were already recognizing the intelligence and ability of the previous herding dogs. From this dog the breed standard grew. In just a few generations, the German Shepherd was one of the most populous in the world. Honrand fathered many puppies. Nearly all German Shepherds today are descended from him. There was quite a bit of inbreeding that occurred to produce the German Shepherd breed we know today. The Black German Shepherd has likely existed to some extent since the breed was produced. However, many dogs do not carry the completely black gene. Many completely black German Shepherds in the past were likely culled at birth due to the defect. Today, the gene is seeing a reoccurrence. Personality and Temperament The German Shepherd is often considered to be an aggressive dog. However, this is not completely true. They do have significant protective instincts, as they were originally bred to guard flocks of sheep. For instance, the German Shepherd has a bite force of over 1, newtons. But there are several dogs that rank around this as well, including the Rottweiler, Pit Bull, and Labrador Retriever. Most dogs at about this size are going to have a similar bite strength. German Shepherds are considered to be moderately active. They need just about as much exercise as dogs of a similar size. This breed is well-known for being heavily devoted to their people and easy to train. When trained properly, they will absolutely listen. However, they do have innate protective instincts. If you want to dog that is going to be protective of their family, this is a great choice. These canines do need extensive socialization starting at a young age, though. Otherwise, they can become a bit too protective of their family and territory. These canines are not the friendliest. They are people-oriented, but not with strangers. They tend to be quite unsure with strangers. At best, they usually ignore them completely. Other times, they may be obviously uncomfortable. German Shepherds have high prey drive. On the one hand that means that you can easily motivate them with a ball or tug toy. On the other hand, it requires a lot of supervision for owners that have small dogs or cats in addition to their shepherd. While your dog might not outright try to fight with a cat or smaller dog, he could even accidentally hurt them during play. They are extremely intelligent and devoted to their owners. Unlike some dog breeds, they will listen to their owners in most real-life situations. They can learn a variety of different commands very easily and will actually do them when asked. However, these dogs do need the training. Without it, they can be overly protective and even potentially dangerous. Their ease of training does make fulfilling this need quite easy, though. We do recommend puppy classes starting at a very young age. These classes provide the extra socialization that your dog needs, as well as allows you to jumpstart their training. We only recommend private classes for dogs that are too reactive around strangers and other dogs to thrive in a group class. Usually, only German Shepherds who were not properly socialized as puppies will fit into this category. If you adopt an older German Shepherd that seems in need of socialization, we recommend taking private classes with an experienced trainer. You can work your dog through some basic commands and then work on socializing them with safe people and dogs. The trainer should be able to help you in this regard. The German Shepherd is a more active breed, and completely black German Shepherds are not different. While there are more active dog breeds out there, these canines are best for those that are quite active. They need at least two medium-to-long walks per day. Puppies will likely need some extra play sessions as well. Health and Care German Shepherds are pretty healthy as far as purebred dogs come. However, they are prone to some health problems. Many of these are due to the inbreeding that occurred early in the breed, which made some previously rare traits more common. Black German Shepherds are not known to have any more health problems than their black-and-tan cousins. Their coat coloration is not associated with any particular health issues or anything of that sort. It is important to purchase these dogs from a qualified breeder, as they tend to perform plenty of health testing on any dog they plan on breeding. This helps them recognize health problems and pick only the healthiest dogs possible for producing litters. We do recommend purchasing a German Shepherd that was bred as a working dog — not one produced as a show dog. These two lines of dogs are somewhat distinct as they have been bred for two very different purposes. Show dogs tend to confirm to an extreme extent to the breed standard, which increase the amount of health problems they develop. On the other hand, working dogs were bred with practicality in mind. Many German Shepherds have hip and elbow dysplasia. This disease occurs when the ball and socket of the joint do not line up correctly, leading to excess wear-and-tear. Eventually, this cause arthritis-like symptoms, but at a much earlier age than arthritis typically shows up. Usually, this damage occurs during puppyhood when the dog is growing, but they may not show symptoms until a few years later. There are a few things pet owners can do to reduce the chance of hip and elbow dysplasia in their German Shepherd. Many of these dogs are also affected by degenerative spinal stenosis. However, this study had a notably small sample size, so it may not be entirely accurate. On a good note, German Shepherds are actually less likely to get ear infections than other dogs. Degenerative myelopathy occurs often enough in German Shepherds that they are likely predispositioned to it. This test is very expensive, so many breeders perform it on their dogs before breeding as well as on the puppies after they are born. Once the test is used regularly, it becomes very easy to remove it from the breed. Von Willebrand disease also occurs at a higher level in German Shepherds than in the normal dog population. It is likely that they are genetically predispositioned to it. Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency occurs in German Shepherds as well. This condition is usually treated with medication and pancreatic supplements. It is most likely genetic, so health testing and keeping track of pedigrees is important to eliminating it in the breed. Medium-coated dogs will only need brush two to three times a week. Long coats will need combed through at least once a day to prevent mats. Because of their double coat, dogs of all coat types will shed profusely. Do not adopt a black German Shepherd unless you can deal with a lot of extra hair. Even if you brush your dog daily, they will still shed everywhere. Usually, this occurs in the spring and fall, but it can depend on your local climate. Shedding is also tied to hormones — not just the weather. There is little you can do to reduce the overall amount of shedding your dog does. However, anti-shedding shampoos and a high-quality diet can help. It is usually not too difficult to find a normal German Shepherd breeder somewhere near you. However, not all breeders produce black dogs. Most will also be significantly more expensive than a black-and-tan German Shepherd due to their rarity. Many people want a black German Shepherd, which means that you often have to be prepared to pay a bit extra. However, this is still much cheaper than you might expect for a large dog. As a common breed, they are usually cheaper than most. It may be tempting to cut corners and purchase a cheaper puppy. However, this is not recommended, especially when it comes to German Shepherds. These puppies need socialized from the moment they are born. Often, breeders put in this time and effort. We highly recommend only purchasing puppies form very experienced breeders. Otherwise, you may end up with an unsocialized puppy and a troublesome temperament. You should always ask about the pedigree of the parents, as well as the health testing the breeder has done. Ask to see the parents if at all possible. Sometimes, the father will be located somewhere else, so only the mother will be at the breeder. In this case, it is usually fine to just see the mother. You can tell a lot about a breeder form how they keep the mother and the puppies, so be absolutely sure to ask to see their living conditions. The parents should be AKC registered, so you should ask for registration. But AKC registration does not mean that the dog is high-quality. Every German Shepherd can be registered — even those with no health testing. Preferably, you should have owned at least one dog before. It is recommended that you have some experience with more active dogs, as well. These dogs are quite active and tend to be high-energy. Without the appropriate amount of exercise, they can easily become destructive. In fact, most of the destructive behavior associated with a German Shepherd is due to a lack of stimulation. German Shepherds require extensive training as well, so it is best if they have a handler that has previously trained dogs. They will take up a few hours a day as puppies and require as much as an hour or two of exercise alone. Many of these canines are more expensive than their black-and-tan counterparts. However, they have won the hearts of many pet owners. It will often take you a little bit before you locate a completely black puppy, so be prepared to sit on a few waiting lists. Despite their unusual colorations, these dogs are very similar to all other German Shepherds. They have the same temperament and work great as guard dogs. You have to prepare to train and socialize them properly. They require quite a bit more work than other breeds, but it is absolutely worth it in the end. We recommend these dogs for serious dog owners who have previously owned dogs. German Shepherds are not for the casual dog owner. They need someone who can commit to their training and activity needs. Author: Kristin Kristin was born in Tennessee and currently lives there with her husband and children. She is passionate about educating pet parents and helping them make the best possible decisions for their pets. She currently owns one dog, two cats, a lizard, and a variety of fish. Unleash the real potential of your companion! We will email you daily with training tips, ideas and videos. This is an introductory course into our training philosophy. You will get customized video lessons based on your training goals — and you can implement them in just 5 minutes a day.

