how to choose a german shepherd puppy

Poodle Shampoo and Coat Products Overview For a shampoo to be one of the best for a Poodle, it must be formulated for this breed's particular needs. Since the Poodle has a single coat of curly hair and not a thick double-coat of fur as many other breeds have , being sure to choose the right shampoo is vital for both skin and coat health. In addition, with Poodles being found in such an array of colors, you'll want to use specific shampoo formulas if your Poodle's coat is looking dulled or stained. Here, we'll cover shampoo, conditioner, finishing sprays, and leave-ins, so that your Poodle can look as beautiful as possible while avoiding common skin issues seen with inferior products. Dyeing the coat with chemicals for better balance or to enrich colors can be exceedingly drying and there are much better ways to bring out natural color on a Poodle. Elements of the Best Shampoos When you have a breed with hair as opposed to fur, there are particular challenges. In addition, skin and coat go hand-in-hand, so every grooming product that you use on the coat must be healthy for the skin as well. A great shampoo should have: Proper pH balance. This should be in the 6. No soaping agents. You may think that a dog shampoo should automatically contain soap and often when speaking, soap and shampoo are used interchangeably; however, this can be exceedingly drying to the skin and strip the cuticles. No chemicals, parabens, sulfate , phthalate , or phosphate, all of which can be terribly detrimental. Be effective enough to cleanse a Poodle's water resistant coat. In addition, choosing the right shampoo can offers other benefits as well: Target and resolve a Poodle's individual needs including skin issues such as itching, rash, and dryness. Since Poodles can have high body oil production which can create an odd smell, a shampoo can offer a long-lasting pleasant fragrance. Enhance coloring. Most Poodles fade as they mature; however, the coat can appear duller than it should and also hold in stains; both of which blocks the puppy or dog's natural beauty. If a Poodle is struggling with moderate to severe skin issues: The right specialty or medicated shampoo can resolve such things as allergy-related issues, and skin infection including yeast, bacterial, and fungi. Tilli, photo courtesy of Candy Evans Poodle Colors and Particular Shampooing Needs As you probably know, the Poodle coat lightens as the dog matures due to the fading gene. However, this should not be mistaken for other issues. Black Poodles can develop a reddish tint known as sunburning due to sun exposure. With all colors, Poodles can have hair that's been affected by the elements that cause a dulling. It is not uncommon for this to be in some some areas of the coat, causing an unbalanced appearance. For others, it will be full-body. Light colored Poodles often have staining. This is from months or years of particle debris and outside exposure gradually staining the hairs without being properly removed during bathing. As you probably know, the Poodle coat lightens as the dog matures due to the fading gene. It is not uncommon for this to be in just some areas of the coat, causing an unbalanced appearance. List of Shampoos and What They Can Do Black color enhancer shampoo - It can be tricky to keep a black Poodle super black; however, if a Poodle is genetically black, the right shampoo can bring back a deep, dark, shiny black coat. But, steer clear of shampoos that contain dyes. The shampoo must be able to remove stains that may be embedded into hair cuticles. As those are being drawn out, natural optical brighteners will enhance light colors, allowing them to shine and sparkle. Oatmeal and Aloe - If you choose a quality brand, this can be one of the best shampoos to prevent dry skin and resolve skin issues commonly seen with the Poodle breed. Eucalyptus and Peppermint - Is great for relieving moderate to severe issues that respond to cooling sensations. Orange Peel - Is fantastic for removing stains and for calming skin issues. Allergy shampoo - Many owners search for medicated shampoos when their Poodle is suffering from severe allergies with excessively dry skin, rashes, hot spots, and itching. However, chemicals can just exasperate problems. A really great allergy shampoo for Poodles will contain natural ingredients such as neem, aloe, bentonite clay, and shea butter to immediately offer relief and healing. Recommended Shampoos Keeping in mind that the shampoo you use on your Poodle must be correctly pH balanced, be free of the many ingredients that can be detrimental to a Poodle's skin and coat, and should only contain all-natural ingredients to meet a Poodle's particular needs, these are all fantastic choices. First, let's look at color enhancing shampoos. We are steering clear of dyes that can be horrible on the skin, and instead looking to all-natural ingredients that help bring out a Poodle's true color. You'll find that Earthbath's coat brightener shampoo is particularly gentle due to lavender oil which is excellent for a dog's skin. Recommended shampoos are below. If you do not see the images, try a refresh. On mobile, you may need to turn your screen horizontal to see all 4. Next, let's cover a basic, essential shampoo for Poodles and also those that help with certain issues common to the Poodle breed. The basic everyweek shampoo must be able to effectively remove accumulated body oils without stripping the cuticles. It will need to be strong enough to be worked through the coat yet gentle enough to pamper the skin. And it must be able to be properly rinsed away without leaving any residue. A specialty shampoo must be able to quickly treat issues that a Poodle may be contending with. One of the biggest problems seen with Poodles is dry, itchy skin. If not properly treated, this can quickly spiral into more severe issues such as sores, hot spots, and even thinning coat. If a Poodle is having a strong allergic reaction, there can also be localized swelling. There are certain all-natural ingredients that can be quite effective in resolving these sorts of issues, including the above mentioned neem, aloe, colloidal oatmeal, almond, bentonite clay, and shea butter. Medicated Shampoos for Poodles Certain conditions can be treated with canine medicated shampoos. This includes: Mites and mange: There are several types of mite infections and mange also called red mange, demodectic mange, or follicular mange is caused by one mite in particular, the demodex canis. Some mites are very contagious and infestation can be contracted by coming into contact with another dog that is infected. With the case of mange, a certain number of these mites are always living in a dog's hair follicles but due to a weakened immune system or other elements, the number of the mites may increase or a Poodle may have a reaction to them. Signs of mites include intense itching, hair loss, bald spots, skin scabbing, and sores. Skin infections: There are several types of skin infections that can occur with Poodles including yeast, fungal, and bacterial. Signs may vary; however there is typically an odd odor, and with yeast infections this may be a sour-type smell. Severe allergy reactions: General allergy issues can be effectively treated with the aforementioned oatmeal and aloe shampoo. However, some Poodles can have an intense issue that requires additional treatment. One method that can be very helpful is to use a concentrated spray. Recommended medicated shampoos and hot spot sprays are below. Shampooing Tips 1 Take note if the shampoo calls out for it to be diluted with water; this is common with canine shampoos. If you see the word 'concentrated' and a ratio number such as , the first number refers to the water and the second number refers to the product. For example, 10 parts water to 1 part shampoo. And since the Poodle has a water resistant coat, it can take longer to wet the coat down than it would with other breeds. Using a spray nozzle is the easiest method, and you'll want to take the time to saturate the coat before adding shampoo. The right grooming product can bring about amazing results; however, shampoo is meant to be massaged in and then removed. If it is not rinsed out, it will get in the way of conditioner more info ahead and residue can cake up which blocks proper air flow. Bambi, photo courtesy of Veronica The Importance of Conditioners Even if you are using one of the best shampoos possible, if it is used alone, you may have less than desirable results. This is because during the shampooing process, hair follicles open up. It could be compared to a flower in which the petals unfold. In this state, a Poodle's coat is primed to receive a coat conditioner which will be able to penetrate the hairs and work to flatten the cuticles, resulting in strong, resilient hairs. The Importance of a Leave-in Spray No matter how beneficial the shampoo and conditioner, these will only be used every few weeks every 3 weeks is recommended. So, what about all of the other days? Dogs are barraged with elements that will affect the coat. A good leave-in spritz can do the following: Protect the coat from breakage. Typically the culprit is contact friction, in which hairs are lightly but continually rubbed, often leading to split ends. Offer a barrier against arid air in the winter and sun exposure in the summertime; both of which can strip the coat of moisture. If your Poodle spends a lot of time outside in the summer, a leave-in coat spray can also offer the benefit of a sunscreen. Repel fine particle debris including airborne allergens. Keep both skin and coat moisturized, healthy, and shiny. Allow a Poodle to smell nice and clean in between baths. Help keep mats and tangles away. And a good finishing spray can add body and texture to Poodles whose coats appear limp. Tips: Once you have your chosen leave-in product, use this on a regular basis. Most Poodles do well with every 2 to 3 days. If you have a quality product, all you need is a light misting. Overdoing things can lead to heavy buildup and weigh hairs down. Use the coat spray when you brush you Poodle. Brushing a dry coat often leads to damage. Work in sections, misting as you go. Recommend coat sprays for Poodles are below. You may also be interested in: Bathing a Poodle - Techniques to properly wash without blocking skin pores or putting stress on the coat. How to dry a Poodle - The type of towel that you use and blow drying vs air drying will have a big effect on how the coat looks after a bath. Poodle grooming tools - The 'must have' items in your dog's at-home grooming kit. Poodle puppy care - What's needed to help a Poodle pup grow up happy and healthy. Poodle separation anxiety - Helpful tips for when your dog has trouble coping with being home alone. All rights reserved. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon. Share Us. In fact, Poodles are usually described as having hair, not fur. Poodles are known for their lack of shedding; this is because the tight curls keep the hair in place rather than falling out onto the floor. When you are on the hunt for a shampoo for a dog with curly hair and no undercoat, there are particular challenges and specifics to be on the lookout for. Here are some tips on finding the perfect Poodle shampoo: Proper pH balance, preferably 6. Below we will take a look at the different types of shampoos and what purpose they serve. Look for shampoos that are nourishing and enriched with vitamins and essential oils. Remember, a healthy nutritious diet will also play a role in healthy coats so make sure you are feeding a high-quality diet that is age and size appropriate with high levels of essential fatty acids. These shampoos are made to prevent the yellowing of the coat and give your Poodle that vivid, white, flawless coat color. Some shampoos are even designed to enhance the black color in black dogs. Tangle Management Poodles are curly-haired cuties that are prone to tangles. You may want to consider a 2 in 1 shampoo and conditioner to help combat those stubborn tangles. You can even purchase a stand-alone conditioner in addition to your shampoo, a lot of brands will offer both options. Choosing an option that is specifically designed to help eliminate unwanted odors will help get your dog smelling fresh and clean again. Some dogs have more severe skin conditions that may require occasional bathing with medicated shampoo. Make sure to consult with your veterinarian for assistance in picking the best medicated shampoo. In general, when dealing with sensitive skin, make sure you look for shampoos made from natural ingredients and avoid any harsh chemicals that could cause further irritation. These shampoos are not meant for regular bathing use, but come in handy when you have a parasite problem. These shampoos can contain some chemicals that may not be suited for all skin types. Discuss flea and tick shampoos with your veterinarian before use. Puppy Shampoo If you have a puppy, you will want to purchase a puppy shampoo. Puppy shampoos are typically gentler and are considered tear-free. You can also keep an eye out for shampoos that suit all life stages. Waterless Shampoo Are you needing just a quick, on-the-go coat refreshment for your dog? Waterless shampoos are not designed to replace regular full baths but are a great option for when you require a quick fix or a simple spot treatment. Conclusion Hepper Colloidal Oatmeal Pet Shampoo is a great overall choice that is all natural, pH balanced, and gentle yet effective. It is fairly priced and even covers those with skin sensitivities. This natural shampoo is not only healthy but leaves the coat shiny, healthy, and well-moisturized. Try not to get too overwhelmed on the hunt for the right shampoo, just keep your needs in mind and consider all the factors before making your final choice. I was born and raised in Ohio but now live in Tulsa, Oklahoma. We share our home with a German Shepherd, several snakes, tarantulas, and a couple rescue cats. I am also a huge advocate for bully breeds. I feel most at home in the forest either on horseback or in hiking boots.Read more Advertisement. Excellent for fur that easily mats. Cons .Pros A little bit of product goes a long way Great moisturizer. Using human shampoo on your poodle is not recommended. But, finding the right shampoo for your furry friend is worth investing the time in. Here are some reasons why you should refrain from using human shampoo on your poodle. PH Balance. Humans and dogs have different pH balances. Using human shampoo can leave poodles skin dry, flaky, and more vulnerable to parasites and bacteria. Here is a little guide that will help you better navigate choosing a shampoo that will be best for your furry friend. General Purpose. A general-purpose shampoo is ideal for routine bathtime, made with natural ingredients, and is gentle and moisturizing enough for routine use. Puppy Shampoo. Poodle pups have extra sensitive skin, so shampoo should be tear-free, soap-free, soothing, and gentle. Color Enhancing. Due to natural oils, sometimes our furry friends may not smell the freshest. Luckily a lot of shampoos can help with this, and there are a lot on the market that will make your poodle smell great naturally without any strong perfumes. Flea and Tick. Anti Fungal. Yeast infections happen, and if your poodle is experiencing one, an antifungal shampoo will provide relief from the pain and burning. Medicated shampoos are made for itchy or irritated skin, and these shampoos are typically specific for allergies versus infections. Shedding Control. Again, not a huge problem many poodles will experience, but some females do experience shedding, and certain shampoos can help with this. Using a conditioner on your poodle is great for their curls. When fur becomes matted and difficult to brush through, this can be very painful for poodles. Poodle puppies only need to be bathed about once a month to avoid ridding them of natural protective lipid layers. The kitchen sink or a small basin is ideal for a poodle pups bath. When bathing your poodle pup, avoid washing the head. Make the bath as enjoyable as you can so that puppies will be excited for a bath in the future. After shampooing and rinsing your puppy, wrap him or her up in a towel after to stay warm. Bathing an Adult Poodle An adult poodle is going to require a bath roughly every three weeks. Before bathing your poodle, brush the coat gently to remove any tangles. Next, run warm water in the bathtub and help your dog into the bathtub to avoid them slipping. Wet the coat thoroughly, and begin to apply shampoo. Start at the head and work down the neck, black, and to the tail. Next, get the sides, stomach, legs, and feet. When shampoo residue builds up can make fur appear dull and cause irritation. Lastly, condition if necessary, though a lot of products are 2-in-1 formulas which make bathtime that much quicker. Remember to keep bath time as fun and enjoyable as possible. This will ensure future baths will be simple and enjoyable as well. Wrap your poodle up in a towel and gently towel dry, you may also wish to use a hairdryer at this time to keep your dog warm and to speed up the drying and grooming process. Potential Coat issues Encountered When Shampooing a Poodle Poodles have a super unique coat in that unlike most dog breeds. That being said, poodles require pretty frequent grooming and to avoid specific coat problems. Here are a few of the issues poodle parents may run into when shampooing: Matted Hair. Matted hair is most common among playful pups, and also becomes prevalent at around nine months old as puppy hair changes into adult hair. A spray-in conditioner may be a good option to look into, or simply ask your groomer for tips as they are more than happy to help you and give you some expert advice. When a female poodle is in heat or whelping a litter of puppies, a boost in estrogen will cause hair to thin. Allergic reactions can be caused by anything but are nonetheless miserable for your poodle. Intense itching and irritation can cause hair loss and scabs. Luckily, there are tons of shampoos available for dogs suffering from allergies that will be gentle and moisturizing. This is a condition caused by a hormone imbalance. Aside from a thinning coat, look for signs of lethargy and mental slowness, and be sure to contact your vet should you notice these symptoms. Alopecia X. As scary as it sounds, this condition is not painful to your poodle and is actually a growth hormone deficiency. This genetic condition is most common amongst small breeds and is the process of a poodle experiencing hair loss. Fleas, Ticks, and Mites. These pesky pests can cause poodles to bite, scratch, and pull out hair. Many shampoos on the market will kill these pests on contact, but be sure to check with your vet to see if your poodle needs preventative care as well. Ringworm is a highly contagious fungal infection. Over Curling. Over curling can cause excessive knots and matting that will be painful and uncomfortable for your pooch. Poodles