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Life Span Did You Know? The Pug, or Pug Dog, is famous for its flat-faced appearance and large, soulful eyes. They are an ancient dog breed that originated in China over 2, years ago. They were originally developed as a refined pet of Chinese royalty along with the Pekingese and the Shih Tzu. During this time, the Pug was considered a national treasure that outsiders could only access if one was gifted to them. Dutch traders from the s can be credited with bringing the Pug onto the world stage when they brought some back to Europe with them. The Pug made its way to the United States in the s. Now, the Pug is a popular dog breed worldwide. They are a popular companion that provides their owners with plenty of love and laughter from their comedic and playful antics. The Pug is a playful and outgoing dog breed with a charming personality. They tend to be very loving towards children and also get along well with other pets and dogs. They are a companion breed at heart known for their gentle nature and sociable personality. They love to give love and receive it in return. Their sensitive nature makes them intuitive as well and Pugs will often sense the moods of their owners and react accordingly. They crave attention and affection from their owners and are big fans of napping. This dog breed is often described as an ideal house dog and they are moderately adaptable. They will do well in homes of any size, including apartments. The Pug also adapts well to city or country life and are a good fit for singles or families of any size. Although they are highly adaptable to various living situations, they are less adaptable to climates. Pugs are very sensitive to the heat and overexertion, so they are best-suited to moderate climates. They also love to be with their families and will not be happy if left alone for a long time. As with any dog breed, the Pug has some health conditions to be aware of. In particular, corneal ulcers and dry eye are some potential eye problems that can occur. Additionally, Pugs can be susceptible to hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, and encephalitis. Asking the breeder about the genetic history of the parents and to see health clearances can help allay concerns for some of these health issues. Pugs are also big foodies. They love to eat! Their love for food means this dog breed is prone to obesity. As a brachycephalic dog, their large head and short snout often cause respiratory problems, which can limit their exercise at times and contribute to weight gain. This will cause them to quickly gasp and snort, which can sound relatively alarming. These episodes are usually not harmful as your Pug is just clearing their palate and throat. The Pug tends to be easy to train and is a good fit for owners of any experience level. They are eager to please their owners and tend to pick up on commands quickly. They are sensitive souls and their feelings can be hurt easily, so they will not respond well to harsh corrections. This dog breed responds best to consistent training that focuses on positive rewards and will benefit from participation in puppy training classes. Pugs have a smooth, glossy, and short coat. Their fur is fine and soft. Although their coat is generally low-maintenance, it will shed throughout the year. Aside from brushing, Pugs only need occasional baths on an as-needed basis. Because Pugs have ears that drop down, they can be susceptible to moisture, dirt, or debris. Checking their ears regularly and cleaning as needed helps to keep them healthy and comfortable. The same goes for their iconic face wrinkles. Daily brushing is ideal, but if your Pug is not allowing you to do that, a few times a week should be sufficient. Getting your Pug used to these grooming tasks as a puppy will help make it a positive bonding experience and a much easier process throughout their life. This dog breed has a low to moderate energy level. Generally, daily walks and some play sessions are enough exercise for this dog breed. They may have short bursts of energy as they have a very playful nature, but they will tire easily. Some Pugs can handle a little more activity and even compete in some dogs sports like agility, rally, and obedience. Make sure you check with your vet first before jumping into dog sports with your dog. A full-grown Pug will usually stand 10 to 11 inches tall at the shoulders and weigh between 14 and 18 pounds. This dog breed generally lives for years. The Pug was a popular pet of the Buddhist monasteries in Tibet. Featured Pug Article. Email: frenchiepugs outlook. They specialize in rare color puppies, including black, tan, sable, and blue french bulldogs. All of their puppies are raised in the home and provided with outdoor playtime. Their adult dogs also have access to large yards and outdoor buildings with heating and AC as well as indoor playtime and for socializing. Frenchie-Pugs have been breeding for 15 years and breed first and foremost for health and personality. Dust Storm Pugs Phone: Email: duststormpugs hotmail. These breeders share their homes and lives with their beautiful dogs. Check out their Facebook page for puppy and litter updates. Bill and Lisa are a retired couple who now dedicate their time to providing a happy, healthy, and thriving life to their family and pets. Their fascination with Pugs began in after a family friend retired from breeding pugs themselves. They immediately divided to start a new adventure and have been breeding their own pooches ever since for over 15 years. Corner Rock Critters Phone: Website: cornerrockcritters. Corner Rock raises companion dogs of all sizes including Pugs alongside other farm animals. This is a small, family-owned business. Corner Rock works hard to start your new puppy off on the right foot, for a lifetime of good behavior and obedience. Tammy has been breeding since and now runs a small kennel in the country where her dogs and puppies have plenty of space to run around and enjoy outdoor and indoor facilities. Tammy believes she has a great bloodline- perfect for super cute Pugs. All dogs and pups are fed high-quality food and come with a health certification from the local veterinarian, deworming, shots, AKC papers and a complimentary bag of puppy food. They love their dogs and show commitment to the betterment of the breed in everything they do. But how can you spot reputable breeders when you start searching for a Pug puppy? Here are some tips to help you out. A good breeder will… 1. Issue a health guarantee Make sure that your breeder of choice offers a health guarantee. A reputable Pug breeder will write up a binding health guarantee for all of their puppies. The guarantee protects you against any genetic defects or diseases. It shows that the breeder is confident that their puppies are bred according to best practices. This means if you can no longer look after your pup for some reason, you will be expected to return the puppy to the breeder rather than taking them to a shelter. Provide standard health clearances Your breeder should have full health clearances for both parent Pugs. Good breeders often provide some early health-check clearances for their pups too, although some health clearances simply cannot be carried on such young pups. Issue a written bill of sale Reputable breeders offer written bills of sale to all of their new Pug parents. This bill of sale should be signed and will outline all the roles and responsibilities to be taken on by the buyer and seller as part of the transaction. Vaccinate their puppies All puppies should be up to date on their vaccinations before being homed with new families. Your breeder of choice should be able to provide evidence of these vaccinations. Reputable breeders welcome prospective parents into their homes to see the puppies. Follow age guidelines Puppies should never leave the litter before 8 weeks of age. Any breeder offering pups for adoption before this time is not following best practices. In fact, this could be quite damaging for the puppy developmentally. A reputable breeder will keep their pups at home until eight to twelve weeks so that they can be properly socialized and spend that crucial time with their mother and litter-mates. Answer your questions Last, but not least, a reputable breeder will be knowledgeable. In most cases, they will also want to ask you plenty of questions to ensure that their precious pups are going to good homes. We have a strict selection process that takes a variety of factors into account. That way we can ensure that only the best breeders end up on our lists. This way we know that our chosen breeders offer genetically sound and healthy puppies. Health testing shows a commitment to the health and wellbeing of each Pug. Contact information Any breeder that does not offer up their contact information is a big red flag. A reputable breeder will make it easy for you to get in contact with them by providing telephone numbers, email addresses, and they will usually have a well-established website as well. It shows a commitment to breeding best practices. Event participation Breeders who also compete in doggie events are often some of the best. Because these people tend to be dog lovers par excellence. They live and breathe for their Pugs and are proud to show them off in public. They are also more likely to have a high level of breed knowledge — an excellent sign for a breeder. Breed club membership There are lots of breed clubs out there that breeders can register with. These clubs have rules, regulations, and membership fees. If your breeder is registered with the Pug Dog Club of America, this is a great sign showing commitment to the Pug breed. Recognition awards Lastly, we look out for awards! Institutions like the AKC recognize the efforts and achievements of top breeders. The very best will be awarded the AKC recognition of merit award. During this time we recommend getting everything ready before your new arrival rattles through the front door. Your puppy will need: a crate for sleeping and training during the early days quality puppy-grade food a leash and harness plenty of toys You may also wish to purchase a puppy gate if there are areas of your home that you want to keep your Pug away from. This is all about making your home as safe as possible for your new arrival. Make sure anything that could potentially cause harm to your pup is removed. Clear your schedule Having a Pug puppy is a bit like having a human baby. So make sure to clear your schedule and get all of those errands done ahead of time! Once they arrive… 4. Avoid crowds Hold your excitement. That means no crowds. Try to keep the home environment as stress-free as possible so that your puppy can settle in and start to feel part of the family. Crate training is the first step. Lay down a regular routine from the get to and your Pug will be good as gold in no time. Do you have questions about Pug breeders in Florida or where to find Pug puppies for sale Jacksonville Florida? Are Pugs good for apartments? Pugs are the perfect apartment dogs! And not just because they are small. Pugs are easygoing dogs who are content to lounge around and nap all day. Can I only pick from Florida-based breeders? Our partner breeders can then arrange safe transport for your puppy so you can just pick him or her up at an airport in Florida. How do you screen Pug breeders? All breeders and businesses who want to join our network go through a strict evaluation process where we take a close look at their experiences, practices, breeding knowledge, and facilities. A Pug breeder Florida must share the same values stated in our Breeder Pledge if they want to be welcomed into the network. How much is the average Pug in Florida? Pug puppies for sale Florida will vary in price. Pug breeders Orlando Florida and elsewhere in the state consider a number of things before deciding on a price. These include gender, coat color, and pedigree among others. Why is Florida Puppies better than other puppy finder websites? We are different because we conduct an independent review of all the businesses that join us to ensure that they follow ethical breeding practices. You might be tempted to get your dog from a puppy mill due to their offers of cheap Pug puppies in Florida but hear us out first. Where can I find a Pug mix? Pug crossbreeds like the Pug Pomeranian can make wonderful pets, too. What kind of dog is a Pug? The Pug is a toy dog breed that originated from China and traveled to Europe centuries ago. It first rose to fame when the Dutch royal family began keeping them as pets. The Pug is known for its sweet demeanor and silly antics -- qualities that made them such warm companion dogs to people of any age. About how big do Pugs get? Both male and female pugs can reach a height of inches and a weight of pounds. They are more sturdily built when compared with other toy dogs but are still quite portable. How does Florida Puppies work? Finding Pug puppies for sale in South Florida and in other parts of the Sunshine state is super easy. Begin by browsing our available Pug puppies or our featured Pug Florida breeders. Once you find the Pug puppy of your dreams, get in touch with the breeder, and feel free to ask questions about your new pup. Pug's Available!

Keep reading for more in-depth reviews. The faux fur material is soft and cozy, and the memory foam mattress supports dogs in all the right places. Quad-layered and with an energy gel layer to help keep your dog cool, the Sealy Lux Bed is soft, durable, and easy to take care of. It features a waterproof lining, a machine washable cover, and a non-slip base. The FurHaven Sofa Bed for dogs with its faux fur sleeping surface and fluffy bolster sides is perfect for pooches who like to burrow down into their beds. The memory foam filling contours to their shape for extra comfort and support. With its 7-inch thick memory foam base, the Kopeks ortho bed is great for larger dogs or those with age-related aches and pains. The water-resistant inner and outer covers keep it protected while the rubber base grip stops it from sliding around. While it may seem like no big deal to have a bed that is just slightly too small or big for your pooch, this can cause several problems. It could also leave you out of pocket as larger beds tend to be more expensive. Save yourself the hassle of having to return the product by making sure that you get it right the first time. Measure your dog from their nose to the tip of their tail and from shoulder to shoulder at their widest point. Add around 8 to 10 extra inches to both those numbers to give them a little room, especially if they move around a lot or like to sleep in crazy positions as many Doodles do. Then compare those numbers with those of each of the bed sizes of the one you want to buy. Keep in mind that if you are purchasing for a puppy, you will need to consider their adult size when making your decision. Unless, you are planning to switch out their bed as they grow. See Also: Click the image Best Dog Beds for Goldendoodles: Buying Guide Beyond the size, there are various other things you will need to think about when deciding on the best bed for your pup. This includes: The Age of Your Dog Older and younger dogs tend to have significantly different needs and preferences when it comes to a bed. Younger dogs and rescues may like something comforting and calming that has raised edges or even a cover. They may also prefer soft cushions that they can burrow down into for a feeling of security. Younger dogs may also be more inclined to chew and scratch, so you will need something built to withstand this. They also may be more prone to little accidents, so a waterproof cover might also be a good option. With senior dogs, you will want to pick a bed with a mattress properly designed to provide adequate support to prevent them from having issues with sore and painful muscles and joints. You will also need to think about potential mobility issues, so a bed with bolsters on all four sides might not be the best choice. Related Content. My first thought when I saw it was the bed from Austin Powers the one that spins. As you can see in the image it's pretty large, so it's great for goldendoodles or other large dogs. I wouldn't recommend it if you have a toy or mini goldendoodle as they would probably feel lost on it. The bed is made of orthopedic memory foam which is great for dogs with arthritis or mobility issues. It comes with a waterproof liner and a machine-washable cover. Some reviewers have had issues with the zipper breaking on the outer cover, but I didn't really have that problem. Bailey felt like a rockstar in it! All he needed was a cocktail and aviator glasses umbrella and he would have been set. It's a really great bed, and I would definitely recommend it if you have a large breed dog. How to Choose a Dog bed for your Goldendoodle? Your goldendoodles' dog bed should be large enough and it should allow them to sleep freely in any position. A dog bed that is too small will limit their movement and make them uncomfortable. Make sure you pick one up that is machine washable, has a waterproof liner, and is made of high-quality materials. There are a few things to take into consideration when choosing a dog bed for your Goldendoodle: 1. Your Dogs Sleeping Preferences We all know that our puppies like to sleep in the weirdest positions. Bailey likes to sleep on his stomach with his legs stretched out behind him. Some like to curl up in a ball, while others sprawl out. Just like we humans have preferences, like some of us like to sleep on our side, some like to sleep on our stomach or back, dogs also have preferences. If you have a dog that likes to sprawl out while sleeping, then you should get a mattress style dog bed. If your dog likes to curl up, then a donut bed or a pillow bed would be a better option. If your goldendoodle likes to lean on something and rest his head while sleeping, then a bolster, sofa bed would be ideal. Joint Health of Your Dog The second thing you need to take into consideration is the joint health of your Goldendoodle. If your dog has arthritis or hip dysplasia, then you need to get a bed that will be easy on their joints and will not exacerbate their condition. Memory foam dog beds are great for dogs with joint issues because they evenly distribute your dog's weight and provide support for their joints. The Age of Your Dog One of the most important aspects to look at when choosing a dog bed for your goldendoodle is to look at the age of your dog. For younger dogs a bed that they can burrow into would be ideal, as it will make them feel safe and secure. Raised edge beds are also great for young dogs, as they can use the raised edge to "hide" behind. Fortunately Bailey didn't really chew on a lot of stuff when he was a puppy, but we all know that puppies like to destroy things so for a puppy or younger dog, you will need a bed taht is more durable and can withstand a lot of wear and tear. Young pooches also tend to have more accidents, so a bed with a waterproof liner is essential. Senior dogs, on the other hand, need beds that are easy to get in and out of. If your goldendoodle is older and has mobility issues, don't pick a bed that has raised edges, like a sofa type bed as it would be very hard for them to get in and get out. Just imagine yourself with a bad knee, trying to get in and out of a high bed, it wouldn't be fun, would it? Instead, choose a lower-lying bed, like a mattress-style bed. Most dog beds for senior dogs are actually not that soft. They are built to support your dog's joints and provide them with comfort. These beds have orthopedic memory foam which contours to your dog's body and provides support for their joints and muscles. If the mattress is not thick enough, they can actually touch the floor when they lie down, which can be quite painful for them. Size of the Bed It's also very important to get the right sized bed. While you might want to get a huge bed for your goldendoodle puppy, it's actually not a good idea. They just simply won't be comfortable in it, or warm themselves up. At the same time, if you buy a bed that is too small, your dog will feel cramped and uncomfortable. Before buying a dog bed, measure your pooch from the tip of his nose to the base of his tail, and add about 10 inches to that. This is the size bed you should get for your dog. Material of the Bed When choosing the material of your pooches dog bed, there are two things to look at. The material of the foam and the material of the cover. The material of the cover matters because you want something that is durable and can withstand a lot of wear and tear, but at the same time is soft and comfortable. The material of the foam is important because you want something that is going to be comfortable for your dog and provide support for their joints. There are a few different types of foams you can choose from. Memory foam, latex foam, and orthopedic foam are all great options. Price Of course, the price is always a factor when choosing anything. But when it comes to dog beds, you definitely get what you pay for. The cheaper dog beds might seem like a good deal at first, but they will not last as long and your dog will not be as comfortable in them. Investing in a good quality dog bed will save you money in the long run because you won't have to keep replacing them. Conclusion Bottom line, when choosing a dog bed for your goldendoodle, make sure to take into account their age, size, and needs. And don't forget to measure before you buy! Do your research and choose a bed that fits both your budget and your dog's needs. A good night's sleep is important for both you and your furry friend! Frequently Asked Questions Do Goldendoodles like beds? Yes, goldendoodles love beds! Every dog is different, but most goldendoodles enjoy having their own bed to sleep in. Do Goldendoodles need beds? While goldendoodles don't technically need beds, it is recommended that they have one. Beds provide a sense of security and comfort for your dog. If you have a young goldendoodle, a waterproof liner is definitely necessary. Puppies and young dogs have accidents and you don't want your dog's bed to get ruined. Yes, the cover of your dog's bed should be machine washable. This is because accidents happen and you want to be able to clean the bed easily. Will my Goldendoodle use the bed I get them? Well, that all depends on your dog. Some dogs love their beds and will use them all the time, while others could care less about them. It really just depends on your individual dog's personality. Reversible design provides year-round comfort in any type of weather or climate. One side features knitted corduroy that is soft and warm during the winter. The other side features a smooth, faux suede that is cooler during warmer weather. Rectangular bed is the perfect shape for setting up a private sleeping nook for both cats and dogs in the corner of any room. Enough filling, have your dog deeply sleep and relax We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. Dogs that like to feel safe, secure, and really comfortable will appreciate the four walls that this bed has — curling up in the middle and sleeping soundly knowing that they are protected. The dog bed is also an excellent option for pet owners who want to put a great dog bed inside a crate. Engineered to be soft and stable. The best thing about this Goldendoodle dog bed is that it can accommodate animals up to pounds without any extra compression making the dog bed uncomfortable. As long as your Goldendoodle weighs in at less than pounds, the odds are excellent that they will feel real relief and support every time they lie down. The company also has fantastic customer service and support should you need a replacement or a refund, so you can order this with real confidence. Suitable for both indoor and outdoor use We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. This company has absolutely knocked it out of the park when it comes to raised dog bed options. While keeping your Goldendoodle fresh, keeping them supported, and shaking things up a little bit in the traditional dog bed world. This hammock-style option gently supports and cradles your dog off the ground. Being raised alleviates a lot of pressure that would have been pressing on their bones, muscles, joints, and tendons. This design also supports much higher airflow when your dog is sleeping — and that helps to keep them cool when temperatures start to climb. Best of all, this whole unit is machine washable. Replacement covers can be purchased affordably. You can use this dog bed indoors as well as out with zero headaches or hassle whatsoever. The bolstered sides provide ultimate comfort for dogs who love to cuddle, curl and snuggle while sleeping. The cozy.Frequent washing can avoid dirt and provide a comfortable and clean bed for your dogs. Stuffed with eco-friendly PP cotton, cozy beige plush provides an ideal sleep.We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. With this dog bed, though, washing and drying things has never been more uncomplicated or straightforward. This cuts down on the amount of time you spend cleaning and maintaining these dog beds. Still, it guarantees a more sanitary and hygienic sleeping platform for your dog as well. This simple cleanable option is top-notch because it combines some high-quality materials including memory foam materials , environmentally friendly PP cotton choices on the exterior, and a variety of different sizes designed to accommodate all kinds of dogs. This is perhaps the ideal dog bed for large Goldendoodles. This belongs right up there amongst the best of the best options as far as top-quality dog beds are concerned. How long do Goldendoodles live? Take a closer look at the best dog bed for Goldendoodle options. My wife and I love playing with our active miniature Labradoodle Max. We want all Oodle puppies to be healthy and happy, have lots of fun and be part of the family. Load More. I mean, with their fluffy coats and penchant for snuggling, they deserve nothing but the best, right? Get ready to witness tail-wagging excitement as I uncover the coziest and most comfortable dog beds for our beloved Goldendoodles. But guess what? So, I will dive into the fluffy world of Goldendoodle snoozing and explore why sleep is so darn important for our beloved four-legged buddies. Well-being First things first, just like us humans, Goldendoodles need their beauty sleep to recharge their batteries. He can become cranky and even more prone to accidents or naughty behaviors like chewing on my favorite shoes — yikes! As our furry friends age, they may develop joint issues, just like us aging humans. Well, guess what? Sleep is like a secret potion that helps reduce inflammation and keep those joints in tip-top shape. So, if you want your Goldendoodle to keep doing zoomies well into their golden years, prioritize their snooze time! Alright, enough with the serious stuff. Size matters, folks! Goldendoodles come in different shapes and sizes, so make sure the bed is spacious enough for them to stretch out comfortably. Material Next up, consider the materials. Dogs love textures just as much as we do! Opt for soft and snuggly fabrics that are gentle on their sensitive skin. So, make sure the bed has enough stuffing to provide support and comfort. Memory foam or orthopedic beds work wonders, especially for older doodles or those with joint issues. Personalization Personalization is the key to a happy doodle! Add a touch of their favorite things to the bed. Location Location, location, location! Where you place the bed matters. Goldendoodles are social butterflies , and they want to be part of the family action. So, choose a spot where they can be near you and feel involved. Pro-tip: Keep the bed away from drafty areas — we want our doodles warm and toasty! Clean Bed Lastly, keep it clean, folks! Regular washing and grooming of the bed are essential for maintaining a fresh and inviting sleep spot for your furry friend. Remember, creating the coziest bed for your Goldendoodle is all about love and care. Latest Dog Bed Trends For Goldendoodles I know just how important it is to provide our fluffy buddies with a cozy and comfortable spot to rest their paws. After all, our furry friends spend a significant portion of their lives snoozing, so why not make it a dreamy experience? I compiled a carefully curated list of the top dog bed trends that can be used for Goldendoodles. From orthopedic support to snuggly donut designs, each bed on my list offers a unique blend of style and comfort. The plush surface offers ultimate comfort, while the bolsters create a sense of security during sleep. The bed comes in various sizes to accommodate different doodle sizes. Check it out here. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site s , as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. Best Friends by Sheri Calming Fur Donut Cuddler Designed with a deep crevice, this shaggy donut bed is ideal for dogs who love to burrow. Its round shape makes it perfect for curling up, providing warmth and a sense of protection. Buy this bed for your dog right now. BarksBar Gray Orthopedic Dog Bed This bed features a solid orthopedic foam base for maximum support and comfort, making it great for Goldendoodles of all ages. The quilted design adds a touch of elegance to any room, and the removable cover is easy to clean and machine washable. You can buy it on Amazon. Inner Dimensions of Sleeping Space: 36 x 24 - Crafted with top-of-the-line workmanship and premium materials, it is built to both provide the ultimate sleep experience with superior overall comfort and to last. Perfect for dogs of any ages, especially older dogs with joint, bone or arthritic problems. Sleek and Luxurious quilted design to improve any familys home decor. Comes with a built-in nonslip rubber backing on the bottom side of the cover to prevent any sliding on wooden and tiled floors. The bolstered sides provide extra neck and head support. The mesh fabric is both comfortable and breathable, and the sturdy steel frame ensures durability. The waterproof layer protects against accidents, and the removable cover is machine washable. Its stylish design and variety of colors make it a perfect addition to your home decor. Check it out right here. Milliard Quilted Padded Orthopedic Dog Bed This bed combines orthopedic support with a plush quilted top, providing a comfortable and cozy sleeping surface for your Goldendoodle. The non-slip bottom keeps the bed in place, and the removable cover is machine-washable for easy cleaning. Orthopedic Support: Our orthopedic pet bed uses durable egg crate luxe foam for ultimate support and comfort. Luxury and Comfort: The thick pillowtop layer adds comfort for dogs young and old. Easy Care: Just unzip the cover and throw in the washing machine for easy convenient cleaning. Milliard Guarantee: If you are not completely satisfied with your purchase, neither are we. Majestic Pet Bagel Dog Bed This donut-shaped bed offers a sense of security and is perfect for dogs who love to curl up. The durable, waterproof base protects against accidents, and the soft bolster sides provide extra neck and head support. Order it right now. Barkbox Memory Foam Platform Dog Bed Featuring a memory foam base and a cozy, machine-washable cover, this bed ensures your Goldendoodle sleeps in ultimate comfort. The raised edges provide a sense of security, while the non-slip bottom keeps the bed in place. High-Quality Comfort: The therapeutic cooling gel memory foam comforts your dog by relieving body aches, joint pain, hip dysplasia, and arthritis. The water-resistant, zippered cover slides off seamlessly for convenient clean! With both therapeutic and cooling memory foam, this bed is easy to step into and even easier to fall asleep on. And, every bed comes with a free toy and some BARK magic, so your pup is bound to love it. Just make sure to give the mattress up to 72 hours to fully expand. And with U. Amazon Basics Cave Dog Bed The last one of the latest dog bed trends is this is a cozy retreat for your furry friend! Check it out on Amazon. Plush stuffed, indoor circular pet bed with removable nesting cave cover Soft, suede-like microfiber exterior with plush, faux sherpa fleece-lined surface Ideal for nervous or chill-prone pets that love to burrow or hide for calming, anxiety relief or warmth Removable cave hood allows your dog or cat to snuggle under or sprawl out Medium bed measures 30 x 30 x .Oh, absolutely! Based on my own experiences with Kobe, I can confidently say that they adore dog beds! Whenever I introduce a new bed, my doodle jumps right in, tail wagging with excitement. I guess you could say Goldendoodles and dog beds are a match made in fluffy heaven! Finding the right-sized bed for your Goldendoodle is like solving a fluffy puzzle! Measure your doodle from nose to tail and add a few extra inches to ensure they have plenty of room to stretch out comfortably. If your furry friend loves to curl up, a smaller bed with raised edges might be the way to go, giving them that cozy, secure feeling. Where Should My Goldendoodle Sleep? Some Goldendoodles love being close to their human pack and might prefer sleeping in your bedroom, maybe even right beside your bed. Others, like my independent furball, enjoy having their own space and might be perfectly content snoozing in a cozy corner of the living room. Oh, you bet they do! Their fluffy coats might give them a warm appearance, but some doodles, like mine, are real snuggle enthusiasts when the temperature drops. To keep Kobe cozy, I make sure to provide a soft and warm blanket or consider using a heated dog bed during the colder months. Remember, just like us, Goldendoodles appreciate some extra warmth and love to curl up in their little toasty nook when the night gets chilly! The key to finding the perfect bed for your Goldendoodle lies in understanding their size, age, and sleep habits. After all, they are part of the family, and their comfort matters as much as ours. And the best part? May they snore away in style, surrounded by love, warmth, and dreams as sweet as their fluffy faces. Until next time, sleep tight and dream big, my fellow Doodle devotees! Hope you enjoyed this post on the latest dog bed trends! If you enjoyed this post, then you will love these posts:.