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In addition, there are strap holes on the chest and back, making it more convenient for you.In addition, there are strap holes on the chest and back, making it more convenient for you to use.Although a playful pup sounds endearing, consider how many games of fetch or tag you want to play each day, and whether you have kids or other dogs who can stand in as playmates for the dog. Click here for more information on this characteristic Belgian Malinois Overview The Belgian Malinois is a medium-sized dog that at first glance resembles a German Shepherd. Malinois are short-haired, fawn-colored dogs with black masks. They are one of four types of Belgian herding dogs, and have been shown in the U. Originally developed in Malines, Belgium, Malinois have a great deal of stamina and truly enjoy working. They are intelligent and very active dogs that excel at many tasks. In addition to herding, they also do well with police work, search and rescue, and performance events, such as agility. People who are not familiar with the Malinois often confuse them with the German Shepherds, but there are significant differences in the body structure and temperament of the two breeds. Malinois are smaller dogs with lighter bones. Malinois are fawn-colored, red, or brown, and the tips of their hair are black, while the German Shepherd is usually tan with a black saddle. Additionally, the Malinois has a more refined, chiseled head than the German Shepherd and smaller, more triangular ears. Many think that the Malinois is more alert and quicker to respond than the German Shepherd. Some Malinois are friendly and assertive, but others are reserved and aloof with strangers. They should never have a fearful or aggressive temperament. Because of their energy level and sensitivity, Malinois are recommended only for people who have previously parented dogs and are skilled in dog training. Malinois are very intense dogs who like to be included in all of the family activities. If you have decided that the Malinois is the breed for you, you should expose your dog to many different people, dogs, other animals, and situations as early as possible. Puppy kindergarten classes are recommended for your Malinois puppy, followed by obedience training. Malinois are quick learners and eager to do whatever their people ask of them. They excel are obedience, tracking, agility, flyball, herding, showing, Schutzhund, and other protection sports. But a Malinois parent should never forget that this is a breed developed to protect and herd. Poorly socialized dogs may behave aggressively out of fear or shyness. Additionally, although well-socialized Malinois are good with children, especially if they are raised with them, they may have a tendency to nip at their heels and try to herd them when playing. Belgian Malinois Highlights Belgian Malinois have a great deal of energy and need a lot of exercise. Make sure you have the room and time to provide it. Malinois are very intelligent and alert. They also have strong herding and protection instincts. Early, consistent training is critical! They are very people-oriented and want to be included in family activities. Malinois are constant shedders. They shed heavily twice a year. Belgian Malinois are intense dogs who are play-oriented and sensitive. Training should be fun, consistent, and positive. Because of their intelligence, high energy, and other characteristics, Malinois are not recommended for inexperienced dog parents. The four varieties are the Malinois fawn-mahogany, short coat with black mask , the Tervuren fawn-mahogany, long coat with black mask , the Laekenois fawn, rough coat , and the Groenendael black, long coat. The Club du Chien de Berger Belge Belgian Shepherd Dog Club was formed in September to determine which of the many different types of dogs was representative only of the shepherd dogs developed in Belgium. In November of that same year, breeders and fanciers met on the outskirts of Brussels to examine shepherd dogs from that area. After much deliberation, veterinary professor Adolphe Reul and a panel of judges concluded that the native shepherd dog of that province were square, medium-sized dogs with well-set triangular ears and very dark brown eyes and differed only in the texture, color, and length of hair. Subsequent examinations of dogs in other Belgian provinces resulted in similar findings. In , Professor Reul wrote the first Belgian Shepherd Dog standard, which recognized three varieties: dogs with long coats, dogs with short coats, and dogs with rough coats. By , however, the Belgian Shepherd Dog was finally recognized as a breed. In , he purchased a pale, fawn rough-haired dog called Vos I, or Vos de Laeken from a cattle dealer in northern Belgium. After that mating, Vos I was bred to his daughters, establishing a line of very homogeneous dogs with grey rough hairs and short hairs, and fawn rough hairs and short hairs. Breeders decided to give each of the different varieties of Belgian Shepherd Dogs their own names. The city of Malines had formed a club for the promotion of fawn short-haired Belgian Shepherd dog in .The first dressage trial, held on July 12, , in Malines, was won by M. Belgian Shepherds were also used as guard dogs and draught dogs. They were the first dogs to be used by the Belgian police. Before World War II, international police dog trials became very popular in Europe, and Belgian dogs earned a number of prizes at the trials. When World War I broke out, many Belgian Shepherd Dogs were used by the military for a number of jobs including messenger dogs, Red Cross dogs, ambulance cart dogs, and, according to some, light machine-gun cart dogs. During the s and s, several outstanding Malinois kennels were started in Belgium. During the first decades of the 20th century, Malinois and Groenendael were the most popular varieties of Belgian Shepherd dogs to be exported to other countries. He sold the two Malinois to L. De Winter of Guttenberg, New Jersey. De Winter produced several litters from the Malinois under his Winterview kennel name. He also bred Malinois for a short time under the name of Castlehead Kennel. By the end of the s, the Groenendael and Malinois Belgian Sheepdogs had risen in popularity to rank among the top five breeds. During the s, a few Malinois were registered with the AKC as imports trickled into the country. In that same year, John Cowley imported two Malinois and began his Netherlair kennel. He showed several of his dogs and several people became interested in them. By the s, more people were breeding and showing Malinois. In the last decade, Belgian Malinois dogs have received a lot of attention for their work in the military, drug detection agencies, search and rescue operations, and police forces around the country. As a result, many Malinois have been imported to the U. The mission was a success, and Conan was honored as a hero at The White House after making a full recovery. Belgian Malinois Size Males are 24 to 26 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh 60 to 80 pounds. Females are 22 to 24 inches tall and weigh 40 to 60 pounds. Belgian Malinois Personality Belgian Malinois puppies are often curious and playful, willing to approach people and be held by them. This is an outstanding working dog who is confident and protective in any situation. The watchdog abilities of the Malinois are excellent. They protect their people and property with only as much force as is required. Shyness and aggression are rare in this breed. Socialization helps ensure that your Malinois puppy grows up to be a well-rounded dog. Enrolling them in a puppy kindergarten class is a great start. Inviting visitors over regularly and taking your pup to busy parks, stores that allow dogs, and on leisurely strolls to meet neighbors will also help them polish their social skills. Some dogs show pain and lameness on one or both rear legs, but you may not notice any signs of discomfort in a dog with hip dysplasia. As the dog ages, arthritis can develop. Hip dysplasia is hereditary, but it can also be triggered by environmental factors, such as rapid growth from a high-calorie diet or injuries incurred from jumping or falling on slick floors. This is a degenerative eye disorder that eventually causes blindness from the loss of photoreceptors at the back of the eye. PRA is detectable years before the dog shows any signs of blindness. Fortunately, dogs can use their other senses to compensate for blindness, and a blind dog can live a full and happy life. Elbow Dysplasia. This is a heritable condition common to large-breed dogs. This can lead to painful lameness. Your vet may recommend surgery to correct the problem or medication to control the pain. Anesthesia Sensitivity. Belgian Malinois are very sensitive to anesthesia. They have a higher-than-average rate of death when put under anesthesia because of their muscle-to-fat ratio. Be sure your vet understands this sensitivity before allowing your Malinois to have surgery or even have their teeth cleaned. Belgian Malinois Care Belgian Malinois can do well in small quarters if they receive enough exercise. They prefer cool climates but adapt well to warmer environments. They should always be included as part of the family and live indoors. If possible, provide your Malinois with some off-leash exercise in a fenced area in addition to long walks or jogging. If you like to hike or jog, your Belgian Malinois will be happy to be by your side. Consider training your dog to compete in obedience or agility. Puppies have different exercise needs. From 9 weeks to 4 months of age, puppy kindergarten once or twice a week is a great way for them to get exercise, training, and socialization, plus 15 to 20 minutes of playtime in the yard, morning and evening. Throw a ball for them to fetch. From 4 to 6 months of age, weekly obedience classes, daily half-mile walks, and playtime in the yard will meet their needs. From 6 months to 1 year of age, play fetch with a ball or Frisbee for up to 40 minutes during cool mornings or evenings, not in the heat of the day. Continue to limit walks to a half mile. Avoid hard surfaces such as asphalt and concrete. As they continue to mature, you can increase the distance and time you run. These graduated levels of exercise will protect their developing bones and joints. Malinois are sensitive and highly trainable. Be firm, calm, and consistent with them. Anger and physical force are counterproductive. Belgian Malinois Feeding Recommended daily amount: 2 to 3 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. How much your adult dog eats depends on their size, age, build, metabolism, and activity level. It almost goes without saying that a highly active dog will need more than a couch potato dog. The quality of dog food you buy also makes a difference. The better the dog food, the further it will go toward nourishing your dog. First, look down at them. You should be able to see a waist. Then place your hands on their back, thumbs along the spine, with the fingers spread downward. You should be able to feel but not see their ribs without having to press hard. The hard topcoat and dense undercoat provide weather resistance for a dog who was bred to work outdoors in all conditions. The hair is slightly longer around the neck, forming a sort of mini-mane. The coat is typically fawn- to mahogany-colored with a black mask on the face, black ears, and black tips on the hairs. Fawn-colored Malinois sometimes have a tiny bit of white on the tips of their toes or a small white spot on the chest. The short, smooth coat of the Malinois is easy to groom. Brush it weekly with a firm bristle brush, and bathe only when necessary. Malinois shed year-round, more heavily in the spring and fall. Daily brushing is even better if you want to prevent gum disease and bad breath. Handle their paws frequently dogs are touchy about their feet and look inside their mouth and ears. As you groom, check for sores, rashes, or signs of infection such as redness, tenderness, or inflammation on the skin, in the nose, mouth, and eyes, and on the feet. Eyes should be clear, with no redness or discharge. Your careful weekly exam will help you spot potential health problems early. Belgian Malinois Children And Other Pets Well-socialized Malinois are good with children, especially if they are raised with them, but because of their herding heritage, they may have a tendency to nip at their heels and try to herd them when playing. You must teach your Malinois that this behavior is unacceptable. Always teach children how to approach and touch dogs , and always supervise any interactions between dogs and young children to prevent any biting or ear or tail pulling on the part of either party. No dog should ever be left unsupervised with a child. If you want your Malinois to get along with other animals you must start early and reward them for appropriate behavior. Belgian Malinois Rescue Groups Belgian Malinois are often adopted without any clear understanding of what goes into owning one. There are many Malinois in need of adoption and or fostering. Belgian Malinois Breed Organizations Finding a reputable dog breeder is one of the most important decisions you will make when bringing a new dog into your life. Reputable breeders are committed to breeding healthy, well-socialized puppies that will make great companions. They will screen their breeding stock for health problems, socialize their puppies from a young age, and provide you with lifetime support. On the other hand, backyard breeders are more interested in making a profit than in producing healthy, well-adjusted dogs. They may not screen their breeding stock for health problems, and they may not socialize their puppies properly. As a result, puppies from backyard breeders are more likely to have health problems and behavioral issues. More Info For You. Some of these factors include: Breeder reputation: German Shepherds from reputable breeders with a history of producing high-quality puppies may be more expensive than those from less reputable sources. Bloodline: German Shepherds with a strong, purebred bloodline may be more expensive than those with a more mixed or unknown bloodline. Coat color: Some coat colors, such as all-black German Shepherds, may be more expensive than others. Size: Larger German Shepherds may be more expensive than smaller ones. Health clearances: German Shepherds with health clearances for genetic conditions such as hip dysplasia may be more expensive due to the additional testing and care involved in producing these puppies. Location: German Shepherds may be more expensive in certain areas due to demand and availability. Age: Puppies may be more expensive than adult German Shepherds due to the time and effort involved in raising and training them. Types of German Shepherds There are several types of German Shepherds that are recognized by various breeding organizations and kennel clubs. These types may vary in appearance, size, and temperament, and may be bred for specific purposes such as show or working dogs. Some common types of German Shepherds include: 1. American Show Line German Shepherds: These German Shepherds are bred for conformation shows and are generally larger and more heavily boned than other types of German Shepherds. They may have a more relaxed temperament compared to other types. West German Show Line German Shepherds: These German Shepherds are also bred for conformation shows and are known for their rich colors and strong, athletic build. They may have a more energetic and active temperament compared to other types. They are known for their strong, athletic build and are generally more agile and