are notorious for their beautiful curly coats, but they do require a certain amount of attention to avoid matting and painful skin irritations. There are a few things to know and understand about poodle fur before you begin your bathing and grooming routine at home. Poodle fur is real hair that grows continuously, so routine care is a must. If opting for a professional groomer, your poodle will need to go roughly every weeks. Run clippers over the surface of feet, as well as in between toe pads. With your poodle on its hind legs, trim hair from the belly to back, get inside its hind legs, then move to the base of the tail and trim under the tail from the bottom. Check out this helpful video on grooming your poodle at home: Final Thoughts Poodles are all around great dogs and will make the perfect addition to any household. Still, there is a certain amount of attention their notoriously fluffy and curly coats need to avoid skin irritation and discomfort. Before choosing a shampoo for your poodle, consider any specific needs your poodle may have, such as an extra-gentle formula for puppies or a medicated shampoo to soothe skin irritation. Knowing how to bathe and groom your poodle properly is also super important to keep their skin and coat as healthy as possible and prevent matting from creating painful skin irritation. Poodles are smart, friendly, and make for a great family or show dog. With proper bathing and grooming techniques, your poodle will stay happy and healthy on the outside, as well as the inside. I hope you found it helpful. Here are some products that I personally believe every owner should employ to help ensure the best quality of life for their dogs. But in all honesty, these are the exact products that I use and recommend to everyone, even my own family. Lemonade Pet Insurance : Lemonade Pet Insurance has enabled me to afford a very high level of veterinary care for my dog, Angus. Even after he was diagnosed with cancer a few years back. This program actually works, and at a small fraction of the cost of hiring a dog trainer! Pet Plate is the dog food subscription service I use to provide extremely healthy, pre-portioned meals for my dog. Pet Plate gives my dog Angus the highest quality nutrition at a very affordable price. BarkBox : Without a doubt, my dog enjoys Barkbox more than anything else I buy him. BarkBox delivers a customized box of themed toys, treats, and other products to your door each month. In addition, I like that a percentage of proceeds is donated to local animal shelters. I Purchase this service for my dog Angus and have saved hundreds of dollars over visiting his local vet with questions or more minor health concerns. Brent Hartman I'm Brent Hartman. I've been a dog lover my entire life and have owned many animals over the years. When my black lab Angus passed away, I was looking for another friend to share my life with. As a result of my research, I've come to love poodles and wanted to share some of what I've learned with you. Whether you're looking to adopt a poodle, or already own one, I created Poodle report to be the ultimate guide to help you find the answers you need. Recent Posts. We only recommend products we have tested and are using on our own dogs! Are you — like me — one of the lucky people who is owned by a Poodle? Then you have fallen in love with their smart wits, sense of humor, zest for life and adorable looks. Poodles are renowned for their special coat — one of the reasons all Doodle breeds have been developed from them — but the care for that coat … can be tricky. My own white Miniature Poodle Ada is a challenge to keep clean and groomed. By the way: All of these were approved by my friend and professional groomer Elizabeth. Some of these shampoos are used by dog owners who show their dogs at conformation shows as well! Our Top Choice: The 1 Poodle Shampoo This is the shampoo Ada and I use every time we give her a bath — and I like to imagine she looks just as stunning as the pooch on the shampoo bottle! Specifically designed for curly coats and you cannot get a better product for your pooch. The shampoo lifts the individual hairs for maximum shape and volume, while also coating each hair to smoothen follicles and prevent matting or tangles. Seriously, try it out - you will love it so much! It is not only high-quality, but an amazing budget option as well! I used this on Ada and really enjoyed the Lavender scent, as well as the softness of her coat. Having a shampoo and conditioner in one product makes bath time easy for dogs that are impatient and want to get out of the tub quickly! Best Shampoo for Poodle Puppies Gentle ingredients, tear-free formula and baby powder scent — oh yeah. You can prevent a lot of future struggles by starting bathing your Poodle early in life! Plus - puppies get dirty. A lot. It is from the company Oster, which is the preferred brand among professional groomers. Your puppy will indeed smell and feel like he or she just got back from a professional hair appointment. Check the current price here! Best Shampoo for White Poodles Is your pup sparkling white? Or, well at least you wish — muddy-brown might be a more realistic description … Brightening shampoos are a great choice for white Poodles. They will get rid of tear stains and really make that coat sparkle. If you have a white Poodle or a Parti Poodle with a lot of white, this shampoo will be great to make him or her shine brightly. It removes tears stains all owners of white dogs will struggle with that! Best Shampoo for Black Poodles Have an ebony pooch? But with the right products, they will shine and shimmer in their ebony glory! This shampoo was specifically designed for black dogs. This shampoo is meant to be diluted - meaning that one bottle will last you many months, even if your pooch gets frequent baths. Veterinary Formula Triple Strength Dirty Dog Concentrated Shampoo Whether your Poodle loves to play in puddles or roll in the grass - this shampoo will get even the dirtiest dog to sparkle again! The green apple and white tea fragrance will make your pup smell much better than the mud he chose to run through! Best Shampoo for Pampered Poodles If your dog is used to luxury, this shampoo fits the bill. For doggy divas you know who I mean! It leaves the coat incredibly soft and it smells soooo good! Seriously, I could not stop smelling Ada after bathing her with this. My husband thought I was weird, whatever! It just smells so good. This one made brushing once my Poodle was blow-dried so easy, too!

Our extensive collection features hundreds of stunning photos of these adorable canines in various poses, settings, and backgrounds. Type of Images Available Our collection of German Shepherd puppy images features a variety of different types of photos, including portraits, candid shots, outdoor and indoor images, and more. From close-ups of their expressive faces to action shots of them running and playing, our images capture the energy and character of this amazing breed. Our images can be used for a multitude of purposes, including websites, blog posts, advertisements, social media, books, magazines, and more. Whether you're sharing photos of your own German Shepherd puppy or you need images for a commercial project, our collection is a great resource. Tips for Choosing the Right Image Choosing the right image can make all the difference when it comes to creating a compelling design or message. Here are some tips for selecting the perfect image: Consider the mood you want to convey Think about the context in which the image will be used Look for images with high resolution and clarity Take into account the color scheme of your project and select images that complement it Choose images that have a clear focal point and aren't cluttered Why Choose Our Images? Our collection of German Shepherd puppy images offers a unique combination of quality, variety, and affordability. We pride ourselves in providing images that are visually stunning while still being accessible to a wide range of individuals and businesses. Plus, we offer flexible licensing options, including Royalty-free and Extended licenses, to fit your specific needs. With our images, you can create compelling projects that capture the essence of this beloved breed, no matter what your design or marketing goals may be. So why wait? Browse our collection today to discover the perfect German Shepherd puppy image for your next project! Their calm, confident demeanor paired with their recognizable looks makes them wonderful family pets and undeniably cool sidekicks. One even lives in The White House , so you know they're a big deal. Whether you're celebrating National German Shepherd Day May 10 or just need a pick-me-up with some smiling pups , you've come to the right place! Luna the Longhaired German Shepherd Luna's long mane looks absolutely stunning against the rocks. Plus, with a smile like that, this pup can steal anyone's heart. Who doesn't want to be lounging by the pool with a cup of coffee and getting some online shopping, er, work done? Just look at her stunning black coat and long tongue! Duke Enjoying a Pupsicle This German shepherd knows how to do summer right with a delicious homemade dog popsicle. Save some for us! Krut the Adventure Doggo What's more relaxing than hiking with your dog next to a beautiful waterfall? Krut's Instagram page is full of gorgeous pictures of his mountain adventures that have us itching for a weekend camping trip. Cliff's Boop-able Nose Now this is a snoot we need to boop! Cliff's Instagram always shows the smiling pup on tons of outdoor adventures. No wonder he's one of the happiest German shepherds we've ever seen! Koa's Beach Day This has everything you need in a cute German shepherd picture: a gorgeous background, floppy ears, and an adorably fluffy puppy with her tongue out. What more can you ask for? After only a few short minutes of brushing , it's like you have enough fur for a whole new dog! German shepherds have thick, double layered coats that are prone to shedding , so it's even more important for their owners to keep a regular grooming routine. You may just need to book an afternoon for the task. Sebastian the Birthday Boy Time to light the candles! Sebastian's first birthday bash included a matching bandana , banner, and birthday hat, as well as some adorable custom cookies. All he needs left for his big day is a dog-approved birthday cake. Flash's Floppy Ears German shepherds are known for their signature perked-up ears. But in their first few months, German shepherd puppies sport floppy ears until around the time they finish teething. So German shepherd puppy owners: take all the photos with those adorable floppy ears while you still can! But Odin here is clearly proud to be a German shepherd K.And based on his Instagram posts, this good boy gets the job done right. These good boys are clearly enjoying their day outside at the park and we couldn't be happier for them. Ace the German Shepherd Service Dog German shepherds are incredibly smart, making them wonderful service animals! When your job includes going to Disney, how could you not look as happy as this guy? Apollo Soaking up the Sun Apollo might be the coolest dog we've ever seen. From the effortlessly stylish sunglasses all the way down to his customized shoes, we know this good boy is living his best life. Was this page helpful? We believe that even the most simple things can be made to be enjoyable and unforgettable. German Shepherds are great family dogs or dogs for a couple like us. After a few years of training with Sequoia, we found the most valuable lessons from our in-person and online dog trainer Zack Kiser from American Dog Pros. American Dog Pros is based in California and specializes in obedience training and competitive shows for dogs. Sequoia was the cutest, most tiny little girl when we rescued her at 8 weeks old. She was the cutest German Shepherd Puppy! Can German Shepherds Swim? German Shepherds love to swim, especially our girl Sequoia! Put a life jacket on your German Shepherd for their first few times swimming to help build their confidence. German Shepherds are prone to eye conditions like Pannus which can be negatively impacted by UV sun rays. Dog sunglasses and dog goggles like Rex Specs are helpful tools to combat the UV. We also love using Rex Specs dog sunglasses when hiking in the snow to avoid the bright white glare in her eyes. Another bonus is that you have extra peace of mind when your dog is playing fetch with sticks or running through bushes and brush. German Shepherd Shedding German Shepherd shedding is a concern for a lot of dog owners. From our experience, German Shepherds shed a lot — especially if they are long-haired German Shepherds. Female Names for German Shepherds Sequoia. He is 7 months old and weighed 85lbs in this picture. He is a German Shepherd. Crixus is the best dog I have ever had. I can't believe how smart he is. Sadly, she passed away shortly after this photo was taken at the age of 8 years. He is a 3-year-old male German Shepherd. The dog on the right is Elsa. She is also a purebred German Shepherd, but due to her coat type her ears were too heavy and just would not stay up. They love to have their picture taken. To make a long story short, the end result was that he had a very large nearly cantalope size splenic tumor which ruptured ultimatley causing his untimely passing. He was playing and being his usual self at 8 in the morning and not even 12 hours later, he took his last breath. This came from our vet. As soon as Ace began to mope around we called our vet right away. They told us to bring him in right then, which we did and they got right down to business. He weighed his usual 90 pounds and had no hight temperature, but was breathing hard and would not move. Our vet examined him and said he was in a very grave state. His gums and tongue were fading in color so much so that she called the emergency vet and alerted them to our impending arrival. We took him there and they too, were on the ball. They did an ultrasound and it confirmed our vet's suspicions. He passed away before the ultrasound was even complete. These tumors grow very rapidly and 9 times out of 10 they are cancerous. We never had the first clue. Our hearts are broken, and we miss him terribly, but if this at least helps raise awareness, then our Ace's loss was not all in vain.

She is a chocolate merle with an impressive pedigree! Fiona loves to play and likes when the other girls chase her. She is smart and loves to cuddle. Fifi, as we call her, has the best personality and a sweet demeanor. Fiona is retired and will live the rest of her days lounging on our couch! Lola Lola is retired but will be staying with us. Bella Bella has retired and living her best life as an only dog! We love him soooooo much. Thank you! I was sent pictures and felt so close. I waited not so patiently to fly to Santa Fe to pick her up. The breeder brought her to me in Santa Fe and gave us a ride back to the airport. We were in Instant love. She is a secure, healthy, adventurous Frenchie, and in the two weeks she has been in our family has been the best. We are so grateful that we found Wild Blue. Our puppies are bred to be cute and intelligent and are raised to have the best personalities and temperament. You can expect the greatest attention to detail to make your experience of purchasing a puppy a fun and enjoyable process, as it should be. We are located in Denison, Texas about 1. We are happy to meet you halfway in Amarillo. At Cheappuppiesforsale. These pint-sized pups are perfect for apartment living or those who simply prefer a smaller breed. History of French Bulldog puppies French Bulldogs are considered one of the most popular dog breeds in the United States and around the world. They are known for their affectionate and playful personalities and are often kept as companion animals. The breed is a descendant of the English Bulldog, which was brought to France by English lacemakers. The French Bulldog was then developed by crossing the English Bulldog with local small breeds, such as the Terrier, to create a smaller, more delicate version of the English Bulldog. During the 19th century, French Bulldogs were used for bull-baiting and dog fighting. They quickly gained popularity among the upper class in France, especially in Paris, where they were considered a symbol of luxury and elegance. In the late 19th century, French Bulldogs were brought to the United States by American tourists who fell in love with the breed while visiting France. Temperament of Frenchies The temperament of a French Bulldog is generally described as affectionate, playful, and sociable. They are known to be good with children and other pets and make great companion animals. They are also known for their intelligence and trainability, which makes them easy to train and manage. French Bulldogs are very loyal to their owners, and they have a strong desire to be close to their family. They have a playful nature, and they love to play and interact with their owners. French Bulldogs are known for their expressive personalities, and they are known to be very vocal. They are known to make a variety of noises, including grunts, snores, and snorts, which can be quite endearing. They are also known for their sense of humor and their ability to make their owners laugh. One of the most striking characteristics of French Bulldogs is their easy going nature. They are known to be adaptable and easy to live with, which makes them great family pets. They are also known to be relatively low maintenance, as they do not require a lot of exercise or grooming. Let us introduce you to Racco a handsome Merel teacup French Bulldog pup ready to venture off to his forever home. He is AKC registered, vet checked, vaccinated, wormed, plus the breeder provides a 1 year genetic health guarantee provided by the breeder. His momma is Amber. Racco enjoy spending time with the children he is currently being raised with. Sex: Male. Each of our Frenchies is raised underfoot in our home as part of the family. Our house is full of love, laughter, children, lots of children and dogs. You can learn a bit more about us here. If you are interested in one of our gorgeous puppies please feel free to take a moment to complete our puppy application and we will be in touch regarding our available Texas Frenchie Puppies for sale or upcoming planned breedings. Thank you so much for visiting our home on the web and please check back often as many of our pages are constantly being updated with photos, and info regularly. In the meantime, you can catch us on Instagram by clicking here , or on Facebook by clicking here. The remaining balance is to be paid by 8 weeks old. Our line of communication is always open to you to discuss whatever French Bulldog related questions you may have about your new puppy. You can ask any of our past puppy buyers yourself. We will be happy to provide you with references upon request while we find the time to complete our Testimonials page. Follow Us On IG.