A comfy turtleneck sweater is a must-have for trend-setting dogs with its cool retro shape and comfy, sculpted unisex style! Dogs can dress and match freely, and they are very stylish inside or out. We added straps to add a harness to the chest and back of the vest. So even if your dog is a very ferocious large dog, you can safely.Best of all, it's made from recycled.Our grey cotton blend spandex dog hoodie is a great choice when your pet desperately needs heat. The inside of this dress has a fine fleece fabric, which gives the.With details to match your favorite hoodies, this dog sweater is made from super soft cotton and acrylic that allows easy access.This warm fleece pullover features an ultra-classic sunflower pattern that will keep you feeling the warmth of summer in winter. Think about what it's like when.This sweater has a high-neck design that wraps around the dog's neck. 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. Dog booties may sound like an odd concept, but paw protection for dogs can be beneficial for our adventuring sidekicks year-round. From dog boots for winter built to protect from cold, snow, ice, and sno-melt chemicals; to rugged and breathable dog boots for summer and hot pavement; our dogs can join us no matter what the trail ahead looks like. Dog boots and dog shoes are a great way to help protect paws in cold weather, in hot weather, and on rough terrain. For dogs that join their humans walking, running, hiking, skiing, and everyday exploring, boots can help protect paws from getting things like cuts, burns in hot weather, or frostbite in cold weather. Do dogs like wearing shoes? Just like human boots, dog boots need a break-in period, and your dog might need to get used to them. What dog booties stay on best? Correctly sized boots will set you and your dog up best for the most comfort and the least likely to fall off. How do I size my dog for boots and shoes? Many dogs have wider front paws than rear paws. With sets of two, you can order the appropriate sizes for a good fit on both the front and rear paws. To learn more about which size is best for your dog, check out our guide. Your Bag Sign up for our newsletter and stay on track with the Ruffwear pack. Newsletter Signup. Thankfully, it is very preventable with proper vaccination. This virus was discovered in the s and rapidly became a serious threat to canine health. This is primarily because the virus is hard to kill, can live for a long time in the environment, is shed in large quantities by infected dogs, is highly contagious, and is often fatal without appropriate treatment. This is why the parvo vaccine is considered a core vaccine for puppies and dogs. While the highly effective parvovirus vaccine has decreased the risk to properly vaccinated dogs, this disease is still widely prevalent, especially in puppies and poorly-vaccinated adolescent dogs. Parvo is an infectious DNA virus that commonly causes severe illness in young and unvaccinated dogs. Heart muscle cells of very young puppies can also be damaged by parvovirus. Although parvovirus is most common in puppies and adolescent dogs, it can also affect adult or senior dogs, especially if they are unvaccinated. Symptoms of Parvo in Dogs A dog infected with canine parvovirus will usually start to show parvo symptoms within days of infection. An infected puppy will often show lethargy as the first sign, and they may not want to eat. They will also often have a fever. As the virus progresses, your dog will begin to suffer from abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea, which may be severe. Very sick puppies may collapse and have a high heart rate , difficulty breathing, and hypothermia due to the degree of dehydration and infection. Causes of Parvo in Dogs Parvovirus is an incredibly contagious disease that spreads quickly and efficiently. While canine parvovirus is not airborne, it can be found on many surfaces. However, it is susceptible to diluted bleach and some specialized cleaners commonly used in veterinary hospitals. Can Humans Get Parvo? Parvovirus is species-specific, so humans have their own version of the virus. This means that humans cannot get parvovirus from dogs, and dogs cannot get parvovirus from people. Cats also have a type of parvovirus that causes severe disease, known as feline panleukopenia. While dogs cannot get feline parvovirus from cats, cats can become infected with canine parvovirus. They most often have much more mild clinical signs than dogs do, but there is a strain of canine parvovirus that can cause severe illness in cats. The feline parvovirus vaccine, which is part of the core FVRCP vaccine , may offer some cross-protection against canine parvovirus. How Is Parvovirus Diagnosed in Dogs? Are There Parvo Tests? Fecal ELISA tests enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay are the most common way of diagnosing a dog with parvovirus in a clinical setting. The test requires a fecal swab and takes about 10 minutes. While this test is accurate, a negative result does not necessarily rule out parvovirus in a symptomatic dog, as they may not be shedding the viral antigen at the time of testing. Further testing may be needed in these cases. Stages of Parvo The stages of canine parvovirus are the same as most viral infections. Infection The puppy or adult dog is exposed to parvo via fecal material from an infected dog. Incubation There is an incubation period usually days in which the dog is infected with parvovirus but not yet showing symptoms. During this period, the virus specifically seeks out the most rapidly dividing cells in the body—typically, it starts attacking the tonsils or lymph nodes in the throat. Once it has multiplied and entered the bloodstream, the virus will seek out other sources of rapidly diving cells. The most hard-hit areas are: Bone marrow Cells that line the walls of the small intestines In very young puppies, parvovirus can also infect the heart, which causes inflammation of the heart muscle, poor heart function, and arrhythmias. Illness When the virus infects the bone marrow, it attacks the young immune cells, which leads a drop in protective white blood cells. This is where the worst damage happens. This means that your dog still can live a happy, fulfilling life even with these medical challenges. If so, they might have pressure sores. Pressure sores, also known as bedsores or decubital ulcers, occur most often in senior dogs, large breeds, or heavy breeds. These calluses lead to thicker skin and hair loss. Older and heavier dogs are more likely to experience pressure sores simply because they are less active and oftentimes have less muscle mass. Although sometimes tricky, these sores can be prevented, and the symptoms can be alleviated. Genetics Just like with humans, genetics plays a role in hair loss in dogs. Other dog breeds simply experience patchy hair or baldness on different parts of their body, such as the chest, back, thigh, or neck. Typically, this type of hair loss occurs after the dog reaches one year old. Infection or Infestation These words sound scary, and the resulting hair loss or skin conditions can look even scarier. Hair loss from infection or infestation can be caused by ringworm fungus, mange mites, fleas, parasites, ticks, and bacteria. In fact, fleas and mites are oftentimes the most common culprits behind hair loss and allergic reactions. These pests cause irritation, which is often misdiagnosed as an allergic reaction resulting in unnecessary treatments such as steroids. While many dogs will lick, bite, and scratch at the infected skin, resulting in wide-spread hair loss, there are additional signs and symptoms to watch out for. Some signs your dog might be experiencing an infection or infestation are as follows: Hair loss around the ears, eyes, and mouth Oily skin.

Please assume all such links are affiliate links which may result in my earning commissions and fees. This will not incur additional cost to you. If you own a french bulldog puppy or thinking about buying one. Keep in mind that, just like human babies, they will also have teeth and knowing what to expect will help you deal with their dental development in the right direction. There is nothing scary about it, dogs lose their teeth in all sorts of ways. The first is when they are a puppy. Now with French Bulldog puppies, this is how it typically works. When do the baby teeth start coming in? After that the first weeks or about the same time their eyes start to open, give or take. When do baby teeth fall out? After about 3 months when they start their teething and continue until the adult teeth come in. By then all the baby milk teeth should be out and the adult teeth are growing in their place. French Bulldogs have 28 milk teeth and then as an adult, they get 42 teeth total. When do adult teeth come in? As mentioned before, these adult teeth are going to be there no sooner than the 7th or 8th month. When do they stop teething? Luckily for you, by the time those little monsters stop chewing up everything- magically those adult teeth have grown in. Trust me when I tell you that by the 8th month is your best bet to see the end of teething. How long is the entire teething process? The real truth is pretty weird. Not every French Bulldog is going to be the same, so the teething period can be longer or shorter. Overall, it can take weeks or roughly 4 months plus. And by that 8th month, your puppy should have a full set of 42 adult teeth. Signs of teething in French Bulldog puppies Alright, this is the part where you better order that shoe rack and put your bra, leather belt, or remote control up high on the dresser. French Bulldog teething is brutal and takes no prisoners when it comes to being chewed up without hesitation. More on that later… If you see any of these signs and here is what you can do. Too much chewing These pups are gonna chew on things, in fact, everything they can get their mouths on! Imagine that you are growing new teeth and the pain that comes with little teeth popping through your gums is going to drive you nuts- hence, little chewing machines in your home. As milk teeth fall out and new teeth come in, there will be a small amount of blood that might be seen on toys, furniture, or in their sleeping bed. Small loose milk teeth In the frenzy of munching everything in their path, the French Bulldog puppy will no doubt start to lose their milk teeth. There are 28 of them but you might only see half or that if you are lucky. They might even be spotted on the floor so you can save it as a keepsake. Relax already, the drool is all part of the teething since this is a reaction to the teeth growing in and old teeth coming out. If they still drool after 8 months after their adult teeth come in, take them to the vet. It might be a health problem in that case. Floppy ears Because of the differences in calcium levels that are being sent to their developing teeth, your French Bulldog will have that unmistakable floppy or even droop ears. In time the ears will return to stand up. The calcium level will return to make cartilage stronger in their ears as a result. Short attention spans Poor puppy is going to have a bad time at this stage, so be sure to keep them company as much as possible. Play with them, bond with them. And you can enjoy all the more drool all over you too! Running a mild fever What do you know, the puppy is hotter than usual. Do you take them to the vet or not? Not to worry, since the teething will raise body temperature -and that is perfectly normal. I know- I nearly took my Frenchie to the vet until a friend told me to relax. As the milk teeth are pushed out, they might happen to stick and can cause adult teeth to grow wonky. Ask your vet for help if you see this happening. Additional Signs. Pin 0 Shares The age most people first get a Frenchie is between 8 and 10 weeks. I remember this exact thing happening with Claude, our own Frenchie puppy. I had no idea at what age French Bulldogs lose their baby teeth. Here are all the questions and answers you will need to know. When do Frenchies get their baby or milk teeth? Frenchie puppies are not born with teeth, instead the baby teeth starting to grow through after 2 or 3 weeks after birth. Their baby teeth are also known as milk teeth. Their baby teeth come in this order: Front teeth incisors. Frenchie puppies will have 28 milk teeth in total at around 8 weeks of age. Do French Bulldogs lose their baby teeth? Just like humans, Frenchies do lose their baby teeth. It is perfectly normal and happens so that their larger adult teeth can grow through as their skull and jaw gets larger. When do Frenchies lose their baby teeth? French Bulldogs lose their baby teeth from the age of 12 weeks old 3 months. They start to drop out, typically when they chew on toys, as they get pushed out by the larger adult teeth that up growing upwards underneath. By the age of 8 months old, your French Bulldog puppy will have lost all of his baby teeth, with a full set of 42 adult teeth now in place. Do Frenchie puppies swallow their baby teeth? Are Frenchie puppies in pain when they lose their baby teeth? To confirm on the previous responses, adult Frenchies have 42 adult teeth, which will replace the 28 milk teeth they have as a puppy. The French Bulldog teeth structure is as follows: 42 teeth in total. Conclusion Now you know what age Frenchies lose their 28 temporary baby teeth I would recommend you read up some more on teething. You can do that in this guide. Their gums will bleed, and they will want to chew everything in sight — so be prepared! You might also like… On the subject of the mouth area, you might also be interested in these other guides recently published:. Along with their small face comes a small mouth. There are a lot to know when it comes to French Bulldog teeth, including the stages of teething, potential oral issues, caring for teeth, and fun facts. Here are the teething stages of a Frenchie puppy. There are 28 baby teeth in total front teeth or incisors, canine teeth, and pre-molars. This is when you may start finding teeth and blood spots, a very normal part of teething. Eventually, the 28 baby teeth will be replaced by 42 adult teeth. Six to seven months old: teething will stop Puppies teethe longer than some may realize. Their baby teeth grow in much quicker than their adult teeth. Their molars take especially long to grow in fully. By around eight months old sometimes sooner , French Bulldog teeth are all grown in, and your pup should have 42 healthy, strong teeth. This is because chewing helps relieve gum and teeth pain experienced during teething. You will also probably notice drool. Small, loose milk teeth: Small baby teeth start to fall out as adult teeth grow in. Frenchies love tasty treats from the tooth fairy! When a teething pooch bites down, pulsating movements occur and can strain their ear muscles which may result in their ears losing shape and drooping down. Additionally, calcium that their ears need in order to take their wanted shape is going to new teeth growing in instead. Their ears should become bat-like in no time when they are finished teething. Ways to Help Your Teething Puppy It can be understandably frustrating when your new French Bulldog is teething and chewing everything in sight to relieve their discomfort. In the meantime, there are some things you can do to help the chewing and pain that teething brings. Give your pup something to chew on. Teething chew toys for your new puppy can save your furniture and shoes. Puppy-proof your home. Give frozen snacks like ice and bananas to relieve its discomfort and give it something to do. Exercise your pup. Possible French Bulldog Teeth Issues Because French Bulldogs are a Brachycephalic breed and have small faces in addition to an underbite, they are prone to dental issues. Possible Dental Problems Plaque and tartar: A film that develops on the teeth is caused by food build-up and lack of cleaning. It can cause tooth decay and gum irritation. It starts as gingivitis and eventually turns into periodontal disease, and teeth will start falling out. Abscesses: Bacteria at the root of a tooth start to cause pus build-up and becomes an infection known as an abscess. Signs of a tooth fracture is excessive drooling, difficulty eating, teeth grinding, and pawing at the mouth. Just like us they also have baby teeth, and French Bulldogs are no different; French Bulldogs will teethe. I have a very clear memory of when we got Claude the Frenchie puppy. During the puppy months we would find tiny teeth on the floor which would come out as he chewed everything in sight to relieve his sore teeth and gums. This chewing is a huge part of the teething process, but is something you can actually help your French Bulldog puppy with. So, today I want to share everything I have learned about why French Bulldogs teethe, at what age they lose their baby or milk teeth, what to expect as an owner, and how to help them plus ways to stop them chewing your furniture! My intention is for this to be the only guide you would ever need to read about the dental development of your French Bulldog. This is completely normal during the teething phases. But when should you expect this to start and then finally stop? French Bulldog puppy baby teeth start coming through — between 2 and 3 weeks old French Bulldogs are born without teeth. The 2-week point in their life is a massive time in their growth and becoming the French Bulldogs we know and love. Of course, most French Bulldog owners will never get to see this phase in their dental development stage as French Bulldog puppies should not be leaving their mother until they are at least 8 weeks old. Canine teeth at which point they can start on solid foods. Pre-molars stop coming through after about 6 weeks. By 8 weeks of age, your French Bulldog should have grown all of its 28 milk teeth. French Bulldog starts teething and growing adult teeth — 12 weeks of age onwards The next stage of dental development is the teething phase. When do French Bulldogs lose their baby teeth? French Bulldog puppies will lose their baby teeth at around 3 months or 12 weeks old. This the age at which French Bulldogs start to teeth as they lose the milk teeth which fall out. There are 28 baby teeth in total, and surprisingly, 32 adult teeth which will grow through in the place of the milk teeth. French Bulldog teething age will vary, but typically starts at 3 months. French Bulldog puppies stop teething — 7 to 8 months of age When do French Bulldogs stop teething? French Bulldog puppies will typically stop teething at around 7 to 8 months old. French Bulldog adult teeth take a lot longer to grow and push through compared to their baby milk teeth. The molars at the back are the ones that are particularly stubborn. At the very latest, your 8-month-old French Bulldog puppy should have stopped teething. Anything after that age would be unusual, but still not unheard of. Most French Bulldogs will now have all 42 adult teeth. Signs of teething in French Bulldog puppies As you might have already experienced with your French Bulldog puppy, the first sign of teething is them chewing everything in sight. Small baby teeth: One of the more obvious signs is finding their cute little teeth. They might be on the floor, embedded in a toy, or near a food bowl. Blood spots on toys: As French Bulldogs teethe, they will chew on their toys to relieve the pain. This can result in blood when baby teethe come out or gums are irritated. Lots of drooling: Teething puppies can drool, so expect to see more saliva than usual coming from their mouths. Even more chewing: When French Bulldogs teethe, they need to relieve the pain and the best way to do this is by chewing. Give them chew toys and keep them away from anything that you value! Sore gums: Teething French Bulldogs will get inflamed and red gums. They will look really sore, because the larger adult teeth are pushing up through. Change in behavior: Your French Bulldog puppy will be in pain from time to time and might even be irritable. Try to distract them with teething toys and lots of attention. Mild fever: If you have ever had kids, you will know that they can get a little hot when teething. French Bulldog puppies are the same. Misaligned teeth: As the adult teeth come through, they might not always push a baby tooth. Your French Bulldog might have a bit of a redneck look at the two teeth sit together until the milk tooth falls out. Recommended French Bulldog teething toys All puppies need something to chew on when new teeth are coming through. They will try to chew your shoes, furniture… pretty much anything. To help your French Bulldog puppy when teething, instead invest in some teething toys that are hard and durable enough to give their gums relief. There are two teething toys we used with our own puppy which always worked a treat. Not only is a great for French Bulldogs to get their teeth around, but you can also put treats inside of it to mentally challenge them as well. What we also used to do was place ours in the freezer before letting our teething puppy have. That way it was really nice and cold and helped to soothe his sore gums. My second recommendation is the Nylabone dog chew on Amazon. This is how much they will end up chewing it! You might have to hide things, reduce their access to certain rooms, and keep a close eye on them. Chew proof your home: You might need to install stair gates to restrict access to certain rooms where your prized furniture is located. You might have to move things above their height. Nothing is safe from a teething French Bulldog puppy! Give them frozen treats: As well as chew toys, a piece of frozen carrot or an ice cube can really help to soothe their sore gums. Keep them exercised: French Bulldogs that have energy to burn will chew more than those that are tired out. Give your French Bulldog puppy a couple of walks a day and provide plenty of indoor play time too. Keep them entertained: Bored French Bulldogs tend to be destructive. Get their toys out to keep them mentally challenged and distracted whilst teething. Puppies can cause utter devastation whilst teething. You just need to look at how chewed the corner of our wooden dining room table was during the teething phase. French Bulldog teething can last a while and your furniture will know it! Did You Know? If you find that your French Bulldog continues to chew on things after teething has finished then it could be the sign of something else. This can include stress, boredom, worms, gastrointestinal problems, or even a dietary deficiency. What other owners say I am part many different French Bulldog social media groups, and recently asked people about their own experiences with their own puppies and teething. Bored French Bulldogs will start chewing your things when they teethe. Nylabone and Kong Toys are two of my faves. Bully sticks and Himalayan cheese sticks are good. We also use real bones from the meat department at our local store, frozen so they last longer, and our dogs love them. If your French Bulldog is teething and eats dry food try and soften the biscuits as chewing hard food can be a big turn off put for them as their gums can be quite sensitive. Puppies crave different things at different times and are learning what their teeth can do in addition to the teething that they are going through. I recommend 20 different teething toys and rotate them. They hate the smell and it will stop them chewing your stuff. And give him chews. It is boredom that makes them chew more than anything. Just put a knot in each end and wet them, then freeze them! He loved it and still just loves playing with tea towels now at nearly 2 years old. Would recommend putting the tea towel in a food bag when freezing. How much pain they are will vary from puppy to puppy — our own dog had quite mild teething pain from what we could tell, but it depends on the dog. But, almost all of them will chew. You can expect to see little teeth on the floor or stuck into things they have chewed on, plus those little blood spots I mentioned. At this time of their dental development, your puppy will need your love and support, plenty of chewable toys, patience, and understanding. You might also like… If you enjoyed this guide to French Bulldog teething ages and how long it all lasts, then you might also like these other French Bulldog puppy related articles:. Pin29 30 Shares Just like human babies do, French Bulldog puppies will also teethe. I have often compared owning a puppy to having a baby. You have the tantrums, poop, pee, separation anxiety, and more… and that includes having to deal with them going through the French Bulldog puppy teething stages. I remember when we got Claude. During his puppy months I was frequently finding little teeth on the carpet. And, we also had the chewing. In this guide I am going to explain why French Bulldogs teethe, what age it happens and starts, what to expect, how you can stop them chewing your prized possessions, how to help them, and when it stops. But when exactly does teething start and stop? French Bulldog baby teeth start to grow through at the same time their eyes begin to open. Canine teeth at which point they can start on solid foods. Pre-molars stop coming through after about 6 weeks. There will be 28 baby teeth in total and they should fully stop growing through at around 8 weeks of age which is the minimum age you can take a puppy home. They will start to fall out, being pushed out by the adult ones. When do French Bulldogs lose their baby teeth? When do French Bulldogs start teething? French Bulldog puppies will start to teeth at around 3 months of age. They then start to lose their baby and milk teeth which will start to fall out, being pushed out by the adult teeth. The 28 milk teeth will eventually be replaced by 42 adult teeth. French Bulldog puppies stop teething — age 7 to 8 months Want to know when do French Bulldog puppies stop teething? French Bulldog puppies will stop teething at about 7 to 8 months of age. It can sometimes be shorter or longer, but by this stage all their milk teeth should be replaced by adult teeth. How long do French Bulldogs teethe for — between 20 and 24 weeks The entire Frenchie teething process from start to finish will take longer than you might expect. In most cases, they will have stopped teething after 24 weeks, but it can end as early as 20 weeks from the start of the process. To conclude, adult teeth do take longer to grow in than milk baby teeth. The molars are particularly prone to taking longer to push through. However, by around 8 months of age, your French Bulldog puppy should have stopped teething completely and will now be the proud owner of 42 strong and health adult teeth. I have heard of some puppies finishing teething at 4 months, but this is very unusual. They chew because it helps them to relieve the pain in their teeth and gums. Small loose milk teeth: you might find cute little baby teeth stuck in toys or on the floor. These have now made way for the adult teeth to grow through. Perhaps you could be the tooth fairy, and leave a treat under their bed? Blood spots on toys: you might also see small spots of blood left on the toys or furniture they have chewed. Excessive drooling: many Frenchie puppies will also drool when they are teething. If your dog continues to drool after the teething age, it could be the sign of a health problem. French Bulldogs teething ears is common. It happens because they are young so need the calcium in other areas of their developing body, including new teeth. This can make their ears behave very erratically, but they should stand up in the end. Red and inflamed gums: the gums can swell and look angry. This is particularly true once the milk teeth have gone, as the adult teeth will be fighting to push through. Once they do, expect the blood spots. Short attention spans: your Frenchie puppy will be distracted and possibly irritable. Try to soothe them, pay them lots of attention, and use toys to keep them active. Mild fever: just like human babies, puppies can also suffer from mild fevers when teething. The adult tooth