agile than other types. Czech German Shepherds: These German Shepherds were bred in the Czech Republic and are known for their strong, muscular build and working ability. They are generally more energetic and active compared to other types. Belgian German Shepherds: These German Shepherds were bred in Belgium and are known for their strong, athletic build and versatility. They are generally more agile and energetic compared to other types. German Shepherd Temperament The German Shepherd is known for its strong personality and protective nature. They are intelligent and eager to please, making them highly trainable. However, they can also be stubborn and may require a consistent and firm hand in training. They have a strong prey drive and may require early socialization to prevent aggression toward other animals. German Shepherds are loyal and affectionate towards their families and can be very protective of their loved ones. They are generally good with children and make great family pets with proper training and socialization. German Shepherd Training Training a German Shepherd requires a consistent and firm hand, as they can be stubborn at times. It is important to establish yourself as the leader and set clear boundaries and rules. German Shepherds are highly intelligent and respond well to positive reinforcement training methods, such as rewards and praise. Here are a few tips for training a German Shepherd: Start training early: German Shepherds are intelligent and learn quickly, so it is important to start training early to establish good habits. Use positive reinforcement: Rewards and praise are effective ways to motivate and train a German Shepherd. Avoid using punishment or fear-based training methods. Be consistent: Consistency is key when training a German Shepherd. Set clear rules and boundaries and stick to them. Provide mental and physical stimulation: German Shepherds have a high energy level and require daily exercise and mental stimulation. Incorporate activities such as obedience training, agility, and tracking into their routine to keep them engaged and happy. Seek professional help: If you are having trouble training your German Shepherd or are unsure of how to properly train them, consider seeking the help of a professional trainer or behaviorist. German Shepherd Care Tips Here are a few care tips for your German Shepherd: Provide daily exercise: German Shepherds have a high energy level and require daily exercise and mental stimulation to stay healthy and happy. Incorporate activities such as walks runs, and obedience training into their routine to keep them active and engaged. Follow a healthy diet: Feed your German Shepherd a high-quality diet that is appropriate for their age and size. Avoid giving them table scraps or foods that are unhealthy or toxic. Keep their coat groomed: German Shepherds have a dense double coat that requires regular brushing to prevent matting. They may also need occasional baths to keep their coat clean and healthy. Practice preventive care: Keep up with regular veterinary check-ups and follow a preventive care plan to help prevent or manage any potential health issues. Provide mental stimulation: German Shepherds are intelligent and need mental stimulation to keep their minds active and prevent boredom. Incorporate activities such as puzzle toys and training games into their routine to keep them engaged. German Shepherd Maintenance Cost The maintenance cost of a German Shepherd can vary depending on various factors such as location, quality of food, grooming needs, and veterinary care. Here are some of the estimated costs involved in owning a German Shepherd in India: Food: A German Shepherd requires a high-quality diet that meets their nutritional needs. This includes brushing their coat at least twice a week, occasional baths, and nail trimming. Veterinary Care: Regular veterinary check-ups and vaccinations are essential to keep a German Shepherd healthy. The cost of veterinary care can vary depending on the location and the type of services required. However, the cost can increase if the dog requires any specialized treatments or surgeries. Training: German Shepherds are intelligent dogs that require proper training to become well-behaved companions. Exercise: German Shepherds are active dogs that require regular exercise and mental stimulation to stay healthy and happy. This includes daily walks, runs, and playtime. The cost of exercise can vary depending on whether you have access to a yard or need to take the dog to a park or dog daycare. Additionally, providing toys and puzzles can help keep the dog mentally stimulated and prevent destructive behavior. Insurance: Consider purchasing pet insurance to help cover unexpected veterinary expenses. The cost of pet insurance can vary depending on the coverage and the age and health of the dog. Supplies: German Shepherds require various supplies such as a collar, leash, bed, and toys. The cost of these supplies can vary depending on the quality and brand. Additionally, if you plan on traveling with the dog, you may need to purchase a crate or carrier. Miscellaneous expenses: There may be other miscellaneous expenses associated with owning a German Shepherd, such as licensing fees, microchipping, and pet-sitting or boarding costs if you need to be away from home. The breed was officially recognized in and the first breed club was established in Germany in .The German Shepherd was the first breed to be trained as a police dog in Germany. German Shepherds are often used as service dogs due to their intelligence and trainability. The breed is known for its strong protective nature and loyalty towards its family. German Shepherds have a high energy level and require daily exercise and mental stimulation. The breed has a lifespan of years, although some may live longer with proper care and nutrition. To help ensure a long and healthy life for your German Shepherd, it is important to provide them with a balanced diet, regular exercise and mental stimulation, and preventive care such as regular veterinary check-ups and vaccinations. By following these care tips, you can help ensure that your German Shepherd stays happy and healthy for years to come. Advantages and disadvantages of having a German shepherd dog. Yes, German Shepherds are known for their loyalty and protective nature towards their families. They are affectionate and devoted to their loved ones and will go to great lengths to protect them. German Shepherds are also highly intelligent and respond well to training. Are German Shepherds the toughest dogs? However, They are known for their protective nature and loyalty towards their families, which makes them a popular choice as a family pet. Overall, German Shepherds are a tough and versatile breed that excels in many different roles. Can German Shepherds live in hot climates like India? Yes, German Shepherds can live in hot climates like India. However, it is important to provide proper care and accommodations to ensure their comfort and well-being. This includes providing access to plenty of clean water and shade, avoiding strenuous exercise during the hottest times of the day, and ensuring that the dog has a cool and comfortable place to rest. Is it legal to own a German Shepherd in India? Yes, it is legal to own a German Shepherd in India. However, it is important to follow all local laws and regulations regarding pet ownership, including obtaining any necessary licenses or permits and following any breed-specific regulations. Are German Shepherds good family dogs? Yes, German Shepherds can make excellent family dogs. They are loyal, and protective, and often form strong bonds with their families. Early socialization and training are important to ensure they interact well with children and other pets. Are German Shepherds aggressive? German Shepherds are not inherently aggressive. However, like any dog breed, individual temperament can vary. Proper socialization, training, and responsible ownership are crucial in preventing aggression and ensuring a well-behaved German Shepherd. Do German Shepherds require a lot of exercise? Yes, German Shepherds are an active breed that requires regular exercise to maintain their physical and mental well-being. Daily walks, playtime, and mental stimulation activities are important to prevent boredom and potential behavioral issues. Recommended —. These dogs are known for their strength, athleticism, and loyalty. While many pit bulls are gentle and loving family pets, improper training, socialization, and irresponsible ownership can contribute to behavioral issues. Responsible pit bull owners prioritize proper training and positive socialization to ensure their dogs develop well-balanced temperaments. Rottweiler Rottweilers are powerful and imposing dogs that have a history of being utilized as guard dogs and working animals. Their protective nature and loyalty to their families can sometimes lead to aggressive behavior, especially if they perceive a threat to their loved ones or territory. Early and consistent training, along with proper socialization, are essential to ensure that Rottweilers grow up to be well-mannered companions. Responsible ownership includes providing adequate mental and physical stimulation to prevent boredom-related behaviors that could contribute to aggressive tendencies. German Shepherd German Shepherds are renowned for their intelligence, versatility, and strong work ethic. Originally bred for herding, these dogs are now commonly employed in various roles, including police and service work. However, their protective instincts can sometimes result in aggressive behavior if not properly managed. Early training, exposure to different situations, and positive reinforcement are crucial for German Shepherds to thrive as well-behaved pets. Regular exercise and mental stimulation are key to preventing behavioral issues that might lead to biting incidents. Siberian Husky The Siberian Husky, renowned for its stunning appearance and sled-pulling abilities, is a breed with an intriguing mix of characteristics. Despite their captivating blue eyes and friendly demeanor, Siberian Huskies can sometimes exhibit a tendency to bite under certain circumstances. Originating in the harsh Arctic regions, Siberian Huskies were bred for their endurance and strength. Their pack mentality and history as working dogs contribute to their loyalty and sociable nature. However, improper training and socialization can lead to behavioral issues, including biting. Alaskan Malamute The Alaskan Malamute, often mistaken for the Siberian Husky due to their similar appearance, is another breed known for its potential to bite. With a history of hauling heavy loads in frigid conditions, these dogs possess remarkable strength and determination. While Alaskan Malamutes are generally affectionate and intelligent, their independent streak can make training challenging. Early socialization and consistent positive reinforcement are crucial in curbing any aggressive tendencies. Responsible ownership, proper containment, and supervised interactions with other pets are vital in minimizing the risk of biting incidents. Bullmastiff The Bullmastiff, a majestic and imposing breed, is known for its remarkable guarding abilities combined with a surprisingly gentle demeanor. Originating in England, this breed was developed to assist gamekeepers in protecting estates from poachers. With a powerful build and a confident presence, Bullmastiffs are natural protectors, making them excellent guard dogs. Despite their imposing appearance, Bullmastiffs are characterized by their calm and affectionate nature, particularly towards their families. Proper socialization and training are vital to ensure that their protective instincts are channeled appropriately. They are known to be excellent with children and loyal to their owners. Akita Originating in Japan, the Akita is a breed deeply rooted in history and symbolism. Akitas are revered for their loyalty, courage, and dignified presence. Their strong bond with their families makes them great companions and protectors. However, Akitas also possess an independent nature, which requires experienced handling and consistent training. Akitas are known to be reserved around strangers but are incredibly devoted to their loved ones. Early socialization is key to preventing potential aggression towards unfamiliar people and animals. Chow Chow The Chow Chow is instantly recognizable for its lion-like mane, blue-black tongue, and regal demeanor. Originating from China, this breed has a history dating back thousands of years, often serving as hunting, guard, and companion dogs. Their independent and aloof nature adds an air of mystery to their character. Chow Chows are known for forming strong attachments to their families, but they can be wary of strangers. Early and continuous socialization is crucial to prevent aggressive behavior stemming from their protective instincts. Owners of Chow Chows appreciate their distinctive appearance, loyalty, and the challenge of building a deep and meaningful bond with these enigmatic dogs. Originating in England, this breed was originally bred for fox hunting, a task that required intelligence, agility, and fearlessness. Jack Russells possess a strong prey drive and a sharp mind, which can sometimes lead to nipping or biting behaviors if not properly channeled. With their compact size and endless enthusiasm, Jack Russells are popular among active individuals and families who can provide them with the physical and mental stimulation they need. These dogs are intelligent and quick learners, but they can also be stubborn, requiring consistent and patient training. Originating in Australia, these dogs were developed to handle cattle in rugged terrains, showcasing both agility and determination. While they excel in their herding roles, Australian Cattle Dogs can sometimes exhibit herding behaviors with people, which may include nipping or biting ankles. Known for their unwavering loyalty and high energy levels, Australian Cattle Dogs thrive in environments where they have tasks to complete and opportunities for physical exercise. Their intelligence and problem-solving skills make them excellent candidates for various dog sports and activities. Proper training, early socialization, and providing mental stimulation are essential to ensure that their natural instincts are positively directed. Frequently Asked Questions Which dog breeds are more prone to biting? Certain breeds, like Pit Bull Terriers, Rottweilers, and German Shepherds, are statistically reported to have a higher likelihood of biting due to a combination of factors such as genetics, training, and socialization. Are all dogs from these breeds aggressive? No, not all dogs from these breeds are aggressive. Proper training and responsible ownership can help prevent aggression. How can I prevent my dog from biting? Early socialization and proper training are crucial. Expose your dog to various people, environments, and situations from a young age. Basic obedience training, positive reinforcement, and addressing behavioral issues promptly can prevent biting incidents. Can small dog breeds also be prone to biting? Yes, small dog breeds like Jack Russell Terriers can exhibit nipping or biting behaviors. Their energy levels and behaviors should be managed similarly to larger breeds. Is aggression purely a breed-specific trait? What role does socialization play in preventing biting? Socialization helps dogs become comfortable with various people, animals, and situations. Early and positive exposure to different experiences reduces fear and anxiety, decreasing the likelihood of defensive or aggressive behavior.