Learn More Now What People Say All of our volunteers have full time jobs, families and other commitments, but we continue to make room in our hearts and homes for unwanted and neglected bulldogs in need of rescue. They're a compassionate group of volunteers helping connect loving bulldogs with loving families. My bulldog's foster mom, Casey, helped select the perfect furbaby for me. In my experience, IBR puts a lot of care and concern into matching potential parents to their new family member. Long after the adoption, IBR continues offering post-adoption support for our family. Thanks to IBR, my family is now complete with the addition of a very handsome bulldog. Thank you, IBR! When the time was right, Jeff and I were given the honor to be rescued by Mr. Humphries and Maggie. One month later, I met him and agreed to our first date, persuaded by the fact that I'd get to hang out with a really cute bulldog even if the date flopped! I met Cleo on our second date at the park, and two years later, she was the star of our engagement photos. She's a major diva, and we wouldn't haven't any other way! As Mike often tells Cleo, "Pops has a type! We found the process was appropriately diligent and thorough -- being a bulldog parent isn't a cakewalk after all. The additional "gift with purchase" was the IBR community and following the antics of fellow adoptive families and following the antics of our girl's foster family this organization gets everything right in our book. Indiana Bulldog Rescue was amazing to work with. Thank you IBR for extending our family! Even after the adoption they were there helping me understand the breed! They were a great support system for me and my bulldog! Christa West Deserree Simonson They do amazing work to unite bulldogs with loving forever home. We were blessed to find our baby Fiona through IBR. IBR is the quintessential rescue organization. An experience with IBR is a reflection of love and hope. Susy Murphy Amanda Jacob Very easy to work with! Perfect way to get the bully breed you love and still supporting adoption? Vocality level 1 in 5 Disclaimer: While the characteristics mentioned here may frequently represent this breed, dogs are individuals whose personalities and appearances will vary. Please consult the adoption organization for details on a specific pet. He is willing to please, although he retains a stubborn streak. He is very good with children. Most are moderately friendly toward strangers. Although some can be aggressive with strange dogs, the breed is quite good with other pets. Upkeep The Bulldog appreciates a daily outing but cannot tolerate hot humid weather, which can be deadly. He should not be expected to jog or walk great distances, or to jump from any heights. Most Bulldogs cannot swim. Most Bulldogs wheeze and snore, and some drool. Coat care is minimal, but facial wrinkles and any folds around the tail should be cleaned daily. Special precautions must be taken when anesthetizing a Bulldog. Caesarean deliveries are commonly needed. Hip radiographs show most Bulldogs to be dysplastic but few show overt symptoms. History With the most distinctive mug in dogdom, the Bulldog has an equally distinctive history. Some Bulldogs were also set against bears for bear baiting, purely for entertainment. In , bull baiting was outlawed, and a new phase began for the Bulldog. By all rights, the breed should have become extinct, except that it had gained so many ardent admirers that they set out to rescue the Bulldog by selecting against ferocity while still maintaining—and often accentuating—its distinctive physical characteristics. Its tough steadfast persona led it to be identified as a national symbol of England. Its amiable clownish personality belies its appearance, and the Bulldog is a popular pet. Related Content.

For the complete list please see our Golden Retriever List page. Purebred bloodlines can command a higher price, as well as puppies that are destined for the show ring. It is possible to find a free Golden Retriever puppy in New Hampshire, but it is not easy. Most breeders do not give away their puppies and those that do usually have a waiting list. There are a few organizations that specialize in finding homes for rescued dogs, but most of these dogs are mixed breeds. If you are looking for a purebred Golden Retriever puppy, your best bet is to contact a reputable breeder. These groups usually specialize in a particular breed of dog and can help you find the perfect pup for your family. A responsible breeder breeds for the health and welfare of their dogs and takes great care in placing their puppies with the right families. You can also get referrals from friends or family who have recently bought a dog. Responsible breeders will be happy to talk about their dogs and will be proud of their breeding program. Breeders who are members of the GRCA adhere to strict breeding standards and have pledged to uphold the welfare of their dogs. Meet the breeder and their dogs in person. Ask about health clearances for both parents. Responsible breeders will screen their breeding stock for genetic diseases common to Golden Retrievers and will ensure that both parents are cleared of any health issues. Make sure you understand the contract before you buy a puppy. A responsible breeder will require that you sign a contract stating that you will spay or neuter your dog, and will provide a written health guarantee. This will allow you to see the environment the puppies are being raised in and also allow you to meet the parents of the puppies. By meeting the parents, you can get a feel for the temperament of the breed. Visiting your potential breeder will also give you the opportunity to ask questions about their breeding program. Make sure your breeder is a member of the Golden Retriever Club of America. Golden Retrievers make great family pets, and with a little bit of homework, you can find the perfect one for your home. Ask Questions About the Breeding Program When visiting a breeder, be sure to ask questions about their breeding program. Find out how long they have been breeding golden retrievers and what kind of health testing they do on their dogs. You should also ask about the history of any genetic problems in the lines of dogs that the breeder has used. This will help you to get feedback from other people who have worked with this breeder in the past. Not only will this give you peace of mind, but it can also help you to make an informed decision about which breeder is the best fit for you and your family. Asking for references from past clients is a crucial step. References can also help you to determine whether or not the breeder is the right fit for you and your family. This will give you the opportunity to ask them questions about their experience with the breeder. Meeting past customers will allow you to see their puppy in its home environment and will help you to determine if the breeder is the right fit for you. You can see the temperament of the puppies in their home environment and get a feel for how the breeder interacts with their clients. A responsible breeder will be happy to provide references from past customers and will be proud of their breeding program. This contract should outline the responsibilities of both the breeder and the buyer. Some things that you should look for in a contract include: The price of the puppy The guarantee provided by the breeder The return policy of the breeder What happens if the dog is no longer wanted by the buyer What type of health testing has been done on the parents of the puppy The breeding rights of the puppy The clause requires spaying or neutering of the puppy. Be sure to ask your breeder any questions you have about the contract before signing it. This will help to ensure that both parties are aware of their responsibilities. This will help you to determine if the breeder is taking good care of their dogs. A reputable breeder will have a good relationship with their veterinarian and will take their dogs for regular check-ups. A responsible breeder will take care of their dogs and will ensure that they receive regular veterinary care. This will ensure that your puppy is healthy and has been cleared for travel. Puppies should be vaccinated against parvo, Distemper, Adenovirus, and Coronavirus 4-in-1 at 6, 8, and 12 weeks of age. They should also be given a rabies vaccine at 16 weeks of age. Deworming should be done every weeks until the puppy is 12 weeks old. They should be happy to answer. If the breeder is asking for a lot of money for a puppy, this might be a sign that they are not reputable. A responsible breeder will not charge more than what is considered to be fair market value for a puppy. If the breeder is unwilling to answer your questions or provides vague answers, this might be a sign that they are hiding something. A responsible breeder will be happy to answer any questions that you have about their breeding program. A responsible breeder will want you to see their puppies in their home environment. This will help you to determine if the puppies are being well taken care of. If the breeder is not breeding for the love of the breed, but rather for the money, this might be a sign that they are not reputable. A responsible breeder will only breed healthy dogs with good temperaments and will only sell their puppies to the right families. This will give you some idea of what health problems your puppy may inherit. The New Hampshire breeder should also be able to tell you about the health of the puppies themselves. They should be able to tell you about any congenital problems problems that are present at birth that the puppies may have, as well as any health problems that may develop as the puppies grow older. Be sure to ask the breeder if they have had their puppies tested for genetic diseases. Many genetic diseases can be detected through blood tests. Some of these diseases include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and PRA progressive retinal atrophy. A responsible breeder will be happy to tell you about the health of their puppies and will be proud of their breeding program. Make sure that you have your puppy examined by a veterinarian as soon as possible. This guarantee should cover any genetic diseases that the puppy may inherit from its parents. It is also important to ask the breeder to specify which genetic diseases they are covering in their health guarantee. Some breeders will only cover a few specific diseases, while others will cover all genetic diseases. A responsible breeder will be happy to provide a written health guarantee for their puppies. You will need to set up a place for the puppy to sleep, as well as a place for them to play. You will also need to provide food and water dishes, as well as a place for the puppy to eliminate. Be sure to put away any poisonous plants or chemicals, as well as any small objects that the puppy could choke on. If you have other pets in your home, be sure to introduce them slowly. You will also want to keep an eye on them when the puppy is first introduced, in case they decide to fight. If you have children in your home, it is important to teach them how to properly interact with the puppy. They should never be allowed to tease the puppy or pull their hair. It will take some time for the puppy to get used to their new home, so be patient and give them plenty of time to adjust. I love animals and love helping people adopt a pet. It all started when attending Missouri State University and I began volunteering at an animal shelter. Breeders VS. The sad truth is that many pet store purchased pups actually come from puppy mills. Basically, there is zero authenticity with pet stores. When it comes to adopting any animal from a pet store, there is an increased risk of unforeseen health or genetic problems. You also cultivate a life-long relationship with the breeder, meaning support is available to you anytime you may need it. With My Golden Retriever Puppies , you have the option to come and visit both the puppy and the breeder in person! Golden Retrievers are an adaptable breed, meaning they are better at adapting to seasonal changes and various types of climate than certain other breeds. Goldens sport a double-coat, which ensures that these sweet pups are able to tolerate slightly colder temperatures than their friends from other breeds. Your pup deserves better than that, which is why here at My Golden Retriever Puppies , we ensure high-quality care is taken of your pet at all times. For more about the true price of a golden retriever puppy, you can read our full price breakdown here. Location Information for New Hampshire Customers Our home office is located in Ohio, but we understand that long-distance travel can be inconvenient. If you prefer to meet a breeder in person, they may be able to offer private visits at their home. Of course! Here at My Golden Retriever Puppies , we value family and authenticity, which is why we always guarantee our pups through our 2-year genetic health guarantee. Like adopting a Golden Retriever from a pet store, there is an increased risk when adopting a pup from a rescue center or shelter as well. For example, pups purchased through a shelter or rescue center are far less likely to come with the kinds of health guarantees and reassurances that a breeder can provide. What type of Golden Retrievers are sold in New Hampshire? We have some good news! Ready to make your Golden Retriever dreams come true? Take a look at our convenient list of available puppies. How do I know which breeders to trust in New Hampshire? Our independent network of trusted breeders have already been pre-screened and verified, so that you can focus on what really matters: choosing your dream puppy. Be the first to know when we have new puppies! All Rights Reserved. I live on 18 acres of land which gives me plenty of room to let my dogs stretch out their legs to exercise in fresh air daily. Each of my dogs are foremost a family member and a big part of my life. I have been breeding and showing goldens for almost 20 years and am proud of the goldens I have produced. My goldens have earned many titles in the breed ring, rally titles, therapy titles, CD and CGC titles. I have worked hard to follow a more holistic path for my goldens. I am committed to producing the healthiest in mind body and soul in my goldens. My goldens are feed the highest quality meats, supplements and purified water with the cleanest environment for them. I do minimal vaccinations and instead do titers to check immunity levels rather than re-vaccinating. I do not use any toxic chemicals in, on or around my goldens. Producing goldens with wonderful temperaments and healthy immune systems is most important to me. Many of my puppies go to homes all over the United States and I feel very lucky to have such great families who travel far and wide to obtain one of my pups. My goldens have enriched many family lives bringing much love and devotion. We require our future puppy owners to follow our minimal vaccination schedule. To also follow a more holistic approach to control flea and tick prevention. Please check out my Recommended Holistic Vet page and find a holistic vet near you or go to the link Holistic Veterinarians' Association www. I do require you feed a raw diet as well. He is racking up points quickly with 2 Best of Breed wins. Less than 2 hours from Boston, MA. Gage 11 months old So excited to have this beautiful sweet boy. Born July .Great things are planned ahead for this amazing boy. Breeder of top quality golden retrievers for companion, competition, and working homes since .Producing the Best by feeding a raw diet and using only holistic measures to keep them safe and healthy since .I have been breeding, raising and showing goldens since .I am a member in good standings with the American Kennel Club and a current member and past board member of Yankee Golden Retriever Club and past member of the Framingham District Kennel Club and current board member of the Lakes Regional Kennel club. Their eyes are certified by a board ophthalmologist, screening for any abnormalities, and cleared of cardiovascular disease by a cardiologist. My goldens are raised with a holistic approach and a Natural rearing to diet and care. My Goldens are fed a raw diet and I do minimal vaccinations. I believe that the appropriate diet, less vaccinations, less toxic chemicals in and around them is key in raising a healthy immune system. To find out more about diet and vaccination protocols please see My raw diet page and vaccination page. My litters are born and socialized in my home at an early age until they come to you at 8 weeks of age. My pups have complete and thorough examinations by my vet at the age of 8 weeks and are guaranteed to be in good health on departure to their new homes. I sell my pups with a limited registrations. I will give guidance to each family in helping you raise your new puppy or dog in the holistic path for the life of your new golden. It is my passion and goal to make sure every puppy I produce has a clean slate and is given the best chance for a long and healthy life.