will grow through next to the baby tooth and can actually cause an abscess. If it does, consult with your vet. Recommended French Bulldog teething toys One of the best ways you can help your French Bulldog puppy when teething is to give him more toys to play with. It needs to be something tough and rugged to cope with those sharp little teeth and sore gums. Frenchie puppies will chew when teething and need plenty of toys! How stop your puppy chewing in the teething stage When the baby teeth of your Frenchie start to fall out, your puppy will go on a chewing frenzy. It was such a problem with Claude that I had to buy a shoe rack to sit up on a work surface, as any shoes on the floor were fair game for him to destroy. The reason French Bulldog puppies chew when teething is because it helps to relieve the pain they are feeling as the new adult teeth grow through. Just like babies, they want to chew on stuff. You can actually buy a range of teething toys which you can see featured elsewhere on my blog. Handy Hint: Read this guide on how to stop a Frenchie from chewing. It contains 8 tips in more detail which we used with Claude. What you need to do is distract them, give them something else to chew on, or make steps to remove stuff from their reach that they can cause the most damage to. Here are my tips on how to stop your French Bulldog puppy chewing the items you value the most. You can be better off… Puppy proofing your home: just like you would place stair gates in your home with a baby, you can take similar methods with a puppy. The simplest way to do this is by taking anything out of their line of sight they are going to be inclined to chew. Give them frozen carrots or ice cubes: weird I know, but some puppies love to chew on cold frozen items as it will relieve the teething pain. There are also some fruits you can freeze and let them chew on. See my list of fruits Frenchies can eat. Keep the puppy well exercised: dogs that have energy will chew more. To reduce the amount of teething chewing, take your puppy for a couple of walks a day so he can spend some of that energy. Keep the puppy entertained: a bored dog is a chewing dog. During the Frenchie teething stage, play with you pup and keep him distracted from your valuables! We soon stopped doing that when we read how dangerous this can be. The rawhide can cause internal blockages and choke them. The bottom line is; puppies can do a huge amount of damage when teething. Our dining room table legs still have the scars to prove it! You can see what I mean in the photo below. This was what Claude did: You can see the damage caused when Claude was teething. He used to love chewing our dining room table! The positive thing is, as soon as French Bulldog puppies stop teething, a lot of this chewing still stop. Warning: If your French Bulldog continues to chew after the teething stage, it could be the sign of a nutritional problem or even stress. Ailments such as worms and upset stomachs can also lead to this behavioural trait. Related questions Here are a few more questions relating to teeth which will help you during the different stages, and once the adult teeth have grown through. The dental health of your Frenchie is important. This breed can be prone to a variety of health problems , with dental issues being quite near the top of the list. They can develop oral diseases, and at the bare minimum I recommend an annual teeth cleaning visit to the vets. In addition to the once a year cleaning, you can also buy dog-friendly toothpaste and tooth brushes, plus use dental chews to help their teeth stay healthy. How many teeth do French Bulldogs have? French Bulldog puppies have 28 milk teeth which will be lost in the teething stage ages. Once the milk teeth have fallen out, Frenchies will grow 42 adult teeth in their place. What other owners say I am the members on a few Frenchie Facebook groups, and the topic of teething comes up a lot! Here are some questions people have asked, with some of the best responses underneath. We have a toy Kong that he has no interest in, and a Nylabone and some soft toys that he enjoys, but he really wants to chew on fingers, hands and toes mostly. What have others used that helped with the biting and teething phase? Another idea is to soak a wash cloth in broth or just plain water and then freeze it for them. With the Kong toy, you should really put some food in the middle of it too — peanut butter xylitol free is great for this. We also bought special teething treats with clove oil in and puppy teething gel. And I believe ice cubes went down well too. He is 7 months old and is teething like mad. They just love to chew anything and everything. My boy teethed until 7 months. He will be a year old in July and has one more back tooth poking through finally. But it could also be secondary teething. The jaw is growing and the teeth are moving into their final place. With my dogs they tend to want to chew on harder things than when the puppy teeth fell out and new ones broke through. But she constantly bites me, but not other people. Any help would be appreciated! They should never be allowed to put their mouth on you. If allowed to do it, after 3 times it is a habit and much harder to break and they are very stubborn but also very smart and so darn cute. Lots of chew toys. They do learn biting from siblings. Give her time. They are stubborn little monsters at time. He did chew though. We found blood spots, loose teeth, and as you can see from the photo had some damage to deal with! At this time of their dental development, your Frenchie puppy will need your love and support, plenty of chewable toys, patience, and understanding. Losing your temper with a puppy that has chewed something to help reduce his pain will lead to a stressed and fearful dog. This includes regular health checks and a good diet. Open their mouth slowly and gently, and check if their teeth and gum are all fine. Repeat this often so that later on you can save yourself some biting. Those harmless-looking little teeth can be really sharp! Using a toothbrush and toothpaste might come to your mind first, which is definitely an option, although not the most fun one. Make sure that you get a toothpaste which is specifically designed for dogs and is vet-approved! You should never use human toothpaste, as fluoride is a poisonous substance for dogs. Giving dental chews and sticks to your Frenchie is one of the easiest ways of keeping their teeth clean as they are designed to rub all the plaque away. Puppies usually love chewing on these, so they can be used as an everyday treat after mealtime. You simply need to peel it and give it to your baby in whole times a week. You can easily recognize it from its yellow or brownish color, and since it appears close to the gums, it can cause them to get inflamed and even bleed. Bad breath and excessive drooling can also be signs of tartar, as well as loss of appetite in rare cases. After anaesthetizing your baby, your vet will use ultrasonic scalers to remove the tartar by the gum line and then will polish the teeth. With the passage of time, their gum gets inflamed much easier due to the bacteria in their mouth, which will then slowly lead to their gum slowly disappearing around their teeth. The article is based on the expert knowledge of the TomKings Puppies team who have been breeding French Bulldogs for 10 years on their farm. All the pictures in the post belong to them and their customers, and show puppies from their breed. Check their available French Bulldog puppies , or if you have any questions or comments let us know below the article. The growth of these teeth follows a defined order whereby incisors grow first, and then canines develop. Premolars grow last when the puppies are about 6 weeks old. Every tooth has a set function. Incisors are located at the front. Frenchies use them for scraping and grooming. Canines are pointy. The dog uses them to lock objects. You should note that you can only start giving your Frenchie solid food once its canine teeth have grown. Premolars are flat. The dog uses them to crush food. At this point, the teeth will have achieved their maximum sizes and stopped growing. It learns and engages in many activities that promote growth while with its mother—as such, taking them home before they are 8 weeks old is doing them a lot of harm. Then comes the teething phase that starts when a Frenchie is about 12 weeks old. At what age do French Bulldogs lose their teeth? Frenchies lose their baby teeth around 3 months old 12 weeks. The teeth will start falling off when your Frenchie is chewing on toys or even eating food. In some cases, the dog swallows the teeth. Teething lasts anywhere between 20 and 24 weeks. In very rare cases, some puppies finish teething at 4 months. After teething, your adult Frenchie will have the following teeth structure: 22 teeth on its lower jaw 20 teeth on its upper jaw Teething takes longer than the milk teeth growing phase because molars take longer to push through. Is it painful for French Bulldogs when they loose their teeth? Teething is painful; it is an uncomfortable process for your dog. It, therefore, causes some distinct behaviors or effects that constitute the signs that your Frenchie is teething. French Bulldog Teething Signs You can find small teeth on the floor, in toys, or the stool. Losing these teeth makes way for the growth of adult teeth. This is because the adult teeth are pushing through the gums. The inflamed area indicates where the new teeth will grow. Failure to train them makes them think that biting everything is okay, and once they are grown and have all the 42 teeth, their bites will be stronger and cause injuries. They could even destroy your expensive furniture. You can also find them on their beds. They simply mean that your dog has lost one or several milk teeth. Drooling in large amounts: Drooling for teething puppies is a natural reaction to the growth of the adult teeth. In between birth and the onset of teething, their ears are firmly up and wide open. As such, the sight of floppy ears may worry you. Relax, though. Calcium or lack thereof causes of the droopy ears. When teething, your Frenchie requires calcium to develop new, strong adult teeth. However, once the teething phase ends, the ears will return to their regular standing and firm position, as before. Reduced attention spans The fact that teething is uncomfortable makes the puppies lose their attention pretty fast. As an owner, you should give your Frenchie plenty of attention, play with it, soothe it, and bond with it. This is usually the case when there is a misalignment between the baby and adult tooth, and the latter, therefore, cannot push the former out. As a result, the adult tooth grows next to the puppy tooth. An abscess develops, and if this happens, do visit a vet. Mild Fever.

How often you should feed a German Shepherd puppy depends on their age and their activity level. Many owners also want to know when they can switch to adult food formulas for their German Shepherd puppies. Switch your GSD puppy to adult food when they are around 12 to 18 months old. Puppies can begin adult kibble when they are approximately 80 percent of their adult weight. This usually occurs around 8 to 10 months of age, but you can safely feed puppy food up to 18 months old as long as they are not putting on excess weight too quickly. If you want to know what to feed a German Shepherd puppy, keep reading. Finding the best food to feed your German Shepherd puppy is overwhelming at times. This means choosing what to feed a German Shepherd puppy is even more serious and intimidating! Follow this feeding guide when you need to know what to feed German Shepherd puppies. I understand! The following dog foods are all recommended for large breed puppies and meet and exceed regulated nutritional standards. Feeding a high-quality kibble from a name-brand company that uses feeding trials ensures the best quality and nutrition. Here are some of the best German Shepherd puppy foods that are research-backed. Packed with nutrients to help limit inflammation of the joints and uses fresh ingredients. Easily digestible formula for puppies prone to allergies and sensitive stomachs. Rich aroma with DHA fish oil to entice puppies to finish every last bite while giving shine to their coats. The better the food, the healthier your pup will be inside and out. Cheaper GSD puppy food lacks quality proteins that are essential for your working breed dog. Adding too much weight to your German Shepherd too soon can cause lifelong joint issues that are painful to your pet and expensive on your wallet. Most GSDs are healthy and fit on commercial dog foods that are high quality. These balanced formulas keep their bones and muscles strong throughout their growing periods and can ward off later joint issues, a common breed problem, as they mature. There is a greater demand for quality nutrition during the early growth stage. For these reasons, you must feed high-quality food. Now, consider what to feed a German Shepherd puppy based on their age. These feeding charts and guides will help keep your new companion growing strong and athletic. Tiny portions of canned, wet foods are introduced. Meals per day: 4 or more Puppies should stay with their mom for to keep them healthy. Nutrition Warning! At 8-weeks-old a GSD pup is eating more solid foods and develops a better appetite for kibble and other foods. Add in only a couple of small spoonfuls of canned plain pumpkin, unsweetened Greek yogurt, or cooked oatmeal to entice your pup to eat. Meals per day: 4 Week-Old Puppy Continue feeding the same as the 8-week-old diet. Treats are not only enjoyable for your German Shepherd, but help you to eneterain and build a positive relationship with him. Be sure to keep their zoomies under control by playing plenty of fun German Shepherd games for puppies. Meals per day: 4 Week-Old Puppy Continue to feed the kibble. Watch for excessive weight gain during this growth time as their bones cannot take extra weight! Too much weight gain too quickly can cause joint issues as an adult and prevent healthy development. Use their mental energy to help keep them more relaxed throughout the day by playing brain-boosting mind games for German Shepherd puppies. Meals per day: 3 to 4 Week-Old Puppy Keep your puppy trim and athletic by monitoring how much you feed your puppy and their body condition. You can write how much they eat and track this over time, and adjust how much your feed your German Shepherd puppy to keep them at a healthy weight. Try using fresh, raw, cut-up pieces of carrots as healthy treats or small, deseeded cubes of fresh apple as part of their training treats. Keep your eyes open for a growth spurt about to begin! Meals per day: 3 Week-Old Puppy Around 4 months old, you might notice your puppy finish their meal quickly and look for more food. Be sure to watch how many treats you give them throughout the day. You can do this by holding them safely in your arms and weighing them with you on the scale. Then, place them on the floor and step onto the scale without them to weigh yourself. Remember, around 16 to weeks old your German Shepherd puppy begins to rapidly grow. Instead, when looking overhead at your puppy their waist should look trim and not rounded outwards. German Shepherd puppies should appear sleek in their waistline. Meals per day: 3 Week And Older Puppy Continue to feed your German Shepherd puppy dry kibble with a small amount of healthy foods mixed in. You can lessen the healthy food you mix in gradually if you prefer. But, even as adults, German Shepherds love a bit of tasty toppers on their kibble. Around a year old, begin feeding your German Shepherd puppy 2 meals a day. Two meals, one in the morning and evening, are not only safer but also provide your German Shepherd with sustained energy to fuel their high-energy lifestyle. You can create a positive meal time by using the following tips: Always offer fresh water during their meal times. Keep the area where they eat their food in calm and out of the way of the family hustle and bustle. I found sitting with a book reading, just keeping my GSD puppy company, encouraged my dog to eat their meals while giving us time to quietly bond. Feed your German Shepherd at the same time everyday. The best time to feed a German Shepherd puppy is in the morning, before you leave for the day, and in the evening, about 2 hours before you put your dog to bed. Allow them to potty after eating to ensure their comfort. Your dog also needs to eat at other times of the day for their health and growth. How much you should feed a German Shepherd puppy really depends on a number of factors. Your GSD pup should eat enough to maintain their growth and energy, while not carrying any extra fat. Every dog is different. Keep in mind the number of calories in the kibble, which varies from manufacturer to manufacturer. Each puppy food company has a different amount of calories and size of the kibble. Here are a few things that might affect how much your German Shepherd puppy should eat. The more active a German Shepherd puppy is, the more calories he needs to eat to replace lost energy. For example, puppies need nearly twice the amount of calories as compared to adults. And older or senior German Shepherds who are less active need less food. Health Maintaining a healthy weight is essential to feeding your German Shepherd. Simply put, you can prevent some medical conditions and health problems by monitoring their waistlines. Instead follow the healthy way to bulk up a German Shepherd. To see if your German Shepherd is at the right weight you can find the average weight depending on their age. Why do German Shepherd puppies need the best dog food? German Shepherd puppies need dog food designed for large breed puppies to ensure controlled joint and bone growth. This is because large-breed puppies are prone to certain health risks like hip dysplasia and other Orthopedic conditions. The best dog food for German Shepherds will ensure your puppy grows healthy, strong, energetic, and with lovely skin and coats. Nutritional requirements for German Shepherds puppies German Shepherd puppies require a balanced diet that contains four types of nutrients below. These ingredients will ensure that your pup grows and develops optimally for a longer quality of life. Proteins Proteins help the puppies in building up their body tissues. Proteins can be found in chicken, salmon, beef, lamb, eggs, and dairy. Fats Fats are important for healthy skin, fur, brain, and vision. The recommended fat level per dry matter basis is 8. Fats can be found in fish oil, chicken fat, and beef fat. Digestible carbohydrates Because puppies are incredibly energetic, they need digestible carbs to provide them with energy. Digestible carbohydrates can be found in rice, sweet potatoes, potatoes, and whole oats. Micronutrients In addition to these key nutrients, German Shepherd puppies also need micronutrients like calcium, phosphorus, DHA, and omega-3, and vitamin A. They also need fiber to promote digestion and bowel movement and clean water to help with bodily functions. For large dog breed only: Foods specially formulated for German Shepherd puppies: Veterinarian and pet advisor Dr. Choose a dog food that is specially formulated for German Shepherds puppies or large breed puppies can ensure your pups are getting the nutritional requirements at every stage of their growth. The opposite side is giving your pup the wrong food that may lead to serious growth and digestive problems. Things to consider before choosing dog food for German Shepherds puppies 1. Their growth Puppies may need different nutrients at different stages depending on their growth rate. For instance, a puppy in the weaning stage between three to four weeks will need more antioxidants which are found in foods containing Vitamin C and E. In contrast, a teething puppy will need wet dog food which is easily digestible food on its tummy to minimize intestinal upset. For instance, a younger puppy may have difficulty eating larger food pieces than an older puppy. Teething If your dog is teething, which starts at around three weeks, you may want to consider food that contains calcium like dairy and bone broth for strong and healthy teeth. On the other hand, if the dog has teething problems, wet food may be a better option than dry food until they recover. Alternatively, you add wet canned food to their kibble to make it soft and palatable. The body weight An underweight puppy has different dietary requirements from an overweight puppy. You do not want to underfeed or overfeed your puppy. Activity Level Puppies that are extremely active require foods high in carbohydrates to keep up their energy levels. If your dog is not as active, you want to keep the carbs down to avoid obesity. With all the many dry foods out on the market, it can be hard to choose the healthiest for your pups. Step 1. The Association of American Feed Control Officials developed nutrient profiles to establish minimum and some maximum nutrient concentrations for dogs and cats. These profiles are updated when new findings from research in pet nutrition become available. They provide practical guidance for pet food manufacturers. Adult Maintenance: Dog foods formulated for adult maintenance have the nutrients adult dogs need. Dogs over the age of one are considered adults, except for some large and giant breeds who do not fully mature until age two. You may see variations of these nutrient profiles on dog food packaging. Step 2. Read the food label The label is the most important thing you should check when deciding which puppy food to pick. Here are the 3 things you would like to read on the packaging: a. List of ingredients The list of ingredients should have the main ingredient as the first ingredient then followed by the rest according to their percentage. For instance, in the label below the first five ingredients, are chicken as the main ingredient, ground whole grain corn, chicken by-product meal, ground whole grain sorghum, corn gluten meal and dried plain beet pulp. Feeding guidelines This will show you how much food and how many times you should feed your puppy. Watch this video if you want to better understand the wording on a dog food packaging means: Step 3. Are there any claims of pups reacting to the food? Do the users recommend or warn against the food? Of course, you want to go with what the majority of the reviewers say. You can also check dogadvisor. Step 4. The vet is in a better place to advise on what type of food to go for or what ingredients to avoid. Best dry foods for German Shepherds Puppies There are hundreds of dog foods out there with fancy names and ingredients, which make it so hard for dog owners to find the right food for their pups. To help you narrow down your search, we asked a couple of vets to suggest the best dog food for German Shepherds puppies. Purina Pro Plan — For sensitive skin and allergies Why do we like it? This dog food is ideal for all large breed puppies weighing over 50 pounds, GSD included. It is specially formulated for puppies with sensitive skin and stomachs. It is made with real chicken, among other high-quality ingredients. This dry food has optimal calcium levels to promote proper joint and bone growth. It helps prevent forms of hip dysplasia. Ideal for German Shepherd puppies of all ages. Delicious dry food for large breed puppies like GSD. It is specially formulated for superior vision and healthy brain development. This is an all-natural dog food specially made for large-breed puppies of all ages. It is made with real, wholesome ingredients. Making the right food choice will ensure that your puppy grows healthier, stronger, and more energetic. Weaning for a GSD puppy should start at around 6 to 8 weeks while still maintaining nursing. Complete weaning should be from 8 weeks when the puppy is fed on puppy food only. How is puppy food different from adult dog food? Puppy food contains more protein and fats, and certain minerals than adult dog food to support their growing brain, vision, nervous system, immune system, bones, and joints. When should German Shepherd puppies transition to adult dog food? German Shepherd puppies should transition to adult dog food from 12 to 24 months. The transition should be gradual, and the puppy should be constantly monitored. More posts on feeding your German Shepherds Must read:. As the name implies, it has been scientifically formulated to provide all the necessary nutrients, vitamins and minerals for puppies. Features Precisely balanced nutrition to help build immunity and mobility High-quality protein to promote ideal body weight Promotes gentle and healthy digestion with balanced and complete nutrition This delicious formula promotes gentle and healthy digestion and has a savory meaty taste your puppy will love Recommended for puppies up to 1-year-old and pregnant or nursing dogs Check price on Amazon. You want to be able to see visible chunks of meat in the food. It contains a large amount of deboned chicken meat and whole grains, making it a balanced option for your GSD puppy. However, larger companies generally have more resources for stringent quality control protocols. They can employ expert nutritionists and food scientists, and are more eager to enrich our collective nutrition knowledge through research. On the contrary, smaller manufacturers may have less control over ingredient quality, perform less laboratory testing, and are less likely to employ veterinary nutritionists. On top of that, there are still some basic rules you can follow. And we will walk you through things you will need to consider in this article. Every pet is unique and the goal is to find the best diet for the individual pet. Is real food good for German Shepherd puppies? Real food contains whole ingredients that are cooked to aid in digestion. Whole real foods are a great option for adult GSDs, it might be best to keep the puppy food dry or wet. The American College of Veterinary Nutrition does not recommend feeding dogs less than one year old a homemade diet as they can be lacking in calcium and phosphorous, which can have serious implications down the line for GSDs. Best homemade food for German Shepherd puppies If you insist on feeding your GSD puppy a homemade diet, the best way to go about it is to get recipes specifically formulated for them by a veterinary nutritionist. This will ensure all of their needs macro — and micronutrient needs are met, particularly their calcium and phosphorous requirements. This is very important to prevent issues like hip dysplasia and other joint and bone issues as an adult GSD. A typical homemade food recipe: Chicken. It also tends to be high in protein. Food that is high in protein and calories will provide your puppy with the energy that they need and help them gain the right amount of weight as they grow up. Most puppy food also includes vitamin and mineral supplements, such as calcium and phosphorus, for healthy and strong bones and teeth. You should speak to your vet to ensure that you have the right food and are feeding your puppy the proper amount. We hope that these reviews have helped you decide on the right food for your German Shepherd puppy. Remember to stick with large-breed food because it usually has the correct ratio of vitamins and minerals to give your GSD puppy all the suitable nutrition that they need so they can grow up strong, healthy, and happy. Featured Image Credit: Victoria Antonova, Shutterstock Written by Kathryn Copeland Author Kathryn was a librarian in a previous lifetime and is currently a writer about all things pets. When she was a child, she hoped to work in zoos or with wildlife in some way, thanks to her all-consuming love for animals. Unfortunately, she's not strong in the sciences, so she fills her days with researching and writing about all kinds of animals and spends time playing with her adorable but terribly naughty tabby cat, Bella. Kathryn is hoping to add to her family in the near future — maybe another cat and a dog.Read more Advertisement.