This is usually located almost at the center of the belly, just below the rib cage. Once the umbilical cord shrivels and falls off -- which should happen within a few days -- there will be a little scar left behind on the belly. This scar is a slightly brighter color than the surrounding skin and feels a little bit thicker. The prepuce will have a small hole at the center. Male puppies will have testicles, although you may not be able to feel them before they are 8 weeks old. By 8 weeks old, the testicles are usually enclosed in the sack-like scrotum. Unlike male puppies, female puppies will have smooth bellies other than their umbilicus scar. Females do not have a prepuce. If your puppy is male, you will only be able to see its anus. If your puppy is female, you will see a raised, fleshy area just under the anus. This is the vulva. The vulva of a female puppy is small and leaf-shaped. It has a vertical slit. The vulva may have some wispy hairs on it. Just like humans and other mammals, both male and female dogs have nipples. Puppies should have their first set of vaccinations at around six weeks old. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show. Go to source Advertisement. Although both are loyal , protective, and friendly, there are some other areas you should be aware of with this breed. He is a very protective pup over his family, and he can test the boundaries of the dominant position in the household. Males need to be trained and brought up from puppies with a firm yet kind hand. If not, he will run roughshod over your home, and he will not respect or respond to commands. Your GSD boy, although loving and protective, is more likely to attach himself to one person in the family. This is usually the one who has asserted themselves as the dominant leader, and the person who feeds and spends the most quality time with them. The male GSD can be more aggressive and proud than females. They are very territorial and possessive of their owners. Although they are good family dogs, males can push around kids and be a little rambunctious. That being said, they are still loyal and protective of kids and will act as a babysitter if they feel the children are up to no good. Female personality Unlike the male, a girl GSD is more gentle and friendly, in general. She is also more apt to be protective and attached to the entire family versus just one person. As her nature is typically more laid back, your German Shepherd is also not going to be as hard to handle as the male counterparts. Besides dominance, a female is easier to train and can tolerate other dogs and people more easily. Although still fiercely protective, she is not as possessive and will not mark her territory like the male. Overall, your GSD girl is sweeter. They are not aggressive unless protecting their families. Also, the female can have some coolness to her nature, but that is typically determined by the individual pooch. Training and Care The training and overall care of these dogs require a solid commitment from their owners. They are active, playful, and intelligent animals that need stimulation to be happy and healthy. Again, though, the male and female can vary in their needs Image Credit: hansbenn, Pixabay Exercise As mentioned, both of these genders are energetic dogs , and they will require a good deal of exercise. Male and female German Shepherds need daily moderate to high activity or they can become unruly. If the excess energy is allowed to build up, they can bark, chew, pace, and generally find ways to show their displeasure. With that being said, a male GSD is more likely to be destructive when not properly exercised. They have less tolerance for being left alone, although both sexes do not do well with an extended absence from the family. Also, as the male tends to bond with one family member, they can become more agitated when that person is gone for longer periods, even if the other family members are present. That being said, the male German Shepherd is harder to train, as they will compete for the dominant position. A young start and a firm hand are required. On one hand, the GSD boy pup is more likely to be used as a guard dog, watchdog, or protector. They are also trained in activities such as herding , police support, and guides for the disabled. Overall, they will take longer to train, yet once it is done, they are very obedient. Girls, on the other hand, are much easier to train. Their calm and cool temperament allows them to focus their intelligence on the sequence that will make you happy without needing to focus on pushing for dominance. Although girls are not used as guard dogs or police dogs as often, they are still capable of these activities. That being said, the female GSD is a favorite for agility contests, sporting events, and even babysitting the kids. Their fur can differ in color, texture, and length, but overall, they have a thick, double coat with soft and shiny fur that will need to be brushed a few times a week. Brushing is not only important to keep their coats healthy , but it will reduce the amount of shedding. Also, neither gender is a fan of bathtime, nor is it recommended. Unless they have become filthy, bathing will strip the oils from their fur, so it is not the best idea. Diet The last consideration in this area is food and diet. Both males and females should be fed a healthy and nutritious diet twice a day. You should note, however, that males are larger than females, and will require more food. They can range from several different colors, have different fur lengths, and can have different features. Overall, however, the male GSD is going to be a good deal larger than the female. They also tend to be more lean and lanky, although both genders are typically taller pups. Your male pooch can range in height from 24 to 28 inches and weigh anywhere from 75 to 95 pounds. Females are lighter and smaller than their male halves. They can also be broader in stature. A female GSD will range in height from 23 to 26 inches. Interestingly, though, their weight range is the same as males, so they can reach up to 95 pounds. Health Common canine health concerns will affect the male and female GSD equally. Both genders should have regular vet visits to make sure they are kept in good health. They should also have their teeth checked regularly for signs of excess plaque and tartar build-up. Beyond that, both sexes have their own health concerns, plus they share some that are more common to their breed. Not doing so can also affect their personality traits and cause them to be moodier. Here are some illness and issues you should be aware of with a GSD female: Mammary cancer. Though male and female GSDs have similarities, they also have relevant differences. However, they also have differences based on their gender. Male GSDs generally dominate because of their large and masculine features. If territorial marking is a problem to you, consider spaying your male GSDs because they mark their territory less when spayed. To control unwanted behaviors, train your GSD at a young age to prevent problems. On the other hand, female GSDs are less possessive of their belongings and they get along well with their handlers and people in general so they tend to be more protective of them. However, female GSDs can become too dependent which could result in jealousy. For a female GSD, she bonds not only to her handler but also to other family members and even tolerates outsiders. Training Differences Since male GSDs are proud, it can be more challenging to train them than their female counterparts. Female GSDs are more sensitive and more focused so they excel in agility training because they are faster and smaller. Size A male GSD is taller, bigger and heavier. He has a larger head and a broader body while a female GSD is noticeably smaller and lighter. If you happen to see larger females and smaller males, these are exceptions. These numbers are not absolutes. What Should You Choose? It depends on your preference. Inform the breeder of the specific characteristics you are looking for. Be clear of your purpose in buying a GSD so the breeder can give possible suggestions. If it is feasible, observe male and females GSD puppies together. When female GSDs are in heat, they will bleed for a week or more. This happens only twice a year but it can be messy. So if you are inexperienced, it could be difficult. As an alternative, you can choose to get a male GSD. Most experts agree that female GSDs are ideal for a family with children so if you have children, get a female GSD since she is more nurturing and gentle. Keep in mind though that a male GSD needs more food compared with a female one. You also have to consider how the GSD was raised and trained. Remember that an untrained GSD regardless of gender can become aggressive. Try not to focus too much on gender because their characteristics depend on their breed not just on their gender. Conclusion Whatever you choose, be open-minded when your expectations are not met. Many GSDs are abandoned or put up for adoption because of high expectations from their previous owners. Peter My name is Peter and I am a dog lover. I have two German Shepherd dogs, one of which is called Biscuit because his coat is very light with brown patches. My wife and I moved from the UK to Ohio where we now live with our two daughters. We love squash on weekends and following the English Premier League closely! Previous Article. 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. These dogs are intelligent, fierce protectors with personalities that make them perfect for guard duties, police work, and companionship. So, when it comes to the different genders, are there any notable differences? Of course! First, the size between males and females can vary quite drastically. Also, the overall character is mainly determined through breeding, but particular quirks can lean more towards one side than another. Originally given tasks in guarding and herding, these dogs have also found themselves employed in several other categories. Shepherds are some of the most talented breeds in the domesticated dog world, leading the blind, joining special task forces, and guarding facilities and homes alike. These dogs have incredible body structures that are large with a sloping back. Although black and tan is the traditional coloration, they are available in various colors like sable, black, silver, and white. Noble and agile, these great defenders take pride in everything they do—so they make terrific playmates for kids, hiking partners, guard dogs, and show dogs. If you live in an apartment, you might want to check with your landlord before committing to this breed. Because of bite risks, German Shepherds are on the list of potentially dangerous breeds and sometimes require approval. These dogs make such rewarding, intelligent companions—intensely loyal and pack-oriented. If you own your own home, you are free to explore this breed. But which gender would work best for your home? They are incredibly sharp, taking note of everything going on around them. Because of their territorial nature and quickness to defend, they make fabulous watchdogs. On the other hand, some male Shepherds may be a little more on the goofy side, playfully hanging out with their families. Training Male German Shepherds are ideal training specimens. Alongside other dogs with impeccable agility, like the Belgian Malinois, they are skilled to sniff out bombs, narcotics and perform search and rescue work. As a pet, these dogs work very well with basic training and pick up on commands. However, males are very sensitive about same-sex encounters, and there is a potential for a dominance struggle. Male Shepherds also have a very high prey drive, which is an inborn instinct—not something that you can train out of them, so to speak. Male German Shepherds are generally very healthy dogs, but the main concern among the breed is canine hip dysplasia. Early testing is available through your veterinarian to determine if your dog will develop this condition later in life. Other health issues for the breed include: Bloat.