Are you worried about the growing prevalence of designer dogs? As a dog parent, you want to be as well-informed as possible about your new family member. With this information, you can be confident that the Labrador puppy is purebred. Visual Assessment The most obvious way to identify a purebred Lab is by looking at its physical characteristics. The American Kennel Club establishes those standards. A black Labrador must be completely black, while a chocolate Lab should be anywhere from light brown to dark chocolate brown. A wider range of colors is allowed for yellow labs, from very pale cream to fox red. Thus they are less likely to be disqualified. Do purebred Labrador retrievers have white markings? Small white spots on the coat are still permitted. Unfortunately, a fully grown Labrador with brindles, color markings, or color panels is ineligible. Male Labs should weigh between 65 and 80 pounds, with female Labs weighing slightly less at 55 to 70 pounds. Their muzzle should be long, wide, and deep with a slightly set-back nose. The top of the muzzle should be straight or gently arched. However, this color does not last into adulthood. The noses of yellow and black Labradors are typically black, whereas those of chocolate Labradors are often brown. Dudley Labradors are the only dogs in the breed to keep their pink noses into old age. It has an oily outer layer to protect the pup from water and cold temperatures and a soft, wooly undercoat that helps to trap body heat. Their dark, pure lustrous black fur coats make them so gorgeous and appealing to all dog lovers. However, not all Labrador retrievers belong to the black variety. Some of the mutts had white patches on their black fur because of a gene disruption that occurred when they were descended from the St. Like a lemon, they can be anywhere from a tan to a bright yellow. Included in this range is a yellowish-brown color called fawn Labrador. This is a deeper yellow but not as dark as a red Labrador. It is common to find cream-colored labs among yellow labrador retrievers. With six distinct labrador colors to choose from, yellow Lab offers the most color variation. Most people enjoy this chocolate-like covering on their fur as they are lustrous and appealing. Nonetheless, there is a wide range of shades of chocolate in labradors. Their hue ranges from light brown to a blend of brown and black lab coats. Although their ear and paw fur are typically white, certain animals may have lighter brown fur in other areas. Red labs are at the dark end of the yellow spectrum, opposite the white labs. In light of this, red fox labs are just yellow labs with darker coats that are mistaken for the reddish kind. In direct sunshine, the silver tone pops out more clearly. Scientists have found that silver labs and chocolate labs share a color spectrum. They may have been born chocolate, but their DNA can subtly overcome all the other colors, producing an incredible silver covering instead. Therefore, silver labradors are distinct from other labrador coats because they have recessive genetics. Natural Instincts Labradors possess certain natural instincts that set them apart from all other breeds. These include retrieving and water-based activities, a strong desire to please their owners, and an affinity for training. They are also known to be very loyal, friendly dogs who enjoy being around humans and other animals. This information can be important for people interested in purchasing a Labrador retriever puppy, as it can help them make an informed decision about which puppy to choose. You can also use the pedigree paper to track the health and temperament of the Labrador breed and identify any potential genetic defects present in the puppy. Therefore, if you are considering purchasing a Labrador puppy, it is important to ask for a copy of the pedigree papers. A DNA test can be done with a simple cheek swab or blood sample and then sent to a laboratory for analysis. This test amplifies the DNA so that it can be easily analyzed. You can usually obtain the results of a PCR test within one to two days. However, this type of test is less commonly used than the PCR test. A DNA test can provide valuable information about a labrador puppy. Buying a Purebred Labrador Puppy Ensure the puppy you acquire is a purebred Labrador and that its papers are in order. It is important to verify that the breeder registered the litter before selling the puppy to new owners. Make sure you meet the mother and that you like her appearance. Do not buy a puppy from the breeder if it has markings that you find offensive. True black Labradors sometimes sport white patches. Finally, make sure to ask the reputable breeder if they have performed any health checks on the puppies. This is an important step in ensuring that the puppy you are buying is healthy and free of any genetic defects. These dogs are born with two copies of a gene that causes them to have a diluted coat color. The result is puppies with grey, silver, or light blue coats instead of the traditional black, yellow, or chocolate colors. Dilute Labradors may also have a lighter eye color than traditional Labradors. While these dogs are still considered purebred, they cannot be registered with the American Kennel Club due to their unique genetics. While the dog may have done nothing wrong, most dogs end up in shelters owing to issues with their owners, such as financial constraints, lack of time, changes in the family dynamic such as a new baby, divorce, relocation, or marriage , or allergies. Read up on breeders who have good reputations and ask for references from owners whose dogs you admire. Ask about their breeding practices, how their puppies are socialized and raised, and whether or not the puppy is registered with an organization such as the AKC. Make sure that the breeder provides you with proof of health checks and that all puppies are up-to-date on their vaccinations. Reach out to previous customers and find out what their experience was like. Finally, remember that a purebred Labrador is one of many types of dogs worth owning. Mixed breeds can be just as wonderful and loving as purebreds and may even be healthier. Take your time when selecting a puppy, and make sure that you find one that is right for you and your family. A: Mixed breeds may not have all the same characteristics as a purebred Labrador, but they can still be just as loving and loyal. Mixed breeds are also often healthier than purebred Labradors due to the lack of inbreeding. Q: What is the best type of Labrador to get? A: The best type of Labrador depends on your lifestyle and what you are looking for in a pet. If you want a show-quality Labrador, then a purebred would be best. However, if you just want a loving and loyal companion, then a mixed breed might be the right choice for you. This is because they have unique genetics that does not match the breed standard. However, they are still considered purebred dogs and can be registered with other organizations. Q: How can I find a reputable breeder? A: Start by searching the internet for reviews and recommendations from other dog owners. Once you have narrowed down your search to a few reputable breeders, ask them for references and reach out to previous customers. Make sure the breeder provides you with proof of health checks and that all puppies are up-to-date on their vaccinations. Q: How do I know if a Labrador puppy is purebred? A: The best way to ensure that a Labrador puppy is purebred is to purchase it from a reputable breeder. Ask for proof of registration, health checks, and breed history. If the breeder cannot provide these documents, then it is best to look elsewhere. Additionally, it would help if you look for physical traits typical of Labradors, such as a broad head and short muzzle. Q: Is it possible to train a Labrador puppy? A: Absolutely! Labradors are highly intelligent and eager to please, making them excellent candidates for training. Start by teaching basic commands like sit, stay, and come. Then move on to more complex behaviors, such as walking on a leash and responding to hand signals. With patience and consistency, you can have a well-trained Labrador in no time! Final Words Selecting a purebred Labrador puppy is a big decision. Make sure to do your research and select a reputable breeder who can provide you with all the necessary paperwork and proof of health checks. You should also remember that purebreds are not the only type of dog worth owning — mixed breeds can also be just as loving and loyal. Finally, once you have a puppy in your home, be sure to provide them with the proper training, socialization, and care that all puppies need to grow up healthy and happy. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years. There are 10 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been viewed , times. Labrador retrievers are an adorable and popular dog breed that can make a great addition to your household. Aside from a physical examination, you can do a professional DNA test on the dog to check its genetic makeup. All rights reserved. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc. Does the fur appear short, and have a thick texture? The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show. Did you know? There are silver labs, but silver is not an acceptable color in the breed standard as this color is believed to have come from a cross with the Weimaraner. However, dogs with this coat color may still be registered with certain kennel clubs. If the dog is a yellow or black lab, check that the puppy has brown eyes. In the case of chocolate labs, check for brown or hazel eyes. Check to see how long its legs are; while a Labrador should have longer legs than a Dachshund, its legs should be shorter than a Husky. Purchase a dog genetics test, which will give you a specialized testing kit. Some DNA tests will look for genetic markers, while cheaper tests focus more on the different breeds. Tip: Try to keep the puppy from sharing food or playing rough with the other dogs, as this might hurt the integrity of the saliva sample. Package the saliva sample according to the instructions given by the company. Seal the envelope or package carefully, so the sample is completely secure while it travels to the lab. Generally, you can find the test results listed by breed, followed by a percentage; however, this might differ, depending on the company. If this is possible, use a cotton swab to collect saliva samples from 1 or both parents. Store these samples carefully, so you can send them to a professional company. Seal the envelope or package carefully to secure the sample, and keep it safe in transit. Go to source Seeing a CH or confirmation champion title on the pedigree certificate means that the dog is close to the ideals in the breed standard and is related to a dog that was able to win over other dogs at a show with at least 15 conformation points. Go to source A dog with this lineage can make a great candidate for showing. If your dog has documented parentage with the American Kennel Club, you can search their database and purchase a certificate that affirms this. You can also register your dog through the American Kennel Club once you have proof of their pedigree. Go to source Fees for pedigrees very depending on the type. This is a little bit of a testy area. People believe they have some little gimmick that will help them find the best pup in the litter. That does not mean that there is not some procedure that will help you get a Lab pup. There are some things that you can and should be doing if you are looking for a Labrador puppy. How to Identify a Good Labrador Puppy? These four steps will help you get the healthiest and happiest puppy possible. All you need to know to identify a good Labrador puppy. Everyone wants to get the best dog possible, and, if you ask, you will find that some people have definite opinion about how to identify a good Labrador puppy when you are looking at the litter. This is because there is only so much you can tell from genetics when you look at a group of puppies. Is a Labrador the Right Dog for You Before you worry about choosing the right Labrador puppy, you need to make sure that a Lab is going to fit into your family. There are so many things that go into providing the perfect home for a Labrador Retriever. Owning a dog is a big responsibility and not one that you should take upon yourself or your family lightly. Is your family ready for the challenge? One of the difficult things we have run into in our family is that I am not the only person that takes care of the dog. There are times when my family has to step in and help out with Lady. I have 7 children that love dogs. But, my wife does not. That has not been a little difficult for us. You need to do more than just identify a good Labrador puppy. It is important to make sure that your family is ready for a dog. As my children have gotten older, I have found that they are excellent helpers. A Labrador Retriever can become a serious burden on your relationships if you rush into a purchase. Is your home ready for a good Labrador puppy? Everyone knows that Labrador puppies are adorable. They may be in the top 5 cutest things on the earth. You can cuddle them, and your kids can carry them around or lead them on a leash. That does not last! A Labrador puppy will grow up and get bigger. Some people have suggested that if you live in an apartment there is no way for your to successfully raise a Labrador puppy. I totally disagree. I really think that there are things you can do if you want a Labrador and live in a confined space. There is no reason that you cannot find a good Labrador puppy that will thrive in your small home or apartment. I spent some time thinking about Retriever breeds in confined spaces and put together some ideas that will help you and your dog enjoy small spaces. Potty training a Retriever when you live in an apartment or a small house without a yard can be very difficult and time consuming. You are going to spend a lot of time carrying your dog to a place where she can relieve herself. Just plan on it. You also need to consider the kind of apartment and the people that you live around. Are they going to be as receptive to your Lab? Even if you identify a good Labrador puppy, some people are going to flip out the first time they hear it bark or whine. Also, make sure it is okay with your lease that you have a dog in your apartment or house if you are renting. Even best Lab or Golden Retriever will get you kicked out of a living space if the fine print forbids pets. Obviously, you have considered the fact that a grown Labrador or Golden Retriever will need a lot of exercise. So, before you purchase a good Labrador or Golden puppy, you have already committed yourself to several periods of exercise outside as the pup grows. Finally, finances matter when you identify a good Labrador puppy Finances are not as exorbitant as my wife thought they would be when I brought home my first dog. For the most part, if you identify a good Labrador puppy, you will have a dog that is healthy and only requires regular checkups and vaccinations. The big expense will be the food bill. If you go with the really expensive stuff, it will shoot up from there. Additionally, there are those unexpected costs that can blow a monthly budget. Just before Christmas last year, my 6-year-old Lab, Lady, was hit by a car. It was a horrible night for our family. She was not killed, but we knew that she was hurt really bad. I took her to the hour vet. Then, I had to pay for a follow up visit to a different vet. As a dog owner, you will have to prepare for those kinds of surprises. There are lots of other things to consider before you purchase a puppy. Dogs are a long-term, big-time commitment. Remember, Labradors live to be 10 to 14 years old. When you pick out your Labrador pup, you are making a commitment that lasts almost as long as your children will be in your house. Identify a good Labrador puppy that will fit in with everyone in your family. It will flip your considerations upside down and help you reevaluate where you are on getting a Lab puppy. They cannot see any good reason to purchase a new puppy. I know people that have adopted great dogs. It is easy if you do your homework first and find the right breeding pair of dogs. Once you have found the litter, it does not matter what puppy you pick. There are several tests that supposed-dog experts do before picking a dog. I learned that you consider the feet and the tail. Some people like to hold the dog on her back to see how much she fights back. There are a number of different strategies to try and decipher what dog is going to be the calmest or the best hunter. To be honest, those might tell you the finer points of the dog, but the real issue is the DNA that the dog starts with. So, research the parents of the litter. Ask questions about the parents that will help you get an idea of the gene pool your puppy comes from. You should definitely go see both parents and watch how they behave around new people, in the house, and out in the field. Look at how big they are and ask how much time they spend hunting only if you intend on hunting with your dog. Questions for the Breeder If you find the right breeder, most of the effort in trying to identify a good Labrador puppy is finished. Here are some other questions you should ask a Labrador Breeder if you want to find the best breeder and litter available: Are the sire and dam registered? Will I have full or partial registration can I breed the puppy myself? You may or may not have any desire to breed your dog later on, but I think you should still pay a little extra and get full breeding rights. I did not do this one time and the male ended up being a beautiful dog and an incredible hunter. But I could not do anything even when good, reputable breeders inquired about using him for a litter. You will pay a little more to get this, but it is worth it. Where will the puppies be raised until I get to take him home? How will the puppy be socialized before I bring him home? Socialization is a big