how to prepare for a goldendoodle puppy

Golden retrievers are popular for their flowing and sunny coat. Still, Golden puppies are more fluffy than flowing. It will not take time for the puppy to grow feathers in his puppy fluff, which indicate a start of the full and long coat he will get growing up. Stage 1: From Fluff to Fur At around 3 months of age, most Golden puppies will start growing their feathers in their short, fluffy puppy coat. If the parents of the puppy grew adult coats later, it is more likely he will. This stage indicates the start of feathering. Golden Retrievers have feathers on their tail, stomachs and on their legs. Gradually, the rest of the adult coat will grow throughout his body. The recent growth of hair will be slightly darker than the former light puppy fur. The Golden Retriever puppy is different from other breeds because it does not shed his puppy fur. Rather, the puppy fur is pushed aside by the newer, longer and outer coat that grows in. The overall transition takes 18 months for completion. Grooming The best time to start grooming your Golden retriever is when it is still a puppy. Since they are heavy shedders, the more you groom them the less hair you will find around your house. It is advisable to brush in the direction that the hair grows. As your puppy grows, add these two tools to your collection: a pin brush and a rake. Brush him daily or at least twice a week. Getting rid of the loose hair from your Golden will allow new hair to grow in and reduce the flying fur in your clothing. The Golden coat Golden retrievers are double coated dogs. They are characterized by a thick, light-colored undercoat and a moderately rougher, darker outer coat. The environment of your dog will greatly affect the density or thickness of the coat. As per nature, a dog that spends more time outdoors will have a thicker coat than a dog that spends all the time indoors. The body will regulate the amount of coat a dog needs according to the temperature changes. Daylight is another factor that dictates seasonal shedding of indoor dogs. This is because such dogs do not experience the temperature changes that a dog who spends much time outdoors does. The underlying reason for daylight contributing to seasonal shedding is that it stimulates hormones that bring about hair growth. In the spring and during the fall, indoor and outdoor dogs shed more hair. Find the Best Undercoat rake for your golden retriever A golden retriever rake is a very essential tool to have that specifically targets the undercover hair. The rake helps to easily detangle debris and loose hair that get messy over time when overlooked. Other brushes like the pin brush target the outer coat only. Therefore, it is important that you get a rake that is designed to reach the undercoat to get rid of dead and loose hair. A rake has a big hefty looking grip with sharp pins that are built to penetrate the outer and target undercoat hairs. At the end of every sharp looking pin, there are rounded edges that sooth your dog while you clean it at the same time. An ideal undercoat rake should have:- Pins with rounded edges Pins that are strong and durable A handle with a good strong grip A design that makes it easier to detangle undercoat hair. Do Golden Retrievers Shed? According to the American Kennel Club , these gorgeous, golden-locked good boys and girls are friendly, loyal, intelligent, kid-friendly, and intelligent. Golden Retrievers typically shed the most during the fall and the spring, as their coats thin and thicken for summer and winter, respectively. How Badly, You Ask? Short answer: yes. Long answer: Good heavens, yes. Yes, Golden Retrievers shed with the absolute best of them. Double coats consist of a top coat and an undercoat and are commonly found among waterfowl dogs. In addition, their outer coat keeps snow and ice off of their skin, helping to prevent frostbite and other cold-related health issues. While managing the Golden Retriever's shedding may seem daunting, understanding the root cause can help a lot. Here's something that often pops up when the topic is how bad do Golden Retrievers shed. Meanwhile, in the spring and summer months, the double coat does an excellent job of keeping your pet cool and safe from the heat. How is that possible if their double coat keeps them cool while also keeping them warm in the winter? That's the beauty of the double coat! The undercoat traps cool air and keeps it close to the body while the outer coat wards off the potentially dangerous effects of UV overexposure. However, all that hair has to go somewhere once it eventually stops growing, and all of that protective hair is exactly what makes your furry best friend such an iconic shedder. Carving out this time to care for your pup is vital to minimizing excess shedding and avoiding a house completely covered in dog hair. Brushing your dogs helps prevent painful mats by removing dead hair and skin cell build up. It also helps to distribute natural oils across their fur for a healthy, shiny coat! Plus, once your dog grows to enjoy their daily brush, it becomes a beautiful bonding moment that you can look forward to each and every day! A bath is not only a basic and important part of maintaining proper hygiene. Baths help to wash away fur that would otherwise end up shed across your furniture, your bed, and your clothes. The massaging action of working your pet-friendly shampoo into their coat helps to dislodge any fur that is already loose or close to falling out, which lets you keep one step ahead of their shedding! Bathing a pup too frequently removes the natural, healthy oils from their fur and skin, oils that are required for a healthy coat and a happy pup! An ounce of prevention is always worth a pound of cure! Stress Management: An Unexpected Solution to Golden Retriever Shedding Our pets get stressed, just like we do, and dogs especially are quite sensitive to our moods. The more stressed your Golden Retriever is, the more they are likely to shed. Our dogs rely on us to provide, so managing their stress is just another vital part of pet ownership. So, when do Golden Retrievers shed? The shedding is typically cyclical, with peak shedding seasons in the spring and fall. However, they can also shed sporadically throughout the year. This understanding can help you prepare for the shedding onslaught, equipping you with the right tools and patience when the time comes. Make sure to keep lint rollers on hand and spaced around your home for a quick spruce up of your clothing or furniture. For the eco-conscious among us, consider picking up reusable lint and pet hair removers, like the ChomChom or the Uproot Cleaner Pro! You do now! Your pup requires a diet rich in proteins and omega-3 fatty acids to maintain optimal health, and when they are getting the nutrients they need, it shows in their coat. A strong, shiny coat that sheds less even marginally less, in the case of our friend the Golden is a sure sign that their diet is healthy and free of allergens. Loose pet hair is part of owning this glorious breed and with the tips listed above, you can be sure to get ahead of their shedding before their golden locks overwhelm your home. Another important aspect of managing your Golden Retriever's shedding is grooming. Regular grooming sessions, involving both brushing and professional grooming, can significantly help to manage the shedding. A groomer can effectively remove loose fur from the undercoat, which is where most of the shedding comes from. Remember, grooming isn't just for aesthetics; it's crucial for your Golden Retriever's overall health and comfort. We would love to hear them! Send an email to marketing cuddleclones. Your tip may even make it into a future blog post right here on CuddleClones. Top Selling Products. Do Golden Retrievers Shed? How Much? Posted on April 5, by Galen Kauffman Share: If you have Golden Retrievers or any other dog for that matter sharing your home, you will be aware of the excess fur on the floor, on your furniture and on your clothes. This shedding of hair occurs when your furry friend loses dead fur to make room for new fur to grow. They do research on the different pet vacuums available and that work with ease on hardwood floors, carpets and tiles. Of course, not all dog breeds are the same — some have short hair, others medium length fur and others have long hair The way your dog sheds will depend on its breed and other factors. A dog that spends much of their time outdoors will have thicker fur compared to indoor dogs. There are also genetic and seasonal variations. The hair helps the Golden to maintain temperature all year around in hot and cold weather. As the Golden Retriever matures it will have longer feathered hair around the neck, belly area, legs and tail. These areas are all prone to matting and will need to be brushed. Read about the best brushes for your golden retriever here. When Do Golden Retrievers Shed? The Golden Retriever is such an awesome family dog and his gorgeous golden coat is his trademark. If you have owned a Golden Retriever you will know that these beautiful, social, energetic, intelligent dogs shed the entire year round and that their shedding can be described as moderate to fairly heavy. Grooming your Golden Retriever is key to keeping him healthy. You do, however, need the right grooming tools for shedding. This can be done with different kinds of brushes and also an undercoat rake. You can keep on top of Golden Retriever shedding by brushing with special grooming equipment on a regular basis. They start shedding at 6 months of age An undercoat also emerges which thickens as the dog matures. Your Golden Retriever