Yorkshire Terrier When considering the Breed Standards and Average Sizes for collar selection, it is important to note that these measurements are approximate and may vary slightly across individual dogs. The average neck sizes listed above can serve as a general guideline for choosing an appropriate collar size for your lab puppy. It is crucial to measure your lab puppy's neck size accurately before making a collar purchase. Using a soft measuring tape, wrap it around the base of your puppy's neck, ensuring a snug but comfortable fit. Keep in mind that puppies grow quickly, so it is advisable to choose a collar with room for growth. It is recommended to select a collar that is adjustable to accommodate your lab puppy's changing size. This way, you can easily modify the fit as they grow. Always ensure that the collar is comfortable for your puppy to wear, with enough space for two fingers to fit between the collar and their neck. By considering the Breed Standards and Average Sizes, measuring your lab puppy's neck accurately, and choosing an adjustable collar with room for growth, you can provide your puppy with a comfortable and properly fitting collar. Remember to monitor your lab puppy's collar as they continue to grow and adjust or replace it accordingly. Suggestions: When selecting a collar size for your lab puppy, it is a good idea to consult with a veterinarian or a professional dog trainer for additional guidance. They can provide personalized advice based on your puppy's breed, age, and growth rate. Remember to always prioritize your lab puppy's comfort and pet safety when choosing a collar. Measuring the Neck Size of the Lab Puppy Measuring the neck size of a lab puppy is a crucial step in selecting the appropriate collar size. Here is a step-by-step manual on accurately measuring the neck size: Ensure that the lab puppy is calm and comfortable before measuring their neck size. Utilize a soft measuring tape or a piece of string to measure around the puppy's neck at the base, where the collar will be positioned. Wrap the measuring tape or string snugly around the neck, ensuring it is not too tight or too loose. Take note of the measurement in inches or centimeters, maintaining consistency with the chosen unit of measurement. If you utilized a piece of string, measure its length with a ruler or measuring tape to determine the neck size. Double-check the measurement to ensure its accuracy. Remember that the collar should fit snugly but not be excessively tight or loose. It is important to allow two fingers to comfortably fit between the collar and the puppy's neck. By accurately measuring the neck size, you can select the appropriate collar size for your lab puppy, ensuring both comfort and a proper fit. Guidelines for Choosing the Right Size Collar for a Lab Puppy When it comes to finding the perfect collar for your adorable lab puppy, it's important to keep a few key guidelines in mind. In this section, we'll explore useful tips and tricks to ensure you choose the right size collar that will suit your furry friend's needs. From adjustable collars to selecting a collar with room for growth and ensuring optimal comfort and fit, we've got you covered. Get ready to make your lab puppy the most stylish and comfortable pup in town! Adjustable Collars Adjustable collars are a convenient option when choosing a collar for your lab puppy. They offer flexibility and allow for easy adjustments as your puppy grows. Perfect fit: Adjustable collars provide a perfect fit for your lab puppy's neck comfortably. This ensures that the collar is not too tight, causing discomfort or restricting movement, and not too loose, risking the puppy slipping out of it. Room for growth: Lab puppies grow rapidly, and adjustable collars provide the flexibility to accommodate their changing neck size. As your puppy grows, you can adjust the size of the adjustable collar accordingly, providing a snug fit without the need for frequent collar replacements. Economical option: Investing in adjustable collars eliminates the need to purchase multiple collars as your lab puppy grows. This helps save money in the long run and ensures that you always have a well-fitting collar for your pup. Durable and long-lasting: Adjustable collars are typically made of high-quality materials, ensuring durability and longevity. They are designed to withstand the active lifestyle of lab puppies, making them a reliable choice for everyday use. Easy to clean: Lab puppies are known for their playful and messy nature. Adjustable collars are easy to clean, allowing you to maintain hygiene and keep your puppy looking smart and presentable at all times. When choosing a collar for your lab puppy, consider the convenience and versatility that adjustable collars offer. They provide a customized and comfortable fit, accommodate your puppy's growth, and are a cost-effective choice in the long run. Choosing a Collar with Room for Growth When selecting a collar for your lab puppy, it is crucial to choose one that allows room for growth. To make sure you get the right size, follow these steps: Start by measuring your lab puppy's neck size using a flexible tape measure or a piece of string and a ruler. Wrap the measuring tape or string around the base of the neck, where the collar will sit. Remember to leave a finger's width of space for comfort. Once you have the measurement of the neck size, add an extra inches to allow for growth. This ensures that the collar will fit comfortably as your lab puppy grows. Look for adjustable collars with multiple holes or a sliding mechanism that can easily be adjusted as your lab puppy develops. Consider collars made from lightweight and durable materials like nylon or leather. These materials can withstand the wear and tear that comes with a growing lab puppy. Ensure that the collar is neither too tight nor too loose when fastened. It should fit snugly around your lab puppy's neck, allowing freedom of movement without causing any discomfort. Pro-tip: Keep checking and adjusting the collar as your lab puppy grows to ensure a proper fit and prevent any potential discomfort or accidents. Ensuring Comfort and Proper Fit Ensuring comfort and proper fit is crucial when choosing a collar for a lab puppy. Here are some guidelines to follow: Choose a collar made of soft and lightweight material. It should be comfortable for the puppy to wear without causing any irritation or chafing. Ensure that the collar is adjustable. This will allow you to find the perfect fit for your lab puppy as it grows. Select a collar with a buckle or snap closure that is easy to fasten and secure. Avoid collars with complicated or hard-to-use closures. Check that the collar is not too tight or too loose. It should fit snugly around the puppy's neck without restricting their movement or causing discomfort. Regularly check the collar to make sure it remains properly fitted as the puppy grows. Adjust the collar accordingly to ensure a comfortable fit at all times. Recommended Collar Sizes for Lab Puppies at Different Ages When it comes to choosing the right collar size for your lab puppy, it's important to consider their age and growth. Collar Sizes for Lab Puppies up to 3 Months Collar sizes for lab puppies up to 3 months are determined by their age and weight. Lab puppies up to 3 months of age are typically smaller and lighter compared to older puppies. It is essential to choose a collar that fits a lab puppy neither too tightly nor too loosely. An adjustable collar is recommended to accommodate the puppy's growth. Ensure that the collar is comfortable and does not cause any discomfort or irritation to the puppy's neck. Before selecting a collar, accurately measure the puppy's neck size. Collars with room for growth are ideal for lab puppies up to 3 months as they experience rapid growth during this stage. To determine the appropriate collar size, consult the breed standards and average sizes for lab puppies. Consider the lab puppy's weight and neck size when selecting the collar size. Collar Sizes for Lab Puppies from 3 to 6 Months When choosing collar sizes for Labrador puppies aged 3 to 6 months, it is important to consider their growth and comfort. Here is a table outlining the recommended collar sizes based on the weight of the lab puppies: Weight Range. Collar, Harness, Or Both? Lab puppies start tiny but grow up extremely fast. Every pup grows up at its own tempo. If it has started to get too constricting at that point — either loosen it up if possible or get a new collar. If you get a collar with a lot of resizing leeway, it can last you a few months. This is very easy to judge if you just stick a couple of fingers under the collar. The risk of keeping an overly loose collar on your dog should be clear — the dog will be able to back out of the collar. Many others, however, including a lot of labs, love to back out of their collars whenever possible. Adult Labrador Neck Size So, what size collar will your lab puppy end up wearing when it grows up? If your puppy is smaller than average it may grow into a smaller-than-average adult lab or it may just be a slow grower. Different Types Of Dog Collars For Labs The main non-cosmetic differences between dog collars are in the materials and the fastening mechanism. Plus, they always allow for multiple different size settings. As for materials, these are the basics: Metal — a lot of people love metal, especially for mid-sized to large breeds like Labradors. Leather — this is the classic choice for dog collars. Its main drawback is that it can get stinky over time. This is especially true if your dog loves to swim and Labrador retrievers are a water dog breed. Fabric collars can come in a lot of different designs and compositions. Some of the more colorful ones are especially fun for puppies. Synthetic polyurethane-type materials — these intuitively put off some people but are an excellent choice. Training collars used to be very popular at one point for both puppies and adult dogs. These collars take many different forms — they can be pronged, pinching, and electro-shock collars. Their idea is simple — teach your dog not to pull on its leash with the negative reinforcements of the collar. Dog harnesses today are viewed as a better and safer alternative to training collars. These are used mostly for training and for adult dogs, however. You should start using those as soon as your pup is big enough. CHECK OUT 9 Things that are 4 meters long As your dog grows and begins to reach its adult weight, you can still use the weight method to figure out a rough collar size. When should a puppy first wear a collar? Some puppies may have already been wearing soft breakaway collars for training or to distinguish them from their littermates. This can make training, particularly leash training, much easier in the future. Collar Types There are several collar options available, and picking the right type is often as important as choosing the correct size. Leather collars are durable and stylish. Nylon collars are also comfortable for the dog and are available in a number of colors and patterns. Plastic collars are also available for dogs that tend to swim a lot or are frequently dirty. Harnesses are an excellent training tool for puppies that are just learning to walk on a leash. They can curb bad leash habits, such as pulling. Harnesses can be switched out for a collar as the dog grows, or you can upgrade to an adult harness size. Sharing is caring! It is all rather bewildering, but there is no need to worry! This is where you can find the answers to those questions, and get some ideas and inspiration too. Collars are a great way to identify similar Lab puppies in a litter Labrador Dog Collars and the Law In many parts of the world, dogs must legally wear a collar when out in public. This is usually a disk attached to the collar, with your phone number and name on it. Collars can display IDs in a number of different ways. Some collars come with a brass or stainless steel plate attached to the surface, others have a metal ring for you to attach a tag onto. Others will embroider the ID into fabric or tool it into leather. Are Personalized Dog Collars Safe? But others feel that this is a dangerous thing to do. But most dogs are always supervised when outdoors, and many dogs are also microchipped so proof of ownership is more easily accomplished. Unless your dog is very friendly and spends time outdoors on his own, having his name on his collar is unlikely to put him at risk. Collars as a Fashion Statement A collar is the traditional way of attaching a restraint to a dog, for the purposes of keeping