Genes The cause of your Golden Retriever being skinny could be that it is genetic. This would be more likely if it was also relatively skinny as a puppy, it has not become skinny suddenly and if the vet has found no issues and you have been feeding it the right amount. In this case, it would not be something to worry about unless it has been showing signs of the cause being due to one of the things mentioned below. Diet The cause could also be that there is a problem with its diet. It could be the case that you have not been feeding it enough or that it has not been getting the right nutrients in its diet. It would help to consult with your vet about its diet and to make sure that you have been feeding it correctly and in the right amounts. You can also look here to see what you should and should not be feeding it. Exercise Golden Retrievers are a breed that is meant to get a lot of exercise on a daily basis so if your Golden Retriever is getting a lot of daily exercise it would likely be a good thing. However, it might be the case that it is not eating the right amount of calories to match it. This would be more likely if it was not skinny as a puppy and it has become skinny since being more active. Again, it would help to make sure that it has been eating the right amount of calories and it would help to ask your vet about it when you next see them. Illness Another possible cause is that it has gotten an illness or disease. This would be more likely if it has become skinny suddenly and if it has been showing other signs of being ill such as fatigue, not wanting to eat or vomiting. If it seems like it might be ill or it might have a medical condition the best option would be to take it to a vet. Stress It could be the case that something has been causing it to be stressed which is what is causing it to lose weight. This would be more likely if your Golden Retriever has started to become skinnier suddenly, if it has been showing other signs of being stressed and if there was recently an event that might have caused it to be stressed such as an owner leaving. Consider whether or not it has always been skinny If your Golden Retriever was not always skinny, it would help to consider what else happened when it first became skinny. If it did become skinny suddenly it would be more likely to be due to things such as illness, anxiety, suddenly being a lot more active without eating more or a sudden change in its diet. It would help to consider what else happened at around the same time that it became skinny. In this case, it would also be important to take it to a vet. Whereas, if it has always been skinny it would make it more likely that it is in its genes to be skinny. How to get your Golden Retriever to be less skinny Below are some things you can do to get your Golden Retriever to be less skinny. By doing so you will be able to get expert advice tailored towards your specific Golden Retriever and to rule out illness or medical causes. Make sure that it is getting the right diet It would also help to make sure that it is getting the right diet by talking to your vet about its diet when you next see them. Make sure that it is eating the right amount for its activity level When feeding your Golden Retriever it is important to consider how active it is. Generally, a Golden Retriever should be getting an hour of exercise per day. It is recommended for sedentary Golden Retrievers to eat between and 1, calories per day and active ones to eat between 1, and 1, calories per day. Shop All Cat Food Key Takeaways: A healthy dog weight can be gauged by a clearly visible waistline when viewed from above, and an abdomen that's tucked up and not even with or pooching past the rib cage. An underweight dog will often have visible bones in a number of places, including the ribs, the spine when viewed from above, and the base of the tail. It can be difficult to tell if your dog is too skinny. If you have questions, have a vet or certified veterinary nutritionist check your dog's body condition score. Is my dog too skinny? Answering this question can not only help you decide whether you might be over or underfeeding your dog; it can also tell you whether your pet might need to be seen by the veterinarian. Here's how to tell if a dog is too skinny, what might be causing your dog to lose weight and what being skinny means for your dog's health. Is My Dog Too Skinny? Many people have a hard time judging what's a healthy weight for dogs. This is likely due to the prevalence of dog obesity, which has led many dog parents to view overweight dogs as being at a normal weight, explains the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University. As a result, dog parents might see dogs who are at a healthy weight as too thin, which can lead to overfeeding them. How to Tell If a Dog Is Too Skinny Tufts University suggests having either a vet or a certified veterinary nutritionist check your dog's body condition score. This score offers an overall assessment of a dog's body fat, similar to the body mass index for humans. If they're at a healthy weight, your dog will have a body condition score of 4 or 5 on a scale from or a 3 on a scale from .Dogs with these scores appear lean, with a clearly visible waistline when viewed from above, and an abdomen that's tucked up and not even with or pooching past the rib cage. You should be able to feel their ribs beneath a thin layer of fat. If you suspect your dog is too skinny, here are some signs you can look for, according to Rover : The ribs are clearly visible or feel like they lie just beneath the skin, with no fat layer in between. The hip bones, shoulder bones and spinal cord are easy to feel beneath the skin. The bones at the base of the tail are protruding. The curve between the ribs and hips looks extreme when viewed from above. The spine and ribs are plainly visible when viewed from above. If you feel that your dog is too thin, you should consult your vet. They will assess your dog's body condition to either confirm your suspicions or put your mind at ease. And if your dog is underweight, it could be a sign of a larger health problem that needs to be addressed. Apart from starvation and improper care, here are the biggest reasons dogs tend to be underweight. Poor Nutrition If your dog is too skinny, one of the first things to check is that you're feeding them properly. Be aware that not all dog foods are created equal in terms of calories and nutritional value. Depending on the manufacturer and brand, one cup of dry dog food can contain anywhere from around to calories, says Tufts University. So while you might think one cup a day is plenty for your pooch, it's possible their food isn't meeting their daily calorie requirement. Check with your veterinarian for their recommendation on a high-quality dog food, and be sure to check the number of calories per cup to be sure you're giving your dog the correct amount for their size and activity level. Ask your vet if you're not sure how many calories your dog should be getting each day. Underlying Health Conditions Being underweight can also signal an underlying illness, especially if the weight loss is sudden. A number of health issues can cause weight loss in dogs, ranging from tooth pain to gastrointestinal discomfort to more serious conditions such as diabetes, thyroid disease and cancer. Your vet will conduct a thorough exam, along with bloodwork and a urinalysis, in order to discover or rule out what could be responsible for your dog's weight loss. Age It's fairly normal for some senior dogs to lose a little weight as they age, due to factors like reduced appetite, loss of muscle mass and digestive problems — all of which are common among aging dogs, says Pet Carrier Verdict. Talk to your vet about possibly switching your dog's food to something more age-appropriate and easier to digest. As common as some weight loss is in senior dogs, rapid or significant weight loss indicate health problems that need to be addressed. Getting Your Dog to a Healthy Weight If your dog has an underlying illness, proper treatment may help restore them to a healthy weight. Depending on the condition and your vet's treatment plan, this might include switching your dog's food to a therapeutic formula. Your vet will give you guidance on how much to feed your dog to help them achieve a healthy weight. For very thin dogs, vets might also provide a high-calorie options to help them gain weight more quickly. If your dog is otherwise healthy, adjusting their daily meal plan to ensure they're getting the proper amount of calories and balanced nutrition should gradually restore them to a healthy weight. While it might be tempting to supplement your underweight pets food, Tufts University cautions to avoid giving them table scraps, which can cause a nutritional imbalance that can actually cause them to lose weight instead of gaining it. Being able to notice whether your dog is at an unhealthy weight will prepare you to help prevent a number of connected health problems, and will help you keep your pooch healthy and happy. Contributor Bio Jean Marie Bauhaus Jean Marie Bauhaus is a pet parent, pet blogger and novelist from Tulsa, Oklahoma, where she usually writes under the supervision of a lapful of furbabies. Female Golden Retrievers should weigh between 55 and 65 pounds, while males should weigh between 65 and 75 pounds. The ribs, hips, shoulders, and backbone may be apparent and easily felt as physical symptoms. Furthermore, the abdominal taper between the ribs and hips may be severe, with little to no body fat. Bear in mind that each dog has its individual characteristics and body type which gets affected by multiple aspects, so as long as your dog is closer to this range, it is fine, but if you notice a huge difference, this should get your attention. Solution: Ensure the diet you choose is complete and balanced. Choose large, raw, meaty bones. For recipes and recommendations, check out my guide to Golden Retrievers foods and treats for every age here I even included homemade Ice cream, so make sure to check it out. Your dog could also be eating the wrong diet for their age. You can learn when and how to switch your golden to adult food here. Health Issues An underweight Golden Retriever or one that is losing weight too rapidly may be suffering from parasites, diabetes, or thyroid problems. This is especially probable if he has suddenly grown thin and has been exhibiting other symptoms of illness such as tiredness, a lack of desire to eat, or vomiting. Solution: If your dog appears to be unwell or has a medical issue, the best course of action is to take him to a veterinarian. This is more likely if his parents were skinny by nature or if he was reasonably skinny as a puppy if he did not become skinny abruptly, Solution: Pay your vet a visit, and If you have been feeding it the proper quantity and the vet detects no problems, then it goes back to genetics. It would not be a reason for concern in this situation unless your dog has been exhibiting symptoms of health issues. Stress Have you recently started leaving your golden retriever alone for long periods of time? Have you gotten more busy than usual? Have you gotten a new puppy? These can all cause your dog to feel stressed which may cause a lack of appetite and weight loss Solution: take a look at any changes that may have happened recently that could be causing stress to your golden retriever and try to get him used to this new environment. Solution: If you feed your dog dry food, you may want to try topping it with wet or fresh food, and try encouraging your dog to eat whatever there is by not changing food if he refuses to eat. Exercising routine Golden Retrievers normally need a minimum of 1 hour of high-intensity exercise every day to keep them healthy and free of any pent-up energy that may cause them to act aggressively or have a change of behavior. But if your dog is getting too much exercise and not enough nutrients to compensate, then he may lose weight excessively. Solution: the key is balancing between the energy that your dog spends and the intake of food that meets his nutritional needs. Change of Environment Did you move to a new house recently? Did you change parks? Has the staying or sleeping area of your dog changed? How to fatten up your golden retriever There are always methods you can use to make your golden retriever gain a little bit of weight, but make sure you choose the right, healthy track. Here are some tips that will help you fatten up your golden retriever: Feed your dog high-protein food Make sure the amount of exercise matches the amount of food he gets and not exceed it by a mile. If this does not improve, it is advisable to get him examined by a vet to inspect him and determine what is causing this. When to worry and check the vet? The slope from waist to hips is exaggerated and noticeable. These signs are often your red flag to go and see the vet. Related Questions What is the favorite food of golden retrievers? The favorite food of golden retrievers is dry kibble, canned foods, and a mixture of meat and vegetables. When it comes to taste, golden retrievers are huge fans of poultry, kidney, turkey, beef, and salmon. What to do if my golden retriever is underweight? If your golden retriever is underweight make sure he is getting enough food quantity and quality to satisfy all his nutritional needs and promote a healthy lifestyle. Is it normal for a golden retriever to be skinny? It is normal for golden retrievers to be skinny but extremely rare, as they are more prone to be overweight. Being skinny may go back to genetics, health issues, dietary habits, malnutrition, or even stress; pay your vet a visit to create a lifestyle that will keep your dog healthy. How can I make my puppy gain weight fast? Helpful Resources. As such, you may have a female or male with a weight slightly less than the ranges noted. However, provided that is their average weight, and the weight is stable, it is okay. They might be a smaller-sized dog, which is their normal. So, maybe the average weight for your female Golden Retriever is 53 pounds once fully grown; whereas, another owner has a female that is 63 pounds once fully grown. Both are healthy dogs with no underlying medical issues, and both are exercised and fed appropriately. Both dogs are at their normal weights because they were born to be that way. The baseline is one of the main criteria in determining if your Golden Retriever is becoming too skinny. Consider a large adult female Golden Retriever with a breed standard weight of 65 pounds. Notice that 55 pounds still falls within the breed standard or normal range for a female. Keep in mind that just like humans, weight can fluctuate daily and weekly. For example, a two-pound gain or loss might not be a reason to panic, especially if your dog is eating and seems otherwise healthy. It may just be water loss or gain, bowel movement, dehydration, or other normal fluctuations. However, once a Golden Retriever becomes an adult weighing them is not often easy or feasible, or we may be ill-equipped to do so. This is why it is essential to be aware of some of the physical signs of a skinny or underweight dog — it provides another tool as part of the weight management process. Often the first indications we have that our Golden Retriever is too skinny are the physical signs. Often these become the first indications that there is a problem, and we need to contact our veterinarian. Very little or no body fat. Ribs may be visible and easily felt. The curve from waist to hips is excessive and very obvious. This poor guy is grossly underweight too skinny and malnourished. Notice the protruding hip, back, and rib bones, and excessive abdominal taper. A very pronounced taper from waist to hip is one way to tell, and using your hands to feel for protruding ribs, shoulders, and backbones is also helpful. Your veterinarian may ask that you bring your dog in for an examination. Identifying an issue early on ensures you can work with your veterinarian to develop a structured plan to address the problem. Calories in must equal calories out. Your Golden Retriever will lose weight if: Its energy expenditure from daily physical exercise exceeds the intake of calories over a prolonged period. Calorie intake is below the level needed to maintain weight, i. The food is of poor quality. The dog is a finicky eater or fed table scraps, i. A change in environment or stress levels results in a loss of appetite or reduced physical activity, e. Regarding the last point, I wrote an article on common reasons a Golden Retriever might be suddenly lazy or lethargic, and it can be found here: A Lazy Golden Retriever? Do They Exist and Possible Causes. Please take a few minutes to read it as it identifies some reasons why a Golden Retriever may suddenly become less active. On the brighter side, provided any of the above is the cause, then the outlook is excellent. As a first step, a visit to your veterinarian is essential. Your vet will need to rule out any underlying medical problems that may be causing or contributing to the weight loss and determine the best course of treatment moving forward. Provided there are no underlying physical or medical causes; you may be required to do one or more of the following to help your Golden Retriever gain some weight: Change the brand of dog food to a more nutrient-dense one. Increase the amount of food at one or more meals. Decrease the amount of physical exercise. Address stress levels or a change in the environment. The key takeaway is that you should work in consultation with your veterinarian to rule out medical issues and ensure appropriate dietary changes. Then, monitoring and follow-up with your vet until the weight issues are resolved may be required. The most effective ways to ensure your Golden Retriever maintains a healthy weight is to: Feed it healthy, high-quality food. Provide the appropriate amount of food for its normal body weight and activity level. Ensure your dog gets adequate physical activity — not too much and not too little. Most Golden Retrievers are food-driven and enjoy eating. Therefore, if you need to increase the amount of food, it is usually well received by your dog. As well, Goldens are highly active dogs so getting them to exercise is typically not a problem. An inactive dog is usually a byproduct of an inactive owner. Keeping your Golden Retriever at a healthy weight is not all that different from us humans if you think about it. A healthy, well-balanced diet, regular exercise, and keeping our intake of calories the same as our expenditure is pretty much all it takes for us. Apply that same formula to your Golden Retriever and adjust as necessary, and there should be little to no issues keeping it at a healthy weight. However, if your Golden Retriever is happy and healthy despite its underweight, then your pal is healthy. After you know about the ideal weight of your Golden Retriever, it is essential to maintain your pal weight at least at the baseline. Furthermore, the baseline is a criterion to determine whether your dog is getting too thin or not. Besides this, sudden drastic weight loss and excessive deviation in weight is also something that you must worry about in your pal. Thus, visit the Vet immediately. It might be due to water loss or gain, change in bowel movement, dehydration, or change in exercise. Besides this, some Golden Retrievers have a higher metabolism. So, these dogs might be underweight and healthy without signs of health problems. In addition, you should understand that, like humans, the weight of your pal also fluctuates a little weekly or daily. But how to know whether your Golden Retriever is underweight or not? Just some visuals can help you know that your pal is getting skinny. Besides this, an underweight dog also shows some abnormal behavior for indicating health issues. Thus, the ways to know if your Golden Retriever is underweight are: Check The Ribs A healthy Golden Retriever should have a layer of fat distinguishing the skin and the ribs. Besides this, the ribs of underweight Golden Retriever clear from even a distance. View From Side Generally, it is natural for a Golden Retriever to have some curves when observed from the side. But when a pet has too prominent curves with an extremely visible abdominal taper between the limbs, it is a problem. Apart from this, the underweight dog also has little or no fat in its abdomen. Thus, that makes their hips and ribs more distinct. Look Overhead When you look for the top, a healthy Golden Retriever has an hourglass figure. But if the ribs and hips are distinctly visible from the top, it is a sign that indicates your pal is underweight. In addition, your pal has more curves in the waistlines and extremely visible backbones if it is underweight. But when it is underweight, the spines are visible from the top. Further, the bones in the baseline of the tail of an underweight dog are protruding and look extreme. But when a dog becomes underweight, it lacks the necessary nutrients for the proper growth of the skin coat. Therefore, you will notice a thinner, depigmented, or dull hair coat in an underweight Golden Retriever. In addition to this, red rashes, scales, and bald patches are also common in skinny dogs. Thus, they like to play with the kids. But when a dog is sick and underweight, it loses interest in playing. As a result, instead of hanging with people and playing, these dogs prefer hiding in dark places. Besides this, you might also notice that your pal is aggressive and destructive when it loses weight. In addition, abnormal behaviors like biting , barking , grunting , chewing, and immobility are common in skinny dogs. Generally, one of the most prominent signs to know that your Golden Retriever is underweight or might be losing lots of calories is its loss of appetite. Furthermore, these breeds are always hungry and eat any and everything. But when your pal suffers from health issues, it might experience immense pain. Thus, it will lose its urge to eat and stops eating. Therefore, if your dog starts avoiding meals, it might be the cause and an indication of being underweight or weight loss. So, you should consult with the Vet as soon as you see these signs in your pal. However, do you know what causes your Golden Retriever to be underweight? And when there is an imbalance between the calories in and out, your pal may have fluctuation in weight. Moreover, underweight results when calorie utilized is more than calorie consumed, So, what do you think might be the reason for this imbalance? So, they are more likely to be underweight. Besides this, some dogs inherit various health issues from their parents that cause them to eat less. Furthermore, like obesity, being underweight can also be hereditary. Thus, if the parents are small and underweight, their offspring have a higher chance of being skinny. However, you cannot assume a child to be completely different from the parents. Can you? Hence, the puppies of American Golden Retrievers are obvious to be leaner and taller in comparison to the English Golden Retriever. History Of Abuse When a Golden Retriever comes from a poor breeding environment, it will be very vulnerable and emotionally unstable. Thus, these dogs try to resent and avoid everything around them. Further, an abused Retriever is more likely to be anxious, uncomfortable, and scared of the surrounding. Thus, these dogs lose their drive to eat, lay and enjoy. Besides this, the dog that survived attacks and accidents also acts abnormal and avoids eating. As a result, these dogs lose excessive weight and become underweight. Stress Golden Retrievers have a friendly , quiet, and gentle temperament. Thus, these dogs prefer a peaceful environment. So, if your house is noisy, these dogs feel threatened, scared, anxious, and uncomfortable. Therefore, they start suspecting everything around them, even the food. As a result, Golden Retrievers stop eating. Injuries Or Diseases Usually, due to the genetic makeup and playful attribute of Golden Retriever, these breeds are susceptible to various health issues like cancer, hip dysplasia, joint problems, thyroid disorders, diabetes, ear infections , etc. And as a consequence of these diseases, the dogs experience immense pain and loses the drive to eat. Besides this, some diseases like diabetes, parasitic infections, hyperthyroidism can make your Golden Retriever underweight even if it is eating normally. Old Age Like humans, the functions of the body gradually start degrading as a Golden Retriever becomes older. So, they become thinner and fragile. Besides this, senior dogs are susceptible to various health issues that can affect their eating habit and make them underweight. Thus, those dogs stop eating food. Besides this, as Golden Retrievers started living with people, they started becoming sophisticated and picky while eating. As a result, those dogs only prefer tasty food that has lesser nutrition. So, they become underweight due to nutrition deficiency. Moreover, underweight is a huge problem that can decrease the lifespan of your Golden Retriever. Like humans, maintaining an ideal weight is essential for a healthier and happier life for Golden Retriever. Thus, here are some tips for you to increase the weight of your underweight Golden Retriever: Make A Visit To The Vet Underweight might also result from various health issues like diabetes, thyroid disorders, parasitic infections, cancer , etc. So, it is better to consult with the Vet before starting any diet plan. Choose Higher Calorie Meal Since underweight results due to calorie deficiency. As a result, your pal will eat more calories throughout the day. However, manage the meals in a way that your pal eats more throughout to gain extra calories. Supplements Meals With Snacks If your pal is eating less, you can supplement its meal with healthier food options like natural snacks. Usually, natural snacks are rich in fibers and proteins. Thus, they help to improve the digestive system of your pal. Besides this, natural healthy snacks are tasty, and every dog loves them. Increase Exercise When you increase the intensity of exercise, your pal will burn more calories in lesser time. Thus, your pal tends to eat more to fill up the calorie deficiency. Furthermore, exercise helps in the development of bones and joints that make your pal healthier. In addition, the immunity of your pal increases through exercise. Hence, your dog is lesser prone to health issues and more likely to eat well. So, are you looking for an effective diet for your pal? If yes, then further to get your answer. Since Golden Retriever needs calories to maintain its weight, you need to feed a little more for weight gain. However, a rough diet to tell you how much food does your pal needs to gain some extra pounds and reach the ideal weight is as follows: months Below 30 pounds months old Golden Retriever pounds months Golden Retriever 90 pounds Golden Retriever over one year above 90 pounds Body Weight pounds. And after that, they stop growing. Does your puppy weight according to this chart? When your puppy weighs more, it might be overweight. But, if it weighs lesser than the above value, it might be skinny. But how to know whether your Golden Retriever puppy is getting skinny or not? Sometimes, the owners fail to notice subtle signs that their puppies are getting skinny. Thus, it seems like they are ignoring their pals. However, if you are parenting a Golden Retriever puppy, neglecting its health can be dangerous. Therefore, look for these signs in your Golden Retriever puppy to know whether it is skinny or not: Are the ribs of your puppy visible? Does it feel like they have ribs just beneath the skin without a layer of fat? Can you feel the hip bones, shoulder bones, and spinal cord of your Golden Retriever with ease like they lie just beneath the skin? Are the bones in the tail of your Golden Retriever puppy protruding? Are the ribs of your puppy too clear? Can you get a clear view of ribs and hips from the top? And does it feel like your pal is hollow without tummy? Further, if your answer to all these questions is yes then, your puppy Golden Retriever is for sure skinny. Read further to get your answer. However, there are many reasons why your Golden Retriever puppy might be skinny. And, those influencing factors are: Genes Some Golden Retriever puppies are naturally skinny. Further, these dogs have a higher metabolism. And thus, they are less likely to gain fat. Besides this, when the parents are skinny, the puppies born inherit their genes. Hence, they become lean and thin. Can you? However, when your Golden Retriever is active and happy despite being skinny. Then, it is natural. Picky Eaters Most Golden Retrievers can eat any and everything. But still, you will find a few dogs nagging about their food. Further, since puppies are new to the environment, they need time to get familiar with the surrounding. So, picky eating is more common in puppies. So, these puppies avoid their food and become skinny. Thus, they prefer peaceful and quieter surroundings. Besides this, when puppies are new to the surrounding, it needs time to settle down. But if their new environment is noisy and disturbing, they may be anxious, uncomfortable, and nervous. So, instead of accepting the surrounding, they suspect everything as a threat. Hence, puppies stop eating, playing, and interacting with people. As a result, a puppy Golden Retriever will be skinny. In addition, extreme environmental conditions like too much hot and too cold might also make a puppy Golden Retriever aggressive and destructive. Thus, it avoids its meal. Sickness Or Injury Owing to the complex genetic makeup, Golden Retrievers are more susceptible to several health issues like cancer , hip dysplasia, joint problems, eye disease , ear infections , allergies, etc. As a consequence of these diseases, the dogs lose their appetite and become skinny. Besides this, puppy Golden Retriever is very playful and active. So, they like to run, play, and jump here and there. Thus, they are prone to injuries. Therefore, due to the immense pain of injures, the puppy loses its appetite. Poor Breeding When your puppy Golden Retriever comes from an abusive breeding environment, it is less likely to have an interest in eating and playing. Since those puppies lost trust in people, they resent everything. Thus, these dogs avoid eating food served to them, assuming it is a threat. Further, these puppies are vulnerable and emotionally unstable. So, they have a lesser urge to eat and are skinny. Too Much Or Too Little Activity Generally, for proper development of bones and joints of a Golden Retriever puppy, it needs at least an hour of exercise daily. So, when your puppy lacks adequate physical training, it might be lazy, inactive, and moody. As a result, it stops eating its food. Thus, intense physical activities might degrade their bones and results in strain and tearing of ligaments. Therefore, your pal will experience immense pain and loses interest in eating. In addition, limping , grunting , frequent barking, and biting are the most common signs that indicate your pal has health issues. Underfeeding Since puppies are in a growing phase, they require more nutrients in their diet. But some owners fail to understand this fact. So, they end up underfeeding their pal. As a result, a Golden Retriever puppy becomes skinny. Thus, low-quality dog food can make your puppy underweight. Furthermore, you cannot use human foods for your puppy. Since your pal cannot digest those foods, it suffers from health issues like constipation , bloating, diarrhea, and skin rashes. Along with this, adult dog foods are low in carbohydrates and proteins. Thus, adult dog foods cannot provide adequate nutrition to your puppy Golden Retriever and make it skin. As humans, it is essential to manage the weight of Golden Retriever. Moreover, a study also says that a healthy Golden Retriever can live more. So, after you find that your puppy Golden Retriever is skinny, you might want to increase its weight. Schedule The Daily Activities When you schedule all the daily activities, you ensure your pal is living a qualitative lifestyle. Further, you can feed, train, and play with your pal at an appropriate time. Thus, it keeps your pal happy and active. Besides this, you can also manage the essential foods and time for serving your pal through the schedule. As a result, your pal will get an adequate amount of nutritious food to gain healthy weight. Hence, your Golden Retriever puppy will get its ideal weight. Thus, you can change your schedule accordingly to help your puppy get an ideal weight. Although, low-quality food might be cost-effective. Besides this, Golden Retriever is an expensive and sophisticated dog. Moreover, qualitative dog foods are high in nutrition and contain the exact number of calories that will help your puppy gain weight. Feed Frequent Small Meals If your Golden Retriever puppy has a small appetite, feeding it frequent small meals can be a good idea. Further, ensure the small meals contain all the essential nutrients for your pal so that it can gain weight. Generally, if you manage the meals properly, your pal tends to eat more through frequent small meals than a single meal. Hence, it is helpful for your skinny Golden Retriever puppy to get some extra pounds. Incorporate More Exercises Exercise and physical activities burn the calories of your dog and make them calorie deficient. Thus, your pal tends to eat more after exercise and training. Besides this, exercise helps in the proper development of the bones and joints of your pal. So, it gives a healthier life to your furry friend. Furthermore, adequate training helps to discipline your pal. Hence, a trained Golden Retriever puppy follows your every command and eats what you offer. As a result, your puppy can gain weight. However, be careful about the intensity of exercise. Since puppies have weaker bones, avoid intense physical workouts. But you can give behavioral training like potty training , bite inhibition training , barking control training , and training to control aggression to your puppy. Use Weight Gain Snacks Since some Golden Retrievers might not find meals appealing, you can entice those dogs to eat using special high-calorie treats. Further, as per professional suggestion, you might even give your pal higher protein and fat-rich food that helps to gain extra pounds. Besides this, some supplements can also help your puppy to get the missing nutrition in its diet. So, try food supplements. Along with this, you can even include healthy natural foods as snacks. Thus, you pal might eat more and gain weight. How are you helping your pal to gain weight? Further, while choosing dog food, make sure that your puppy likes it and is high in nutrition. However, if you are struggling to find the right food for your pal, I will try to narrow down and include the best options below: Natural Foods To Fatten Skinny Golden Retriever Puppy Since Golden Retrievers love their owners , they always search for ways to get closer to their owners. So, the food options that are healthy and easily available in the kitchen are: Lean meats: To increase the calories in your puppy, you can steam, boil, and roast food high in proteins like chicken, turkey, fish, and lean cuts of beef. Sweet potatoes: As cooked skinless sweet potatoes are rich in Vitamin A, they can promote strong nerves, bones, and muscles. Thus, they can be a superfood for your Golden Retriever puppy to gain weight. Peanut butter: Besides being tasty, peanut butter is higher in fats and proteins. Thus, it can help your pal gain extra pounds. Pumpkin: Although pumpkins are cheaper, they are rich in Vitamin A, zinc, and fiber. Besides this, they hydrate your pal. Therefore, pumpkins can be the best food for the health of your puppy. Thus, they are:. Why are some Golden Retrievers Skinny? Some Golden Retriever owners become worried if they notice their dog is skinnier than others of the same breed. The truth is all dogs are different! While your dog may appear skinnier than others, they may be just as healthy; however, it is important to keep watch on their weight! Many influences can cause a Golden Retriever to appear skinny. Some of the most common reasons include injuries, disease, stress, old age, picky eating, etc. A lot of Golden Retrievers are naturally skinny either from genetics or exercise. Goldens are a breed that require a lot of exercise, so it is no surprise that they are a skinnier breed! NOTE: Stress is a major factor in Golden Retriever weight loss, most of the reasons listed above are driven by stress! Injuries, old age, and illness can not only cause weight loss themselves, but the extra stress added on can make the weight loss even more significant. Stress can also be caused by environmental factors such as moving to a new house or going on walks in strange places; this can cause a Golden to become uncomfortable and stressed, leading to weight loss. Thank you, Karen B. How to know if my Golden Retriever is Underweight? There are several ways to see if your Golden Retriever is underweight including keeping track of their weight and checking to see if any bones are showing because of their lack of muscle mass. Another great way to check and see if your Golden is underweight is to look at them from above and from the side. TIP: A vet will typically use a body condition score chart to determine if your Golden Retriever is at a healthy weight or not. A healthy Golden will have soft, shiny, dense fur ; however, when they are underweight, their fur may appear dull, course, sparse, or it may even stop growing completely. Not only are there physical signs to tell if your Golden Retriever is underweight, but they may also have behavioral changes. If your Golden Retriever is losing weight and you are unsure why, there could be more serious issues going on than just their genetics or extensive exercise. Unfortunately, Golden Retrievers are prone to a wide range of health issues, more so than a lot of other breeds. This is why it is sometimes hard to determine what is causing a Golden to lose weight so drastically. One of the most common causes of rapid weight loss in Golden Retrievers is that they have developed worms. Thankfully, this is easily treatable by medication and should go away within a couple of weeks. TIP: Dog foods with probiotics are a good option for dogs who have had parasites! It is usually easy to tell if your Golden Retriever has developed parasites here are some of the most common symptoms: Weight loss.