puppy will shed his coat when he is about 6 months old. Once he starts shedding his puppy coat it will take a year or so to grow in. Some Goldens are already 18 months old before the entire double coat growing process is completed. Shedding for the Golden Retriever is at its heaviest during the late Spring when the weather starts to warm. Your Golden gets rid of his winter undercoat to make way for the lighter undercoat. The Golden Retriever develops a double coat. Goldens also get feathers over the stomach and around the legs. Shedding Triggers For Golden Retrievers Diet Take a good look at his diet to ensure he is getting the best nutrition possible for a healthy, silky coat. Shedding, grooming and nutrition go hand in hand. A healthy coat is always soft, smooth and shiny and not greasy with odor. A dog with an unhealthy coat usually has dry, brittle hair with plenty of loose hair. Signs of an unhealthy coat include bare spots. Shedding is perfectly natural, but dog owners can still do one or two things to help their dogs shed just a little less. Shedding can be a sign of a nutritional deficiency. Of course, grooming is essential but there are dog foods specifically formulated to reduce dog shedding because of the right mix of nutrients a canine needs. Omega 3 fatty acids With a Golden Retriever puppy, a food allergy can cause unnatural hair loss. Controlling allergies will stop your pet from ongoing scratching at their skin. Lots of scratching can increase the amount of hair your pet sheds, so make sure your Golden is being treated for fleas. Some foods such as tuna have essential nutrients such as Omega 3 fatty acid. Coconut oil added into food can keep the skin hydrated. It is also great for reducing dandruff and preventing fleas. Flaxseed oil can help improve the skin and fur of your Golden. Ensure your Golden has constant access to fresh, cool water. Make sure the water bowl is always clean. Some people buy a dog water fountain as the fun aspect of splashing his snout around in the water encourages more water intake. Bathing While bathing your dog is a way to get rid of excessive loose fur on your Golden, you have to be careful about bathing your dog too often as the situation with troublesome, itchy skin can backfire. The natural oils of your Golden Retriever help to keep his coat dirt resistant and water-repellant. Nevertheless, your Golden will require bathing, but very occasionally, say every 6 weeks or so. You have to look at the lifestyle of your dog. If you live on a large farm-type property and your Golden is constantly plunging into the farm dam, this frequent swimming can lead to a dirty coat and an unpleasant smell. Stress This makes perfect sense as just like humans lose their hair under stressful conditions, so do dogs. Your Golden is such a happy, amicable dog with a non-stop wagging tail. Keep him that way by keeping stress at bay. This is done by means of — Regular exercise Providing a constant supply of fresh cool water Feeding him a regular, nutritious diet Providing him with loving attention Providing him with a warm, dry, peaceful sleeping area Getting him to the vet when he shows signs of illness Shedding increases with spaying and neutering When humans are under par, their immune system suffers and their hair is lank and unhealthy. Spaying and neutering your Golden Retriever is similar. It can be a setback for their system. Hormonal changes can alter his shedding. You may see more shedding than normal. Give your beloved pet time to recover after the op, spoil him or her with nutritional treats and soon they will recover as they enter a new season of their lives. Golden Retrievers are just sheer joy but there is that one downside — their shedding. So apart from the tips mentioned above, what else can you do to make the best of their shedding? Make sure that you buy your Golden Retriever puppy from a responsible breeder. With a poor breeder you always get unpredictability and poor qualities in your dog. Responsible breeders always take the trouble to find good homes for every dog they breed. They also take great care to produce healthy puppies with the right temperament — and the normal amount of shedding. Not all dog breeders are ethical and you may spend a fortune in specialized dog products and vet fees to try and treat the problems you see in an il-bred puppy. As a Golden Retriever owner, educate yourself on shedding, learn how to buy a puppy that gives you less problems and how to take the right steps to keep this natural process under control. These slicker brushes have fine wire bristles that remove tangles and smooth the fur for a shiny coat. They are great for heavy shedders. They are great for shampooing your dog and for massaging while simultaneously removing loose hair. At the same time they stimulate blood flow to encourage a healthy shine. After you have brushed your pet, take him outside and comb his hair with your hands in the same direction that his fur lies. Undercoat rakes These shedding tools are a must-have for a Golden as they get to the thick bottom layer to remove excess loose fur. They make you work hard, so choose one with a well designed, ergonomic handle to prevent you from having an aching wrist. Some of the best undercoat rakes have a double row of stainless steel pins that loosen dead hair but which are soothing for your dog. There are also medicated shampoos for treating the likes of fleas. There he will get a good bath, a good brush and rub down and the groomer will check his nails, and inside his ears. Hair Dryer Air drying can take quite a time and by then the damp hair has attracted new dust and dirt. A doggy doggy blow dryer gets the job done chop-chop and at the same time it blows out all loose hair. Rather invest in a doggy hair dryer that has been designed specifically for dogs. They can be ordered easily online at Amazon. Of course there are going to be factors to consider when it comes to choosing a canine family member for your home. You have to first of all take into account the size of your property and what size dog would suit your surroundings. These are large, active gun dogs that require plenty of activity and exercise. As a dog owner, you have a responsibility towards your dog. He depends on you for his daily food, your love, shelter and care. A dog like the Golden Retriever with his longer silky coat will shed more than a dog with a short, sleek coat. Galen has been connecting quality Golden Retriever breeders with loving families since and is the founder of My Golden Retriever Puppies. He and his wife have four children and love spending time together, traveling lived oversees for 4 years , enjoying the outdoors and connecting Golden families. Be the first to know when we have new puppies! All Rights Reserved. Conclusion Do Golden Retrievers Shed? Golden retrievers do shed. Shedding from Golden Retrievers usually tends to be a moderate to heavy amount depending on the dog. However, by keeping a simple brushing and coat grooming routine, you can reduce the amount significantly. Stating exactly how much a Golden Retriever will shed is not so simple, because shedding can vary a good deal from one individual dog to the next. For most Golden Retrievers, you can expect moderate shedding to be healthy. Moderate shedding can be thought of as finding stray hairs floating around on flooring and fur sticking to furniture or clothes the dog is up against. Certain factors, however, can cause more substantial shedding. Heavy shedding can look like tufts of dog hair falling out as opposed to stray hairs. Knowing when to expect extra shedding can help you stay on top of it! Types of Shedding There are three types of regular shedding. While there are many reasons that a Golden might shed, here are the three most common found in dogs. Seasonal Shedding Many Golden Retriever owners will notice that twice a year shedding briefly, but sharply, increases. During the fall season, your Golden Retriever will be growing in a thicker, warmer winter coat. This means the lighter, thinner coat from summer will be distributed wherever they go in the meantime. Come spring, that heavy coat is not going to be doing them any good. Golden retriever puppies are born with a coat that is extra thick and protective. Since they will not need the extra warmth as they get bigger, this coat is usually shed by the time a Golden Retriever reaches four to six months old. The amount of fur they are losing should decrease around the sixth month. Especially in male dogs, changes in their hormones after the procedure can affect their coats. They will adjust to this change, and shedding should go back to normal as they recover. If you are considering neutering or spaying, be prepared for the possibility of extra shedding. Effect of Diet on Shedding If your Golden Retriever is not on a high-quality diet, it can affect their skin and coat. Dry skin and a more brittle coat will increase shedding. A healthy diet that is rich in fatty acids and digestible proteins will make for a robust and healthy coat and less shedding. Shedding Caused by Stress Stress can have adverse effects on dogs, similar to the way it affects humans. So, high-stress levels can contribute to excessive shedding of fur. Are they regularly fed and given water? Are they able to regularly get enough rest? Are they getting enough exercise? Are they being bonded with and given attention? By ensuring proper care in these areas and a safe, consistent environment, you will keep your golden retriever happy and healthy. How to Manage Shedding Below are a few ways to deal with shedding. While some of the ways minimize the amount of fur that is shed, others are ways to deal