deal. Although the mom will provide all the essential needs, your puppy needs to be around people, sights, and sounds. The more socialization your puppy gets before you pick him up, the easier the transition to your house will be. Will the puppy be up-to-date on vaccinations with the dew claws removed before I pick him up? This is a game-breaker. If the breeder does not remove the dew claws and take care of vaccinations, then he is not a breeder that you EVER want to do business with. In addition to the vaccination, a good breeder will also provide you with a schedule for future vaccinations. Do you breed other breeds besides the Labs? I prefer a breeder that sticks to one breed; someone that loves this breed. Sometimes you can find a reputable breeder that runs two breeds, but I would never go with someone that does more than that. How long have you been breeding Labs? How many litters has this female had before? This will give you an idea of how much experience the breeder has. Not to say that a first-timer cannot have good puppies. Everyone has to start somewhere. But, you can feel more confident with a breeder that has been around the block. If the dam has whelped previous litters, you can often find what those dogs look like today. Do you have official certificates of health for hips, elbows, and eyes? This is another must-have. Unfortunately, Labradors are known for having health problems—especially in the elbows, hips, and eyes. A good breeder, that really cares about her dogs, will make sure that her breeding stock does not have health issues that will be passed onto the puppies. How old does the puppy have to be before I can take him home? Most breeders will tell you between 8 and 12 weeks old. Your puppy has to be on dry food, but he also needs time with mom to learn lessons that will help him be successful at your house. Do you offer a health guarantee and a contract affirming that guarantee? Some really well-established breeders actually offer a health guarantee. You need to read the contract to see what exactly it entails, but it is great if you do get a dog that develops hip dysplasia early on in life. Will you give me the contact information for people that have purchased puppies from previous litters? This can give you an idea of the temperament of your dog as he gets older. You will also see potential physical attributes that you may, or may not, like in a dog. Would you be willing to take the dog back if my circumstances change and I cannot keep him? Heaven forbid anything change in your life that requires you to give up your dog, but it happens. Some breeders are willing, for the well-being of the dog to take the dog back and then place it in another home. Every breeder that offers this is a little different in how they do it. What requirements do you have of families and individuals that purchase your puppies? You want a breeder that has a list of expectations for anyone that is going to purchase one of their pups. This tells you that they are not just in this breeding business for the money. Meet the Prospective Parents Just like when you were dating, you learned a lot about your significant other the first time you went home to meet mom and dad. There is a reason why the invitation to come home was such a big deal. The same is true when you are trying to identify a good Labrador puppy. You want to see mom and dad. Seeing them on site will give you an idea of what physical features your puppy will likely develop. Will she have a big, square English Lab head, or is your puppy going to go the way of the slenderer American Labrador? You can see the colors—this is important especially with Yellows where there is a significant amount of variation from Fox Red to basically White. Hopefully, if your breeder has children, you can get an idea of how mom and dad act with children. Also, if you are going to do any hunting or AKC events with your Lab puppy, you should ask to see the parents do some retrieving. I like to ask for videos of the parents working a field if possible. If you are really lucky, and the breeder seems open to the idea, ask if you can follow him around on a training session or even a live hunt. That will give you a really good idea about the potential in this litter to help you identify a good Labrador puppy. After all, when you identify a good Labrador puppy, what you are really looking for is potential. You are now ready to identify a good Labrador puppy to take home. Step 4 is to simply close your eyes and grab one. Okay, that may be a little too simplified. But that is really about how simple it is. Lady and her litter of puppies. When you have great parents it is easy to identify a good Labrador puppy. Ask yourself if you are looking for a male or female. Some people believe that the gender will determine the temperament. I have seen some pretty high-strung females and mellow males. Whether you get a male or a female will depend on what you hope to do with the dog later on. If you are hoping to run AKC events, you will need to keep in mind that females in heat are not allowed to run the events. I have seen some sites suggest that you neuter or spay your puppy as soon as you can unless you are going to breed later on. If you want to see why I am so adamant about keeping your dog male and female intact until later in life, you need to read this article on the best age to neuter a Labrador. Does he seem confident? Is her coat shiny? Are his eyes bright and curious? Is she about the same size, bigger, or smaller than other pups in the litter? As you consider these various factors, keep in mind that every puppy in that litter came from the same gene pool. You have already put the work into finding the best gene pool possible. Once you have done that, then the intelligence and ability of the puppy is already in place. That is why I joke but kinda not that you can just close your eyes and pick one. There are so many things that you cannot predict even with all of the little tests that people try when they look at a puppy. The best Labrador I ever owned was the last pup left in a large litter. At least 8 other people looked at this Labrador puppy and chose a different pup. He ended up being the best dog in the litter. He was smart and obedient. He progressed through our training lessons extremely quickly. And, looking back, the choice was easy because there were no other puppies available. When you are trying to identify a good Labrador puppy, the early steps in the process are the most important. How do you pick a good Labrador puppy from a litter? Other characteristics include a moderately-sized muzzle, medium-sized and well-spaced eyes, and a thick and water-resistant coat. Physical Appearance And Features Breed standards may vary. As per the American kennel club, A labrador retriever should weigh about pounds. They should be .While dilute colors can be AKC registered, they are unacceptable in the show-ring business. Other physical traits include a dense, short coat, otter-like tail , broad skull, and kind eyes. How To Identify pure breed yellow lab 2. Personality And Temperament Labrador Retriever has a gentle personality. They like to cuddle and are loyal to their owners. These dogs love activities like fetch or swimming and are playful. However, temperament can vary depending on the individual dog. Some Labs may be more laid-back and easygoing, while others can be hyper. An aggressive labrador can be tamed with socialization. One common behavioral trait is their strong sense of wanderlust. If given the opportunity, these dogs run off searching for adventure. A secure fence or leash is needed when taking them outside. Overall, labs make wonderful family pets. They have high energy and make good working dogs and sporting dogs. No wonder they are the most popular breed of dogs. Their love for food can sometimes cause obesity. How To Identify pure bred labrador 3. Health Considerations Labrador Retrievers are generally healthy dogs but can still suffer from breed-specific issues. Some examples include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and progressive retinal atrophy PRA. DNA testing can detect genetic abnormalities that might not be visible yet. Another crucial health consideration is its nutrition and exercise requirements. Regular exercise helps burn off excess energy, which keeps them physically fit and mentally stimulated. Opt for high-quality dog food brands recommended by veterinarians. Avoid harmful additives or fillers that could harm its overall wellness. Researching The Breeder Reputable breeders are transparent about their breeding process. Ask for referrals from a fellow dog owner or veterinarian. Look out for red flags such as unresponsiveness or reluctance to let you visit their facilities. You can identify reliable breeders via the AKC directory. Conducting A Physical Examination Conducting a physical examination can help you identify potential red flags. It must have a sleek appearance. Eyes: The eyes of a purebred Labrador should be medium-sized. A chocolate or black lab typically has brown eyes, while yellow Labs may have lighter-colored eyes. Ears: The ears of a purebred Labrador should hang down close to the head and have a slightly rounded tip. Its color will depend on the color of its coat. Teeth: Check that all teeth have erupted properly by age. Body structure: Purebred Labradors should have an athletic build with well-proportioned muscles and limbs. They are suited for work in water or outfields. It is thick and tapers toward the tip. Behavior: Observe how the puppy plays and interacts with other puppies or older dogs. Genetic testing can reveal potential health issues like hip dysplasia early on so that preventative measures can be taken. A CH Conformation Champion on the certificate means the dog is close to the breed standards. However, they indicate potential health problems. Despite their unconventional coloring, some Lab variations, such as the Silver Lab and Fox Red Lab, are still considered purebreds. If the potential dogs look smaller than usual, it might point towards some degree of mixed-breed heritage. Labrador retrievers are the least aggressive dogs. Their behavior matches the cuddling kind. If a lab shows aggressive behavior, it may not be pure. An aggressive labrador is due to inadequate training and socialization. A responsible and reputable breeder should be open and transparent. Breeders must be able to answer whether they conduct genetic testing on their breeding dogs. This allows for better management. Ask for referrals from friends who have purchased a purebred Labrador. Ask for references and testimonials from prospective breeders. Ask if they have been screened for genetic disorders. Observe firsthand how the puppies behave and interact with each other. You can also assess whether they look healthy or not. During your visit, note how clean the breeding grounds are and whether or not they have access to food, water, and bedding materials. Breeders committed to producing healthy purebred Labradors always give OFA certification. Ask your breeder if they have conducted specific veterinary checks on the puppy. This includes checking for parasites like worms or fleas and ensuring the new puppy has received vaccinations. It means using both objective information alongside subjective feelings to make informed decisions. DNA tests or pedigree papers are the best ways to identify a pure labrador retriever. A visual evaluation is also beneficial, but you cannot depend on it entirely. How does a pure Labrador look like? If you see labrador retrievers with coat colors other than yellow, black, or chocolate, they are not purebred. A purebred lab can have a small white mark but nothing other than that. Do purebred Labs have white on them? The current breed standards are clear on what labrador retrievers should look like. However, some labs may not meet the breed standard. A mismark occasionally appears, indicating they are not purebred. A small white spot is acceptable, though. What is the difference between pure Labrador and Labrador? A purebred labrador adheres to the standard breed characteristics in terms of height, weight, coat color, temperament, etc. They may exhibit the same behavior with slight variations. How should a Lab puppy look? A lab puppy must have a strong build, broad skull, high energy, deep chest, etc. Their broad skull usually has a defined stop. They have powerful jaws of medium length. Their cheeks are not fleshy. What color eyes does a purebred Labrador have? Labrador eye colors should be brown yellow and black labs. Chocolate labs can have brown or hazel eyes. Some labrador retrievers can have green or greenish-yellow eyes. Silver labrador retrievers have gray eyes. Research is essential before purchasing a puppy from a litter. Enquire about their appetite, elimination, etc. Consider their health and pet parents before making a decision. About The Author Sarah Sheikh Labradors have an extraordinary capacity for love and companionship, and my mission is to help you unlock their full potential. Hi there! I'm Sarah, a proud contributor to Labradorandyou, the go-to online resource for all Labrador Retriever enthusiasts. As a lifelong owner and avid admirer of these remarkable dogs, I bring a wealth of knowledge and hands-on experience to our readers. One of my strongest beliefs is in the power of positive reinforcement training. I'm truly passionate about helping our readers build strong, positive relationships with their Labradors. Whether you're a first-time owner or a seasoned Labrador enthusiast, I aim to provide you with the resources and guidance to cultivate a bond that will endure a lifetime. Purebred dogs can be identified in three possible ways: Can you tell by looking? Purebred dog characteristics are not a certainty when it comes to identification. I have a steady stream of people coming to my forum, posting questions in the comments boxes at the foot of my articles, and writing emails to ask: is my dog purebred? The question is very often accompanied by photographs, or detailed descriptions of the characteristics of the dog. A visual assessment is what most of my readers are hoping I will give them when they send me photographs. So what exactly is a visual assessment of a purebred Labrador? Purebred Dog Characteristics A visual assessment of pedigree involves looking at a dog and comparing his appearance with the breed standard. This involves a detailed knowledge of the breed standard. Purebred Lab Breed Standard Breed standards vary slightly from one country to the next. So, here, we will just be focusing on the AKC breed standard. This standard says that a purebred Labrador Retriever should weigh between 55 and 80 pounds, growing to between .The three recognized colors are yellow, black, and chocolate. But, yellow is accepted in a variety of shades. Dilute colors and mismarks can be AKC registered but are disqualified from the show ring. I want to give you a couple of examples to illustrate the problems involved with this approach. She has a thin, whippy tail with an upwards curve, overlong ears and a long narrow face. These features, combined with her ginger coat mean that very few people recognize her as a Labrador at all. I have been asked if she is a Vizsla cross, a Lab x Greyhound, and other unlikely combinations. In fact this purebred Labrador Retriever has an impeccable pedigree full of noble ancestors with famous names. But if someone made a visual assessment from a photo of her, unless they were familiar with working line Labs, they might well put her down as a crossbreed. The father is a show line lab, and his looks have dominated in this particular dog. A visual assessment would wrongly put him in the purebred category when he is actually no such thing. Mixed breeds like this can inherit any blend of traits from their parents. Are Visual Assessments Any Good? I hope you can see from these examples how worthless visual assessments usually are. While I can point out that your dog may have faults that will eliminate him from the show ring, I cannot possibly tell you whether or not he is purebred by looking at him. Purebred Dog Colors Can you tell if you have a purebred black Lab or a purebred chocolate Lab from their color alone? Unfortunately the answer here is no. So, a mixed breed could easily have a solid coat in one of these colors. Do purebred Labs have white on them? The current Labrador breed standard is very clear on what a purebred Labrador should look like. But not all Labradors meet that standard. But equally a mismark can occur in purebred Labrador Retriever puppies too. Common Lab Mismarkings Big white chest patches are fairly common in mismarked Labs. It is even possible to get a purebred Labrador with tan points like a rottweiler or patches of brindle fur. These types of puppies are genetic accidents and the puppies are usually sold as pets to owners who appreciate their unusual friend. Purebred Dog Pedigree Papers If you buy a purebred dog, the breeder should give you the registration document with the names of both parents. Most breeders will also give you a copy of the pedigree which lists the ancestors of those parents, together with any titles they may have, back through five generations. Pedigree Papers Have Limitations If you have the correct pedigree papers, then your puppy is probably a purebred dog. I say probably because there is room for dishonesty with this system. It is possible for a dishonest stud dog owner to mate his female dog to one stud dog and register the puppies to another. Which brings us to our final method, DNA identification. There are various laboratories offering this service. The laboratory will examine the sample you send in. This greatly reduces the chances of your dog being cross bred. Ask to see the registration documents! Do not accept any excuses, your breeder must have registered the litter in order for you to be able to register your puppy. Meet the mother and make sure that you like the way she looks. There is always another litter. Let someone else who loves unusual markings buy that puppy. It is possible to find a purebred