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I want to sell that puppy Buy Now Labrador retriever Female - to Male - to Labrador retriever puppies at mohali chandigarh zirakpur Punchkula ropar fatehgarh sahib Buy Now Lebra 11 months white n brown 11 months lebra cute. Kindly come and take this dog. Peer muchalla panchkula Heights Buy Now Puppy for sale Labrador retriever, golden colour, 55 days old, first vaccination done. Labrador dogs are very loyal and highly intelligent dogs they are active and sociable dogs. Most of the people who loves dog always have Labrador dog in his choice list. So, if you looking for a place where Labrador puppy sale in Ludhiana and if you want to adopt Labrador puppy in Ludhiana and you are willing to know more about the Labrador puppy price in Ludhiana or Labrador cost in Ludhiana then you are landed on the right place. We help them and provide pet a new loving and caring pet parents. Please mention in comments if you willing to do free adoption. Labrador puppies are available in black, golden white or yellow and in chocolate colour. What we offer is: First see the Labrador puppy, Ensure and feel the quality and if you feels that, this is what you need, then only pay. We only deal with Original Breeds. Happy puppy makes the family more happy. Definitely, you will heard from other mediums, that Labrador puppies cost around 6,Rs-8,Rs but please beware of mixed breeds, fake sellers and any type of fraud. Before buying the puppies please check the purity and originality of breed then only buy the Labrador babies or Labrador dog from them. Remember Original breed is Original because only original breed should have Good Temperament and Qualities which the Original Labrador breeds should have and Labrador cost in Ludhiana depends on that originality only. We will share some below important information here related to Labrador puppy such as: 1. What thing you have to take care while adopting Labrador puppy or Labrador Baby? Information of Labrador dog in Hindi such as height, weight, age etc. Name of some Pet shops in Ludhiana along with their addresses. Important things you should take care while Adopting Labrador Dog in Ludhiana: 1. Dog should be vaccinated with required vaccination. Vaccination card should be given by the seller. Labrador puppy or Dog health should be good and he should not be aggressive and most important puppy should be happy. Mother and Father of Labrador Puppy or Labrador baby should not be same blood line. Surety of Better breed and for puppies future health 5. Government guidelines has to be following while purchasing and doing sale of Labrador baby in Ludhiana with proper documentation. Basic Information of Labrador Dog: Labrador retriever is one of most popular breed in India and America and it is superb social breed and if you want to become first time pet parent then Labrador retriever is one of the best breed for you. Labrador retriever has short and dense fur. These dogs do not like to be alone for a long time. The life span of Labrador dogs is around 10 years. The height of Labrador adult dog can reach up-to inches and their weight can be up-to kilograms. Labrador dogs are very intelligent and have gentle, even tempered and kind temperament. Labrador retriever is one of the best companion dog for a individual or a family. For Original Labrador breed in various colors such as black, golden white or yellow, chocolate. You can directly contact us. We ensure you and will make sure that you will not disappointed and you will get the dog which you want. No one can compete us with the given Labrador puppy price in Ludhiana or Labrador baby Price in Ludhiana and the services provided by us. We only deal with best, original and genuine breed. Please make sure while adopting a Labrador dog in Ludhiana or any other pet animal either from us or from any other pet shop in Ludhiana that the government guidelines should be followed and well documented. Because buying a documented pet animal following government guideline ensures that you will receive the original breed, healthy breed and whatever age of the pet animal was told by the seller would be correct. If you are looking to adopt the Labrador puppy in Ludhiana from the pet suppliers or dog breeders. Then there are lots of pet supplies shops and dog breeders in Ludhiana where you will find Labrador for sale. Please do consider all the things as Labrador cost in Ludhiana will depend on all those fact or points. After all the adopted dog is the one who make our family smile especially our Kids and believe us when you return from your work your dog will do all the thing which makes you happy and to remove all your tensions. Feel free to contact us for any information required on pet animals. Be Happy with Your Pet and give them lots of love.

Articles Many people always wonder if Phantom Goldendoodles are a different dog breed altogether or if they come with special needs in terms of care and grooming. Actually, a Phantom Goldendoodle has a similar temperament as any other Goldendoodle and will not require any special care. But what makes this breed so unique? I did some research, and here is what I found. The uniqueness of a Phantom Goldendoodle lies in their coat color and markings. This Phantom Goldendoodle is simply a type of Goldendoodle with two coat colors, with special markings and the colors appearing on specific parts of the body. They are so rare that we cannot possibly predict the outcome of having a Phantom Goldendoodle offspring in the breeding process. Phantom Goldendoodles will not develop their markings as they grow. This means that this puppy will have the same color as it matures, and also, the location of its secondary color will remain the same. So, if you are interested in buying or adopting this rare but extremely beautiful dog breed, keep reading to find out more about this breed. What Is A Phantom Goldendoodle? Bred from a Golden Retriever and a Poodle , a Phantom Goldendoodle is a type of Goldendoodle that comes in different color combinations, with the primary color being either black, red, chocolate, or silver. A black Phantom Goldendoodle may come with a secondary color of either brown, red, gray, silver, or apricot. In contrast, red and chocolate Phantom Goldendoodles are apricot, whereas silver Phantom Goldendoodles are typically cream and silver. The phantom coloring, also known as Dobie marking, is quite similar to a Manchester Terrier, Yorkie, or Doberman Pinscher. For the secondary color, it should only appear in specific places, such as the chest, eyes, inside the ears, muzzle, under the tail, and lower leg parts. Are Phantom Goldendoodles Rare? Phantom Goldendoodles are considered to be a rare dog breed because of its unique marking. A dog with phantom coloring means that it has to come in two different colors. However, there is more to the phantom coloring than just bringing two colors together because the secondary color of the dog, as mentioned previously, must be in specific locations for it to be considered phantom. This makes the dog very difficult to breed or to find. An adult Phantom Goldendoodle can be between 20 to 24 inches tall with a weight of 50 to 90 lbs. However, the parents of your Phantom Goldendoodle greatly impact the size and weight of the dog. Physical Appearance Apart from the coat color, the Phantom Goldendoodle has no major differences from other Goldendoodles when it comes to physical appearance. Just like the other Goldendoodles, they have three types of coat, including straight coat, wavy coat, and curly coat. However, the dog must come in two different colors, where the secondary color is in specific locations as elaborated previously. Phantom Goldendoodles have an average lifespan of between 10 to 15 years. Despite being known to be healthy dogs, they may experience genetic predispositions to certain health conditions. Dog owners usually use medication to treat the condition, but the dog may need surgery for severe cases. Arthritis — This condition mostly occurs with aging Phantom Goldendoodles, especially those suffering from hip dysplasia. However, for older dogs, the condition may go untreated. Epilepsy — It is a neurological disorder that may lead to seizures and serious implications if left untreated. Skin sensitivities — This condition is easy to treat and is caused by a wide range of factors, including shampoos, food or treats, etc. Allergies — This condition is usually the aftermath of an exposure to allergens from the outdoor environments, living spaces and food intakes. Image from Instagram: billie. When it comes to providing the right care for your Phantom Goldendoodle, there are several aspects to consider, such as an exercise routine, a high-quality diet, multivitamin supplementation and the use of dental water additives. Exercise A Phantom Goldendoodle will need at least 30 minutes of exercise daily where you can walk or play with them. Exercising is important in keeping them mobile and their weight in check. It is also crucial to note that the amount of exercise the dog requires is dependent on its energy levels, size, age, and the individual dog itself. However, too much exercise can cause more harm than good. Diet When it comes to the diet, a Phantom Goldendoodle should have a nutritious and well-balanced diet. Since many Goldendoodles have a sensitive stomach, feeding them with human food may upset the stomach. This is why, to avoid these issues, you should feed the dog with high-quality dog food. For this reason, we recommend Pet Plate for vet-developed meals that are nutritious, fresh, and safe for your dog to consume. Multivitamins Multivitamins will help supplement a healthy diet to ensure the dog gets all the necessary nutrients required. They also help treat or prevent some ailments. For example, vitamins A, E, and C are very important to a dog since they can help prevent or reduce the symptoms of certain health conditions. They also come in handy to help kill bacteria, reduce bad breath and tartar buildup. Are Phantom Goldendoodles Aggressive? They are one of the sweetest dogs one can own since they are quite friendly and well-behaved. Always exercise patience and reward them with treats during training. Their quiet personality makes them a great choice as a family pet, especially for new owners living in apartments who are considerate towards their neighbors. Phantom Goldendoodles do better when they are with someone at home, and when left alone, they may become aggressive or destructive in ways, such as incessant digging and chewing on furniture. However, with proper training and socialization, they can be left home alone for a few hours so that you can complete your periodic errand runs. Phantom Goldendoodles often suffer from separation anxiety because they enjoy human interaction and should not be left alone beyond 8 hours. Unfortunately, this is when the dogs tend to misbehave the most. Grooming Tips For Phantom Goldendoodles Phantom Goldendoodles are not high maintenance, and they do not have any special needs from other types of Goldendoodles. They are generally healthy dogs with average needs, and most of the time, they easily adjust to different living situations. Do Phantom Goldendoodles Shed? Phantom Goldendoodles boasts low shedding and hypoallergenic abilities of the coat. This means that these dogs rarely shed, but they may shed a bit more during their shedding seasons. Here are additional grooming tips to reduce the shedding and ensure the dog stays healthy. Bathing Bathing the Phantom Goldendoodle at least once in two months using a great dog shampoo such as the Pro Pet Works All Natural 5 In 1 Oatmeal Shampoo is recommended to ensure the dog remains healthy and make it easy to brush through the tangles. However, do not overdo it because bathing the dog too often may strip away the natural essential oils protecting their skin. Check Price on Amazon Brushing Their Coats Brushing their coats weekly is quite crucial to tangle out the hair and, in turn, reduce shedding. With the Furminator Undercoat Tool , brushing is made easier. This tool features gentle bristles and an ergonomically designed handle to provide a better grip. Cleaning fluid and cotton balls can be used to clean the outer part of the ear only. Do not insert anything in the ear as it may result in injury and pain in the ear. Trim Their Nails Trimming their nails at least once a month is recommended because nails that are too long may result in injuries. Removes loose hair: reaches through the topcoat to remove loose undercoat hair without cutting skin or damaging the.FURejector button: just push the button to release hair with ease. However, the cost of any Goldendoodle varies from one breeder to another and it is dependent on a variety of factors such as location, age and show quality breeds. Do Phantom Goldendoodles Swim? Phantom Goldendoodles love to swim because both their parents are water-loving dogs. They will enjoy being in the water, from boating to pools, beaches, and lakes. Poodles and Golden Retrievers will easily get along because of their nearly identical traits like sociability, playfulness, and friendliness. They both make excellent friends with each other and love to mingle, as long as they are well trained and socialized early. Breeds The link has been copied! Welcome to the wonderful world of the Phantom Goldendoodle! This fascinating hybrid breed is the result of combining the beloved Golden Retriever and Poodle, resulting in a pup that is both beautiful and intelligent. But what sets the Phantom Goldendoodle apart from other Doodle breeds is its unique and striking coat pattern. In this article, we'll explore everything you need to know about the Phantom Goldendoodle, from their history and characteristics to their care and training. So sit back, relax, and let's dive into the world of these captivating canines. What is a Phantom Goldendoodle? What sets the Phantom Goldendoodle apart from other Doodle breeds is its unique coat pattern, which features a base color of black, brown, or grey, with distinctive markings that resemble the outline of a phantom. The Phantom Goldendoodle is a relatively new breed of dog that has become increasingly popular in recent years. This hybrid breed is created by crossing a Golden Retriever with a Poodle, resulting in a dog that is intelligent, affectionate, and incredibly cute. The Phantom Goldendoodle is a medium to large-sized dog, with an average weight of around pounds and a height of inches. These dogs have a wavy or curly coat that is low-shedding and hypoallergenic, making them an excellent choice for families with allergies. Their coats come in a variety of colors, including black, brown, apricot, cream, and red, with the phantom markings typically appearing on their legs, face, and tail. In terms of personality, the Phantom Goldendoodle is a friendly, outgoing dog that loves to be around people. They are intelligent and easy to train, making them a great choice for first-time dog owners or families with children. These dogs thrive on attention and affection, and are known for being loyal and devoted to their owners. They have a playful and energetic nature, but are also happy to snuggle up on the couch for a nap. When it comes to exercise and training, the Phantom Goldendoodle is a relatively active breed that requires regular exercise and mental stimulation. They enjoy going for walks, playing fetch, and participating in training sessions, which help to keep them mentally and physically stimulated. This breed is also highly trainable and responsive to positive reinforcement techniques, making them a pleasure to train and work with. Overall, the Phantom Goldendoodle is a wonderful breed of dog that is both adorable and affectionate. They make great family pets and are sure to bring joy and companionship to any household. If you are looking for a dog that is as unique as it is lovable, then the Phantom Goldendoodle might just be the perfect fit for you. How does a Goldendoodle get Phantom coloring? The Phantom Goldendoodle gets its unique coat coloring from its Poodle parent. Poodles are known for having a variety of coat colors and patterns, including the Phantom coloring. The Phantom coloring is characterized by a solid base color, such as black, brown, or grey, with distinct markings that are usually a lighter color. The markings appear on specific areas of the dog's body, such as the eyebrows, muzzle, legs, and chest, and can give the dog a striking and unique appearance. When a Golden Retriever is bred with a Poodle, there is a chance that the resulting puppies may inherit the Phantom coloring from their Poodle parent. The likelihood of a Goldendoodle having Phantom coloring depends on the genetics of the parents and the specific breeding process. It is important to note that while the Phantom Goldendoodle is a highly sought-after breed, breeders should always prioritize the health and welfare of the dogs above any desired coat color or pattern. Dog Coat Genetics Dog coat genetics is a complex topic that involves multiple genes and their interactions. The appearance of a dog's coat is determined by two types of pigments: eumelanin, which produces black or brown colors, and pheomelanin, which produces red or yellow colors. The amount and distribution of these pigments, along with other factors such as hair length and texture, determine the overall appearance of the dog's coat. There are several genes that control the coat color and pattern of dogs, including the Agouti gene, the Extension gene, and the Dilution gene. The Agouti gene controls the distribution of pigments along the hair shaft and determines whether a dog's coat will have a solid color or a pattern. The Extension gene controls the production of eumelanin and determines whether a dog's coat will be black or brown. The Dilution gene controls the intensity of the coat color and can cause a dog's coat to appear lighter or more muted. In addition to these genes, there are several other factors that can influence a dog's coat, including environmental factors such as sunlight and nutrition. For example, dogs that are exposed to a lot of sunlight may experience a fading of their coat color over time. Similarly, dogs that are not getting the proper nutrition may have dull or dry coats. Phantom Goldendoodles come in a variety of colors, which can range from solid colors to the distinctive Phantom coloring. Here are some of the different colors that a Phantom Goldendoodle can be: Black Phantom Goldendoodle Black is a common base color for Phantom Goldendoodles. Their coat will be a solid black color, with the Phantom markings appearing in tan or cream color. Black is a dominant gene, which means that if one parent carries the black gene, the puppies are likely to have a black base coat. Silver Phantom Goldendoodle Silver is a less common base color for Phantom Goldendoodles, but it is possible for them to have a silver-colored coat. The silver coloration is produced by a dilution of the black color gene, resulting in a lighter shade of grey. The Phantom markings will appear in a lighter shade of silver or white, creating a unique and striking appearance. Red Phantom Goldendoodle While less common than black or brown, some Phantom Goldendoodles can have a base color of red. The red coloration is produced by a recessive gene, meaning that both parents must carry the gene for a puppy to have a red coat. The Phantom markings will appear in a darker red or brown color, creating a striking contrast against the red base coat. The chocolate coloration is produced by a recessive gene that must be inherited from both parents for a puppy to have a chocolate coat. The Phantom markings will appear in a lighter brown or cream color, creating a unique and beautiful contrast against the chocolate base coat. Goldendoodles come in a wide variety of colors, ranging from solid colors to various coat patterns. In addition to the colors that are common in Phantom Goldendoodles, here are some other colors that Goldendoodles can be: White : Goldendoodles can have a cream-colored coat, which can range from a light white to a deep golden hue. Apricot: This is a popular color for Goldendoodles, and it can range from a pale yellow to a deep orange. Chocolate : Goldendoodles have a chocolate coat, which can range from a light to a darker chocolate color. Parti: Goldendoodles can also have a Parti coat pattern, which features two or more distinct colors in a specific pattern. This can include combinations of white, black, brown, and other colors. Overall, Goldendoodles come in a wide variety of colors and coat patterns , which can make them a popular and attractive choice for many families. It's important to work with a reputable breeder who can provide information on the dog's lineage and potential coat coloring to ensure a happy and healthy match between the dog and owner. Size can be a significant factor in determining the price of a Goldendoodle. Generally speaking, the larger the dog, the more expensive it will be. This is because larger dogs typically require more food, larger living spaces, and more expensive medical care. In the case of Goldendoodles, size can vary depending on the size of the Poodle parent. Goldendoodles can range from small to large, with some weighing as little as 15 pounds and others weighing as much as 90 pounds. As a result, the price of a Goldendoodle can vary widely depending on its size. Smaller Goldendoodles tend to be more expensive than larger ones, simply because they are in higher demand. Many people prefer smaller dogs because they are easier to handle, require less space, and may have fewer health issues. As a result, breeders may charge a premium for smaller Goldendoodles. However, larger Goldendoodles can also be expensive due to the increased costs of raising and caring for them. Larger dogs require more food, larger living spaces, and more expensive medical care. Additionally, larger Goldendoodles may be less common than smaller ones, which can drive up the price. Does Pattern or Color Affect Price? The pattern or color of a Goldendoodle can affect its price, although the extent to which it does can vary. Certain patterns or colors may be rarer or in higher demand, which can drive up the price. Conversely, if a certain pattern or color is more common, the price may be lower. For example, Phantom Goldendoodles with a distinctive Phantom coloring are often in high demand and may be more expensive than Goldendoodles with other coat colors or patterns. Similarly, Goldendoodles with rare or unique colors such as black or parti-color may also be more expensive than those with more common colors. The lifespan of a Phantom Goldendoodle can vary depending on several factors, including genetics, diet, exercise, and overall health. On average, a Phantom Goldendoodle can live for 10 to 15 years. Phantom Goldendoodles are generally a healthy breed, and their lifespan can be extended through proper care and attention. Providing your dog with regular veterinary check-ups, a nutritious diet, and plenty of exercise can help ensure a longer, healthier life. To learn more about Goldendoodle lifespans , you can read our full article. Common Health Issues Like all dog breeds, Phantom Goldendoodles may be prone to certain health issues. While not all Phantom Goldendoodles will experience these health problems, it's important for owners to be aware of them and to work with their veterinarian to ensure their dog receives proper care and treatment. Here are some common health issues that Phantom Goldendoodles may be at risk for: Hip Dysplasia: This is a genetic condition in which the hip joint does not develop properly, leading to discomfort and difficulty with movement. Ear Infections: Goldendoodles, like many breeds with floppy ears, may be prone to ear infections. This can be caused by a buildup of bacteria, yeast, or debris in the ear canal. Allergies: Goldendoodles may be prone to allergies, which can cause skin irritation, itching, and other symptoms. Eye Problems: Progressive retinal atrophy and cataracts are two common eye conditions that can affect Goldendoodles, especially those with Poodle genetics. Von Willebrand's Disease: This is a genetic bleeding disorder that affects the blood's ability to clot properly. It can cause excessive bleeding and bruising. Gastric Torsion Bloat : This is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition in which the stomach twists, trapping gas and food inside. It requires immediate veterinary attention. Do Phantom Goldendoodles Shed? Phantom Goldendoodles are typically considered to be low to non-shedding dogs, which can make them a good choice for people with allergies or who are sensitive to dog hair. However, it's important to note that all dogs shed to some extent, even if they are considered to be low-shedding or non-shedding. The amount of shedding in Phantom Goldendoodles can vary depending on several factors, including their individual genetics and the type of coat they inherit from their parents. Some Phantom Goldendoodles may have a curly, low-shedding coat like their Poodle parent, while others may have a wavier or more hair-like coat that sheds slightly more. To reduce shedding in Phantom Goldendoodles, regular grooming and brushing is recommended. Brushing your dog's coat regularly can help remove loose hair and prevent matting, which can reduce shedding. Additionally, keeping your dog's coat clean and well-maintained can help promote healthy skin and a shiny coat. Final Thoughts Phantom Goldendoodles are a unique and beautiful hybrid breed that combines the best traits of both Golden Retrievers and Poodles. Their striking Phantom coloring and low-shedding coats make them a popular choice for families and individuals looking for a friendly, intelligent, and hypoallergenic dog. While Phantom Goldendoodles can be expensive and require regular grooming and care, they can make wonderful and beloved companions when properly cared for. It's important to work with a reputable breeder who prioritizes the health and welfare of their dogs and can provide information on potential coat coloring, health issues, and temperament. If you're considering a Phantom Goldendoodle as a new addition to your family, it's important to do your research and make an informed decision based on factors such as temperament, lifestyle, and health needs. Get more expert advice on pet-parenting by visiting the Off Leash blog at TryFi. TryFi's The Fi Dog Collar is a must-have for any pet parent, it's a GPS tracking collar that helps you keep tabs on your dog's location, activity, and sleep patterns, and alerts you if they escape your backyard. Try the Fi Dog Collar today! The link has been copied! You might also like. Black and White Black and Brown From the color combinations of black phantom Goldendoodles, the most popular combination you can find is the Black and Tan Goldendoodle. Chocolate Phantom Goldendoodle Chocolate Phantom Goldendoodle Chocolate phantom Goldendoodles are another popular choice when it comes to the rare color variation of the designer dog breed. For a chocolate phantom Goldendoodle, the primary coat color is often chocolate or a very dark shade of brown. It comes in