with the fur already shed. Regular Grooming The good news is that by implementing some regular grooming, you can significantly reduce the amount of fur that falls off throughout your house. Start by brushing your Golden Retriever three or four times weekly and increase brushing if needed. At times when shedding picks up, like spring and fall, daily brushing may be required to have a significant impact of shedding. Bathing Bathing your Golden Retriever works like brushing by gently removing stray fur before it falls from the coat naturally. Using quality shampoo will help to keep their coat intact by making hair healthy and strong. Bathe your Golden Retriever at least once a month, but no more than every other week. Your regular dog brush will undoubtedly get the job done in removing some excess fur, but you can prevent even more shedding by using brushes designed to pick up loose fur. To find the best product for you and your dog, make sure to find a brush meant for the long-haired, double coat that golden retrievers have. A dog who enjoys being brushed will love sitting still to be pet with grooming gloves! Besides what will best suit your pup, there are plenty of options in price, colors, and features. Controlling the Mess Despite your best efforts, some fur will inevitably trail behind your Golden Retriever. The right cleaning products can make all the difference in keeping fur at bay in your home. Vacuuming A good vacuum can make keeping up with fur much more manageable, or much more difficult. If you have a Golden Retriever, you will likely find yourself vacuuming behind them at least three days a week or more during the heavy shedding period. If you rely heavily on a vacuum, consider one made specifically to catch and pick up pet hair. By picking up the most hair the first time around, these vacuums will save you time and stress. Furniture Covers Covering furniture prevents dog hair from sticking to surfaces that it easily clings to and is harder to clean. Covering your furniture does not have to mean uncomfortable plastic over your couch. Slipcovers offer protection for your furniture, keeping your home cleaner all while being comfortable and looking beautiful. Lint Rollers For the fur that finds its way on your all-black outfit or favorite sweater, a lint roller is a perfect solution. Keeping one by the door for after saying goodbye to your Golden Retriever can be very handy. In a pinch, lint rollers can also be great to clean pillows and small chairs! But as Golden Retriever lovers, we understand we have to take the bad with the good. We love their beautiful coats and their lovable personalities. By combining the proper care with effective cleaning methods, you can keep your home clean, and you and your Golden Retriever happy. He and his wife have three children who are always keeping Brady entertained. They love spending time together, traveling, and meeting other dog families. Recent Posts. Share 0 Shares Learning about the three stages of your Golden Retrievers coat will help you understand each stage of growth. It starts at birth as a thin short coat, morphs into a fluffy stage between months of life, and finally your dog will display their gorgeous long feathery coat as an adult. The 3 Distinctive Stages of Coat Development for a Golden Retriever The Golden Retriever was bred to have a thick double coat that meant that they could retrieve shot birds in any weather, such as during the cooler duck season. This thick coat kept them warm in cold weather, and the water flowed off their coat keeping them warm and dry. They have a lovely personality and tend to get along with everyone, young and old alike. But it is their beautiful long golden coat that they are known and admired for. But it dries to a warm soft and fuzzy stage that will keep the puppy warm and regulate their body temperature. At months of age, your GR will transition from their soft fuzzy coat which becomes the undercoat. They will start to grow their outer coat through the undercoat at this stage. Everyone loves a cute Golden Retriever puppy; they are so adorable with their fuzzy fur that makes them look more like a cuddly bear than a dog. Combined with their drop-dead good looks and their cute demeanor and cuddly disposition, you have one little puppy that will wind you around their paw and steal your heart. In the two to three months after their birth, they will be a little fuzzy ball, and here is why. The Golden Retriever puppy is born with a short thin coat of fur which is suited to them while they adjust to life and learn how get about. Their short coat is easier for the mother dog to clean, and it enables the puppy to move about unencumbered while learning how to walk, play and feed. Although their coat will start getting thicker in the first few months, they will remain short. In these first few months of life, it is a good time to train your little Golden to enjoy being groomed as this will become part of their weekly life. Brushing them while they are young gets them into the habit of being groomed because the Golden Retriever does shed a lot of fur and brushing your dog helps to control their shedding. This stage of coat growth and development happens around months of age. It often shows first in the tail area but be aware that this can vary from dog to dog. Their coat is a double coat. The undercoat is thick and protects them from heat and cold. The dense outer coat grows from amongst the underlying puppy fluff which settles to become the undercoat. At months they will start getting their adult coat. Each Golden Retriever is different, there is no set time that each stage must happen within. Asking your breeders for information about when the parent dogs of your puppy went through their coat growth stages will give you an idea of when that will happen for your pup. This full growth stage is from about 8 months onwards, again, depending on the dog. These long, beautiful hairs start on the tail, followed by the stomach, chest, and legs within their first year. From here on, the coat of the Golden Retriever will be shed several times during the year, depending on where you live and what the climate is like. The highest level of shedding occurs in the late spring, and the late fall. Other than that, they shed modestly throughout the year. When do Golden Retrievers Tails get Fluffy? Dogs are individuals, and the time that they achieve any key steps in their growth cycle can vary depending on the dog. The tail starts to fluff out at around weeks old and is made up of two layers. First there is the outer layer of long guard hairs, then the undercoat is comprised of softer, downy hairs. Each dog is different as to when their tails achieve the beautiful Golden Retriever fluffy look. The guard hairs start first on the tail which becomes fluffy and long by the time they are six to eight months old. The Golden Retriever is a very popular breed that is a great family dog. They have a lovely nature, plenty of energy, and just love their people. Their fur can get everywhere — on your furniture, on your clothes, floating in the house, and rolling around like a tumbleweed in the garden! When you get a Golden Retriever, you must accept the shedding that comes with the dog. So why do they shed so much? It is because of their coat; they are a double coated canine, which means that they have a waterproof topcoat, but they also have a soft downy undercoat. Their coat is designed by nature to help regulate their temperature. It is normally during the changes of the seasons — particularly spring and fall, that they shed the most. During summer their coat is thinner than usual, but they start growing thicker fur for the winter. But in saying that, be aware that they shed pretty much all the year around. Regular grooming with a rake comb and pin brush during grooming helps control the thick under hair. Regular brushing removes the excess loose hair from within the coat and can cut down on the amount of hair in the home. The climate where you live is a factor in the coat stages of your Golden Retriever. If you live in a hot place, they will shed their coat more to remain cool. If you live in a cold climate your golden will shed less to protect them from the icy climate. A dog who spends a lot of their time outside will develop a thicker coat than a dog that spends a lot of time indoors. As earlier stated, the Golden Retriever seems to shed all year around. But what if it is excessive, like handfuls of hair falling out — is that normal? There are certain things that can affect the amount of fur that your Golden Retriever sheds. It may just be a growth phase that they are going through, but it could be an outside influence that is causing a change in their shedding pattern. Allergy reactions due to pollen, food, or even their grooming shampoo can be a factor. You may notice them scratching more than usual. A dog with allergies also suffers from eye or ear infections so check them regularly to ensure all is well. Parasites such as fleas, ticks, and mites can almost drive a dog mad, and you will notice your dog itching themselves and probably whining at the same time. That thick coat is an inviting place to call home for parasites, so check their coat carefully, especially after long walks in wooded areas. Stress can affect your Golden Retriever. They need to be with their owners. If your Golden Retriever is feeling left out, they may begin scratching themselves or fretting which can cause hair loss. Make sure that they are also booked in for a regular health check with your local vet. The vet put your mind at rest as to what is normal shedding and what is not. A long rake comb can really sort out