him safe. Before harnesses were invented this was an essential feature of life in a modern world, where cars and other hazards are everywhere. But in many homes and families, a collar has become something of a fashion statement too. A whole industry has arisen to meet the demand for different fabrics and styles. Training Collars for Labs Many people look on a collar, as an aid to training their dog how to walk on a leash. A way to get their dog to tread along nicely next to them, without dragging or pulling them along. They want to choose a collar that will best help them in this goal. Prong collars and pinch collars have been designed that are uncomfortable and even painful when a dog leans into them. The problem of course, is that pulling is often very rewarding for a dog he gets nearer to the destination he likes. So collars usually have to be quite painful if they are to successfully stop the pulling. Collars that can be used to pinch and choke dogs, are becoming less popular, as more and more dog owners want to train without using unpleasant aversives. And fortunately there are now excellent ways of teaching a dog to walk nicely without using collars at all. And in the meantime you might find it helpful to have a strong pulling dog fitted with a body harness that will give you more control without damaging his neck. Before you set off on a Labrador collar shopping expedition, you will need to think about sizes. And to know your Labrador neck size. Labrador Collar Size Not all collars are made in sizes large enough for an adult Lab. And one adult Lab will not have the same neck size as another. So you do need to whip out your tape measure in order to avoid disappointment Both my Labs have an 18 inch neck. They are medium build slim Labradors. But it really is best to measure. If you find it difficult to keep your dog still, just get someone to dip their fingers in some butter and let the dog lick it off while you take his measurements! Collars for adult Labs are usually about an inch wide — this allows enough space for a small ID plaque if desired. What Size Collar for a Lab Puppy? If you buy a puppy collar two or three inches longer than this it will last him a few weeks. Puppy collars are usually narrower than adult collars, half an inch is fine. And they come in some very cute designs. We have put together a collection of our favorite puppy collars to inspire you! So what kind of collar should you buy? Which Labrador Collar Style? We recommend that you buy your Labrador a flat collar with a buckle fastener. You can choose one to suit your taste and wallet. Especially if your Lab likes to swim. You can buy waterproof collars made from synthetic polyurethane type materials. Waterproof collars tend to resist odor and are easy to clean. They often come in striking bright colors — we love them and think they look cool! But not so loose that he can back out of it. You should be able to fit two or three fingers under it quite easily, but not much more. A collar that is too loose can be slipped by a lively dog very easily. It is also worth considering alternative forms of restraint. Especially for puppies and lively young dogs that can get very sore necks if leashed to a collar. Buying a Harness The breadth of choice in body harnesses for dogs has burgeoned in the last couple of years as people discover how great they are. A body harness is an excellent way to restrain a young dog that has not been taught to walk to heel. It has several advantages over a collar. It is almost impossible for the dog to slip out of. And most importantly, a puppy that wears a harness is not learning to lean into or pull, on his collar. However, we selected them for inclusion independently, and all of the views expressed in this article are our own. When it comes to puppies, particularly short-haired breeds, you should look for a soft collar made of a non-abrasive material. Fabric collars are a good option, and collars made from a breathable fabric that is also machine washable are even better. When should a puppy wear a collar? Even if your puppy is still too young to go outside for walks, getting them used to wearing a collar is a good idea and will prevent any tiny tantrums further down the road! Collars should be worn most of the time, even around the house, but taking it off every so often to let the skin breathe is recommended. Try leaving the collar off for a couple of hours every time you brush or bathe them. Can an 8-week-old puppy wear a collar? Responsible breeders recommend puppies should not be brought home until 8 weeks old, and you can start getting them used to their collar shortly after this. It may be a good idea to let them settle into their new environment before introducing something new, but getting them used to their collar in their second week at home is a good idea. Should puppies wear collars at night? Most dog collars are designed to be non-abrasive, and perfectly safe for pups and older dogs to sleep in. This can also help puppies get adjusted to wearing a collar for the majority of the time. However, many vets also recommend including a contact telephone number, in the event your dog goes missing. Although microchipping has been mandatory for pet dogs since , tags are still a legal requirement and provide a quicker way to get in contact with you if your dog is found, without their microchip needing to be scanned first. We hope our puppy collar size guide has been helpful, as well as our dog collar FAQs! If you enjoyed our puppy collar size guide, you might like our other article, What do I need for a New Puppy? Ridgeback, German Shepard, Bulldog The perfect fit for your furry friend! When buying a new collar for your dog it's necessary to decide and to find the correct collar size to ensure an optimal fit and comfort for your sweetheart. Use a flexible tape measure, wrap the tape measure around the widest part of your dog's neck. Allow enough free space between the collar and your dog by placing two fingers under the tape measure and lay your fingers flat against your dog's neck. Write down the measurements and decide the right size for the dog collar based on our sizing chart above. For example The measurement of your dog's neck, including two fingers, comes to 32 cm. Then the collar you choose should have a diameter between 29 - 36 cm, meaning that the first hole of the collar will give you a measurement of 29 cm, and the last hole 35 cm in diameter. This collar will allow enough space for adjustments to make a perfect fit for your dog. All our collars are measured without the buckle. This provides you the exact measurement of the collar when worn. Caring for proper ergonomics We're often asked why our collars are that wide and if they only are for sighthounds. The wideness of our dog collars is good for many different breeds not only sighthounds. The width of the collars gives good support and protection on your dog's neck and windpipe and a wider surface area spreads out the force and helps to prevent injuries. Also wider collar gives a more comfortable feeling and less strangulation then a thin collar which in turn means the dog is less stressed and is less likely to pull. Don't hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or recommendations regarding sizes, measurements etc. Just send a message to contact collarofsweden. High Paw! It can be challenging to understand where to begin! Labrador Puppy Collars are available in a wide range of colours and sizes. Your puppy will have a comfortable, stylish collar with your name on it. Find the perfect size and colour dog collar for your new Labrador, with more durable, comfortable, and fashionable. Our labrador puppy collar size is one step guide for you. Measure The Neck Size Of Your Lab Puppy It varies from puppy to puppy in terms of neck size, in the manner of how people vary in terms of their physical characteristics like size and shape. You can use this guide to figure out what collar fits your pup. You should always measure the neck of your lab pup rather than guessing its size to ensure a perfect fit. Simply start measuring from his head down a couple of inches and then add an extra inch. It will be easier to pick the right collar size for your labrador puppy if you know what to look for. Numerous aesthetically pleasing, durable, and cost-effective collars are available to choose from. A variety of materials, such as leather, nylon, and cotton, are available. You can also get a breakaway collar that lights up at night to make sure your puppy or dog is safe. It is also possible to find no-pull collars which are extremely effective in preventing a hyper-active puppy from yanking out of control while also teaching them how to walk properly. With a few of the top collars for lab puppies available on the market today, we have taken the time to cut through the clutter and provide you with a selection of well-made, durable, and highly-rated collars. As there are two different types of collars you can use on your canine companion. The collar you choose depends on your personal preference and budget. And if your lab loves swimming, then use cotton collars. These cotton waterproof collars contain polyurethane-like synthetic materials. In addition to being odor-resistant, waterproof collars are easily washable. Our favorite thing about them is that they are usually bright in color, which is something we love about them. Leather Collar — This is a luxurious and traditional collar for dogs that offers the perfect balance of functionality and style. In spite of their higher cost, a leather collar is likely to last for many years to come. Keep in mind that you should only buy a collar made of genuine leather. The leather bonded together consists of scrap leather, which glued together using an adhesive. Although the leather of this type might resemble the feel and appearance of genuine leather, it provides less durability and is dreadful in quality. Dogs, especially those with thick coats that tend to matt around collars, generally preferred to wear collars made of rolled leather. You can choose from a wide range of color choices, designs, and sizes. Lab puppies can wear these on walks as well as at home. The nylon collar is a standard collar that can be worn for many purposes. Neoprene Collar — Neoprene is an extremely flexible rubber material used to make wetsuits, bolstered with nylon mesh to provide extra durability, flexibility, and strength. If your dog spends a lot of time in the water, a neoprene collar is a perfect choice. Biothane Collar — Dogs who enjoy swimming will love biothane collars too. Contains non-toxic materials composed of polyester weave and powder coatings composed of polyurethane or polyvinyl. Neoprene and leather collars are expensive, while biothane collars are more comfortable, easier to wear, and more affordable. A collar needs to be checked every two to three weeks. Look for indentations and signs of wear and tear. The collar should replaced immediately when you notice any defect that may upset the dog or endanger his safety. If it does, your dog will suffer from pain and discomfort. When your puppy is indoors, it is best to remove its collar. It attracts bacteria when it is damp. Additionally, a dog collar not being clipped onto furniture or choking hazards in a crate will be avoided. As a general rule, puppies should be taught to wear a collar and leash around 10 weeks of age. As a result, you will be able to get started in a week or so after they have settled in. FAQs Question 1: Do lab puppies always need to wear collars? Although there are some puppies who seem perfectly happy to wear a neck collar, it is important to consider that wearing one for prolonged periods of time could harm their coat and their skin due to the friction created by the collar. Question 2: Which collar size is best for my puppy? For dogs under 10 pounds, a collar up to 12 inches long is adequate. The collar length should be from 13 to 18 inches for dogs between 26 and 55 pounds. Question 3: Are dogs better off with wide collars? There are many benefits to using wide collars for your dog, including strolling, training , and even playing with. Wider dog collars provide your pup with a better fit around the neck while walking or training. For dogs that like to play rough, a wide collar can provide a better level of safety from other dogs or potential neck injuries. Question 4: Does my labrador puppy need a smaller collar? While many people will just go ahead and get the next size up, that could be a mistake. Make sure you choose a collar that will fit your puppy as he grows into adulthood. Post navigation.