secondary colors like cream, white, or apricot. Red Phantom Goldendoodle Finding a red phantom Goldendoodle is almost impossible. The color variant is one of the rarest phantom Goldendoodle coats to produce. They have a red primary color coat and are often paired with secondary coats of cream, apricot, or even white, like the chocolate phantom Goldendoodle. Silver Phantom Goldendoodle Silver phantom Goldendoodle The silver phantom Goldendoodle is another common color variety of the phantom Goldendoodle variant. It features a primary coat color of silver or gray and it is often paired with a secondary coat color that is cream. Sable Phantom Goldendoodles Sable phantom Goldendoodles are blessed with unique coat colors and patterns. They do have the same pattern as the regular phantom Goldendoodle coat, but their fur can be very distinct. What makes a sable phantom Goldendoodle is its black-tipped fur. The roots of their fur can be any color but its tips are black and beautiful. They have the fading gene, so it is possible for your sable phantom Goldendoodle to lose its coat color as it ages. Brindle Phantom Goldendoodles Getting a brindle phantom Goldendoodle is very difficult. This coat color features the Goldendoodle with light and dark stripes that closely resemble those on a tiger. The brindle phantom Goldendoodle would still have the color patterns of the regular phantom Goldendoodle. Merle Phantom Goldendoodle Another very rare color variant of the phantom Goldendoodle is the merle phantom Goldendoodle. It features a combination and marbling effect of the merle Goldendoodle with the regular double coat color of the phantom Goldendoodle. The coat colors can range from blue to red to chocolate. Phantom Goldendoodle Lifespan There is a common misconception about Goldendoodles of different color variants when it comes to their lifespan. It is worth stating that all Goldendoodles irrespective of their color variations are still the same breed. With that being said, the average lifespan of a phantom Goldendoodle should be the same as a regular Goldendoodle. They should be able to live between 10 to 14 years provided they enjoy good health practices and are given the right nutrients in both food and in supplements too. There are other factors that can impact the overall lifespan of the Goldendoodle, so it is worth noting that the years lifespan is not set in stone. They can be a little too energetic and if left with all that energy and no place to channel it, your sweet Goldendoodle might cause you some problems in the long run. Make out time to exercise and train your phantom Goldendoodle from the puppy stage till they eventually become adults. Go on walks for at least one hour a day or take them swimming or basically involve them in mental exercises too. When it comes to training your phantom Goldendoodle, then you would find it a lot easier than expected. This is because the Goldendoodle is an intelligent dog breed and trainability for the puppy should be quite high. They work well when trained using positive reinforcement. Rather than being stern and authoritative on your Goldendoodle while training it, employ a gentler or softer approach towards it. Reward good behavior with treats and toys but be careful not to overdo it as you might spoil them a little too much. But it is recommended that you do this yourself as it can help strengthen the bond between you and your beloved Goldendoodle puppy. Goldendoodles in general are a healthy breed. But they are prone or susceptible to a few health defects which can be inherited from their Golden Retriever and Poodle parents. However, these are not specific to the phantom Goldendoodles, but all Goldendoodles. The answer to this question depends a lot on the coat type of the phantom Goldendoodle in question. As we already know, the phantom Goldendoodle has three coat types which are: Flat or short coat Wavy or shaggy coat Curly coat Of all three coat types, Goldendoodles born with the flat or short coat type are more likely to shed than those born with the other coat types. Since most phantom Goldendoodles are born with wavy or curly coats, then we can say that the phantom Goldendoodle is a low to minimal-shedding dog breed. How Much Are Phantom Goldendoodles? Rare Goldendoodle color variants like the phantom Goldendoodles are usually very expensive to own especially when dealing with a reputable breeder that truly cares for the Goldendoodle puppies they produce. Always get your puppies from a reputable breeder, irrespective of the high cost. Phantom Goldendoodle Puppies for Sale Check out any of the following breeders in the United States when looking for phantom Goldendoodles. They are reputable breeders that truly love their Goldendoodle dogs and are all about improving the breed through proper breeding practices. Their breeding program produces multi-gen Goldendoodle puppies of various coat colors including the very rare phantom and sable Goldendoodle coats. All their dogs have hypoallergenic coats. As they are tested and are healthy. Their breeding program ensures only the best sires and dams are accepted into their program. All their Goldendoodle dogs are selected for their program based on their overall health, intelligence, and even coat to ensure they get the desired litter. Their sires and dams undergo thorough and extensive health testing for genetic health conditions that could prove harmful to the Goldendoodle litter. They are health tested and are certified to show they have good functional hips, elbows, eyes, and cardiac. All puppies they produce are raised on a 4-acre property in Dubuque, Iowa. There they are surrounded by all family members both extended and nuclear. They are also surrounded by children and also other pets and animals. This ensures they get socialized and used to interacting with various people and animals of different age ranges. The puppies are also introduced to a few training practices. Your puppy should come with a 2 years health guarantee. They should be health tested and checked by a licensed vet and each should have their full vaccinations and deworm recorded. They also offer lifetime breeder support for all families and owners of their dogs. Goldendoodles Forever Contact Details. Phantom Goldendoodles are Goldendoodles that have a unique color pattern. This color pattern includes one base coat color and special markings in the second coat color. Phantom Goldendoodles can come in several different color varieties, including black, red, and chocolate, to name a few. Are Phantom Goldendoodles Rare? Yes, phantom Goldendoodles are on the rarer side. There are specific coat pattern requirements for a Goldendoodle to be considered a phantom. Specific coat genes are needed to produce a Goldendoodle with the phantom coat pattern. Goldendoodles have a lot of genetics for coat patterns and colors, so it is sometimes the luck of the draw when a phantom Goldendoodle is born. Are Phantom Goldendoodles More Expensive? Yes, phantom Goldendoodles tend to be more expensive than other types of Goldendoodles. You can expect to pay about twice as much for a phantom Goldendoodle than a standard Goldendoodle. This is because PGs are rarer than solid Goldendoodles. Some PGs are more expensive than others as well. Certain types of PGs are more challenging to produce than others. For example, a black phantom is likely to be less expensive than a blue merle phantom. This is because a black Phantom Goldendoodle is much more common than the more complex blue merle phantom. Phantom Goldendoodles Sizes Phantom Goldendoodles come in all of the sizes that regular Goldendoodles do. This includes the standard, medium, miniature, and toy sizes. Standard PGs are the mix between either a standard poodle and a golden retriever or two standard Goldendoodles. This is the largest of the four Goldendoodle sizes, and they can weigh anywhere between 50 and 90 pounds. Standard PGs tend to be 20 to 26 inches tall at the shoulder. Medium PGs are the size in between standard and miniature Goldendoodles. Medium Goldendoodles weigh 35 to 50 pounds, and they tend to be 17 to 20 inches tall at the shoulder. In addition to standard and medium sizes, PGs can also come in miniature and toy sizes. Miniature Goldendoodles are a bit larger than toy Goldendoodles, and they can weigh between 25 and 35 pounds. Miniature PGs are also 15 to 17 inches tall at the shoulder. On the other hand, toy PGs typically weigh between 10 and 25 pounds, and they cannot be taller than 15 inches tall at the shoulder. Are Phantom Goldendoodles Hypoallergenic? Like many other Poodle mixes, Goldendoodles are often labeled as being hypoallergenic. There are many different kinds of PGs, from the more common black phantom to the rarer merle phantom. Here we will go into more detail on the different types of phantom Goldendoodles out there. They have a black base coat and phantom markings in another color. There are many different types of black PGs, including black and tan, black and white, black and red, and more. Any base coat color that a Goldendoodle can have can be the color of the phantom markings in a black phantom Goldendoodle. These PGs are usually medium-sized with long hair or short coats depending upon their origin. Silver Phantoms These are a relatively common form of PGs. Silver Phantom Goldendoodles will have a silver base coat and a different secondary color for their phantom markings. Cream and white are the most common secondary coat colors for silver phantoms. However, different secondary colors are technically possible as well Red Phantoms Red phantoms are rarer than black and silver PGs. Red phantoms will have a red base coat, and their phantom markings will usually be in white, cream, or apricot. Chocolate Phantoms Chocolate or brown phantoms are other types of PGs that are relatively rare. These dogs will have a chocolate or darker brown base coat and a lighter secondary color. Usually, chocolate phantom Goldendoodles will have cream, apricot, or white phantom markings. Like the red phantom, you may find that chocolate PGs are more expensive than black or silver phantoms. This is simply because the chocolate Phantom Goldendoodle is on the rarer side. Sable Phantoms A sable coat pattern involves hair that is darker at the roots and lighter at the tips. In Goldendoodles, a sable coat coloration can come in a brown base with red, apricot, blonde tips or a black base with silver tips. Usually, the phantom markings will match the light tips if they are present. Like the other rare Phantom Goldendoodle types, sable phantoms tend to be more expensive and a bit more difficult to find than some of the other more common types of PGs. Brindle Phantoms A brindle coat is a striping of dark and light fur. Sometimes this pattern can appear similar to that of tiger stripes. In Goldendoodles, brindle coats can come in black, chocolate, silver, and red. When the phantom pattern occurs on top of a brindle coat, the phantom markings will usually match the lighter color present in the brindle pattern. Like the sable phantom Goldendoodle, brindle phantoms are considerably rare. As a result, Goldendoodles with a brindle phantom coat tend to be more expensive than black and silver PGs. Merle Phantoms Merles are one of the most popular and sought-after coat patterns for Goldendoodles. This is because their unique marbled coats are genuinely stunning, and these can come in blue, sable, and chocolate merle varieties. When you combine a merle color pattern with the phantom pattern, you get a truly unique dog. Usually, these dogs will have a blue, chocolate, or brindle merle base coat with light tan or apricot markings. Due to how rare and sought-after merle and phantom Goldendoodles both are, you can expect to pay more for a merle PG than for a more common type of phantom. It is important to note that merle Goldendoodles can also come in Parti and tri-colored coat patterns, and these can sometimes be mistaken for the phantom pattern in Goldendoodles. Phantoms will always only have the phantom coat pattern, and they will not have more than two coat colors. As a result, some Goldendoodle coat patterns are out there that could be mistaken for the phantom pattern. This is especially true for those that are new to this designer breed. Some Goldendoodle coat patterns commonly mistaken for the phantom pattern primarily include the Parti and Tri-colored coat patterns. Here we will get into these Goldendoodle coat patterns in more detail. Parti Parti colored Goldendoodles will have a coat with two colors, and one of these colors must be white. Tri-Colored Tri-colored Goldendoodles can appear pretty similar to the phantom in their markings. However, Tri-colored Goldendoodles are not classified as phantoms because their coats contain three colors and not two. Tri-colored Goldendoodles often come in white, black, and a light tan. This is similar to the coats common in Bernedoodles. Where to Buy Phantom Goldendoodles? Most people choose to get their Goldendoodles from a Goldendoodle breeder, especially when searching for a rarer type of Goldendoodle like the phantom. Although there is nothing wrong with getting a dog from a breeder, you should always ensure that the breeder you are purchasing a puppy from is reputable. A reputable Goldendoodle breeder will always health test their adult breeding dogs. These health tests include those that are recommended for purebred Poodles and Golden Retrievers. In addition to health testing, reputable Goldendoodle breeders will always keep both their puppies and adult dogs up to date with things like vaccinations and wellness visits with a vet. In addition to this, you should also see where the puppies and adult breeding dogs are spending most of their time. Ethical and reputable breeders will be more than happy to show you these things, so it is a red flag if they refuse to do so. Although you may have a more difficult time finding a phantom Goldendoodle from a Goldendoodle rescue, it can be a good option for those who feel uncomfortable purchasing a PG puppy from a Goldendoodle breeder. However, it is unlikely that you will find any rare types of PGs such as the merle or sable phantom from these kinds of places. The phantom Goldendoodle is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a unique dog with a good-natured personality. As a result, the Goldendoodle can be great for active lifestyles. These dogs also tend to behave well around children and other dogs, making them an excellent choice for a family pet. Gifts for Dog Lovers Do you know someone who loves their dog more than anything? Our selection of gifts for dog lovers is sure to have something perfect for the special person in your life. The goal was to create a dog that had the hypoallergenic coat of a Poodle and the friendly temperament of a Golden Retriever. As noted above, these dogs are a hybrid breed and are typically a mix between a Golden Retriever, Poodle, and sometimes a third breed, such as a Schnauzer or a Labrador Retriever. This particular mix of breeds results in a unique and striking appearance, as well as a friendly and trainable temperament. Overall, the history of these Goldendoodles is a relatively short one, but their popularity has grown rapidly in recent years. Image Credit: Wirestock-Creators, Shutterstock How Phantom Goldendoodle Gained Popularity These Goldendoodles have gained popularity in recent years due to their unique appearance and friendly temperament. One reason for their popularity is their hypoallergenic coat and their inclusion in the Labradoodle family. This makes them a great choice for people with allergies who want a dog but are unable to tolerate traditional breeds. Another reason for their popularity is their trainability. These Doodles are highly intelligent and easy to train, making them a great choice for first-time dog owners or those who want a well-behaved pet. So overall, the Phantom Goldendoodles have gained popularity due to their unique appearance, amazing coat, friendly temperament, and trainability. This is because designer breeds are not typically recognized by these organizations until they have been established for several generations. While there are some smaller clubs and organizations that recognize the Phantom Goldendoodle, it may be some time before this breed gains widespread recognition from larger associations. Nonetheless, the Phantom Goldendoodle remains a popular and beloved breed among dog enthusiasts and owners. Here are five interesting facts about the Phantom Goldendoodle: 1. They Have Unique Coloring These Doodles have unique and eye-catching coloring that sets them apart from other Goldendoodles. Its coat is characterized by two distinct colors, with one color being darker than the other. This breed inherited its intelligence from both of its parent breeds, making it easy to train and teach new commands. Image Credit: Martin Koebsch, Shutterstock 4. These Dogs Are Active The Phantom Goldendoodle is an active breed that requires regular exercise and playtime to stay healthy and happy. This breed loves to run , hike, play fetch, and swim, making it an ideal companion for active families or individuals who enjoy the outdoors. This breed makes an excellent family pet and gets along well with children and other pets. Its friendly nature and loyal personality make it a popular choice for those looking for a companion dog. They Also Have Amazing Noses Goldendoodles have a powerful sense of smell , which makes them excellent at tracking scents and detecting odors. This is due to their genetic makeup, which includes the Poodle and Golden Retriever breeds, both of which are known for their scenting abilities. They can be trained to perform tasks such as finding lost objects, detecting drugs or explosives, or even helping search and rescue teams locate missing individuals. Yes, these adorable Doodles make awesome pets. Owning and caring for one can be an incredibly enriching experience. Their level of intelligence and trainability make them easy to get along with. But these dogs can get pretty big and will need dedicated training to keep them from becoming stubborn aloof teenagers and adults once they get bigger — which can be a problem. They also need plenty of mental stimulation , so training sessions and interactive toys can be helpful. Grooming is another important aspect of caring for a Phantom Goldendoodle, as their curly coats can become tangled and matted without regular brushing. Overall, owning one of these Doodles can be a wonderful experience for dog lovers who are willing to put in the time and effort required to care for these unique pups. With their friendly personalities, beautiful coats, and intelligence, these dogs make great companions for families or individuals who want a loyal and loving pet. However, they do require a commitment to providing them with plenty of exercise, mental stimulation, and grooming — and lots of love. To determine if a Phantom Goldendoodle is the right dog for you, consider your lifestyle and living situation. Their curly coat requires regular brushing and trimming to prevent matting and tangling. Phantom coloring is a rare and unique marking for Goldendoodles. If a dog has phantom coloring that means they are two different colors. But phantom coloring is more than just bringing two colors together. The secondary color must be in specific locations for a dog to be considered phantom. Phantom marking, which is sometimes referred to as Dobie marking, is similar to that of a Doberman, Yorkie, or Manchester Terrier. The primary color covers most of the body, head and legs on a Phantom Goldendoodle. The secondary color usually appears above the eyes, on the muzzle, chest, and lower parts of the legs, and often inside the ears and under the tail. What colors are Phantom Goldendoodles? While the markings may be similar to the black and tan of a Doberman, the colors of phantom Goldendoodles can vary. Phantom Goldendoodles can come in different color combinations, but the primary color is typically black, Red, Chocolate, or Silver. Black Phantom Goldendoodles may have a secondary color of apricot, red, cream, gray, silver, or brown. The secondary color for red Phantom Goldendoodles and chocolate Phantom Goldendoodles is typically apricot. Silver Phantom Goldendoodles are usually silver and cream. Puppies can be born with certain coloring or markings that change or go away when it becomes an adult. Phantom Goldendoodles do not develop their markings, however. Caring for Phantom Goldendoodles People sometimes wonder if Phantom Goldendoodles are a different breed of dog, or if they have any special needs in terms of care of grooming. It just indicates a unique and very special marking. Black and Brown Black and White By far, the most common phantom colored Goldendoodle combination is the traditional black and tan look that resembles a Doberman. Silver Phantom Goldendoodle Photo courtesy of beaudoodleboy on Instagram. Silver is the next most common primary color for this coat pattern. It is usually pared with the secondary color of cream. Red Phantom Goldendoodle Red as the primary color for phantom markings is extremely hard to come across. Chocolate Phantom Goldendoodle Photo courtesy of labmixbrothers on Instagram. Chocolate, or dark brown, is the last primary color option for the phantom pattern. Just like with red phantom dogs, the secondary color for chocolate phantoms is often apricot, cream, or white. The two most common sizes are standard and mini phantom Goldendoodles. Phantom mini Goldendoodles will usually weigh between pounds and have a height of inches. Standards will be significantly bigger with an average height of inches and weight of pounds. This amount is more than double the average price of a Goldendoodle! However, phantoms will always cost more than other Goldendoodle colors due to how rare and unique they are. Health Issues There are no known health issues that are specifically related to the phantom coat pattern. In fact, Goldendoodles are generally considered a healthy breed overall. However, your puppy will still be susceptible to the common health issues of both the Poodles and Golden Retrievers. While there are many companies out there to get quotes from, two highly rated options include Healthy Paws and Embrace. Read More: Do Goldendoodles Shed? The best way to ensure your Goldendoodle has the best odds of being hypoallergenic and non-shedding is to choose a generation with more Poodle DNA. Keep in mind, the more Poodle DNA your dog inherits, the curlier and harder to maintain their coat will be. In my opinion, one of the best investments you can make as as new Goldendoodle owner is in a quality slicker brush. That being said, all that affection and love can have some negative side-effects as well. Goldendoodles tend to be a bit clingy and can be prone to separation anxiety. Extremely friendly and oftentimes a bit silly , Goldendoodles are eager to please their humans. While you may get extremely lucky and find one in a shelter , the odds are minuscule due to the popularity of Goldendoodles and the rarity of this color pattern. Pet stores are another option, but not one that is recommended. Luckily, we have an article dedicated to showing you how you find reputable Goldendoodle breeders while spotting potential red flags. More Goldendoodle Colors…. Phantoms are so rare that we cannot predict when we will have more or how often we will have them. Phantom Goldendoodles have similar patterns to Tuxedo Goldendoodles. What types of Phantom Goldendoodles are there? There are different types of Phantom Goldendoodles whose appearance is greatly influenced by their coloring. Phantom Goldendoodle with a light brown primary coat color image: violet. This means the Goldendoodle can come in various color combinations yet still be considered a Phantom. The common types of the Phantom Goldendoodles include black phantom, silver phantom, red phantom, chocolate phantom, and sable phantom. This type of Goldendoodle comes with a black coat color with a secondary color of either red, cream, gray, silver, apricot, or brown. Black and Cream Phantom Goldendoodle image: Reese. Silver Phantom Goldendoodle The two coat colors are usually silver and cream. The main color is generally paired with the secondary color of cream. Black and silver colored Phantom Goldendoodle image: keathephantomgoldendoodle. Red Phantom Goldendoodle With this type, the main color coat is red for Phantom markings. The red Phantom Goldendoodle is tough to come across. Chocolate Phantom Goldendoodle The chocolate Phantom Goldendoodle has a chocolate or dark brown coat as its primary color. Like the red Phantom Goldendoodles, chocolate Phantom Goldendoodles have a secondary color that is often apricot, cream, or white. Chocolate Phantom Goldendoodle puppy with tan markings image: campdoodlewoods. Sable Phantom Goldendoodle This type has a coat with black-tipped hair and roots of any solid color. The black tips can appear anywhere on the coat. Sable Phantoms will often look different as adults than they do as puppies. Their fading gene makes their coat lighten to an almost solid color as they age. Usually, their puppy coat is solid black or has markings like a Phantom Goldendoodle. However, as they age, their coat will change rapidly to a white, gray, or light cream color. They are also referred to as tan phantoms. What other colors can Goldendoodles be? Goldendoodles come in different colors than just gold. Common Goldendoodle colors include: black, red, apricot, cream, and white. They can also have patterns such as merle, brindle, phantom, sable, and parti. Red Merle Goldendoodles The Goldendoodle can have a red merle color. Merle is the result of a genetic mutation. Merle Goldendoodles have genes related to those that cause albinism. They can have pink noses and blue eyes. Goldendoodle merles may be found in various color patterns, including silver and red merles. Blue Merle Goldendoodles Another color is the blue merle. Blue or partly blue eyes are common in these puppies. Black Goldendoodles Black Goldendoodles are relatively rare. However, having a black Goldendoodle is more likely if they are mixed in the second generation or third generation. When a black Goldendoodle parent crosses with a black Poodle, the kids almost invariably have black fur. Apricot Goldendoodles Apricot is another color of the Goldendoodles. The coat color will, however, change as the puppies grow old. Puppies from a red parent will typically be red or apricot. This means the color will lighten after the puppies reach ten weeks. Apricot and red are similar. However, red Goldendoodles are much darker, while apricot Goldendoodles have a lighter color. The red gene gets diluted to produce a light yellow or dark cream color, similar to how red Labradors turn yellow. Blue Goldendoodles Blue Goldendoodles are rare to come by. This color is always difficult to identify. It will have a tone that is similar to silver or grey but with a hue that reflects blue. This unique color is inherited from the Poodle. Many people are surprised that there are blue Poodles in existence and Goldendoodles! There are a few more to mention just to make sure we cover them all! White Goldendoodles.