the dense undercoat and pull out any loose, irritating hair while a pin brush keeps the top hairs clean and tangle-free. With a consistent routine of grooming and washing your dog, you will remove the loose hair and be able to dispose of it. Sometimes when your dog is molting shedding their hair you can grab handfuls of their hair and pull gently. Brushing daily if possible is great, otherwise, try to groom them at least three times per week. Bathing, which is important to care for the coat, needs to be done once a week, or twice a month using a suitable mild dog shampoo. This phenomenon is a natural occurrence as your Golden Retriever ages. During the puppy stage , they are more of a light golden color, but as they mature, some of the longer guard hairs darken over time. Their coat is characterized by a thick, light-colored undercoat and moderately rough darker outer coat. The climate can make a difference. A hot sunny climate where they spend a lot of time in the water can make for a lighter-colored coat. The Golden Retriever should not be shaved as it is the worst thing that you can do to your canine. If you do a complete shave, it may damage the coat and it will never grow back like before. It can also result in skin allergies and damage. The undercoat is designed to protect the dog from both hot and cold temperatures. The springtime shedding of the undercoat helps them cope with the heat. Conclusion Golden Retrievers are known for their lovely, fluffy coats and long flowing tail. Their soft golden or darker caramel colors are beautiful and new owners are attracted to their looks, good nature, and goofy, adorable antics. But like most things, there is a price to pay for their good looks, and that is that they shed a lot. But with regular grooming and brushing, a bath or two a month, and the use of low allergenic mild shampoo, you will be able to control as much of the shedding as possible. And if you ask any Golden Retriever owner, they will tell you that the shedding is a small price to pay for such an affable, glorious dog. Golden Retriever Resources and Tips. Short Answer. A LOT. Along with using an undercoat rake once a week. During shedding season giant clumps of hair will roll down your living room like tumble weeds. You'll be sweeping or vacuuming once every days, and lint rolling your clothes every time you leave the house. And don't even think about wearing black colored clothes. Beyond just regular brushing; Golden Retrievers needs to be regularly groomed once every 8 to 10 weeks. This can be done at home or through your friendly local groomer. Just like your own hair, their coats can get long, tangled, and dirty without regular grooming. So Golden's require a little extra attention compared to short haired dogs. Why Dogs Shed Shedding is a natural process that many animals, including you, lose old and damaged hair. Dogs just have a lot more hair to lose than you. Typically dogs will shed their coat in spring to prepare for the warmer months, and grow a thick warm coat in fall to prepare for winter. During spring and fall is when you can expect the worst shedding to occur. Meaning, if your dog spends the majority of their time outside, then their coat will be thicker and warmer for the winter, and will shed more in the spring. That means indoor dogs will naturally shed less during spring and fall, but more evenly over the entire year. Losing their Puppy Coat Puppies have an extra thick padded fur coat to keep them extra warm during the first 4 — 6 months of their life ever notice how extra soft and fluffy puppies are? But they will shed that coat completely around the 6 month mark to make room for their adult coat. So as they naturally shed their puppy coat to make room for their adult coat, you can expect a big increase in shedding. Neutered or Spayed Has your dog been recently neutered or spayed? Adult dogs typically experience excessive shedding for several months after being fixed. More so with neutering males. This is due to changes in Testosterone and other hormones that are responsible for keeping hairs follicles thick and shiny. A dog with poor nutrition and little exercise will have dry and itchy skin, damaged hair roots, and increased stress. Keep your golden well fed and care for and they will display that love with a beautiful healthy coat. Read the label, avoid big box retail stores that sell generic brands, and shop at pet stores that have special knowledge about the food they sell. A food rich with fatty acids, and healthy proteins will promote a strong healthy coat. Allergies Your dog may be reacting to allergy symptoms which will literally cause your dog to scratch their hair off. Many dogs suffer from allergic reactions, most often with specific proteins in their dog food. Other symptoms include itchy eyes, ears, paws, armpits, and anus. You may also notice an increase in ear and eye infections. Dog allergies can develop at any stage in their life, and they could be reacting to many different things. A vet will be able to properly examine and treat your dog for allergies. Fleas, Ticks, and Parasites Fleas and Ticks cause your dog to be very itchy and uncomfortable, which leads to excessive scratching and hair loss. Do a proper inspection to determine if your dog actually has fleas. Fleas and Ticks can be treated with flea shampoos or insecticides from your vet or pet store. Pet bedding and anything they lay down on must be go through the laundry. And you may need to do a very thorough cleaning of your home. Do NOT take a dog with fleas to a dog groomer, as it may spread to other dogs. Stress Is your Golden stressed out? Have you moved to a new home? Going through family changes? Is there a lot of noise in your area? Has their routine changed? Dogs will naturally shed more during stressful periods in their lives. Licking or Chewing Is your golden excessively licking or chewing their own fur? Is there noticeable clumps of fur missing from their coat? This could be related to stress, allergies, or skin conditions discussed earlier, and may require a trip to the Vet to investigate. Monitor your golden to see if they have a habit of licking non-stop, which would lead to excessive shedding. You CAN control it however. And taking these few steps make all the difference. Brushing Your 1 defense to grooming and deshedding will be regular brushing. That part may not come as a big surprise, however most owners don't realize that the right tools make all the difference in the world. I highly recommend you get a good Slicker Brush, they're designed to not only detangle and deshed, but also make brushing comfortable without skin irritation. But ideally every day. I recommend a high quality Slicker Brush and Grey Hound comb. Keeping your golden free of mats will also help out your groomer, which in turn save yous extra money. While these work wonders for some breeds, it will actually ruin the coat of your golden as it cuts their coat rather then remove loose hair. Just use a pin brush, or slicker brush, along with an undercoat rake. Bathing Golden's need to be groomed regularly because of their long coats. General rule of thumb is once every 6 — 8 weeks. If you're bathing at home, we recommend an oatmeal or coconut based pet shampoo to keep their skin from becoming too dry. And as an added bonus they leave your dog smelling great. Pro Tip: After their bath towel dry your dog, while still slightly damp gently brush them out. The slicked down hairs will be easier to remove and will leave your dog shed free for up to two weeks afterwards. A professional groomer can give your dog a deshedding treatment, which means blowing their coat out with a high velocity dryer. Can I just Shave my Golden? No, you cannot shave your Golden Retriever. Some owners assume that shaving their Golden would be a great way to keep them comfortable in hot months, while reducing shedding. Golden's are Double-Coated dogs, meaning they have a surface coat called the guard coat and thicker coat underneath undercoat. These two coats work together to protect your Golden from over exposure to heat, cold, UV rays, and excessive moisture. Removing the undercoat puts a massive strain on the natural protection your Golden was born with, and it will never grow back the same. That's right, shaving your golden will ruin their beautiful coat forever. Simply put, don't do this. What I recommend is getting a groomers to cut their "feathers" extra short. It keep their undercoat intact but removes enough of the long hair for easy maintenance and brushing later on. Thankfully vacuum cleaners are quite inexpensive these days. Make sure you have one with a detachable hose for those hard to reach places like behind and underneath furniture. Swiffers are great for hard surfaces, and they work a lot better than paper towels. It's got a sturdy reusable handle and the sheets are sticky enough to get all the hair off my pants. An absolutely essential item whenever leaving the house, especially when wearing black. This thing is my personal savior. If you keep up with brushing and grooming, then the shedding is much, much more manageable. This is especially true in spring and fall. Spending some time to brush and groom your Golden not only helps with shedding, but it maintains good health, and allows for a daily bonding ritual with you and your dog. It may seem like a chore at first, but it's a part of my day that I now look forward to. And how do you get control of it? Leave a comment down below and tell me your golden tales! Related Posts.