black Lab with white markings, or a purebred chocolate Lab with brindling. After Buying Your Purebred Puppy Once you have purchased your puppy try not to worry about whether or not he is purebred. Remember that many purebred dogs have mismarks or poor conformation, so if you have pedigree papers for him, he is probably purebred no matter what he looks like. Try to ignore any other people that criticize your purebred dog, or try to convince you he is not a purebred. After all, the most important thing is that your dog is happy, healthy, and a great addition to your family. Even in modern days, the Labrador boasts the thick, sometimes wiry coat that helped its ancestors to stay warm when fowling in the freezing Canadian sea. Due to this selective breeding, the Labrador breed still retains many of the characteristics that made the dog a valuable asset: vigor, strength and powerful love for retrieval. Labradors come in three main variants: chocolate, yellow and black. Though there are many differing opinions on the defining characteristics and traits of each type of Labrador, generally the chocolate lab is seen as a bit of a lush with an affinity for the show ring. The yellow lab is famously the first choice as a guide dog for the blind, and the black lab frequents television and movies as an astute hunter and birding dog. There are many things to consider prior to making the leap into Labrador ownership, however; as with any new pet, the responsibilities associated with owning a vivacious dog like a lab cannot be understated. Labrador retrievers are excellent companions for many living situations, including both single owners and large families with children. However, it should always be a decision that involves every member of the family; agreeing to adopt a Labrador is no small undertaking. These dogs are intelligent, high-energy and can be therefore difficult to train. Is the entire family on board with the challenges that come with a puppy? The issue of any other family pets that will be affected should also be given as much importance as kids. Therefore proper socialization is absolutely necessary when bringing a new dog home, and should be researched and undertaken properly to avoid any unneeded bumps along the road. If there is a suspicion that there may be undue prey-seeking behavior or that another pet may be endangered, the correct actions must be taken to prevent this, even if it means re-homing a pet or reconsidering your new puppy. Puppies are well known for their boundless energy and playful spirits, but Labradors are another thing altogether. Through many years of selective breeding, the Labrador has become well known as one of the most energetic dog breeds available, and the puppies are no different. One of the most important things to consider when adding a canine member to the family, regardless of its breed, is the space available for a young dog to roam and exercise. Labradors are generally considered a bad fit for apartments due to their energy levels and occasional fondness for chewing when bored, however, even if your family does not have a few acres for your new family member to run, as long as your puppy will receive exercise in some form or another any situation can accommodate a Labrador. Another important characteristic of the Labrador to take note of is their sense of wanderlust; they are known to be trusting of strangers and curious of new smells, and therefore wandering off can be a real danger. Fences are an excellent way to discourage this type of behavior, although in absence of this a watchful owner, adequate training and a long leash can suffice to prevent escape. Any new pet can be expensive, but Labradors can be prone to many extra expenses that should be taken into consideration before taking the plunge on a purchase. Apart from the normal costs of new dog ownership, including microchipping, vaccinations, collars, leashes, food and boarding where necessary, Labradors also demand an extra level of expenditure to make sure they live long, healthy and happy lives. Veterinary bills can also be steep, venturing into the thousands sometimes for various ailments. It is important to ask the breeder from which you plan to purchase your new Labrador retriever what sorts of medical issues have arisen previously in that particular line, what can be done to prevent their exacerbation, and how best to identify the symptoms to best head the conditions off. Finding a Reliable Breeder Will Save You on Medicines, Food, and Training Finding a reputable breeder with experience in the Labrador retriever breed will make the transition from the dam to home much easier and more comfortable for both dog and owner. Gleaning information from the breeder can help to lessen the cost for things like training and veterinary treatments down the line. A breeder should always be the front line defense for any preventable or hereditary issue. They can also be an invaluable resource on the subjects of food and training; most breeders have experience in both providing adequate nutrition for their dogs to maintain health and longevity and also how to properly train based on requirements and characteristics unique to the breed. Taking tips and suggestions from a breeder can save time and money on professional training programs and less healthy commercially available food. Questions to Ask Your Shortlisted Breeder The most difficult task involved in choosing where your Labrador will come from is selecting a breeder. There are scores of breeders who are active in most countries in North America and elsewhere, and a quick web search or a visit to a breed-specific website is a great place to begin. As with any business, all breeders are not created equal; therefore it is important to take some time and investigate each one before choosing the best fit. Some breeders do not recognize hygienic or safe environments for their litters, and many will falsify information in order to prey on the uninformed or inexperienced. Often a visit to the facility or home of the breeder is a good way to differentiate between the predatory or dishonest breeders from those who are honest, forthcoming and diligent regarding the health and quality of their lines. Once a breeder is chosen, there are several questions that can be asked to ensure that you go home with a puppy who is healthy, happy and bound for success: Will the parents get registered? What rights will I own on the puppy? If a breeder is reputable and breeding Labradors for confirmation or agility as well as pets, most, if not all, the dogs that the breeder owns, including dams and sires, will be registered with the AKC or one of its constituent. This provides information on specific bloodlines and guarantees that your new dog is indeed a purebred Labrador. The paperwork on such animals should be readily available for inspection and verification prior to purchasing a pup. Many breeders will try to retain breeding rights or a certain number of litters, or demand that you refrain from spaying or neutering if your Labrador will be a pet only. If this is a source of discomfort, the best time to say so is prior to purchasing when arrangements can still be made. What kind of socialization and environment puppy get during his breeding time? Labradors are social animals, and their socialization should start young; much like human children, their earliest environmental and social exposure will go a long way toward determining what kind of dog he or she will grow into someday soon. Another good indicator is the behavior of the adult dogs in the facility. Are they skittish or nippy? Do they seem frightened of interaction both from dogs and humans alike? When in doubt, always trust your instinct! Can you get the vaccinations chart which shall be given to the puppy? Puppies get their first vaccinations around the age of four to six weeks and will receive frequent boosters and shots until they leave their mothers at the age of twelve to fourteen weeks. Therefore in most cases, when a puppy is purchased from a breeder, many of the necessary shots have already been administered. However, it is important to note any continuing needs for further vaccinations and booster until your dog is old enough to go a year or two between necessary shots. A reputable breeder will provide you with a chart or a list of the prior vaccines, what type of prevention and when the next ones are needed in an easy to read format. Keeping your dog healthy does not end in adulthood, but it certainly begins before then. If no vaccinations have been administered or notated, this can be a red flag. Distemper, parvo, and rabies are deadly to Labradors and easily contracted, though very preventable. What all other breeds are handled by the breeder? Not all professional breeders specialize in a single breed of dog. Many experienced breeders will have experience in many different types, which seems to be a natural result of gaining experience in the field and branching out. If the number of breeds currently being kept in a single facility is too high, or if there are too many different types of dogs, this can bode ill. What is the experience of the breeder in breeding Labs? Any major cases or complaints? While many breeders have been at the game for long enough to be able to differentiate between the traits of a good dog and one who will run into issues later in life, some breeders are still wetting their feet in the art of breeding dogs. Labradors in particular, due to their popularity, seem to be an easy target in the creation of puppy mills, or facilities who breed dogs only for the financial gain that it entails. Moreover, careless breeding between two-parent dogs with serious health issues can perpetuate those problems into later generations, causing a much bigger issue with dogs who continue to fall ill to the same problems. The AKC can be a valuable resource in the selection process, due to its exquisite record-taking track record and capacity for suggestions and comments. Will you provide the initial instructions on how to handle the puppy and his pet supplies for the initial days? When purchasing a Labrador puppy, the prospect can seem overwhelming. There are so many specifics and rules to owning a young dog, including which supplies you will need, how initial training will go and what to expect from your new family member in the first few days. Tips for keeping your new Labrador puppy happy and comfortable while adjusting to his or her new digs is key to starting a new life together as smoothly as possible. Ask for testimonials and references for getting feedback from previous buyers? When we want to try out a new restaurant, where do we go first? Yelp, of course, or a similar place where we can see firsthand experiences and reviews. Again, a breeder is a business owner, so this should be a no-brainer for them; the better the service, product and plan of care, the happier his or her customers will be, making them not only likely to purchase again but also to rave about the quality of the services they received. Many breeders keep details on every puppy sold, so this should not be an issue unless the breeder has a great deal of negative feedback to hide. Is there any refund in case of fraud or insurance of any kind for the purchase? The puppy may not get along with the family cat, perhaps, or maybe a startling health problem manifests itself, such as seizures or signs of distemper. This also gives the buyer some peace of mind if there is suspicion of fraud occurring during the transaction, such as a promise of delivering the puppy personally once the payment is rendered, or raising the price abruptly. Documentation with witnesses can help alleviate the concerns of both parties and keep the transaction simple and to the point, therefore beneficial for everyone, including the puppy. Any special processing or agreement for the new owners who adopt the puppy? Again, many breeders will sell their puppies with a litany of stipulations circling around which benefits and rights cease and which persist after the puppy is purchased and taken away from the facility. Many times this has to do with breeding rights, be it a litter with the first pick of a puppy or a siring of their choosing later on. Documenting these quid pro quos is very much advisable even if the agreements seem fairly simple and straightforward, and witnesses to such an agreement can also help to keep everyone honest. Sometimes the temperament and physical skills are also passed down to the progeny. This is especially important if there are plans to use your Labrador in confirmation or agility, as both these sports require a great deal of talent; most of this talent will come from hard work and training, but not all of it. If the personalities or temperament of either parent strikes you as unbecoming, it may be a good idea to walk away and find another breeder. There are many criteria to remember when choosing your new friend; would you like a black lab? A yellow lab? Perhaps a chocolate lab? Are you looking for a companion or a sporting dog? Would a high-energy animal fit better into your household than a calm one? The best way to see if the fit is right is to bring the family to the ceremony of choosing your Labrador. Meeting each individual puppy can be useful in gauging how their personality seems to be, but just as important is observing how the pup behaves among his or her siblings. Does he or she seem like the most dominant personality there, jumping on the other puppies and causing a ruckus? Or is he or she more reserved, sticking to the outskirts of the commotion and seeming much more interested in the humans? An affinity for cuddles, or a more aloof puppy? There are many options to consider, but in more situations than not, your puppy will choose you. As dog parents, you may have personal reasons for preferring purebred Labs and you want to know as much as you can about your furry family member. In this article, we tell you all you need to know to determine if a Labrador is purebred. The Embark dog DNA kit helps ascertain everything about your pet, so you can provide them with the right mix of nutrition, environment and lifestyle, and help them live a long and healthy life. We can see traits of the different breeds in our pup. It is a wonderful tool to learn about the puppy, what to expect from a breed and how to train. Knowing what our dog is, is a great tool!!! Sarah H Collecting the dog spit was easier than I expected and the results came back pretty soon. Mikayla P Great customer service! I got the results within 17 days. We were kept updated every step of the way. I got a lot more than what I paid for. Buy Now Visual Assessment Firstly, specific visual standards must be met for a dog to be considered a purebred Labrador retriever. The American Kennel Club sets these criteria. Black Labs have to be entirely black, while chocolate Labradors should fall within the range from light to pure dark brown. Yellow Labs have more flexibility because light cream to fox red is still acceptable hues and will not disqualify them. Do purebred Labs have white markings? White markings on the coat are still acceptable, but they should be small. Unfortunately, brindles, color markings, or color panels are causes for disqualification, especially if the Lab is already fully grown. Coat Your Labrador should have a slightly dense, short, and straight waterproof coat to be considered purebred. The exterior coat should be a bit stiff when you touch it, whereas the undercoat should be soft. Silky and wooly undercoats are not acceptable. Weight Range Considered as medium-sized dogs, standard purebred Labrador retrievers are naturally athletic, weighing between 55 to 70 pounds with a height of .Any measurement beyond these dimensions is outside the set standards of the AKC. Tail Structure The traditional tail of a purebred Labrador retriever is thick, and it tapers towards the end. Unlike the other retriever breeds, Labs have minimal to no feathering on their tails. Yellow and black Labradors usually have black noses while chocolate Labradors have brown noses. The only exceptions are Dudley Labradors who retain their pink noses throughout their life. Natural Instincts The Labrador retriever was originally bred to look for waterfowl for hunters. This breed has a powerful instinct to retrieve, run through overgrown terrain, and swim in the water. They also have impressive athletic and physical skills, making them excellent working dogs. Also Read: Types of Labradors Conformation Standards Labrador retrievers have a trademark broad head, naturally floppy ears, and expressive eyes. They have a strong build with a well-balanced conformation that makes them one of the best retrieving gun dogs. One of their most distinctive features is their webbed feet. The skin between their toes, together with their ottered tails, helps them when swimming. Do you want to know how long do purebred Labs live? They have a relatively long lifespan, at an average of 12 years. This is why most owners and breeders opt for a second and even third method for accuracy and documentation. Pedigree Papers Secondly, another way to identify if your Lab is purebred or not is through its pedigree document. Your reputable, AKC-registered breeder should hand this certificate to you on the day you bring your puppy home. There are many dishonest breeders out there, and a certificate is not enough to ensure that your Lab is purebred. DNA Test Lastly, given the reality that even pedigree certifications are not foolproof, there is a final method for identifying a purebred Labrador: DNA testing. You can have your Lab undergo a DNA test through local laboratories offering this service. Also, there are test kits that you can purchase online. DNA testing is the most accurate way to determine if your Labrador is purebred. You can get a sample from your dog in two ways. One is a simple swab on the cheek, and the other is through blood collection. The results will show how closely the parents and ancestors correlate to the set standards of the breed. Labradors are friendly, intelligent, gentle, and even-tempered.