The breed is named after a region in Europe where the GSDs were originally bred source. Although the name Alsation Dog is rarely heard, it is more popular in Europe and the United Kingdom vs. Regardless of their name, they are one of the most popular dog breeds in both America and Great Britain. Female vs. Male Temperament Female German Shepherds tend to have a gently, friendly disposition. Generally, female GSDs are sweeter and friendlier companions to have around a family. They tend to have a gentle disposition compared to male GSDs. Male GSDs are more territorial in nature. They mark their territory by urination and this can annoy some owners. They are also more likely to have stronger personalities and a proud sense of character. Female German Shepherd dogs are gentle when compared to males. They are more gentle and friendlier towards their family. The female GSD tends to have a higher tolerance for strangers and other people, in general. They can, however, turn more protective when they have a litter of their puppies around. This breed is known to stick closely to their person, which can turn into possessiveness if not corrected early. Having different family members use positive training and taking turns working with your dog can help prevent this issue. Males are considered more aggressive and protective. Both males and females are known to bark to alert their family of people or other dogs in their yards or along the street. Some owners find this makes them an excellent watchdog, but other people, like your neighbors, might not appreciate the barking. Males tend to become more dominant and aggressive, which can increase their protectiveness for their family. They are better suited for protection roles and families without children. But a female German Shepherd will still bark and alert you of strangers and intruders on the property. A prominent dog psychology researcher even named the German Shepherd as the second breed most likely dog to bark as a watchdog source. So, this can be seen as a more protective feature of male German Shepherds. Both sexes have an intimidating bark and are athletic, large dogs — a protective feature that usually scares outsiders. Male vs. Female Size Comparison While there are exceptions to every rule, the male German Shepherd is generally larger than the female German Shepherd. Males also tend to have larger muscles, while females tend to have sleeker muscles. Both males and females should have an athletic form and should not be overweight. A male has a height of 24 to 26 inches at the withers shoulder area , while females are about 22 to 24 inches tall at the withers. The male can weigh up to 95 pounds, while the female typically is lower — anywhere from 75 to 85 pounds. Males may exhibit more protectiveness due to their muscular build and larger size. Female German Shepherds should be considered for families with kids. Research shows that males German Shepherds are more aggressive than female German Shepherds. This means that a family should consider choosing a female for a companion over a male. Males tend to perform better for roles in protection and guarding and could do well in a home without children and the proper training. And both males and females are powerful dogs with lots of energy… including jumping. These traits could make them harder to handle around small kids or children. Generally, female GSDs interact better with children due to their maternal, less dominant nature. And male GSDs tend to be larger, more muscular, and may become too powerful for smaller children. Their large personalities and behavior may push around the kids and they are more aggressive in nature. Females are a better match for a family with children. Children and Training The German Shepherd enjoys the company of children when trained. Even children can learn to control this breed with the right guidance from their parents. While some parents of young children are afraid of choosing the GSD breed due to their size, the main concern comes from properly training the dog and the children to live together. Early training of both parties has the greatest chance of a strong bond between the pair. And parents should not only train the dog themselves but show the children how to train their German Shepherd. Younger children might see their playfulness, such as ear tugging or tail pulling, as cute or funny. Kids must learn to respect the breed, and parents must show their children how to do this in a positive manner. German Shepherds may seem reserved or aloof at first. But, they have a funny sweet side when comfortable with their family and are truly lifelong companions. Both sexes of the breed can become possessive, but males tend to show this behavior more easily. Having different family members train your dog can cut down on overall possessiveness. One-Person Connection Both male and female dogs prefer to have company with their people. They may develop anxiety when left alone or not given the proper attention for long periods of time. Their personality can become demanding for attention, so when you choose a German Shepherd, know they want your undivided attention and will suffer without it. Male German Shepherds tend to pick one person with whom they bond the strongest. This can lead to possessiveness or overprotection of this individual. German Shepherds are one of the smartest dog breeds to own. They are highly intelligent and have a natural curiosity to learn new commands and behaviors. German Shepherds are ready for you to train them daily and are easier to train compared to many other dog breeds. Males can also become more dominant, especially as they mature, and may become difficult for you to train. While females tend to want to appease their owners more readily and are better suited to a new owner. Training a German Shepherd The most important and best way to train a German Shepherd is through positive training, which engates their minds and bodies. Choose a positive training program that you find fun and will participate in almost daily. For the best results use these tips: Start training as a young puppy to develop the good habits you want. Keep the training sessions short, especially for puppies. Use a high-value reward that is also healthy — choose from this list of GSD treats: The Healthiest Treats for a German Shepherd Enroll in a training program that uses their mental ability to increase your bond With plenty of training the right way, you may find your German Shepherd, both male and female, excels at sports, such as agility and rally obedience. And, this breed is a true tracker with their excellent scenting abilities. Certain traits make male German Shepherds better as police and military working dogs. Female German Shepherds are used in police and military service, but they are generally outnumbered by male German Shepherds. This is in part to selective breeding for certain traits, such as: Aggressiveness Size and build Athletic ability As working dog breeders tend to choose these traits over others they may choose male dogs that fit this profile. So, more male GSDs wind up in police and military dog units. As mentioned previously, males dogs also make better working dogs in the protection service due to not only their larger size, but their protection and aggression drive. These drives are highly sought after in the police fields for K-9 units. Male German Shepherds are seen as more intimidating and male handlers may even want to choose a male working partner over a female as male dogs are seen as more tough and rugged. Both male and female GSDs have a tough exterior that makes them suitable for military and police work. When a female goes into heat she is more distracted and less likely to listen to commands and become more moody. Other male dogs would also make it impossible to have a female GSD around unless she was spayed. Female German Shepherds are in heat generally twice a year, or about every 6 months. This schedule also coincides with the blowing of their coat. She will generally be in heat for about 21 days, though this can differ from dog to dog. There is some bleeding that is noticeable, so many owners prefer to keep their female GSD secure in an easy to clean room with hard floors, away from the male dogs. A female GSD can begin her heat cycle as young as 6 months old. This may vary anywhere between 6 months to 1 year, depending on their individual genetics. On average, she will come into her heat cycle every 6 months, though this could be as early as every 4 months for some females. Being in estrus, or in season in heat can make a female dog moody and temporarily change its behavior and personality. This is normal, but owners should be aware of this difference in their female dogs. Owners must secure and contain their females to avoid any unnecessary mating and unwanted litters. All males within a short and long distance can smell a female in heat, so due caution must be taken. Health Concerns This breed is susceptible to a number of health concerns that you should consider before choosing a German Shepherd. Only adopt or choose your dog from a respectable breeder that has completed the necessary testing for their health. Some issues the German Shepherd is susceptible to include: Hip Dysplasia. Like many large breeds, a German Shepherd dog is not considered fully grown until they are about 18 months old. Female German Shepherds continue to fill out until they are around two years old, while the male German Shepherd growth rate continues until they reach two and a half years of age. Males are larger and require more time to fill out their chest and abdomen. As you can see by the German Shepherd weight chart, these dogs can continue to grow until they are three years old, but the majority of growth occurs within 24 months. If your GSD is older than 36 months and continues to put on weight, contact your veterinarian to ensure weight gain does not lead to obesity. How big should a 6-month-old German Shepherd be? A six-month-old German Shepherd puppy will be quite large, as many German Shepherds undergo massive growth spurts between two and five months old. By six months, a male German Shepherd will weigh 53 pounds on average, whereas a female will weigh about 46 pounds. How much bigger will my German Shepherd get? There are a few ways to gauge how much bigger a German Shepherd will get. First, check your puppy's age. If your GSD is younger than two years old, they definitely have room to keep growing! Another way to tell if your pup still has a lot of growing to do is their paw size. Do their paws look large compared to their legs and body? This is a classic adolescent feature of a dog and means your pup is likely still growing! Most of the time, a dog will not grow bigger than its larger parents. What is the size of a full-grown German shepherd? An adult male German Shepherd is typically 24 to 26 inches tall, while adult female German Shepherds are 22 to 24 inches tall, according to the American Kennel Club German Shepherd Standard. The estimated full-size varies significantly between sexes. In terms of weight, an adult male German Shepherd weighs anywhere from 75 to 90 pounds. A female German Shepherd weighs notably less at 55 to 70 pounds. Please keep in mind that these numbers are only estimates to give you an idea of how much bigger a German Shepherd puppy may get. Some dogs will be both smaller and larger than these weight ranges when fully grown due to a variety of genetic and environmental factors. Learn all about your puppy's physical characteristics, breed history, personality traits, and more in our comprehensive guide. Preventive care is key in helping your German Shepherd live a healthy and long life. Helping your dog maintain an optimal weight is one of the best things you can do for their health. Taking your German Shepherd to regular veterinary appointments is one of the best things you can do to ensure that they are healthy and feeling their best. Compare German Shepherd health insurance plans before they get sick or injured. They are also more susceptible to gastrointestinal tract and hip issues. A veterinarian should regularly assess your pet for these health problems and run tests for anything they may be more prone to due to their breed. Treatment for many conditions, including bloat and GI issues, can cost thousands of dollars. Dog insurance is a wise investment that can give you peace of mind by covering pet emergency expenses. Wellness plans are also available to help cover the cost of vaccinations, vet exams, microchips, and more. Some people can predict the future. For everyone else, there's pet insurance. Use Pawlicy Advisor to easily compare plans from top providers so you can find a great deal with great coverage. Get Peace of Mind Today Do you want to find the best pet insurance? Let's analyze your pet's breed, age, and location to find the right coverage and the best savings. Analyze My Pet About Pawlicy Advisor The pet insurance marketplace endorsed by veterinarians, at Pawlicy Advisor we make buying the best pet insurance easier. Male vs. Dec 12, Both male and female German shepherd dogs make fantastic active family pets. They are great family guardians and companions. Both are extremely smart and easy to train. Both need lots of exercise, guidance, and socialization. As with any breed, there are subtle differences between the sexes. In German shepherds, these differences can vary greatly due to their breeding. For example, a German working line shepherd is more active than the more low-key American show line dog. The German shepherd dog is considered a medium sized dog. However, there are many breeders producing large or even giant shepherds. Physical Appearance: Male German shepherds are slightly larger than female German shepherds, with deeper chests. They are typically heavier boned, more muscular, and have larger heads. Females are inches high and weigh 50 to 70 pounds. Male shepherds tend to have a more masculine look about them while female shepherds have narrower heads, narrower snouts, and are more feminine around the eyes. One can usually guess which shepherd is the male or female simply by looking at them. Characteristics As with any breed, the upbringing of the dog plays a huge role in how a dog behaves. Dogs that are raised in a secure, social environment act very different than dogs that lack leadership and affection. German shepherds that lack training and guidance can suffer from behavior problems, no matter what sex they are. How they are raised from puppyhood is crucial to their personality development. In general, both sexes are typically confident, loyal, and athletic. Both are smart and, as herding dogs, naturally alert and protective. Both dogs can be aloof, however, their upbringing and socialization plays a huge role in how they greet strangers and new situations. The males tend to be pushier, bolder and more aggressive than the females. However, many German shepherd dog owners will tell you their female is moodier than their male. Since females are naturally more maternal, they can also be more reactive than males. Males tend to be more possessive. Many German shepherd owners will also say that their males are more affectionate and goofy while their females are more reserved. That is not to say that females are not as sweet, some just may not be as cuddly. Both sexes are extremely curious about everything going on in their household. Unspayed dogs may exhibit more extreme differences. Unspayed females can be more moody than a male dog. However, an unaltered male can become more frustrated when a female is in heat. Both can be more inattentive to their family during these times. An unaltered male will be more prone to marking and guarding his territory. Personalities German shepherds are