Wyoming Pug Rescue Be patient! It might take months to find the perfect pug for you. Be patient with the process. Do your research. Before agreeing to work with a rescue, read their reviews, their policies, and check their c 3 status. You can do a search for their records here. The adoption process can take anywhere from days, to weeks, to months. Does the rescue adopt out of state? What is the adoption fee? Is the application open or do you have to apply for a specific dog? Are you allowed to meet available dogs before adopting? Be Kind Pug rescues are run by dedicated volunteers who spend their free time helping needy pugs. Always be kind and respectful. They work hard so that you can bring home your new pup. Common Pug Rescue Questions Are there pug puppies for adoption? Pug puppies are incredibly popular, so getting your hands on one available for adoption might be difficult. The best way to have a chance at adopting a pug puppy is to turn in an adoption application and become approved for adoption early, if possible. Then wait for a puppy to become available. Is there a pug shelter? Are there black pugs for adoption? Pug rescues rescue pugs of all sizes, ages, mixes, and colors. There tend to be more fawn pugs available, but there are also black pugs, apricot pugs, and more. No pug rescue in your area? Use Petfinder to locate an adoptable pug near you. Vocality level 5 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. Temperament ACA delightful blend of dignity and comedy, the Pug is an amiable, playful, and confident companion. They can be stubborn and headstrong, but they are pleasant and generally willing to please. They love to cavort and show off. Upkeep The Pug needs daily exercise, either in the form of a lively game or a moderate walk. They do not do well in heat and humidity. They needs minimal coat care but daily cleaning of facial wrinkles. Their smooth coat needs only occasional brushing to remove dead hairs; however, the wrinkles need regular cleaning and drying to prevent skin infections. The Pug may often wheeze and snore. Health Major concerns: Pug dog encephalitis, CHD, brachycephalic syndrome Minor concerns: elongated palate, stenotic nares, patellar luxation, Legg-Perthes, entropion, KCS, skin infections, hemivertebra Occasionally seen: seizures, nerve degeneration, distichiasis, allergies, demodicosis Suggested tests: eye, hip, knee, DNA Pug dog encephalitis Life span: 12—15 years Note: The Pug cannot tolerate heat and is sensitive to anesthesia. They are prone to corneal abrasion and obesity. The Pug is somewhat of an exception in the Toy Group because they are perhaps the only one to be descended from mastiff forebears. Although their exact ancestry has been lost in antiquity, the Pug retains many mastiff characteristics. The Pug is an ancient breed, one of several miniaturized in the Orient, where they were a favorite pet of Buddhist monasteries in Tibet many centuries ago. Here they became quite popular and were recognized as the official dog of the House of Orange after one saved the life of Prince William by sounding an alarm at the approach of Spanish soldiers in .Pugs were first brought to England during Victorian times and became incredibly popular with the wealthy, displacing the King Charles Spaniel as the favored royal breed. Several Pugs were brought to England from China in .A year earlier, the breed had been recognized by the AKC. Since that time, they have remained popular a pet. Related Content. A purse string was put in by the vet in San Antonio prior to her transport to Houston. What is a purse string? Think of it as a drawstring in her rectum to hold her insides in, similar to holding the contents of a bag in place. This is so important because the longer that the bowls are out, the more necrotic the tissue becomes. The purse string stayed in for 2 weeks and less than 48 hours after it was out, Tessa prolapsed again. She was rushed back to our vet to have an additional purse string. This is when we assumed the problem was bigger than we thought and it was discovered that Tessa has no muscle tone in her rectum. This purse string stayed in for 3 weeks, and this time she prolapsed less than 24 hours from removal. I became quite versed in pushing her colon back inside her body every time she prolapsed, until her emergency surgery was performed the following day. Hendrix performed a Coloplexy on Tessa, essentially pulling and tacking the colon to the abdominal wall and leaving no room for an additional prolapse to occur. Since this surgery, we have been finding out all the additional problems Tessa has, and assume she born with this defect. She has a total collapse of the 7th vertebrae leading into her pelvis causing nerve damage to the colon, which also gives her a funny gait and a spastic neurogenic colon. She has the urge to poop all the time, and will posture constantly with some, little or nothing coming out. It ends up on her, the other dogs, me and the wall on occasion. She will never be able to jump on and off the furniture or use stairs. There is no information on treating this condition because most dogs would have died or been euthanized. PugHearts is fighting for Tessa and we are doing everything that we can to help her. Today Tessa had her last booster. At this point, most puppies would be ready for adoption. Tessa is not. Tessa is my baby. She spends the majority of her day being held or in my lap, and sleeps every night curled around my neck. She deserves the world and PugHearts is going to give it to her Adopt Testimonials We had an amazing experience with Pughearts! The process was thorough which I appreciated. The volunteers and organization are extremely passionate about their rescue dogs and their well being. We are so grateful for our fur babies and for Pughearts! We live out of state and Pug Hearts went above and beyond to come and inspect our home. Every step of the way all the volunteers I worked with were kind and quick to answer all my many questions through the adoption process. When I flew to Houston to meet the pug we were hoping to adopt, my flight was significantly delayed and our pug's foster mom took the next day off just so I could come meet with her! Our pug came to us in great health, fully checked by the Pug Hearts vet team, with detailed vet records for her continued care. We continue to stay in touch with the volunteers and our Pug's foster mom sending updates and sharing stories, Not only did we add the sweetest pug girl to our family, we feel like we came away with new friends! We will always adopt from Pug Hearts from now on and highly recommend them for your family too! Everyone we spoke with and worked with was very nice and answered all of our questions quickly. Ann was awesome about coming to do the home visit for us since we live in a remote location in Colorado. Karen was awesome about giving us all the information we needed and making sure our pup was all set to travel back from Houston. We would recommend Pug Hearts for anyone looking to help find a pug a forever home! I have nothing but wonderful things to say about this rescue! Our pug had been found wandering the streets , was underweight and had severe behavioral issues. His foster mother worked with him for 4 months to get him ready to come home with us. Not only did we get a new family member but I made a great friend as well. They take in pugs of any age with any medical problem and provide them with not only the medical care they need but the love they deserve. No pug is left behind. They are extremely thorough in the application process and truly care about the well-being of every single animal that they help. The organization has a wonderful group of volunteers, donors, and Fosters. The intake coordinator and the Director are absolutely wonderful to communicate with. They are very knowledgeable and caring. I have adopted three pugs from them and anytime I have questions or concerns they are quick to reply with a solution. Hands-down the best rescue in the entire world!!

Breeders first crossed a Chow Chow with a German Shepherd to create a superior breed that would be an excellent herding dog and a loveable companion without the various health issues for which the parent breeds are well-known. Said to be one of the oldest dog breeds still alive today, Chow Chows were used in hunting in ancient China. One Chinese Emperor was alleged to have kept more than 5, of these dogs! Queen Victoria also loved Chow Chows, even carrying her beloved bet with her wherever she went. While Chow Chows serve their role as guard dog well, they are not overly aggressive, and in fact, their personalities are quite similar to that of a cat. Fiercely independent, the Chow Chow is quite happy to be left to do his own thing. However, this reserved and smart temperament can also make this breed quite stubborn. These adorably fully dogs are one of the few breeds in the world to have a blue tongue. The military captain used various local breeds to create the ultimate smart, fit dog that would excel at herding and be exceptionally driven. Rescued during World War Two, this survivor went on to star in a number of silent films in the s. Due to their intelligent and protective nature, German Shepherds still perform working roles today, and you will often find these dogs serving in military and police forces. Here they are used as guard dogs, searching and rescuing, as sentries, drug detection, or as messengers. Their watchful, vigilant nature can make this breed a bit wary of strangers. What does a German Shepherd Chow mix look like? The beautiful and graceful Chow Shepherd has the face of a German Shepherd with a long muzzle. The ears stand up like a German Shepherd, before flopping down at the top. The tail curves up and round, like that of the Chow Chow. Want to know what this breed