Imagine you could come home to a lovable, dedicated, companion for life! If you knew what to look for when buying a German Shepherd puppy, you could find your next best friend. Before you buy your new best friend, read this information so you know what to look for in buying a healthy, quality German Shepherd puppy. I group them into major categories. Will you show him in conformation? Do you want to work with him in Schutzhund or herding? Or do you want a confident and alert companion? Know exactly what you want from your puppy. These dogs are the least costly since they have a trait that prevents them from winning in conformation competitions. These flaws rarely matter to most pet owners. And many minor faults like flat withers or slightly smaller offset ears will probably go unnoticed by most owners. The vast majority of GSDs are family pets. These dogs make great pets as long as they have sound temperaments! They breed some dogs for certain traits that are highly desirable but considered a fault. For example, long-coat or plush-coat GSDs. Show-quality dogs have good temperament and health. You usually buy them for their breed standard qualities that make them able to compete in confirmation or show events. A show-quality dog may cost significantly more if they have the traits desirable to win at a show. This group comes from Championship show lines with a long history of winning. If you plan on showing your Shepherd this is the quality you want. Beware of any breeder who claims they only raise competition-quality dogs. Even the best breeders produce many pet-quality dogs and if a breeder says they only breed perfect dogs, this is a red flag to not buy from them. The GSD is a herding breed, and the working-quality dogs excel at working trials such as scent competitions and Schutzhund. Other work includes climbing and jumping competitions or searching and tracking. They need mental stimulation to keep them occupied and take a lot of time to handle properly. These dogs are better with experienced handlers since you use them for high drive working and competition. They require hours and years of training and preparation for you to have total control during competition. We base this decision on preference. With the correct upbringing and training, both sexes are loyal companions and good with children. They may grow into more dominant dogs, so a confident handler is more desirable. Males may hike their back legs to mark their territory. This can occur on any object — chairs, walls, couches or even your leg. I suggest an extra bout of socialization during this stage, especially with other well-behaved dogs. So they may be better for the first-time owner. Unspayed females come into season every 6 months, so they must receive monitoring and watch to avoid unwanted pregnancies. Their season time can vary from as little as every 4 months to every 9 months. They can attract males to your property and on walks that will harass them if not spayed. Certain breeders and organizations will deal only in a certain coat length and color. The standard coat length is a short coat with double layers. Guard hairs on the top cover a softer underlayer of hair that provides warmth and protection. But there are many coat lengths available depending on your liking. Look online at the different GSD coat lengths to get an idea of what type of fur you want your dog to have. The longer the fur the more grooming involved. The color you choose is a matter of individual taste. Keep in mind the color of many Shepherds alters from their puppyhood to around 2 years of age. Your dog may become lighter or darker. Perhaps they will lose some of their markings as the color fades into the adult pattern. The best way to know what color and patterns your dog grows into is to see the parents of the litter. If the father is unavailable, then ask for photos. Why should you care where your dog comes from if you only want him as a pet companion? You want to get a dog that will live a long and healthy life from a source that has quality puppies. These tips will help you make the best decision on what type of pup fits in your life. Newspaper and Internet Classified Ads Newspaper and internet ads are in abundance. Many backyard breeders hide behind ads online or in local papers. But some breeders who use newspapers and classified ads are reputable and knowledgeable. The problem is you need to visit them to find out, and this can take time to sift through them all. Try the following more reputable suggestions to save yourself time. Dog Care Professionals Ask dog professionals for recommendations. Check with your local veterinarian, groomer, and boarding kennel personnel if they know reputable breeders in town. These professionals are good sources of quality leads. Use the same caution that you will for a classified ad. Verify their suggestions. Many of these organizations regularly receive puppies they need to re-home. While you might not know the full pedigree of the dog, purebred GSDs find themselves in shelters and rescues from no fault of their own. These organizations are a good resource for your first pup. Before adopting, find out as much information as you can. Was the puppy exposed to children? Did he live with other dogs or cats? A well-organized shelter or rescue helps you choose a German Shepherd match for your lifestyle. Start with looking online for GSD rescues and local shelters. Dog Clubs Dog clubs are local and national. These groups put you into contact with registered breeders through their own programs. They can give you the name of the GSD club contact closest to you for breed contacts. Dog clubs also have dog shows open to the public. This is a good time to watch the breed in action and to ask around for quality breeders. While using a dog club to connect you with a reputable breeder is not the only choice, it is one of the more reliable. If you are using a breeder to choose your German Shepherd puppy, this section will help you know the good from the bad. Use these tips to stay safe. Are selling overpriced or under-priced dogs. Lie to you and say you can make money off your new puppy by breeding them, despite them having flaws. Tells you that the GSD is a dog for everyone, with no disadvantages. Breeds multiple types of dogs and claims to be an expert on them all. If a breeder lets their mothers get pregnant more than once a year, this affects the quality of the puppies, so ask how many litters the mother has. These breeders selling unhealthy puppies also will refuse to take bag their dogs if you need to return them for any reason and have no contracts. They have healthy puppies and will answer your questions and have you make multiple visits. Openly show you where the mother and pups spend their time, including their garden or yard. Tells you the up and downs of owning the breed. Have all pedigree and vet paperwork on hand for your review. Specializes in breeding only GSDs source. They openly share this information with you. They have screened their dogs for health issues and can confirm this with documentation which they proudly give you a copy. Healthy mothers are given rest from breeding, and a reputable breeder gives their mothers time off from reproduction. Ask if your breeder if they are willing to take back their dogs if you cannot keep them, as this is standard for a quality breeder with a good reputation. Make sure your breeder has a written contract with detailed information and health guarantees. These are expected for safe breeding practices. How to Buy a German Shepherd Puppy Following this guide gives you the best chance of buying a German Shepherd puppy that suits your lifestyle. Know what you want from your GSD and where to find quality dogs. Learn what to look for when buying a German Shepherd puppy to stay safe from a sick pup and a bad breeder. German Shepherds have their own unique set of challenges. They are a large, active, and intelligent breed that requires an understanding owner who is willing to train their GSD using positive techniques. Devote yourself to their overall health to see the best results and help give you and your dog a lifetime of happiness. Remember, your pup will need mental stimulation to keep their brain active , a gentle exercise program , and need daily love and affection. Buying a German Shepherd puppy is a choice for your whole life that will bring you many years of joy and excitement! Found this helpful? Share it! She has a Bachelor of Science degree, with Honors, and has been training dogs for over a decade. Related Posts. Do further research into these local German Shepherd breed clubs in your area. Whether you get information from their websites or contact them directly for help, local breed clubs are a great way to get the names of reputable breeders in your area. Veterinarians come into contact with a lot of different types of animal care-givers, from breeders to shelters to individual owners. Because they know so much about animal issues in the community, it's a good idea to talk to a few vets in your area for ethical breeder recommendations. Also consider speaking to other German Shepherd owners, dog groomers, or dog trainers. If you visit a breed show, talk to owners and trainers about who they've had good or bad experiences with. A good breeder won't have a variety of breeds available for adoption. Look for a breeder who specializes only in German Shepherds. Your best option is to find a breeder who has years of experience with the German Shepherd breed. They should be able to answer your questions about development, temperament, and training easily and without hesitation. A key marker of a good breeder is the amount of effort they put into early socialization. Puppies need to be taught from an early age to live harmoniously with humans. If a breeder keeps litters isolated away from the home, the puppies will not be used to the sights and sounds of a normal household, and won't be used to human interaction. This can become a problem by the time they are old enough to be adopted. Make sure the puppies spend at least some time in the breeders' home with them. The more time they spend with humans, the more you can trust the breeder. An ethical breeder will never try to breed a female who hasn't reached sexual maturity — about 2 years of age. Mothers should also be given enough time to recover from pregnancies and being separated from their litters as they get adopted. Females should be healthy and alert. Never adopt a puppy from a breeder who breeds a young or unhealthy female, or who doesn't give mothers time to recover before breeding them again. Puppies should never be sold or separated from their mothers before 8 weeks of age. The breeder should have begun the puppies' vaccination and deworming processes before adopting them out. Make sure that's happened, and ask about any health problems the vet may have reported in these early checkups. Ask if the breeders have their dogs tested for the Degenerative Myelopathy DM gene. This can determine whether a common inherited disease in German Shepherds is present in the litter's bloodline. Dogs with DM suffer from progressive paralysis, particularly in the hind legs. Note that being AKC-registered does not mean that you are getting a healthy animal. It means that the owner paid money to the AKC to register the dog. While experts recommend against breeding animals with known genetic problems, an OFA certification will give you proof. Be aware, though, that there's no guarantee of health in any animal. There's always a chance that two dogs free of known genetic diseases can still produce a puppy with genetic problems. The breeder should be evaluating you as a potential owner, just as you're evaluating him or her as a breeder. No good breeder will just hand over a puppy without being sure that the new owners will be able to provide it with a good, healthy life. Ask the breeder what they look for in a good owner, and whether they've ever turned potential owners away. The breeder should be able to answer these questions without even having to think about it. You might also ask the breeder for references so you can contact other families who have dogs from previous litters. A reputable breeder should ask questions about your dog background and experience, your lifestyle, and your family to guide you in making the best decision. As difficult as it may be, a good breeder will be willing to turn you away if they think you're a bad fit for their particular puppies. For example, if the litter has particularly inactive parents, the puppies may not be a good fit for your highly active lifestyle. If you get turned away, ask if the breeder can point you to other options and litters so you can expand your search. Also ask if they have any unborn litters coming up that may be a better fit for you. Be patient and don't get discouraged. With enough patience and legwork, you'll find the right puppy. Don't lie to a breeder just to get a puppy, though. Trust the breeder's decision-making process. You don't want to end up with a dog who doesn't fit your needs. Avoid any breeder who offers to cut you a "deal," who has unclean or smelly kennels, or who acts suspiciously in any way. Trust your instincts. A breeder who's in it just for the money has the wrong motivation, and likely isn't interested in the welfare of their dogs. Make sure the dogs are not crowded into cages. They should have plenty of room to stumble around and explore their surroundings. Part of the time, puppies should be kept in the home to expose them to household environments. There should be adequate food and water for all animals on the premises. Kennels should be cleaned daily. Although it may be that a dog had an accident just before you arrived, be suspicious of a kennel that looks like it hasn't been cleaned recently. If a breeder doesn't have a return policy, it suggests they don't really care what happens to their dogs once they leave their property. That's not a good sign! Also find out what kind of documentation you would get with your puppy. Would you get registration papers and pedigree papers? Negotiate for what you want if it's not included in the contract. Be very wary of a breeder who will not discuss the chance that a puppy may need to be returned. Does the contract require you to take the puppy for a vet visit within a set time? Does it cover hereditary issues for life? For only a certain period of time? What does the breeder agree to offer? Trade for another puppy when one is available? Are there restrictions on the activities you can do with your dog that will invalidate the contract or guarantee? Are you purchasing a show prospect puppy or a pet quality animal? Does the breeder have strong feelings or even bans about the vaccinations, foods or supplements for your puppy? Are these opinions based on solid science? Are you at home to devote time and training to their growth? What open space environment is your home? German Shepherds are on the no dog list in apartment buildings. Do you have a family with other pets? Also, a good breeder will ask you why do you want this particular breed? The breeder should be concerned that a German Shepherd puppy is being placed within the best living environment. Here are some insights to help you bring home the perfect German Shepherd puppy: Types of German Shepherd Puppies Pure-bred German Shepherd puppies are available in a variety of colors and built. The typical description is light brown and black. Black: Rare and beautiful. Their coloring is either all black or a deep dark bluish hair tint. Panda: their coloring consists of black, white, and tan. This is their natural coloring, not contributed to being a mixed breed. Sable: A unique coloring of this breed consists of light black, grey, tan, or gold. As puppies, the Sable German Shepherd puppies are fully tan. As they age, fur begins to develop stronger natural colors. White: No, this German Shepherd breed is not due to albino coloring. Though rate, white is their natural coloring. This German Shepherd puppy will be smaller in size, whether male or female. The reason for this question is that German Shepherds are intelligent and engaging breeds. They can be trained to thrive in any situation and climate. Their ability to cope in any situation is amazing. German Shepherds make great companions, protective family pets, and they are hard workers. Knowing how to choose a German Shepherd puppy, you are wondering what things you should look for. In other words, you are looking to see if it has a good temperament. German Shephard puppies demand and exhibit affection rather aggressively. Parental Traits If you are choosing a puppy from a kennel or a breeder, inquire about its parental background. You want to know if both parents were healthy and friendly. Carefully Examine the Puppy You want to look again for a puppy that is active and healthy. To choose the best German Shepherd puppy, you must become an amateur canine detective and examine the puppy closely. Here are things to look for: A German Shepherd puppy should not look thin. Instead, they should look full-bodied. Their eyes should appear bright and clear. Also, you must invade their personal space by examining their butt area to make sure it is clean. Their nose should be clean and not runny. Their teeth and gums look healthy. Their hair coat should not have bald spots and should not be matted. Your German Shepherd puppy should be free from odors. Pick a puppy that has a good gait, and their tail is up and actively wagging. All puppies need their mothers when they are very young. A German Shepherd puppy can be purchased when they are between the ages of eight and twelve weeks old. If you decide on an older puppy, just make sure that it has retained its socialization skills with both people and other animals. Make sure that the puppy has gotten all its vaccinations and deworming medication. However, within 48 hours of purchase, take your German Shepherd puppy to your vet for a complete exam. The Kennel or Breeder Environment Whether you are purchasing your German Shepherd puppy from a kennel or a private seller, look at the conditions of both. How does the kennel look to you? Both kennels and private breeder yards should be clean, and all puppies should have clean water. Please do not buy a German Shepherd puppy from a breeder where the conditions are unclean. How Instinctive Are You? Many potential dog-owners state that they knew that this was the one when they first saw their puppy. We all have instincts; therefore, you will know what the right buying environment is when you look at the puppies. If you get a feeling that something is not right, leave and find a different breeder. When you purchase your German Shepherd puppy and bring that bundle of joy home, you want to feel confident that you have made the best decision. After all, the relationship with your German Shepherd puppy can last easily for up to thirteen years. Male vs. Female German Shepherd There are many people who only choose a German Shepherd puppy because of their gender or appearance. What is most important in purchasing any puppy is their physical and mental stability. Gender and looks should never be a deciding factor when choosing a dog that will live in your family for the next 12 years or more. Please perform thorough breeder research so that you can choose the right German Shepherd puppy that will fit into your living lifestyle for years to come. Do you want to select a female puppy for future breeding? If not, both your male and female German Shepherd puppy should be spayed and neutered. Female German Shepherds are found to have a sweeter temperament than their male counterparts. Male German Shepherds are more territorial. They also are a little more stubborn and proud. Male German Shepherds are generally larger than their female counterparts. The male can grow to a height range of up to 26 inches. Meanwhile, the female can grow to a height of up to 24 inches tall. Their weight will range from a full-bodied 75 to 95 pounds. When you are trying to decide whether to purchase a male vs. They make excellent watchdogs. Socialize Therefore, if you are going to be around other individuals each day, your German Shepherd puppy must be trained to accept people outside their family unit. Introduce your German Shepherd puppy to strangers so that they will feel comfortable in front of people. By introducing them to strangers, will help them stay calm. They do not like to be left alone for too long. Because they were originally bred for herding, German Shepherds have high energy and thus require physical and mental stimulation. Make sure you have the time and patience to own a German Shepherd puppy. In patiently taking time with their active habits, it will work out to your benefit. They become loyal and loving breeds, especially when raised in a family setting. Remember the TV show Dog Whisperer? The host always referred to a dog requiring a pack leader. German Shepherds must learn that you are the pack leader. If not, they will take the dominant lead, and this is not good. They must be trained and actively exercised to be happy. German Shepherds love to explore and investigate everything. If you live in an area where there are porcupines, lookout. Young German Shepherd puppies will probably come home with quills all over their body. Well, you would be wrong. A German Shepherd puppy will want to correct this wrong and approach another porcupine! Grooming a German Shepherd puppy is simple and easy. Yes, they do shed year-round, so brush them occasionally. But mostly keep their nails trimmed, their teeth and ears cleaned. Dog breeders believe that to help your new German Shepherd puppy adjust from a litter to your new home, they should be crate trained. They need to feel safe and comfortable. Crate training is a learning experience for a German Shepherd puppy, but it eventually helps them get used to a family who perhaps must go off to work every day. Further Reading. Of course, you have already read a lot of books with advice on how to choose the right puppy of a German Shepherd, east European, as well as a Newfoundland, Rottweiler, Spaniel, or Spitz puppy. You understand what is the fundamental difference between these breeds and why a Retriever puppy will never become a VIP bodyguard, and a black terrier will hardly ever pass for a draft husky. Why Opting For a German Shepherd Puppy Is a Good Choice The German Shepherd is prone to learning from a very young to deep old age, while many other breeds cannot boast of this, even if their appearance is more perfect than that of a German Shepherd. The most well-known characteristics that a German Shepherd owns are: pronounced protective and guarding instinct; the ability to make independent decisions, and active actions, and at the same time be completely submissive to the owner; sociability, playfulness, and curiosity; lack of aggression signs towards others and deep affection for the owner; a willingness to happily take on tasks, learn, and remain completely fearless when faced with unfamiliar surroundings or unforeseen difficulties; In addition, the Shepherd dog is calmly confident and features strong nerves, combativeness, and assertiveness which are the main qualities of a good service dog. Perhaps, due to this set of breed characteristics, few larger and more ferocious breeds can compete with a GS, both for guarding the house and as a personal protector. It is not recommended to take puppies under 4 weeks old from their mother. This applies not only to GSs but other breeds. At the age of one month, the baby has already been given all the necessary vaccinations. However, only a person who can devote a lot of time to raising a puppy can afford to take a Shepherd at such a young age. In addition to 6 meals a day, and socialization, the new owner will need to complete 1, different tasks, which require, above all, a lot of time. If there is no time, it is worth finding a puppy aged 4 to 6 months. And it is advisable to take such a teenager from a nursery that focuses on breeding German Shepherds and not all the breeds at once. It happens that a puppy stays in the nursery because the money deposit was given for it but, for some reason, people could not pick up the reserved puppy. If the grown-up German Shepherd puppy constantly lived in an aviary and was deprived of close contact with people and the outside world, owners who have not previously dealt with this breed should not choose such a youngster. These young dogs are for experienced cinologysts. Lack of socialization can be corrected but it cannot be fully eliminated. Testing for the Puppy and Its Future Owner You may already know how to choose a purebred German Shepherd by external signs under the age of 3 months. Simple tests will help you choose a puppy with the desired character. Visit the breeder at a predetermined time when the puppies do not sleep or, conversely, are not hungry. You are taking a future friend for life, and enthusiastic emotions with such a choice are inappropriate. When buying a new friend, inspect the litter meticulously. Pay attention to the following: eyes do not water; traces of diarrhea under the tails are not observed; wet noses are without purulent crusts; legs are straight and strong; fur is clean, reminding of the plush; on the skin under the coat, there are no signs of peeling and scabs; all puppies are active and well-fed; the body is elastic and strong to the touch; the puppy has a pleasant dog smell; the mother is not exhausted; bowls and bedding are clean; there is enough heat and light. Of course, the owner of the dog mother has already taken her to the next room. Those who paid attention to the unusual sound are yours. Throw carefully, of course a tennis ball at the puppies. Those who were not afraid and did not try to escape are yours. Those who, having scouted the situation, did not begin to whine , pressing themselves onto the floor, but hurried towards the bedding are yours. Pay attention to those who have shown interest in a new object. The best are those who took and dragged it. Keys and money are the dirtiest household items. This testing method was used 20 years ago. Today, it is dangerous for the health of puppies! Invite those who dragged the rubber duck to pull a piece of fabric. If the baby dog willingly starts the fight, not letting the cloth go when you pull it towards you, they are good boys or girls. Turn the puppy you like on its back and hold it with an open palm for a few seconds. A clear alpha leader is easy to identify by its non-calming behavior for seconds, and even trying to bite you in this position. It may not be your choice! You will get too many problems associated with the puppy, or it will never be possible to completely subdue it. The puppy that squealed, pulled back its paw, and did not lose its interest in you is yours. The one who barks trying to drive brothers and sisters away from the bowl is not for you. The one who gives up its place at the feeder is also not yours. Yours is the one who, regardless of the obstacles, has taken its place and calmly devours food, without moving from its point, snapping, and running around the bowl. Now, you have at best 2 or 3 puppies left in front of you. You need to select the fat-footed one who will try to get out through the opening without panic and squealing. The tests are simple, but they will allow you to select a good puppy and raise a real working German Shepherd from it without unnecessary costs and nerves. Talk to the breeder. Such puppies are sold at a more reasonable price, but the puppy card for them is mandatory to be filled out as well. If you are given puppies for free, in the absence of their mother, there is a reason to seriously consider whether it is a Shepherd dog at all, even if their mother has pedigree documents. This is not a dog of one owner! The versatility and flexibility of this breed are proven by the fact that GSs accept a new family and a new environment without any problems. The main thing for it is to have its own business — to serve a human! Of course, parting with the former owner seriously affects the condition of the dog, but it will not have a destructive effect on its psyche. And the sooner you engage the German Shepherd in work, the more chances you will have to become a new God for it. If the German Shepherd was properly brought up and grew up surrounded by people, it has working characteristics in good conditions, and the reputation of its previous owner is beyond all questions, such a dog will be quite useful to your family. Finding out the previous story and background of an adult GS why it is refused, what the complaints about its behavior are, and other prompting questions is a must! The reason may be the saddest and most trivial — the previous owner died, and relatives are not able to either support or care for the dog. David W. I admire German Shepherds. They are magnificent dogs! I have been dealing with dogs, namely German Shepherds, throughout my life. I have been working part-time as a dog trainer and instructor for about 5 years, dealing mainly with German Shepherds. So I know a bit about these animals. Therefore, I decided to share my knowledge and experience about this fantastic breed. If you need help with advice and care tips or want to know more about German Shepherd dogs, welcome to this blog. This guide will help you learn how to select the best German Shepherd puppy to add to your family. Is a German Shepherd right for me? This is the first question you should ask yourself before you even consider bringing home a new German Shepherd puppy. You need to evaluate your personal and family lifestyle by asking yourself the following questions: Where do you live? German Shepherds are often on the restricted breed list for apartments. Do you spend much of your time at home, or do you have an active work and social life? Are you willing to spend more time at home on the weekends and evenings during puppyhood, even if it means missing social events? Do you love traveling a lot? If so, will you take your puppy with you? If not, do you have someone or someplace you trust to watch your dog when you travel? Is your whole family excited about the idea of a new German Shepherd puppy? Are you already active or willing to become more active? Do you have time in your schedule to devote to training? Knowing the answers to those questions will help get you a couple of steps closer to deciding whether or not a German Shepherd is the right choice for you. Important things to know about German Shepherds: German Shepherd dogs are sometimes affectionately known as German shedders. German Shepherds shed all year long , however, they blow their coats twice a year during which time they will shed exponentially more. When considering getting this breed, you should be comfortable having a dog that sheds. Trimming their nails , cleaning their ears, brushing their teeth, and brushing their coat regularly is sufficient. Of course, during the shedding seasons more frequent brushing will be needed. German Shepherds were originally developed for herding sheep. Accordingly, they have the desire to work and respond best to proper training from a young age, and an active lifestyle. German Shepherds are known to be clingy, so be prepared to have a shadow following you around the house and maybe even in the restroom. German Shepherds are good with kids and are great family dogs. However, they need proper socialization and training at a young age so they can learn how to behave around both kids and adults. German Shepherds require a lot of mental stimulation and have high energy levels, especially as a puppy. As much as I love Allie, she was more than a handful as a puppy. I have seen instances where people underestimate the time, energy, and training a German Shepherd puppy requires and get overwhelmed after bringing their puppy home. These people end up giving up their puppies. It breaks my heart to know these awesome dogs are given up because of a lack of knowledge when selecting a breed of dog. Although they are a handful if you are willing to put in the effort they are in my opinion one of the best breeds of dog to own. German Shepherds are too smart for their own good. They learn things scary fast and sometimes get themselves into trouble because of how smart they are. They learn your routine and habits, and they also learn when and how they can get away with mischief. German Shepherds are incredibly loyal and become very connected to their owners and family. German Shepherds are typically loving and affectionate. From the second I met Allie she greeted me with a wet tongue to the face. That is still her favorite greeting she will kiss anyone that will allow her to get close enough. German Shepherds need training. They need to know that you are the leader and in charge. If not, they will quickly take over the role of being in charge and that is where problems arise. A bored, untrained, not active German Shepherd can become one of the stories you sometimes hear on the news about a GSD being aggressive. In most of those cases, the problem was with the owners and not the dog breed as a whole. Adoption or Breeder? First, you need to decide if you are going to adopt a German Shepherd puppy or buy one from a breeder. Here are some of the benefits of adopting: Rescue puppies are often already sociable, at least partially trained, and loving dogs. Therefore, you will save a lot of time on house training your new puppy. Older puppies or dogs are likely to be calmer than a younger puppy. You are saving the life of a dog that might not have otherwise found a home. The cost of adopting is typically much cheaper than buying a puppy from a breeder. If you decide to get a German Shepherd puppy from a breeder, here are a few things that can help you identify a good, ethical German Shepherd breeder: Ethical breeders care about the health and wellbeing of the puppy and are not just in the business for money. Ethical breeders always make sure that only healthy dogs breed together and follow a strict breeding program where they ensure that breeding and puppy spaces are clean. They should also have papers showing the age of the parent and the family tree of the puppy. Ethical breeders will happily show you around their entire setup; they should have nothing to hide. Ethical breeders will happily answer as many questions as you have to ask. You want to select one that will be compatible with you and your family. Consider the following when picking a puppy from the litter: Choose a puppy that is sociable around you and other puppies. Pick a puppy that walks confidently with its head high and tail up and wagging. Choose a puppy that has clear eyes, ears , and teeth, walks evenly, and appears clean. Basically, choose a puppy that looks healthy. Look at the personalities of the puppies. Choose a welcoming puppy that wants to greet you as opposed to one that retreats or appears shy. Ask to interact with each puppy one by one after seeing them with their littermates. That way you can get a better sense of how the puppy responds to you without distractions. If possible, visit the litter at least three times before making a final decision, this will allow you to determine the personalities of each of those little fluff balls, and see which would best fit into your family. How old should a German Shepherd puppy be when you take it home? Any puppy should be at least 8 weeks old before being separated from their mother. By this timeline, their sensory organs will have also developed fully which will help you to spot any deformities or medical issues. Be wary of any breeder that will allow you to take your puppy home before 8 weeks old. How do you puppy proof for German Shepherds? German Shepherds are naturally active and tend to explore the world with their mouths, especially during their adolescent period. So, before you can bring your new puppy home, there are a few things you can do to puppy-proof your house: Get rid of any poisonous plants or put them out of reach of your new puppy. Cover electrical cords with cable wraps or PVC pipes. Buy a new laundry basket that has a lid, no holes, and is tall. Make sure both your