a dominate breed and need training from a young age. Both sexes are equally smart and will try to rule the house and outwit their owners if given the chance. Most owners will tell you that males tend to vie for dominance more often than females while the females are more laid back. Both sexes bond strongly with their family. The more maternal female shepherd tends to attach themselves to the entire family while the males can become more bonded to one person. That is not to say the male will not be attached to other people in the family, it simply means they have a tendency to play favorites. All in all, although there are differences between both sexes, their breeding, rearing, and how well socialized they are is more important to their personality development than their sex. These traits are simply generalities and not hard and fast rules. You can learn a lot about the future personality of a dog by understanding their lineage and providing a stable, loving home with lots of guidance and training. A German shepherd dog that is well loved, well trained, and secure will return that love and respect in great measure-it does not matter if they are a male or female. I will examine the unique temperament, personality, and characteristics of these gorgeous girls, and to help you decide which gender is the right fit for you. Male vs Female German Shepherds For some people, aside from simple size, weight, and height considerations, there really is no important or measurable difference between a male and a female German shepherd. But for other people, even the subtle differences between a male and a female German shepherd can be sufficiently important to make one gender a preferable choice to the other in certain specific situations. Female German Shepherd size, height, and weight One of the most obvious general distinctions about the female GSD is that she is generally leaner, smaller, and shorter than her male counterpart. The female GSD stands 22 to 24 inches high paw to shoulder , a full two inches shorter than the male. And the female GSD will weigh between 50 and 70 pounds, which makes her about 15 pounds lighter than the adult male. Coat Color and Pattern The bi-color coat pattern is the most common and recognized color for the German shepherd dog of either gender. In most cases, you will find a black female German shepherd that displays one other secondary coat color, either cream, red, tan, or silver. In certain cases, you may see a single-color GSD in blue, gray, liver, sable, or white, although these are not breed standard colors and may render your dog at fault or deemed ineligible certainly in the case of the white coat color for the show ring. There is no gender-related differentiation in overall coat color or pattern that is seen in the male versus female German shepherd. Female German Shepherd Personality The German shepherd female temperament can also show marked differences in behavior and personality that can be related back to her gender. Whether these differences are present and how apparent they may be will vary depending on the traits of the specific parent dogs, which is why it is important to be able to meet and get to know each parent dog as you are selecting between male and female German shepherd puppies. More likely to bond equally with more than one family member aside from the principle person responsible for training and meals. May be easier to train and more sensitive to commands and cues. Possibly a better pick for service dog or therapy dog work. Good for rally, agility, and obedience training due to lighter weight, smaller size, and more graceful body structure. Less apt to become territorial in the presence of strangers. Female German Shepherd Training The GSD is currently the second most popular family pet dog in America, and this is for good reason, but ongoing regular socialization and puppy training is a huge reason why! This is one of the most intelligent of all dog breeds! Your German shepherd has an incredibly strong work ethic with tremendous drive and focus while on the job. They will also bond strongly with the entire family. Positive training methods focus on delivering praise, playtime, pets, and treats in response to well-learned tasks and commands. German shepherds of either gender are hands-down one of the most popular police and K-9 dogs in the world. Some of these are German shepherd mix dogs while others are purebred GSDs. Socialization Everyone in the family should play a part in feeding and training your new pup. This will go a long way towards developing her tendency to bond closely with each family member. Make sure that she meets lots of strangers outdoors and at home. The window for socialization closes around 16 weeks old, so your first few weeks together are going to be busy. While a female German shepherd is lighter and shorter, she will still be strong from the get-go! Choosing the right collar and lead system will help you. Female German shepherds will need plenty of early socialization with young children in the family and with other family pets. Young children in particular will need to be supervised at all times in interactions with your female GSD puppy! Children may be unintentionally rougher with a puppy that can be easily tolerated and this can lead to preventable incidents. These issues include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, cardiac issues, eye issues, autoimmune thyroiditis, and degenerative myelopathy. Only hip and elbow dysplasia are currently required tests for reputable breeders, with the remainder being optional recommended health tests. German shepherds can sometimes contract a blood disease called hemophilia A. Female German shepherd dogs are usually carriers and, unlike males with the genes for the condition, will not show symptoms. There is a health test to detect this disease, which is present from birth. Idiopathic Epilepsy Interestingly, this condition is less likely to impact female German shepherd dogs than males. The reason is not yet known, although researchers suspect there may be several genes polygenetic involved. German Shepherd Spaying Having an un neutered female dog is inconvenient, but only for a few weeks of the year. Spaying is a commonly carried out procedure, but it does come with some risks. Certain health conditions are more common in girls that are spayed before 12 months old. This is because spaying gets rid of some important hormones. Urinary incontinence, mammary cancer and joint disorders are all more likely is your girl is neutered before a year old. Life Span Did You Know? The German Shepherd is one of the most versatile, well-recognized, and popular dog breeds in the world. The modern German Shepherd is descended from a family of various German herding dogs. Breed standards were not developed until the late 19th century when Captain Max von Stephanitz, a German cavalry officer, worked with Arthur Meyer and other breeders to develop the ideal German herding dog. Stephanitz and Meyer wrote the breed standard in and the American Kennel Club recognized the German Shepherd as a member of the Herding Group in .Although they were originally bred as herding dogs, they were also bred for versatility, which made the German Shepherd an all-around working dog that could excel in a variety of applications. German Shepherds are one of the common dog breeds employed in K-9 units in both police and military applications. They also make great service dogs and, of course, are still awesome herding dogs and farm dogs! The German Shepherd is a strong-willed and highly intelligent dog. They have a playful, energetic spirit and tend to get along with children, other dogs, and other pets, which makes them a great family companion. A born protector, the German Shepherd will provide a great sense of security for their family while their loving and lively personality will make them fit right in as a companion. German Shepherds are naturally protective and can be wary of strangers at first. A well-socialized German Shepherd will bark to alert you and tends to warm up to strangers once introduced. German Shepherds are dogs that were bred to herd and work. This, plus their high energy, makes them a better fit for homes with fenced yards where they can run. They can adapt well to larger apartments as long as plenty of time is dedicated to ensuring they get enough exercise, mental stimulation, and attention every day. A bored, ignored, or under-exercised German Shepherd can often become a destructive one. They also can be sensitive to their surroundings and large gatherings can be off-putting. With a longer coat, they tend to prefer cooler climates and are sensitive to heat. The German Shepherd is a generally healthy breed, but there are some potential health concerns and good breeding practices make a big difference. Potential health concerns to be aware of in a German Shepherd include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia , and degenerative myelopathy. Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. So, make sure you are asking about the health and genetic history of both parents. You can also ask about any health tests or clearances that have been done. As a barrel-chested breed, the German Shepherd is also at risk for bloat. While the German Shepherd is highly intelligent and highly trainable, they are generally not recommended for novice owners. If you are a novice dog owner, enroll in puppy training classes or enlist the help of a professional dog trainer; not just for your dog, but for yourself as well. Training assistance will help you grow in experience and build a strong bond between you and your German Shepherd puppy, which is essential. Also, the GSD has a thirst for training and fulfillment. They get bored easily and especially with repetition, so continued training with your German Shepherd throughout their life will be necessary. German Shepherds have a medium-to-long double coat. They will shed year-round and heavier as seasons change. Brushing a few times a week is usually sufficient; brushing daily is even better and your GSD will likely love you for it. Bathing is occasional on an as-needed basis. Ear checks weekly with careful cleanings as needed can help prevent ear infections. German Shepherds are high-energy working dogs. Not only do they require a lot of daily activity, but they also are a herding breed that was made to run, guard, and observe, so they need a job to do to be happy and healthy. Daily walks plus playtime, time to run, and other activities are usually enough for a GSD, but they will likely be up for more activity if you are. With their versatility and athleticism, you can try a lot of different activities when puppies finish growing and they are cleared for higher-impact things. A fully-grown German Shepherd usually stands inches tall and weighs pounds. German Shepherds generally live for years on average. Corporal Duncan brought him back to the United States and Rin-Tin-Tin became one of the most famous dog actors in history. Featured German Shepherd Article.

Email: artisanlabradoodles gmail. Check our comments section below to see if anyone has left a review of any of these breeders. Remember, we can't moderate the results we show, but they are hopefully a good starting point to narrow down some of the Labradoodle breeders in Utah. Facebook Groups Facebook is another great place to find honest reviews of Breeders. Click here to search Facebook groups that discuss Labradoodle breeders in Utah. You can grab your free copy below. Labradoodle dogs are a great addition to any home, but you do have to make some considerations about your lifestyle. Whereabouts in Utah were they based, what was the Breeders name? It really helps others who are searching for a Labradoodle Puppy in the Utah area if they can read honest reviews from buyers like yourself. Are you a breeder of Labradoodles? Get in touch and we can add you to our directory. Please feel free to drop us a picture of your Labradoodle on Facebook or Twitter. And remember to check out our Labradoodle puppy buyers guide for lots of useful information. Recommended Posts:. Puppy Enrichment Matters How do we raise our puppies? Puppy enrichment always begins with the care of the mother dog. A comfortable, settled dam who feels safe with us and in our home makes a good momma. We monitor the health, comfort, and happiness of her and her pups very closely. Bio-sensory stimulation is employed from days just like the Super Puppy Program developed by the US military. We hold them upright, sideways, on their back, tickle between their toes, and put them on a cold damp mat seconds. These simple steps create experiences that a puppy will not consistently get in the whelping box. We jump start their natural genetic predisposition to acclimate and then adapt to different stimuli and situations. A tiny bit of stress on their nervous system equals a better brain and measurable brain growth. Clean puppies may sound very basic, but you might be surprised how easily they and their box can become dirty. Especially by breeders who are not spending adequate time with their litters. Raising a puppy in cleanliness teaches your dog to stay clean for life. At 6 weeks we perform temperament testing. Temperament is really setting at this time. We know these pups very well and have seen them grow daily.We notice their favorite positions, how they play with their litter mates, where they prefer to be, how curious and adventurous they are, how they respond to stimuli, their affinity for human contact and touch.We test the size of their startle reflex and, more importantly, how quickly their nervous system settles. We know that when you select Vintage Doodles as Your breeder, that you are putting a tremendous amount of trust in us! We appreciate and honor that trust. We are committed to helping you find the right puppy for you, and, most importantly, the right home for each puppy. Meet Nugget—Parents are Chloe and Bradley in the recent litter of 12! He loves playing with our kids and gets into the funniest positions and small spaces. We feel very lucky to have this little guy in our life! I'm glad you were able to take it over. Mozzie is such a great dog. The trainer we used calls him a unicorn because they have never had a doodle that was so easy and responsive to training. He just loves everyone, but is not a cuddler. Oh well, can't have everything. Good luck. After several weeks of being out of the country I finally got my Mozzie back yesterday. He was boarded with a trainer. The trainer said he has never trained a dog that was as smart and quick learning as Mozzie, especially him still being a puppy. He said we got a great dog. I couldn't agree more. Jennifer in Cedar City Home: Testimonial About Me I have always adored dogs and have been completely smitten with labradors for as long as I can remember. I grew up with several and adored their caring, empathetic, eager to please nature. When I created my own family, I still loved my Labrador, but my daughter has severe allergies and the hair was everywhere. When I was introduced to this new breed called a Multigenerational Australian Labradoodle I was skeptical. Could they really be as sweet as a lab, non-shedding, with lower energy than a typical doodle? The years I have spent working for the responsible and caring breeder, Katherine Schmidt, and meeting hundreds of these amazing dogs have completely convinced me that they are all of that and then some. Katherine Schmidt of Winsome Cottage has now given me my dream of running my own breeding program by taking over after her retirement. These animals bring me so much joy and there is nothing that beats seeing a puppy go to a wonderful loving home. As a mom, I can work from home and take care of my family as well as my dogs.