View our accreditations descriptions Good morning Bryce and Gina, I want to let you know how the chocolate chunk has been doing and send an updated picture! Moose is also excellent at sitting on command. Hope all is well with you and your family! Emily T. From the start you all were very caring and informative. You have prepared us well for our long journey ahead with our baby boy Oakley A. A Tucker. I want to thank you for always being there to answer all my questions and the pictures you would send our way, it always brought a smile to my face. It has been 3 days since my children A. It was worth a million to see there reactions and smiles, Oakley greeted them all happy and with so much love. On our drive back we actually were afraid we left him in San Antonio lol not once did he make a sound. He gives us so much love that its so easy to give it back. He only has had 2 accidents since arriving both our faults, and he has slept through out the whole night after the first day. The first day he just woke us up twice to go potty but went back to sleep. At the vet he got checked and they said he was perfect and amazing. They were so in love with him. The vet said he was so well taken care of and it showed, we did credit it all to welcome home labs. Today he started his obedience training lessons at home and the trainer was amazed to see such a well tempered labrador. She was actually speechless as she saw how well he obeyed commands already. So thank you again for giving us our newest family addition and we only hope we can give him as much love as you have given him and that he deserves. We will keep in touch. Thank you, Angel, Jolyn, A. This is a dream come true. I have always loved labs. I have done my research on the breed and I knew what I wanted. Welcome Home Labs has fulfilled that and then some. From the first day, it has been a pleasure getting to know you. You took the time to match me with a puppy that would fit with what I was looking for. You gave me an option. I promise to take good care of Monroe. She is already loved. I know she will be an awesome addition to my family. She will have a big fall with a few planned hunting trips for grouse at the shack, then Iowa for a pheasant hunt, and ending the fall with a duck hunt. These will be short trips, just to get her started. Aside from hunting, she is going to join Karney in being a family pet. I have a feeling my bed is going to get very crowded this year. I will send pictures to update you on her progress. I would recommend your kennel to anyone looking for a good experience and a beautiful Lab. Please, enjoy these cookies. A big thank you to your kids for loving on my little girl. I will let you know when we get back to International Falls. Both my husband and I grew up with dogs and our families are all dog lovers. Our favorite has always been the Labrador Retriever. When we moved to the country in , we had 2 black Labradors. One was a stray and the other my husband found while hunting in the woods, cold and alone. They lived to be 13 and 15 years old but sadly died only 6 months apart. We were heartbroken but knew we had to fill our lives again with another Labrador. This time we decided, since we had a choice, to bring home a Yellow Labrador. We wanted to keep the memories of our black Labs, and start with a new, different color. After doing much research, we found the perfect dog. We were fortunate to meet Charlie Tolkien from Goldberry Labradors. His knowledge and mentorship has been invaluable over the years. He is retired now but our Goldberry lines will go on for many years to come! The blocky head and muscular build of the English style Labrador is a very desirable look. Our clients always tell us, they get compliments everywhere they go. This combination made for an amazingly calm and mellow pet. We breed for health, temperament, and looks. Carefully choosing our pairings to ensure all 3 qualities. Also, specializing in the lightest color of English, Yellow Labrador. We are a very small hobby breeder, only 1 or 2 litters per year. We have no outside or inside kennels for our Labradors. Our Labs have a very large corral when they want to go outside to run and play safely, and a lake for additional exercise and fun. Though they spend most of their time on the furniture, lounging! The whelping box is literally in the middle of our living room, and someone is there to watch them every minute. From the whelping box, they move to a large playpen after a couple of weeks to give mom and pups more room until they are old enough to ween, walk, and play. They are weighed daily and closely watched to be sure every little one is eating well and growing every day. Their temperature is taken daily and monitored to be sure they are properly digesting their milk. When the puppies are 3 to 4 weeks old, they are moved to the kitchen where they get full exposure to the sounds and smells of family life and have room to play. During this time, we teach them to go outside after meals and when they wake from slumber. Our Labrador puppies are almost fully potty trained when they are 8 weeks old and ready to go to their forever homes. Our Labradors, every single one of them, are members of our family. They are loved and spoiled until the day they go to Heaven. We do not breed before doing OFA health testing after 2 years of age and stop when our reproductive Vet recommends that we do so. Remember, we are a very small hobby breeder, so you may have to wait up to a year for your Labrador puppy. You MUST look at our gallery page, puppy videos, and information on our site. You too will fall in love with our Yellow Labrador Retrievers! You may learn why so many of our clients have 2 of our dogs in their family and will always come back to us for their next family member. All Rights Reserved.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links. Take back control of their behavior using these quick and easy solutions to stop German Shepherd biting that actually works. Even better, have a set of toys that are only used when you want to engage in play with your puppy. Hide these toys in a basket or box after your game of play. This makes them extra special. They are under your control and your dog must give them back to you. Special toys are more fun for your pup to bite than you. When in doubt of what special toy your dog likes, choose from this specially-curated list of what toys German Shepherds love for interactive toy ideas to keep your dog entertained. Say OUCH! When your pup bites you, say OUCH firmly. This simple technique catches the attention of many puppies when done correctly and can train a German Shepherd puppy to not bite you. You could also make a YIP sound instead, just like their little brother and sisters would make a yipping noise when playing too rough. If they continue to bite and nip, say OUCH again and then get up immediately and leave the room for a few moments. You may return to play but keep repeating this simple process until they learn to keep their teeth on their toys. This will only encourage them to continue their unwanted behavior. Use Puppy-Safe Partition Gates Only use pet-safe partition gates that are high enough to prevent your German Shepherd from jumping over. If your pup bites you aggressively when you and your family walk past you, then use an exercise pen or this German Shepherd-sized pet safe partition gate to contain them. Only use pet-safe partition gates that are high enough to prevent and discourage your German Shepherd from jumping over to continue to try and bite you. Use the items during busy times in your home to keep your dog calm and out of areas that might increase their excitement and biting and nipping you. Puppies tend to bite and chew when their teeth are coming in. They do this to relieve the pain and help soothe themselves. Freeze a durable large Kong with their favorite treats and kibble and have them on hand for times when your dog is acting out and biting you. Give them a Kong to gnaw on and bring icy relief to their gums. Plus, chewing has been shown to help relax and calm dogs. Redirections are actions that keep your pup from engaging in unwanted behavior by showing them appropriate behavior. For example: When your dog nips you, find their teething toy to bite instead. When your dog jumps on you to bite your hands or ankles, look around for a Kong to give to them to bite on. Squeaky toys like this toy that continues to squeak , even after a puncture, are ideal to distract your dog from your hand to another object. These toys differ from their special toys mentioned above because these redirection toys are ones you leave out for your pup to chew most of the time. So, be sure to have them nearby! Use Daily Leadership Skills How many times a day do you teach your German Shepherd to listen to you and offer them leadership? Use daily interactions as an effective way of teaching your dog about leadership. Have them sit before you take them for a walk or exiting a door. Ignore them altogether. Only offer them interaction and come back to them when they show you calming behaviors. Our dogs love our attention. And German Shepherds crave it! An overfed dog that is under-exercised may display destructive behaviors because of boredom and lack of energy needs being met. Get up off the couch and go outside for a walk and sniff party. Low impact activities and free-running off-leash running are best. Choose from a list of fun and gentle, age-appropriate German Shepherd puppy exercises to keep your pup healthy and better behaved. Stop roughhousing with your dog before it frustrates them. Use appropriate, puppy-safe toys instead of play sessions. This way, your pup can bite the toy instead of your fingers, hands, or arms. You may also stress out your GSD by engaging them rough of play. For your pup to either keep up with the play or stop you from too rough play, they may bite you! From day one, avoid play that involves mouthing or teeth on the skin. Use toys to provide your dog a way they can bite to release their energy… Without nipping you! And this game is great because it teaches your dog a necessary life skill. Practice the game: multiple times a day for 2 to 3 minutes at a time Your pup learns impulse control during the game and this transfers over to their ability to stop themselves from biting you. Read below for the easy-to-follow directions. If your dog gets too worked up and then bites, then teach them this Rev Up and Cool Down game. After a few running steps and before your pup gets too excited, stop running and walk slowly. Keep moving slowly until your dog also slows down. When you see them slow down, take a few more steps calmly and peacefully. Continue with steps one through three. Each time your dog should slow down sooner and quicker. If your puppy knows any of these basic German Shepherd commands , incorporate those commands to make the training more interesting and fun. The link above will also easily explain how to teach over ten commands! The point of the Rev Up and Cool Down game is to teach them to settle and stay calm without nipping and biting you. You need to keep your pup exercised, mentally stimulated, and show them what calming behavior is. Be fair and understanding. A Shepherd is a joy to own when given the direction they desire and the commitment they need. Found this helpful? Share it! She has a Bachelor of Science degree, with Honors, and has been training dogs for over a decade. Related Posts. German Shepherd puppies , like all puppies, go through a teething phase, and their biting behavior can continue until they are around 4 to 6 months old when their adult teeth have fully grown in. But how do you get German Shepherd puppies to stop biting, and when should you seek out more help? We dive into everything that you need to know here. German Shepherds are herding dogs, and as such, they love to go after anything that moves. This could be cats, kids, hands, fingers, or just about anything else. The more they get away with it, the more acceptable the behavior seems in the future. Addressing the problem early and consistently is vital. Just like babies need something to chew on when their new teeth are coming in, your German Shepherd needs something too! First, it stops when they get their adult teeth. Second, if you try to redirect them to something that they can chew on, most German Shepherd puppies are receptive. At this time, they should have all their adult teeth, which means no more teething to worry about. But at least you know the root of the problem and can start implementing the necessary strategies to address it. Instead, get them a few chew toys, bones, and other acceptable things to chew on as they teethe. You can also throw a few of these toys in the fridge or freezer to cool them down, and this will offer even more relief for your pup when they need it! While there are plenty of techniques to try, we recommend redirection and positive reinforcement. The method is simple. If and when they start chewing on the toy or other appropriate object, give them praise. German Shepherds love to please their owners, so this is typically an effective way to train your puppy. Therefore, you should have levels of concern. If they are still chewing and nipping at the 9-month mark, you should seek obedience training or talk to a vet to see what you can do. So, get on it early and often, and stick with it! Because with just a little work and dedication you can get your German Shepherd puppy to stop biting in no time. Check Price on Amazon 4. Use Positive Reinforcement Positive reinforcement means giving something pleasant to your German Shepherd when they perform what you want them to do so that they learn to associate the correct behavior with the reward. The more this is repeated, they will remember and do it more often. The reward is a reinforcing motivation. In the above example of redirecting your GSDs biting to a chew toy, once he accepts the toy and starts to chew or play with it, you then offer lots of enthusiastic verbal praise and reward with a treat. Again, timing is important, and this must be done instantly so that your German Shepherd will recognize or associate his behavior with the correct action. You can give other rewards, but these may be more suited to older pups, adolescent dogs, or adults. Alternatives could be giving them a special toy, playing their favorite game, such as fetch, or taking them on their favorite walk. Always use lots of verbal praise in parallel to the reward you choose. You will, no doubt, soon get to learn where your dog prefers to be pet. Go here for more guidance on where to pet your German Shepherd. This is also useful when your German Shepherd starts to put his mouth around your possessions or furniture, ready to have a good gnaw! Using a time-out can effectively discipline a German Shepherd for biting and other undesirable behaviors. A great way to do this is to grab their collar, push their bum down, and make them sit. The idea is that your German Shepherd will quickly learn to associate that the fun stops when his nipping starts! As always, timing is critical, so your pup learns what he has done wrong at the precise moment. For very young puppies, you should only put them in time-out for a few seconds, between 7 and 10, and no longer than 30 seconds. At the end of the time-out, redirect your pup back to play and use lots of verbal praise or offer a training treat for good onward behavior. You must time the click at the exact moment your pet is doing what you want to reinforce. If you quickly reward your dog with a positive experience such as a treat, he will soon learn to associate the noise of the click with great things. The idea is that you condition your German Shepherd so that when he hears the sound of the clicker, he knows he has done something to please you. In the case of puppy biting, we are simply rewarding the puppy for choosing not to bite. You can achieve this by using the distraction technique described above. When the puppy makes the right choice and starts to bite on his chew toy, he hears the click and gets his treat. Look out for other symptoms such as drooling more than usual, bad breath, loss of appetite, or sneezing. If you are consistent and patient with your methods, you will achieve great results. Be firm but fair, which also helps to strengthen the loving bond between you and your dog. It leads to fear, avoidance, hurt feelings, guilt, stress, anxiety, and lack of trust. Owners should use positive reinforcement methods as much as possible. In another year-long study by the University of Pennsylvania, researchers found that using confrontational or aversive methods to teach aggressive dogs did not work. The dogs continued to be aggressive until the training methods were changed. The same study found that punishing techniques and dominance-based training, such as hitting or kicking, growling, or yelling at your dog, can cause aggression, as stated by Meghan E. An even more recent study in companion dogs suggests that using even mild punishments like yelling and leash-jerking can stress dogs out more than dogs taught using reward-based training. This stress causes negative consequences and poorer welfare. Alpha rolling is a controversial and outdated technique that physically puts your dog on his back or side in a submissive position to show that you are dominant or the Alpha. This old-fashioned technique is a form of positive punishment and was often used to house-train pups. Many people will have used this method decades ago without success, but at the time, they believed it was the right thing to do. For a positive punishment to work, the problem is that it has to be administered during or immediately after the act within 2 -3 seconds ; otherwise, the dog will not make the connection. Sometimes puppies naturally get over-excited and overtired. When this happens, instead of using the crate as a punishment, lure him into the crate with a treat offering lots of praise and letting him go down for a nap. If you feel sorry for your German Shepherd after disciplining him, you must never reward him out of guilt. Again, this only confuses your dog. Remember to be firm but fair. While a muzzle can prevent your dog from biting, it is not a solution to the underlying behavior issue. Muzzling your German Shepherd without addressing the root cause of their biting can lead to further behavioral problems and may even make the situation worse. Is it ever too late to discipline a German Shepherd for biting? It is never too late to discipline a German Shepherd for biting, but it may take more time and effort to modify their behavior if the biting has become a habit. Start with identifying the root cause and then take the guidance of an expert to set boundaries and train better to eradicate unwanted behavior. Final Thoughts Puppy biting is natural in all dogs. However, you now know the importance of disciplining your German Shepherd as soon as he starts to exhibit biting, nipping, and chewing behavior and how to do it. This is especially important with the German Shepherd breed as they quickly grow into big strong dogs. That could end in disaster for all concerned. No matter what you are teaching your German Shepherd, try to train him when young; 8 weeks old is a great time to start. Make sure you properly socialize him and give him lots of exercise and training will be much easier. Related Posts You May Like:. Puppies Have you ever reached down to play with a German Shepherd puppy, only to have that adorable little fur-ball pierce your skin with its razor-sharp puppy teeth? When I brought Allie into the family, she was fully in the German Shepherd puppy biting phase — so that first month was tough! Unfortunately, biting is an inevitable phase of puppyhood — it comes with the territory when you decide to be a puppy parent. My goal with this guide is to get you through the biting stage with as few battle scars as possible. Why do German Shepherd Puppies Bite? Up until this time, your puppy was with its littermates, and playtime meant lots of mouthy, nipping fun. Accordingly, this is the only way your GSD knows how to play! A German Shepherd puppy also uses their mouths to explore different things like toys — or hands, ankles, furniture… pretty much anything they can get their mouth around. Your puppy could also be teething, which can increase their mouthy behavior. Just be patient as you work through the German Shepherd puppy biting phase — give your pup time to learn to be gentle when playing or seeking your attention. Nothing is worse than an ankle-biter! I was very lucky not to have this problem with Allie. Why does your German Shepherd puppy target the ankles? Because your GSD is a working dog trying to do its job — herd you around the house like livestock. German Shepherds were originally bred for herding flocks of sheep. Your furry pal may also think heel nipping is just a really fun game. Using a toy as a distraction and keeping your pup active will help nip ankle nipping in the bud! Because she was too busy biting hands! There are lots of reasons why a pup may decide to start biting your hands. For one, good things treats, toys, love, attention come from hands. Also, hands are almost like swinging toys from the perspective of a playful pup — too enticing to pass up! How to Discourage Biting Behavior While the German Shepherd puppy biting phase is a rite of passage, there are some ways you can discourage bad biting behavior without harsh discipline. This is one of the most effective ways to teach your German Shepherd bite inhibition — or how to be gentle with her teeth. Think about when your pup was rolling and playing with their brothers and sisters — if your GSD was too rough, their sibling would let out a yelp. This trick worked great with Allie! Just make sure to be consistent until your pup gets the idea and learns to master the power of her jaws. Puppies will be puppies! Redirect the biting to an appropriate toy. For example, when your fuzzy friend latches onto your ankles, give a little puppy-like yelp, and then whip out a toy and encourage your dog to chew on that instead. Tug-of-war is the perfect game for the puppy biting phase. Socialize your puppy as much as possible. Other dogs are great at teaching your puppy that they