kitchen and bathroom trash cans have lids. Your new puppy will dig around for anything to bite, like chicken bones, diapers, used hygienic products, or even a disposable razor. If possible, you should buy new trash cans that only open when a button is pressed. Store all the chemicals in secured cabinets or even better on high shelves. German Shepherd puppies have strong teeth and can open plastic containers by biting through even the toughest of plastic! Put away any small items or toys that are small enough for your puppy to swallow. Think of small kid toys like Legos or dollhouse furniture that could be dangerous for a curious puppy. Find a safe spot for your shoes. Whether in a closed closet or in the laundry room behind a closed door. I remember losing a pair of brand-new shoes because I forgot to put them away and Allie thought chewing them was a fun idea. Bringing home a new German Shepherd puppy The period of bringing a new German Shepherd puppy home and introducing them to your home and family takes time and above all, patience. If possible, plan to take off work for at least a few days after bringing your puppy home. I picked up Allie on a Saturday, and then took most of the following week off to spend time getting her adjusted to her new home. Remember, your new puppy has been taken from the only family it knew, and you are now their new family. That first week home was a good week of bonding with Allie. It helped her feel comfortable with her new life and allowed me to really get to know my new beautiful energy filled puppy. The best tip for a smooth transition when bringing your German Shepherd puppy home is to begin crate training and potty training as soon as possible. As a breed prone to separation anxiety , you want to give your GSD a zone to feel safe, comfortable, and content to be on their own. While the initial steps of crate training can be time-consuming, it can make the difference between a dog that is a joy to own, and one that can never be left on their own — so, be the dog parent your pooch deserves and put the time in! New German Shepherd puppy checklist and things to buy It is important that your new puppy feels welcomed into their new home. Some items are ok to be left with your puppy, and other items are more dangerous or will be destroyed. This checklist will help you to know what to buy when getting a puppy. New German Shepherd Puppy Checklist. One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a German Shepherd puppy is what their personality and temperament are like. German Shepherds are just like people. They each have their own personalities, and some are able to get along with other dogs better than others. In fact, how your German Shepherd puppy interacts with other dogs and people will mostly come down to their individual personality. This will mean that your German Shepherd puppy will need less training, and a lot of your interactions with one another will come more naturally. The best puppy for your home may not be the biggest, prettiest dog in the litter! How to get started Before you can worry about choosing the best German Shepherd puppy for your home, you will need to find a breeder. You will need to opt for a German Shepherd breeder who has a good reputation. So you will need to do your research to find the right breeder for your needs. You may even need to travel a fair way to find the perfect breeder. Even if your German Shepherd breeder is located several states away, it will be worth the trip. If you put in the right amount of time and effort now, it should pay dividends throughout the next few years. Here are a few handy tips to help you find the right breeder to buy a German Shepherd puppy from. Talk to your German Shepherd breeder One of the first things you should do is to give the German Shepherd breeder a call. You may be surprised to learn that quality breeders will actually require this to ensure that the puppy is going to a good home. They may not be as interested in the health of the puppy and their new home as they should be, and are more concerned about making a profit from their dogs. The breeder will want to ensure that you have the right space to accommodate your German Shepherd puppy. Have you got any kids? Training your new puppy and giving them the right amount of socialization will be essential for keeping your family safe. Do you have a fenced outdoor space? Your puppy will need to have a good amount of room so they can run around and play. They will need regular exercise to stay fit and healthy. Why do you want a German Shepherd? The breeder will want to know what purpose you want a German Shepherd puppy for. It could be as a pet, for added protection, or to show competitively. Do you have any other pets? This will be an important factor as you will need to know how to introduce your new puppy to other animals. It will also be crucial to know if you have any other pets which could pose a danger to the puppy. What do you do for a living? If you have to work away for long periods of time so that your puppy is left alone for large portions of the day, the breeder will want to know this. Can you afford the financial responsibility of this puppy? Dogs are a financial commitment. This may seem like too much of a personal question, however, it will be important to establish that you can properly care for your new dog. Questions you can ask your breeder There are far too many unethical breeders around. Some irresponsible breeders will take shortcuts when it comes to breeding, which will leave you with dogs who have behavioral and health issues. Do you raise other breeds of dog? This can show you whether they have been bred from healthy dogs. Have you got any references? A good quality breeder should be able to give you these easily enough. Have you got a pedigree for the puppies? This is essentially a family tree of the puppies. A good quality breeder should be able to produce the proper lineage of your new puppy when asked. If the breeder attempts to charge you for this, or says they will give it to you another time, be very wary. Every breeder worth their salt will give you this guarantee as a written contract. How often do you breed your females in a single year? This will allow them to properly recover from giving birth, and help to maintain great health. Have you got a detailed medical history for the puppies? A reputable breeder should be able to give you proof of any health screenings that their puppies have had. This is essential for healthy dogs. Could you explain to me if German Shepherds have any health issues they may suffer from as adults? Puppies should never be taken home if they are less than 8 weeks old. In fact, more than half of the states in America have laws to prevent this from happening. There are several laws which dictate how old a puppy needs to be before it can be adopted or sold. There are only 3 which actually allow puppies to be sold under 8 weeks old: D. These laws are in place for a reason. This is to ensure that all puppies have been properly weaned from their mothers and that they are able to eat without help. Puppies will also need to have been properly socialized before they can leave their mothers. Their mothers and siblings can help to socialize the puppy properly. Most of the behavioral problems in adult dogs can be traced back to this lack of discipline and not having been socialized properly. To make sure that you have a healthy puppy, you will need to choose a puppy that is being sold in accordance with the laws of their state. This will mean buying a puppy that is at least 8 weeks old, if not older. Even if you happen to find a puppy in D. Male or female puppy Perhaps you already have a preference for the gender of your puppy. You will need to understand that the two genders actually have distinct differences. Here are a few things for you to consider to help you make a fully informed choice. Female German Shepherds 1. Physical appearance Typically, female German Shepherds will be much smaller than males. They will also have a less muscular stature. Dominance A female dog will display less behavioral dominance than a male dog will. Family bonding Female German Shepherds are more likely to bond with the whole family rather than a single individual. Territorial A female German Shepherd will be much less territorial than a male dog will be. Male German Shepherds Male dogs will tend to be much larger than females. They are also more muscular. Dominance Males will display a lot more dominance than females. Single person bonding A male German Shepherd is more likely to bond very closely with a single person instead of a whole family. Territorial A male German Shepherd is more likely to be territorial. This means they could be more likely to wander off in an attempt to expand their home turf. Possessive These males tend to be on the more possessive side than their female counterparts. This could be over their food, their favorite toys, or even you. It will be important to give them correct training to teach them not to be aggressive towards you. They should be able to socialize better with others, too. But the best way to find out if your prospective puppy will be the right fit for your home is to do some proactive investigating. This can also be a great indicator of their future behavior, too. You should never force the interaction. If the puppy is reluctant to come near you and interact with you, then you will be better off choosing a different pup. Tests for your German shepherd puppy 1. Eye contact When you look directly at your puppy, does it look back at you? If your puppy stares back at you, this is showing confidence. If your puppy avoids eye contact then it may be anxious, scared, or have a vision issue. Clapping your hands This can indicate how social your puppy is. If it comes towards you and tries to interact with you, this is a great sign. This shows that the dog is eager to socialize with people. Call out to the puppy Do they come towards you at the sound of your voice? This is a fantastic sign. Pet the dog It will be important to note how the puppy interacts with your physical touch. If the puppy is affectionate and loving, this will be another great sign. If they bite or growl at you, this will likely be an indication of a bad temperament. The dog will have to be trained out of this. Play ball Bring a ball with you when you meet your puppy. Roll this towards the dog and see how the puppy interacts with it. Does the puppy follow the ball? Bring it back to you? Or does the dog keep the ball for itself? Puppies that are more dominant will keep the ball for themselves. They will also be reluctant to give the toy back to you. A more submissive puppy is likely to be frightened of the ball coming towards them. A more independent dog will likely show very little interest, if they show any at all. Puppies with an even temperament will show some interest in the ball, will play with it, but will also be willing for you to play a part of the game without showing any aggression. Searching for a more sociable dog? Keep an eye out for the puppy that brings the ball right back to you and asks you to play more. This puppy will be a fantastic candidate for training as well as other exercises. Roll the puppy When the puppy has come over to you, you can try to gently roll them onto their back, then hold them in place. Watch how the puppy reacts to you. Do they relax under your touch, or do they resist you? A dominant puppy will be more likely to resist you. It could even try to bite you or growl at you. An even-tempered puppy will resist at first, but will submit to you after a short time. Pick up your puppy You can physically pick up the puppy by gently holding it under its chest with an open hand. Lift the puppy up, and see what it does. Does the puppy stay relaxed or does it struggle? A struggling dog is likely to be dominant or scared. A puppy that stays perfectly relaxed is showing that it trusts you and that it is confident. This is a similar test to holding the puppy on its back. Chances are the puppy will react immediately. Any resistance or trying to pull their paw away from you could be a sign of an aggressive temperament or dominance. A puppy that accepts your actions will show a more submissive temperament. They could even lick you! Create an unexpected noise This could just be a sudden shout or banging some pots and pans. The important factor will be watching how the puppy reacts to a sudden noise. Do they show interest? Are they scared? Aggressive puppies could try and bite you and growl at you. Visit the puppy parents Most breeders will have both puppy parents in the same place. Some of them may only have the mother with the puppies because the father was on loan from a stud or a different breeder. Either way, the mother of your puppy should be with them when you pay the dogs a visit. If one of the parents appears aggressive, this could show you that you need to do some more training with your new puppy. A dog that displays more dominant tendencies will need proper training to take the edge off these behaviors. Choosing a female German Shepherd will also be a good choice. Puppies will have their off days, just like humans do. It will be important to visit your new puppy a few times and spend at least 30 minutes with them so that you can see what they will be like. They will likely prefer it to someone who only pays their puppy one visit before collecting them! This is a good indicator that the breeder wants their dogs to be matched with the right owners. If there are other people in your household who will be living with the German shepherd puppy, such as kids or a partner, you will need to bring them along, too. Your new puppy will need to get accustomed to the people it will be spending time with. It will be much easier to transition your puppy to living in your home. You should also bring some treats along for your new puppy each time you visit. These are all positive reinforcements that can allow your new puppy to get used to you and encourage them to bond with you. It will also be a good idea to bring something with you that you can leave behind for the puppy. This could be a new toy or a blanket that smells like you. This will allow the puppy to get used to your smell, which can also make the transition easier. They will also be very well acquainted with the mother of the puppies and have knowledge of the father. So your breeder should be able to help you choose the right puppy for your needs, and match the right personality to you. In summary So there you have it! Choosing the right German Shepherd puppy for your needs is certainly more challenging than it first appears. The most important goal is to choose the right dog that will fit in well with you and your family. As long as you do the proper research beforehand, you should be able to find the right dog for your home. Remember to ask the right questions when you find your breeder to make sure that they are a good person to buy a dog from. Be sure to visit your new puppy several times before you bring them home. As long as you take this responsibility seriously, you will have laid the perfect foundation for a fruitful relationship with your new puppy. Final thoughts Where do I start? The first thing that you have to do before you can pick out the best puppy, is to pick out the best breeder. This may come easily, as you may already have a breeder in mind that you trust and who has a good reputation. But chances are that you will have to do your research. And there is also a good chance that you may need to travel some distance to the right breeder. Even if the breeder is several states away, consider making the trip. Getting a new GSD puppy is a significant life commitment. The effort and time that you invest now in going about this properly will pay off for years to come. Here are some important things to look for in a breeder once you locate one that you are interested in pursuing. Call the breeder and have a conversation The first thing to do is call the breeder and have a conversation. A quality German Shepherd breeder will actually require this. They will not permit someone to just show up and purchase one of their dogs and take it home. They will ask you questions such as: Why do you want a GSD puppy? This will aid them in helping you choose. Where do you live, in an apartment or in a home? They will want to ensure that the puppy will not be in a cramped space. Do you have a yard, and is it fenced-in? They will want to make sure that the puppy will have adequate room to exercise as it grows. Do you have children in your home? They will want to make sure that you understand the importance of socialization and training to keep your family safe. Do you have other pets in your home? They will want to make sure that you know how to properly introduce the puppy to other animals, and whether any other pets you have may actually be a danger to the puppy. What type of work do you do, does it require you to be away from home for long periods of time? Because GSDs do not do well alone, they will want to make sure that you have adequate time to devote to your dog. Are you financially prepared to take on a GSD? While this may be a bit of a personal question, it is important to know that you are financially able to care for a GSD. They are expensive to care for, and it is fair for a breeder to ask this question. If a breeder does not ask you some form of these questions, then perhaps think twice. It may be an indication that they are more interested in profit than raising a quality puppy that they care will go to a quality home. Questions for you to ask the breeder: How many different types of dogs do you raise? Can you provide me with a pedigree of all of your puppies? A pedigree is essentially a family tree for your puppy. A good breeder should have a detailed pedigree for any dog they sell. Beware of any breeder that wants to charge for this or says that they will provide it at a later date. Do you have references? They should provide you with several without thinking twice. All reputable breeders will offer this guarantee in the form of a written contract. Do you breed your females more than once a year? Female GSDs should not be bred more than one time per year. This allows for adequate recovery time and maintains good health. Can you provide me with a detailed medical history for your puppies? Health screenings are essential for puppies, and a reputable breeder should be able to provide proof of these. Can you explain any potential health issues for GSD which may come up later in life? A knowledgable breeder should be able to clearly explain conditions like hip dysplasia and other health issues more common in GSDs than other dogs. If the answer to any of these questions comes up as unsatisfactory, move on. It is simply not worth the risk of pursuing the breeder any further. Unfortunately, there are far too many unethical breeders who take a lot of shortcuts which results in dogs prone to both health and behavioral issues. Why is this? You should never take home a puppy that is less than 8 weeks old. More than half of the states in the U. And out of those states, only 3 permit a puppy to be offered for sale under the age of 8 weeks. The reason for these laws is primarily so that puppies are properly weaned from their mothers and able to eat on their own. In addition to weaning, puppies need to be initially socialized by their mothers as well as their siblings. So a puppy will be taught that these things are bad during these 8 weeks. If you remove a puppy from the litter too early, they may not learn these lessons and develop behavioral problems as they get older. Much like a spoiled child that never learns, often times the source of an ill-behaved puppy can be traced to a lack of discipline at a young age. So to ensure that you have a healthy puppy, that is also sold in accordance with state laws and regulations, understand that it must be 8 weeks old see link above for exceptions — regardless of state law exceptions, waiting 8 weeks is good practice. Decide whether you want to male or female You may have a personal preference for either a female or a male German Shepherd puppy. It is important however to not necessarily just go with your gut on this one. Take a moment and understand some general differences between the two genders. I will explore this issue more in-depth in another post, but here are some important general points to consider. Territorial: Males are naturally more territorial than females. This may give them more of a tendency to wander off in an effort to broaden their territory. Very possessive: Male GSDs are generally more possessive than females. They may be possessive over food and bones, toys, and you! Dominance: Male German Shepherds tend to be more dominant than females. This may result in more of a proclivity towards aggressive bullying behaviors to make sure that it is understood that they are the boss. Dominance requires training to keep it in check. Singular bonding: Male GSDs tend to bond more closely with one person rather than a group of people like a family. Territorial: Females are therefore more welcoming and less territorial than males. They are also less likely to wander off as they have no desire to expand their territory. Dominance: Females display less dominant behaviors than males. Non-singular bonding: Females are more likely to bond with a number of people in a family rather than an individual person. So, how do I choose between the two? This question comes down to the purpose for which you want a German Shepherd. If you are looking for a dog to have trained in protection and are looking primarily for a four-legged security system for your home, then a male is a good choice. However, if your primary interest is to just have a family pet that socializes well with others, then a female is probably right for you. Testing the puppy There is no better way to determine whether or not a specific puppy is the right one for you than to actually get hands-on and doing some investigating. However, even before you begin any interactions with a puppy, make sure that you are testing the correct one. Never try and force any interaction, begin with puppies that are naturally drawn to you. Just like with people, you cannot force a match and expect fruitful results. So be patient and make sure at very least that the puppy is not aversive toward you before you being. The tests: Clap your hands: Does it run away or does it come? A more timid dog may, however, be apprehensive to approach. Make eye contact: When the puppy is looked at, does it stare back at you? If the puppy looks directly at you, it is showing confidence. Vocally call the puppy over to you: Does it come to you right away? If it does how not, however, this could show a behavioral issue or hearing problem, or it could be an indication of another illness as well. Pet the puppy: How does it respond to your touch? However, if it meets your touches with biting or growling, then this is likely an indication of an uneven or bad temperament. It will not just grow out of this, it will have to be trained out of it. Bring a ball with you to test with the puppy: Roll the ball and see what the puppy does. Does it follow it and then bring it to you? Or does it take it away for itself. A more dominant puppy will just take the ball and keep it for itself, reluctant to give it back to you. On the other hand, a more independent puppy may show no interest at all. And one that is submissive may actually be frightened. If you are looking for a very sociable puppy, look for the one that brings the ball right back to you to play some more. The puppy that brings it right back is also an ideal candidate for training in retrieving and other exercises. An even-tempered puppy will show interest in and play with the toy, but it will also allow you to participate and take the toy back without showing you any aggression. Roll the puppy over: Once the puppy comes over to you, gently roll it onto its back and hold it in place. Do not be forceful but be firm. See how the puppy reacts. Is it resisting, or is it just relaxing? A puppy with a more dominant personality will take the path of most resistance, and it may growl or attempt to bite at you. And the even-tempered puppy is the one that may resist for a short time but then submit to what you are doing. Pick up the puppy: Physically pick up the puppy by gently holding it underneath its chest with an open hand. Lift it up high, even above the height of your head and hold it there. What does the puppy do? Does it struggle, or does it stay relaxed? A puppy that struggles may be fearful or dominant. On the other hand, a puppy that stays absolutely relaxed is displaying confidence in itself and trust in you. Hold on to a paw and press it gently: This is somewhat similar to holding it on its back. If there is a response to be had, it will happen immediately. Resistance or pulling the paw away may show dominance and temperament towards aggression. The even-tempered puppy will be you curious as to what you are doing. It may investigate a little and might even lick you. Make an unexpected noise: Whether it is banging a pot and pan together or just yelling, create an unexpected noise. See what the puppy does, does it show fear, interest, or aggression? A fearful puppy may run away or even whimper. While an aggressive-tempered puppy may actually growl and try to bite you. An even-tempered puppy will simply look surprised, and may even want to investigate a little bit further. Meet the parents A lot of breeders will have both the father sire and the mother bitch of the puppies on site. However, some of them will only have the mother because sometimes the father is on loan as a stud from a different breeder. But the mother for sure should be on site, and you should get an idea of what she is like. In the case of my last German Shepherd, I was able to meet both parents. His mother was very kind and sociable and eager to be petted. While on the other hand, his father was clearly dominant, and not a dog to be messed with. Because of my prior experience and knowledge, my GSD turned out exactly as I thought he would — fairly sociable yet wildly protective of me. This was all right because I knew what to expect and I was able to train my dog properly to take the edge off of some of his more dominance behaviors. However, my choice was an informed decision based on years of experience. If you are new to owning a German Shepherd, this may not be an ideal combination. I would recommend for a new German Shepherd owner to consider making sure that both parents are more docile, and possibly even lean towards acquiring a female for your first German Shepherd. Visit the puppy on more than one occasion Just like people, puppies have their on days and their off days. You will not be able to get a very accurate picture of how your puppy will be on one short visit. In fact, with my last dog, I visited him at least 4 times and stayed for at least 30 minutes with him each time prior to taking him home. A good breeder will have no issue with you doing this, and in fact, will prefer it. They want their dogs to be well-matched with their new owners, so this is common practice. The puppy should become accustomed to the people it will soon be spending its entire life with. So the more familiarity that you build now in this phase, the easier that puppy will transition to home life with you and your family. All of these steps are positive reinforcement for your new puppy and will build familiarity and a bond even before you arrive home. Also, bring a small blanket or clothing item and ask the breeder to leave it with the puppy. This will allow your puppy to become familiar with the scent of you and your home. Making for a better transition. So by default, this knowledge enables the breeder to be very good at placing the proper puppies with the proper personalities. Remember to stay focused and not lose sight of your primary objective, which is to select the right puppy for you and your family. If you take the time and care to do your research and ask the right questions, you will come together with the right puppy for you. But remember, this is just the beginning of a major life commitment. So take this step of choosing the right GSD puppy seriously, and you will have laid the foundation for a loving and rewarding relationship for years to come. May not even be aware of the breed standard. Breeds to any convenient dog. Strives towards the ideal. Often helps to define it. Does not need to promote establishment; sells to brokers, pet shops, etc. Often rescues only to attain more stock. Rarely attends shows or trials. Shows and trials to objectively test breeding stock. Often judges, provides seminars, writes articles, and willingly mentors serious Hobby Breeders. Knowledge Often pretends to know some. May share false or incomplete information. Studies continuously. Impacts the breed for many decades with knowledge of dogs over many generations. All pups sold have full breeding rights. Yes, and diligently follows up on progeny. Keeps up with health and temperament issues affecting the breeding and provides in-depth guarantees No need to; mostly supplies brokers and pet shops. Meets minimum standards as required by state law. May refuse to acknowledge most problems. Maintains a solid support system — accepts full responsibility for every puppy produced. Performs health testing for all breeding stock for genetic diseases affecting the particular breed. No interest, may offer papers as proof of quality. Papers alone are not proof of quality. No interest. May provide undocumented paperwork for appearances sake. Is unfamiliar with health testing usually statements of good health are stated to impress consumers. Intensive testing always a priority. Often initiates club sponsored seminars and clinics. Maintains records on all dogs in gene pool including progeny. Often supplies brokers and pet shops, records unavailable. Dogs and puppies are often auctioned off in lots, records unavailable. Focuses mostly on current dogs, no records or knowledge of genes. Attempts to continuously track every puppy produced. Bases entire breeding program on extensive gene pool data. Clean environment always maintained Minimum standards vary greatly in cleanliness. Minimum standards maintained for state inspections. Conditions may vary greatly depending on available income, usually makeshift accommodations. Clean, healthy and mentally stimulating environment. Expected longevity with any particular breed Will continue as long as the sales are coming. Depends on popularity of specific breeds. Unrealistic expectations — easily disillusioned. On a mission-plans to stay for the long haul. Health guarantee provided No, it cuts into profits. No health guarantee beyond proof of first set of vaccines, if that. Not qualified to give advice if a problem arises. Offers written guarantee and is available to answer questions to new owners. Good knowledge of history in dogs. Extensive knowledge of health history, offers replacements to owners of genetically affected dogs. Ability to meet the parents of the litter If available, may be in poor physical condition. If available, dogs are not used to contact with people. May or may not be well loved and cared for companions, often unwilling to show entire litter or parents to buyer. Shows friendly mother and entire litter in clean environment; stud dog too, if in residence. Helps buyer choose appropriate puppy. Can explain how breeding was planned to emphasize specific qualities and can speak at length about how puppies compare. What you can expect after purchase Nothing, may not be able to contact at all. No concern for dog after sale is final. Available for questions, and wants to keep in touch. Will take back dog or puppy at any time. After purchase will help with training and grooming, available for all questions and knows the answers. Price Priced according to market, but is marked up from original source for profit. Mid-range to move puppies quickly. High end of mid-range. Price will not reflect all that is invested. Use only physically sound, mature dogs of stable temperament for breeding. These characteristics are rarely, if ever, determined before the age of two for females. Continue to educate themselves regarding genetic diseases pertinent to the breed including, hip and elbow dysplasia. Documentation of hip and elbow screenings should be available to prospective puppy buyers. Apply the same high standards to outside bitches sent to their stud dogs as they apply to their own breeding stock. Temperament testing of a litter before puppies are offered for sale is encouraged. Take appropriate steps to have each puppy examined by a licensed veterinarian for general health prior to placement. Each puppy should be vaccinated and de-wormed by a veterinarian. Endeavor to gain personal knowledge of the temperament and health of every dog they breed, or to which they breed, in order to gather information on which to base future breeding decisions. They share this information fully and honestly with other breeders and with prospective buyers. Sell breeding prospects to knowledgeable, ethical and experienced persons or are willing to help educate and guide novices. Do not engage in misleading or untrue advertising and do not use GSDCA membership as a marketing tool. Do not sell, supply, donate or surrender any dog for which they are responsible to a pet shop, catalogue house, wholesale dealer in dogs, Humane Society or to a laboratory. They should have reasonable assurance that each individual receiving a dog will provide a home with appropriate shelter, restraint, control and responsible care. Encourage puppy buyers to go to puppy obedience classes to help their puppies to become better canine good citizens. The achievement of a Canine Good Citizen certificate should be encouraged. Since homeowners insurance and local laws vary greatly, a refusal to let you visit the kennels may not, in and of itself, be a bad sign. You should ask for and receive a satisfactory explanation. The puppies are not social or look sickly. How to read those ads. A few more things to look out for. Anyone can buy a puppy from a champion, but it does not mean that they have any other interest in the breed but to bank on the name and make money. Having a Champion in a pedigree is like having a billionaire relative. AKC registration does not guarantee quality. AKC papers are much like the title of a car; papers are issued to the junked Chevy on blocks in your yard just as easily as they are on a brand new, shiny Jaguar. AKC does not control breeding, approve litters, or guarantee temperaments. AKC Registration is automatic if you buy from a reputable breeder — they will provide all necessary paperwork when you buy a puppy. There are several groups that are registering dogs, even mixed breeds, for a fee. This registration means nothing, and is of no value to you. Are there too many defects for the animal to be bred? Shop with care. Rarely will a good breeder have the luck to own both dogs for the perfect litter. There are some good and very reasonable reasons to have both parents on site. However, you need to ask the right questions and understand why this is true. They might be, they might not. Are they too big to be cute anymore? Need more money? Is there a problem? Usually because there are more on the way. Be very wary of this one. Will a Breeder Ask Me Questions? Conscientious breeders want the best available home for their puppies. This determines the amount of time you will have available for your new addition. There are very important items that should be supplied by the breeder. Breeders will typically give you the following items: A signed pedigree A current Health Record; including de-wormings and vaccinations. American Kennel Club registration papers or application Sales contract. The type of contract varies and must be mutually agreeable to the breeder and buyer. Much depends on what you expect from the puppy show, pet, or performance. Feeding schedule including the type and amount of food. Copy of OFA certification of sire and dam, if available.