will look like? The German Shepherd Chow mix will be a medium- to large dog, standing 22 to 26 inches 56 to 66cm tall and weighing between 45 and 90 pounds 20 and 41 kg. However, some dogs of this cross can even reach a weight of 95 pounds 43 kg! With this mix breed being a relatively new breed of dog, you may find Chow Shepherds bigger or smaller than this. Due to their average size, the Chow Chow Shepherd will require a big home with a large yard, although they can adapt to smaller homes if they are provided with enough daily exercise. At night, these dogs will want to be indoors with their family. Their coat colors mainly come in black, dark and light brown, gray, red, fawn, and cream. Some can have white, tan, and blue fur. Temperament: Is a German Shepherd Chow mix aggressive? The playful nature of the German Chow makes them the right choice for families with older children, and while not aggressive, they might not be as tolerant of rough play from young kids. They also will become bored and destructive if left alone by themselves for too long and can suffer from separation anxiety. This protective breed will also watch over its family and are wary of strangers, without being overly noisy. While this can lead to them being aloof with new people, the German Shepherd Chow mix will get along famously with other people, children, and dogs alike with the proper socialization. New dog owners may struggle to tame their independent steak. Still, experienced dog owners will find a loveable, hard-working pet whose stubborn nature is a quirky part of their personality. This makes the intelligent Chow Shepherd both an excellent guard dog and a fantastic family pet. Caring for the Chow Shepherd Chow Shepherds have double coats that help keep them warm in colder temperatures and cool in hotter weather, making this dog a good choice for extreme climates. It is not all easy going though when it comes to caring for the German Shepherd chow mix. This breed does have some specific requirements when it comes to exercise, grooming, and feeding. They will want space where they can play and enjoy doing daily activities with energetic owners. This dog will require at least one hour of exercise daily with hiking and strenuous walks highly recommended. It will take quite a bit of exercise to tire out the Chow Shepherd, so alongside your daily walks, jogs, and hikes, you will also want to plan some visits to the dog park, a game of fetch, or tug of war. Do Chow German Shepherd mix dogs shed? The German Shepherd Chow mix is not a great choice of pet for anyone prone to allergies as these dogs are heavy shedders. They are the cross of two-parent breeds known to shed, and as a result, the grooming needs of the Shepherd Chow are relatively high. Also, be prepared to vacuum your house regularly. When brushing your dog daily, also check their ears for pests and debris and wipe them clean. You can trim the nails of your dog twice a month. These dogs do have healthy nails that can grow very long if left unattended. Bathing, on the other hand, is only necessary when needed and should be done using a dog shampoo that is specifically formulated for long coats. Feeding the German Shepherd Chow mix You should feed your Chow Shepherd a diet of high-quality dry dog food specially designed for medium to large-sized dogs with lots of energy. Three to four cups of kibble can be split over two meals; however, you may find that just one feeding a day is sufficient for your dog. Be sure to stick to a regular feeding schedule and limit the number of treats you give to your German Shepherd Chow mix. You may also want to consider providing your dog with supplements that help alleviate joint diseases common in this breed. This includes fish oil, glucosamine, and chondroitin. How long do German Shepherd Chow mixes live? The average lifespan of a German Chow is between 9 and 15 years. With that life expectancy, we can say that this crossbreed is generally healthy. These ailments include Canine Hip and Elbow Dysplasia, which affects the joints, Entropion, which causes a variety of eye problems, and Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus or Bloat, which causes stomach pain and issues with digestion. Also, the German Shepherd Chow mix may be prone to allergies. Other costs, such as treats, toys, training, collar, leash, and bed, etc. German Shepherd Chow mix breeders and rescues While you may struggle to find a particular breeder for a Chow German Shepherd mix puppy, you can try checking your local shelter or rescue center to look for any Shepherd Chows in need of a loving home. You may also be lucky enough to find this crossbreed at a breed-specific German Shepherd or Chow Chow rescue. These dogs are eager to learn and easy to train. Does the German Shepherd Chow mix make a good family dog? Always ready to play, these dogs are great for active families. However, they need proper training to prevent aggression and may not be as tolerant around small kids. Is the German Shepherd Chow mix right for me? If you are active, have lots of time to dedicate to your dog, and a house with space for them to roam, this dog may be the perfect fit! Should you get a German Shepherd Chow mix? The Chow Shepherd will need to be trained and socialized correctly to ensure they interact nicely with other pets and children. Do you have a Chow Chow Shepherd mix? Let us know in the comments below. Although a playful pup sounds endearing, consider how many games of fetch or tag you want to play each day, and whether you have kids or other dogs who can stand in as playmates for the dog. Click here for more information on this characteristic Chow Shepherd Highlights Chow Shepherds are mixed breed dogs. The main colors of Chow Shepherds are fawn, cream, gray, red, brown, and black. They generally have a beautiful blend of two or more colors. Chow Shepherds will most likely have long, dense coats and are not a good choice for allergy sufferers. Regular daily brushing and extra brushing during shedding season with a de-shedding brush may be needed. Chow Shepherds have high energy levels. One hour daily of rigorous exercise is a good starting point. Hiking and other adventurous activities are strongly recommended. The Chow Shepherd makes a great addition to a big family with older kids who know how to play nicely with dogs. This pup will not tolerate rough play from small kids. Chow Shepherds are highly trainable and thrive on positive reinforcement. Do not leave them alone for long periods, as they can get separation anxiety easily Chow Shepherd History The Chow Shepherd mixed breed may have existed naturally over the years, however breeders wanted to mix the two parent breeds to minimize health problems that affect many purebreds as well as create an ultimate herding and companion dog. They continued to create Chow Shepherds as demand for the mixed breed pups climbed. To better understand the Chow Shepherd, you may wish to learn about the history of their parents: the Chow Chow and the German Shepherd Dog. Chow Chows are one of the oldest breeds, believed to have originated in Mongolia China. One Emperor was said to have kept 2, pairs of Chow Chows for hunting expeditions. If you would like to learn more about this fascinating breed you can read more about Chow Chows. German Shepherds are a herding dog from Germany. One military captain, Max Von Stephanitz had a favorite pastime, which was breeding and developing the ultimate German herding dog. After retiring from the military, he did just that, and the German Shepherd Dog we see today is the result. Learn all about German Shepherd Dogs. Even though Chow Shepherds got their start as a designer breed, some have ended up in shelters or in the care of rescue groups. Consider adoption if you decide this is the dog for you. Check your local shelters, look up Chow Shepherd rescues, or check with breed specific German Shepherd and Chow Chow rescues, as they sometimes help to re-home mixed breeds. That said, as a mix between German Shepherd Dog and Chow Chow parents, you can expect the Chow Shepherd to be in the medium to large category. Most weigh in at 45 to 90 pounds and range in height from 22 to 26 inches at the shoulder. With them being so new, many can be smaller or larger than average. Chow Shepherd Personality Chow Shepherds make excellent family companions and watchdogs. These pups hail from a line of two working parents. Their German Shepherd parents regularly work as military, police, and guard dogs, while their Chow Chow parents have jobs as guard dogs. Chow Shepherds like to be active and get lots of attention and praise from their human. They are highly trainable and thrive on positive reinforcement. Do not leave them alone for long periods, as they can get separation anxiety easily, which can lead to depression and frustration. This can result in unwanted behaviors, such as chewing and destruction around the home. Some dogs show pain and lameness on one or both rear legs, but you may not notice any signs of discomfort in a dog with hip dysplasia. As the dog ages, arthritis can develop. Hip dysplasia is hereditary, but it can be worsened by environmental factors, such as rapid growth from a high-calorie diet or injuries incurred from jumping or falling on slick floors. Entropion causes the eyelid to roll inward, irritating or injuring the eyeball. One or both eyes can be affected. If your Chow Chow has entropion, you may notice them rubbing at their eyes. The condition can be corrected surgically. Elbow Dysplasia: This is a heritable condition common to large-breed dogs. This can lead to painful lameness. Your vet may recommend surgery to correct the problem or medication to control the pain. Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus: Commonly called bloat , this is a life-threatening condition that affects large, deep-chested dogs like Golden Retrievers , especially if they are fed one large meal a day, eat rapidly, drink large volumes of water after eating, and exercise vigorously after eating. Bloat occurs when the stomach is distended with gas or air and then twists. The dog is unable to belch or vomit to get rid the excess air in their stomach, and the normal return of blood to the heart is impeded. Blood pressure drops and the dog goes into shock. Without immediate medical attention, the dog can die. Suspect bloat if your dog has a distended abdomen, is salivating excessively and retching without throwing up. They also may be restless, depressed, lethargic, and weak with a rapid heart rate. Your vet can help you develop a care routine that will keep your dog healthy. Check their ears for debris and pests daily and clean them as recommended by your vet. Trimming their nails twice a month is strongly recommended. These pups have thick strong nails that can get out of control very easily if neglected. One major concern when it comes to your Chow Shepherd care will be maintaining their oral health. Brushing their teeth three times a week should help prevent any major problems. Normal play on grass is fine, as is puppy agility with its one-inch jumps. Chow Shepherd Feeding An ideal Chow Shepherd diet should be formulated for a medium to large sized breed with high energy. You should stick to a regular feeding schedule and not leave food out during the day. Limit their amount of treats, as well. One single feeding per day may be recommended, though it will really depend on your dog. As with all dogs, the Chow Shepherd dietary needs will change from puppyhood to adulthood and will continue to change into their senior years. You should ask your veterinarian for recommendations about your Chow Shepherd diet, as there is far too much variation among individual dogs—including weight, energy, and health—to make a specific recommendation. Chow Shepherds will most likely have a long, dense coat and are not a good choice for allergy sufferers. Chow Sheps descend from two heavy shedding parents. Their coats will require much care. Baths are required only as needed. With these heavy shedding pups, extra vacuuming is recommended. You may benefit from a robovac for day-to-day cleanup. Chow Shepherds have double coats that give them an edge when it comes to extreme weather. Many of these dogs absolutely love to run and play in the snow. This dog would have been a great training partner for Rocky in Rocky IV when he went to train in Siberia! Keep in mind they are indoor dogs and need to live indoors with their families. As with every breed, you should always teach children how to approach and touch dogs, and always supervise any interactions between dogs and young children. No dog, no matter how friendly, should ever be left unsupervised with a child. Chow Shepherd Rescue Groups It may be hard to find a breed specific rescue for Chow Shepherds because they are a mixed breed. However, you may want to try Chow Chow or German Shepherd Dog breed specific rescues, as they often care for mixes, as well. Here are some rescues you can try:. These dogs have come a long way from Germany and their breeder, Max Von Stephanitz. Well, they still are. The German Shepherd is a loyal doggo, always making sure the owner is protected and satisfied with their work. Their dominant posture may be a reason why some people feel intimidated around German Shepherd dogs. Chow Chows are, in fact, an ancient dog breed first found in Mongolia. Chows were very valued for their hard work and even their meat, which was treated as a delicacy. Luckily, those days are over for this amazing dog breed. Chows are now dear pets… a bit aloof with strangers, but loyal to the bone and ready to make you smile. One thing is for sure… a Chow leaves no one without a comment! Or, it may even resemble both! Usually, they weigh anywhere from 40 to 90 pounds, and measure 16 to 22 inches at the withers. Naturally, female counterparts are on the lower end of the scale. Chow Shepherds always come in two or more coat colors. You can find them in a variety or shades including red, cream, gray, dark brown, fawn, black, light brown, white, blue, and tan. The parent breeds usually come in various shades of red, cream, blue, white, black, cinnamon, fawn, merle with the Chow Chow , as well as Isabella, sable, liver, white, silver, black, blue, Panda, with German Shepherds. Both parent breeds come with a double coat. Yes, this means Chow Shepherds are not hypoallergenic dogs. If you have allergies and want this crossbreed, you better run like crazy! Not only do they trigger allergic reactions, but Chow Shepherds are a handful. I do recommend them for people living somewhere with a cold climate as they tend to sweat excessively under high temperatures. Well, their friendliness has a lot to do with the German Shepherd side of the family. Chow Shepherds are generally terrific family dogs. I find that they do the best with older children as their herding genes might swim up to the surface around small children. Young children must always be supervised around Chow Shepherds! What both parents have in common are their loyalty, protectiveness, and utmost love for their humans. Unlike some dog breeds that tend to cling to only one person, Chow Shepherds like to protect the entire family. Their protectiveness may cause aloof behavior around new people and animals. Both the German Shepherd and the Chow Chow are classified as working dog breeds. This can only mean that their puppy will be a working dog, too. Chow Shepherds like to feel useful. Use this trait to have them trained for obedience. Trust me, even dogs coming from such backgrounds can end up all cuddly and sweet instead of reserved and professional. Besides obedience and other types of training, make sure your puppy is exposed to different stimuli such as new people, animals, sounds, situations, and surroundings. This will teach him to respond well under all circumstances. Chow Shepherds can show stubbornness from time to time. I blame that on both parent breeds. What you need to have is a firm hand and authority. Never allow this dog to be dominant over you. You are the alpha dog, not your canine, no matter how funny it sounds. Even strong personalities have a soft spot. German Shepherd Chow Chow mixed puppies are affectionate creatures. They ask for attention from their owner all the time, and also offer some in return. Let me warn you about something: these dogs get attached easily. You may wonder whether this is a problem or not, but I assure you it is. What does your dog do? Dogs can easily experience a condition called separation anxiety. This happens because your dog loves you so much and misses your company. But, in most cases, this condition can turn into destructive behavior. Well, it is if you fancy a chewed up sofa and scratched doorways. Are Chow Shepherds Healthy Crossbreeds? When it comes to crossbreed puppies, dog experts disagree and divide into two streams. Some say the more dog breeds are involved, the more the chance for inheriting numerous diseases the puppy will have. I have to add that it depends on which two dog breeds are the parents. Of course, a puppy coming from two very problematic dog breeds health-wise will have many issues. Hip dysplasia is a hereditary condition. This causes tremendous pain, even lameness. In most cases, hip dysplasia is a one way ticket to canine arthritis. The condition can even become worse if the puppy is on the wrong diet, if it grows too fast, or if it has trauma or injuries. Hip dysplasia can be detected through health testings provided by the breeder, so make sure you ask for health clearances. Another dysplasia that should worry you is elbow dysplasia. The symptoms of this condition are joint laxity and mobility issues or lameness. I urge you to have your dog tested for dysplasia and rush it straight to the vet if you notice any symptoms. Eye conditions are not uncommon with Chow Shepherds. For example, entropion is a pretty common and annoying eye problem. Luckily, it can be treated surgically. This condition happens when the eyelid rolls itself inward. Entropion affects one or both eyelids. Fleas are nasty parasites that can occur with all dog breeds. Flea allergies are something that many of these pups will suffer from eventually. Their thick coat is the ideal ground for fleas to hang out and cause infections and reactions. Dogs have sensitive skin. Ask your vet for the appropriate treatment, but prepare yourself for a tough battle. Such dogs are suffering and must be treated immediately. The good news is that bloat can be prevented completely if you follow some simple rules. This increases the chance of getting bloated. If you treat them right, take them for regular vet check ups, and feed them properly, your Chow Shepherd can have a lifespan of 10 to 15 years. As a double-coated dog breed, Chow Shepherds require extra grooming. When getting a Chow Shepherd, you should be prepared to brush your pup several times a week. I always say light, daily brushing works the best. Better invest in a good one or buy a robot cleaner that will pick up loose hair as it goes around. Besides brushing, German Chows need bathing every two to three months. Never overbathe them! A full grooming treatment consists of regular ear cleaning, dental hygiene, and nail clipping. Nails should be trimmed bi-monthly, and this is something you should never skip, along with dental hygiene. Dental