playing too rough and biting too hard. Try a deterrent to prevent your dog from chewing or biting. If all else fails, there are lots of products designed to deter your dog from bad biting behavior. How do they work? Well, they taste awful. But if used correctly, they can definitely work. This is still attention — your puppy bites, your puppy gets attention. Otherwise, your pup may see this as a fun new game, kind of like tug-of-war but with your hands or feet as the toy. You want your furball to love playing with you! The goal here is to encourage your German Shepherd to play as much as ever but to play gently. As a pup, Allie thought she should greet everyone by jumping in their face and nipping — kind of like a kiss hello, but with teeth. And as she got bigger, it was harder to control. But trust me, it got old quickly. Be proactive. If I knew someone was coming over, I would put Allie in another room or in her crate. Once our visitor was in the house and the initial excitement had passed, I would let her out. By keeping her from greeting people right when they walked through the door, I could minimize her overzealous behavior. This is a simple command that teaches your dog to stay in her place until you give a release command. This is another way to allow the initial excitement to pass and your German Shepherd to calm down a bit before greeting anyone. Redirect attention to a toy like I talked about earlier. Fold your arms and turn away. Keep turning until your GSD stops jumping, then praise them and use a treat as a reward. What to Do If Biting Becomes Aggressive Although puppy mouthing is normal, there can be cases where biting can signal problems and possibly even aggression. Look for physical differences in your pup. If your puppy is having a moment of aggression, their body may stiffen when snarling, and bites will typically be more painful than during regular play. Also, if your GSD puppy is biting out of fear or frustration, you may need to take action. These types of behavior are not something your pup will just grow out of. While the biting phase will inevitably end, you may find yourself asking the infamous question — when do German Shepherds calm down!? I asked myself and our vet this question more than once! It honestly just depends. Sure, she had her calm moments thanks in part to her training , but she was still very hyper especially in more excitable moments. The type of German Shepherd dog is yet another variable that plays a role in its energy levels. So when do German Shepherds calm down? It really depends on your individual German Shepherd. Final Thoughts Unfortunately, the German Shepherd puppy biting phase is something all GSD puppy owners will go through, but it will pass. Try the tips above to help keep your sanity during this phase. Or any tips to help the rest of us? Please share! Hopefully, we will have the answers to all of your questions in this guide. But, all that cuteness quickly disappears when the biting phase starts. Puppy biting is normal in all breeds, including the German Shepherd. And, luckily, we have some great tips and tricks to minimize the painful biting period. In fact, it could have a number of causes. Here are a few of the most common reasons, in a little more detail. Teething One reason why puppies of all breeds may bite is teething. This stage often starts at around 3 or 4 months of age — only a few weeks after your puppy will arrive at their new home. Luckily, it only takes a few months for your puppy to have their full set of adult teeth. So, biting from teething is not permanent. If your puppy is biting or chewing because of teething, you may notice other symptoms like drooling, irritability, and going off their food. Boredom or Getting Attention Bored puppies may learn that biting gets some fun responses from you! Just like barking can. If your puppy has learnt that they can get some attention from you when they bite, they may do it to alleviate boredom. This can explain why puppies concentrate most of their biting on one family member — the person who gives the most fun response. Natural Play Biting is a natural part of puppy play — as much as some owners might not want to hear it! German Shepherd puppies, just like any other breed, will bite whilst they are playing with you or with other dogs. If this behavior continues into adulthood, the biting can be more problematic. Responding to Rough Play Some people like to play with German Shepherd puppies in quite a rough manner. This can include pushing them, or rolling them over. Behaviors like this can make puppies very excitable, and encourage biting during play. Encourage calm play between your family members or friends and your puppy. Herding Instincts The German Shepherd breed has a history as a herding dog. The creator of the breed, Captain Max von Stephanitz, bred the German Shepherd in an attempt to create the ultimate all-round herding breed. This was all the way back in the late s. Although the history of the breed has changed over time, from herding to working dog, their origins remain the same. Many herding dogs are prone to natural chase instincts. They may chase small children or other animals — particularly those that are making lots of noise. And, these herding behaviors can include nipping at heels. Once again, your behavior can minimize biting from this cause. Exploration Another common explanation for young German Shepherd biting is their natural curiosity. And, they may do this partly with their mouths. What you really want to know is, when will it stop? However, you can minimize the period by making a few easy changes to your behavior when biting occurs. The best ways to stop puppy biting and minimize the biting period are training and prevention. This means training your puppy to be gentle with you and other people, and taking away opportunities for your excited puppy to bite humans. You may need to go as far as to completely separate your GSD puppy from small children and people who insist on rough play with puppies. We know that this can only encourage biting. Remove Yourself Calmly If your puppy starts to bite you, during play or any other time, the best solution is to calmly and quietly remove yourself. You can use tools like baby gates to keep your German Shepherd in a puppy-safe room. In fact — your puppy will learn that biting during play or cuddles only results in you leaving, and them ending up on their own! Not only will this help to show your puppy that biting is not an acceptable part of playtime, but it can also help your own sanity to remove yourself from those sharp teeth occasionally. Think About Clothing You should also think about the type of clothing you wear around your puppy. Loose, hanging clothing can be appealing to your puppy, and provide something easy to grip on with their sharp teeth. Wear tight fitting clothing to minimize the number of things your puppy can bite at. Use Distractions If you, or young children in your household, are keen to pet your puppy without being bitten, you should make the most of distractions like treats or toys. You can hold a chew for your puppy to keep their attention and mouth distracted whilst someone pets them! Often, puppy owners only think about biting whilst their puppy is actively gnawing on them. One method is to reward them with treats when you are petting them and they are not biting you. Another is to reward them for calm behavior around the house. This way they learn that acting calmly and letting you touch them without biting will earn them good things! One popular method to stop puppy biting is to squeal, squeak, growl, or make another loud noise. Some people claim that this method replicates natural puppy play and tells your GSD when they are being too rough. For some owners, this may work. If this is the case, making a noise when your puppy bites will act as a reward, and encourage your German Shepherd puppy to bite you even more. This is one reason why puppies biting children is so common. Many children will make lots of noise, especially if a puppy bites them, which can lead to further nipping. This is similar to the method above, if used alone. This is why training has to be done in small stages — first you must teach the puppy what action you want, and then you can give the action a name, or command. Punishment Methods The best methods to stop your puppy from biting involve positive rewards for the behaviors you want. Studies on dog training and behavior have shown that punishment based methods are often associated with an increase of problematic behaviors. Punishing your puppy for biting can lead to distrust and fear from your puppy. The causes of puppy biting that we looked at earlier in this guide apply to all GSD puppies. In fact, they apply to all puppies of any breed. Biting and chewing is a normal puppy behavior, and a normal part of play. As long as you react to this behavior in the right way, it is a period that will pass. The biggest fear for most German Shepherd puppy owners is that their puppy is aggressive when it bites. German Shepherd puppy biting can be accompanied by ferocious growls or snarls. It can even draw blood. So are behaviors like snarling and growling. And, if your puppy is biting hard enough to injure you, they may not have learnt proper bite inhibition yet. This is the process where your puppy learns to be gentle with his teeth on your skin. The positive reward methods we discussed earlier in this guide are the best way to teach your puppy bite inhibition. Remove yourself calmly and quietly whenever your puppy bites. And make sure to reward any calm behavior — including when your puppy lets you pet it without biting. Speak to a Behaviorist If you think your puppy is exhibiting aggressive behaviors, such as guarding their resources, you may want to speak to a behaviorist. They will be able to look at your puppy as an individual case, and analyse their behavior properly. Do Adult German Shepherds Bite? The German Shepherd breed is known for being aggressive in some circumstances — they make popular guard dogs, and are number one candidates for working dog roles in the police and military. Since puppies lack the dexterity that you and I have, they use their mouths to explore the world around them. By understanding the behavior of biting itself, you can begin to see just how normal biting is in German Shepherd puppies. Just because biting is a normal behavior in a puppy does not mean we should tolerate it or promote it. Since biting is a form of communication for German Shepherd puppies, there are many things our puppies could be trying to say! So why do Shepherd pups bite? Puppies often communicate with their siblings through biting and pawing, especially when they are trying to incite a play session. Your pup may gnaw on your hand as if it were a chew toy, especially when you are a moving target. Puppies play and bite their siblings from the moment they are old enough to do so. This is why the behavior is so common, and why our Shepherd pupswill need to learn how to transition to playing with appropriate chewing options. Not only are our hands and feet tempting enough, but even more so when a puppy has a high prey drive. A prey drive is an ingrained need to chase after moving objects, whether it is appropriate or not. A swinging hand as we walk by can be extremely tempting for a growing pup, causing them to jump up and nip. If it seems like your Shepherd puppy is always biting you when you are in motion, it may be due to their high prey drive! They Are Curious As we mentioned above, German Shepherd puppies use their mouth to explore the world around them. Biting can help them examine and understand an object, and our hands and feet can fall into that category as well! If you catch your puppy gnawing on everything around your home, it may be their curiosity getting the best of them! A dog quickly learns what behavior gets a reaction, causing them to do it over and over again. Even if their bites result in a negative reaction from you, it still counts as attention. They Are Teething Similar to teething babies, a German Shepherd puppy experiences teething pain as well. If your Shepherd pup seems to find relief when chewing on objects, they may be biting you due to teething discomfort. They Are Herding You If your German Shepherd puppy is constantly biting at your ankles, they may be displaying some herding behaviors. German Shepherds are ingrained with a need to work, especially in dogs with a working bloodline. If your German Shepherd is always nipping at your feet, running to your side when you are moving, or showing signs of anxiety or frustration when you are moving around your home; it may be herding behavior. So how can you stop this normal puppy behavior? Redirect The Behavior One of the most effective ways to stop your German Shepherd puppy from biting is by redirecting the behavior. An effective distraction is a wonderful way to end the behavior without punishment, and show them how much fun the alternative to biting can be. The next time your Shepherd pup is displaying undesirable nipping, try to pull out their favorite toy. Since this will need to be a toy that your dog enjoys, be sure to offer them the option that they find most exciting. This can be a Kong toy , rope, bone, or any other chewing option that your dog loves. By doing this each time your Shepherd puppy begins to bite you, they will begin to understand that they would much rather play with an acceptable chew option. Having a variety of chew toys can alleviate their need to bite our hands and feet, and offer them the relief they seek in this uncomfortable transition. There are so many toys created for teething puppies, that it should be easy to fill your home with plenty of appropriate options. One of our favorite chew toys is the Kong Teething Binkie. Any attention can validate the behavior, causing them to make it a habit. This shows them that the behavior is unacceptable, and does not involve any harmful negative reinforcement. Our attention is important to a puppy, and they do not want to be ignored. By showing them that biting will only result in us pulling away, they will learn to ditch the undesirable behavior. Interrupt The Behavior Sometimes a Shepherd puppy needs a sharp and sudden sound to pull them out of a bad habit. By giving a quick interrupter cue ouch, yip, eek , you can pull your puppy away from the action and gain their attention. Because of this, it is so important to offer plenty of mental and physical activities throughout your home. For example, if your puppy nips at strangers each time they walk in the door, it may be best to limit their time around the guest and send them to a separate play area. Once they begin to understand that biting is unacceptable, you can refrain from using their separate play area as often. Similar to what we discussed above about being proactive, a separate play area can help them calm down and collect themselves. Once your German Shepherd puppy begins to mature and understand that biting is unacceptable, they should require less time away. Just as there are effective methods in canine training, there are counterproductive actions as well. Do Not Hit Or Yell Since biting is a normal behavior that puppies must learn to grow out of, it is not productive to hit or yell at your puppy when they bite. Doing this can show them from a young age that interaction with you results in something negative, and can hinder your training process. By using other distractions and training methods when they bite, you can turn every bite into a learning experience for your pup! This can seem like a fun game to your pup, and can actually encourage the behavior. Try your best to go limp when they bite you, and pull your attention away from the pup. By doing this, you show them that this behavior does not offer them any extra fun. Extra attention can validate their undesirable behavior, making it challenging to break. Try your best to refrain from reacting to a bite outside of your interrupter cue, and pull your attention away from your furry friend afterward. Biting is a normal behavior in puppies of all kinds. Puppies begin to bite their siblings from the moment they can move, and will continue this behavior until they learn otherwise. A biting German Shepherd puppy is to be expected, and should not result in any discouragement on your part. As long as you are following the tips we mentioned above, your puppy should shy away from this behavior in no time! Biting in puppies is not usually a sign of aggression. Mild biting is usually a form of play, and should be easily corrected. However, there are some rare cases where biting in German Shepherd puppies is a sign of something more. If your pup is displaying any snarling, growling, ears pinned back, stiff posture, or any other signs of canine aggression, your pup may be biting in reaction to fear or pain. If you are unable to make any progress within a month of implementing the tips we discussed above, it may be time to contact a dog trainer. A trainer can not only help your pup refrain from biting, but offer other obedience training as well. Final Thoughts As you can see, biting is a normal behavior for our beloved German Shepherd puppies. Be sure to review the tips we discussed above on proper canine training, and you can banish puppy biting for good!

Being a veterinarian, Dr. Cathary decided to make pet food for both cats and dogs that focused on the nutritional needs of these animals. Royal Canin creates and distributes all of its pet food in their own production facilities. Unfortunately, Royal Canin does not specify where they source their ingredients. Despite being very thorough in the details of where their pet foods are made, Royal Canin has not shared much information about where they get the ingredients that go into their products. The company states that they carefully pick their ingredients and try their best to use raw materials that are close to each of their manufacturing plants. However, sometimes they use international suppliers, so not all of the ingredients that go into Royal Canin products are locally-sourced. Royal Canin Products And Recalls Royal Canin offers a huge variety of dry and wet dog food and cat food, such as breed-specific and veterinary diets. 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The ingredients used in their dog foods are not as high-quality as brands with a similar price tag since they use controversial ingredients such as maize corn , hydrolyzed animal protein, and animal by-products. These types of ingredients are not very nutritious for dogs, and hydrolyzed animal proteins do not name which parts of the animal they come from. This is not to say Royal Canin is a bad brand. The huge variety in their pet foods is notable, and they tailor to an array of different types of dogs and cats, whether they are purebred, small, medium, large, or suffer from a specific health condition. This aspect alone makes it clear why they are popular among cat and dog owners, as not many other pet food brands offer such an elaborate range of products. Based on reviews from consumers, a lot of pet owners are happy and satisfied with their dog foods, so it does show that the brand has worked well with a lot of pets. 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Calcium and phosphorus support healthy bone structure, while a balanced energy content helps them maintain an ideal weight. Once your Lab puppy is over 15 months old, transition them to Royal Canin Labrador Retriever Adult dog food for precise nutrition into the adult years. Read more Promoting pet health and wellbeing Creating value for our entire ecosystem Committed to become certified carbon neutral by Cookie Settings. If your puppy is doing well on his current food, there's no need to switch him, but it's a matter of preference. Orijen is high protein, as you have pointed out, and some dogs do well, others don't seem to tolerate it as well. You won't know until you try. As for making your dog fat, that would be on you to provide the correct amount for your pup's frame. Most dogs can get fat on whatever food you're feeding if they get more than they need and the guidelines on the bags are just that, guidelines. If I fed my dogs what the bag suggests, they would be big old porch busters but it was a matter of watching their weight as they grew and adjusting the quantity based upon their body condition. If the Orijen doesn't work for your puppy, you would just switch him over to something else. My pups switched from puppy to adult formula foods at about 5 months of age on the recommendation of their breeders but other breeders on here, or who people have gotten their pups from, suggest waiting until a year of age. If you got your puppy from a good breeder who is knowledgeable in such matters, you may want to check with the breeder as to when to switch from puppy to adult food. If you're switching to a food that is an All Life Stages food, that should have the correct mix of minerals for his still growing frame. There is a wide range of foods being fed to the dogs on here, from kibbles of many, many varieties, to homecooked to raw. You can only find the foods that work for your dog, there is no one best food. Speaking only for myself, my now adult dogs can eat a variety of different brands and I tend to switch things up with every bag so that should a recall occur with one brand, I have other brands I know I can switch to with no issues. There are a fair number on here who feed their dogs raw and would not dream of feeding kibble. It's all what works for you and your pup. When you switch, you want to go pretty slow mixing his new food with the old food in gradually increasing ratios. Orijen has both more protein and more fat than your puppy is currently eating, so watch for loose stools or other GI symptoms as indicators that the switch is not going as hoped. Good luck, don't make yourself crazy with switching foods to find the "best" one- it can happen! It is no small gift. It is not the least reason why we should honor as well as love the dog of our own life, and the dog down the street, and all the dogs not yet born. What would the world be like without music or rivers or the green and tender grass? What would this world be like without dogs?