hygiene prevents tartar buildup and severe infections. As for your grooming supplies, invest in a couple of good grooming brushes pin brushes, bristle brushes, slickers, and de-shedding undercoat rakes , soothing dog shampoo, nail clippers, and cleaning solutions. Where are daily exercises? What about their mental stimulation? This mixed breed dog comes from two very busy working parent breeds. They need at least an hour or so of daily exercise to drain out their energy levels. Never skip exercising, especially since you have such a trainable dog breed. You two can have a lot of fun time together in the dog park learning new tricks with positive reinforcement, going through obstacle courses, or simply playing fetch together. A lot of energy can be used through mental games, too. Lastly, I want to address something that all dog owners have issues with. Most owners will just grab a bag of generic kibble from the supermarket. Did you know that many health issues with dogs come from a poor diet? Dogs need nutrients, especially proteins to keep them functioning well. Keep that in mind! A balanced diet is the key to a healthy and long living dog. The Chow Chow is more expensive , and its price can go way higher, even up to a couple of thousand dollars. The biggest issue with purchasing a Chow Shepherd mix is not the price, but the availability. You will have some issues finding a reliable breeder that will sell you this puppy. Not a lot of good breeders are messing with hybrid dogs, so you will have to find someone who breeds because he loves dogs, not for a big profit. Avoid pet shops and puppy mills at all costs. The way you can figure out which breeder is alright and which is not is by asking detailed questions. Ask pretty much everything, from how the puppies are being fed, to what kind of health testing they are submitted to. The initial price is one thing, but raising a puppy is a whole other story. The first year with the puppy is always the hardest. You will need to invest in a lot of things. First, you will need to take your puppy to regular vet checkups to get its shots and parasite treatments. Then, you will need to do a lot of shopping and puppy proof your place. This means a whole bunch of dog items you need to buy. Your Chow Shepherd puppy will need a large bed, preferably an orthopedic one. Yes, these dogs are pretty incredible! But, wait until you get your hands on one of these fur babies. I wish you good luck with finding a Chow Shepherd. Trust me, the search is worth it! Read Next:. These dogs can be challenging for novice owners, and ownership may be best suited for those with more experience. If you do decide to bring one of these dogs home, be sure that you have the time necessary to devote to their training. You may also want to budget funds for a professional trainer, just in case you have trouble achieving the desired results on your own. If you own one of these dogs, as they often suffer allergic reactions to flea bites. The symptoms of such a reaction include a rash, excessive scratching, blisters, bleeding sores, and pus discharge. You should brush them with a flea brush regularly, as well as use a medication that kills fleas in every stage of their life cycle. They have strong independent streaks and often come to you for affection on their terms. This is great if you enjoy your space, but it provides something other than the traditional dog ownership experience. This can include digging their way out, wriggling through loose boards, or even jumping the fence entirely. They can quickly figure out what you want them to do, as well as how to get you to do what they want you to do. This means they take to training well and require as much mental stimulation as physical. Chow Shepherds are loyal and loving toward their families and would do anything to protect them. However, that instinct can sometimes cause them to be standoffish or worse toward strangers. While this makes them excellent guard dogs, it can make having visitors over a dicey proposition. Are These Dogs Good for Families? They can get rambunctious while playing as well, which may make them dangerous around elderly family members. This can make them quite popular with older kids, though. They generally tend to ignore them. Before you take the plunge, there are a few important things you should consider. We recommend feeding them a high-protein diet to ensure they have all the energy they need. This should also help to stave off obesity although portion control is your best bet there. Keeping their weight at manageable levels is important, as the breed tends to suffer from joint issues later in life. Walks are necessary but not sufficient, and you should work in other training as well. Obedience work is a good idea, as is agility training. Chows can be standoffish and even aggressive toward strangers, so you must socialize your Chow Shepherd puppy as early and often as possible. These dogs shed constantly. They have thick, dense coats with heavy undercoats, so while their shedding is bad during the winter, it becomes nearly unbearable in the summer. You should brush their teeth several times a week and trim their nails as needed. Be sure to clean out their ears regularly as well, as they can be prone to ear infections. They often inherit the swayed back that German Shepherds are known for, and this can lead to joint and spine problems down the line. Beyond that, here are a few other things to watch out for: Minor Conditions. The dog requires some outdoor space to loosen up when bored. Not only does the dog typically captures the bodily appearance of a Chow Chow, but also has a curved tail that is unlike the tail of a German Shepherd. The dog is also seen to inherit the long muzzle of the German Shepherd parent dog side along with a black accent on its face and pointy ears. This makes the German Shepherd Chow mix resemble the facial appearance of a bear or a lion. This dog is a quick learner, making it easily trainable even as a puppy. Part of its personality that you should try to address while training your dog is its stubbornness which originates from the nature of its Chow Chow parent dog side. Obedience training should be your initial and primary training method on the dog. Unlike the stubbornness of a Chow Chow, the German Shepherd Chow mix find great pleasure in exhausting itself with constant play time and attention by its owner. Without any form or source of mental or physical stimulation, the dog can easily become bored and may end up acting more aggressively or destructively to release its restrained tensions. The dog is prone to chasing things that run by it, so make sure it is always kept on a leash once the dog is taken for a walk or any other outdoor activity. German Shepherd Mixed with Chow Chow Puppies for Sale Before buying a German Shepherd Chow puppy, you need to consider your budget and the costs involved after paying for its ownership. About more than a thousand dollars is required for purchasing the puppy and providing it with medicines and vaccinations. The typical price of a German Shepherd and Chow Chow offspring range from two hundred and fifty dollars to seven hundred and fifty dollars. The best way of looking for this puppy is by checking out dog breeders who specialize in breeding German Shepherd Chow offspring. Besides crossing out possible health issues from parent dogs, your other concern when looking for quality breeders is the price of their puppies. Another budget-friendly method is by looking at adoption centers or German Shepherd Chow mix breeders who are open to adoption. An excellent and responsible dog breeder is someone who makes as many background checks on the buyer as possible. Below are some adoption sites and dog centers to get a German Shepherd Chow puppy: Petcurious. You could also attend professional dog shows, contact or join dog clubs, or talk with a veterinarian who may know or refer a German Shepherd Chow mix breeder to you. Since the dog would appear like its Chow Chow parent dog, its long hair can result in excessive shedding. Having a vacuum around can help you clean up the mess in your surroundings. You should shampoo the dog only when necessary such as flea or skin problems or in cases when it starts to smell unpleasing using shampoo products made for long coats Chow Chows. This dog shampoo is formulated with a Sweet Pea Vanilla scent for a more pleasing smell on the dog. It is also specifically designed for Chow Chow coats and is hypoallergenic. This dog shampoo is a good alternative for skin allergies and infections. It contains Bentonite clay which helps in alleviating itchiness, dry skin, and hot spots. Earthbath All Natural Pet Shampoo. Also formulated as a moisturizer, this dog shampoo includes Aloe Vera extracts. Do not forget about maintaining the nails of the dog. Just like many dogs, the German Shepherd Chow mix also needs its nails trimmed once in a while using specialized nail clippers for dogs. This is a genetic illness that is common to many dogs in general. In other cases, obesity and improper nutrition and diet can contribute to the development of hip dysplasia as well. The hip joints of the dog slowly deteriorate and could result in skeletal malformation. Flea Allergy. Irritation can occur once ticks or fleas get into the coat of your dog. The long coat of the German Shepherd Chow mix can provide the perfect and warm atmosphere for the pests to breed and feed for their eggs. Scientifically termed as gastric dilatation and volvulus or GDV, bloat is the result of gas filling up in the stomach. As the stomach expanses, the diaphragm and blood vessels get squished and could cause breathing and heart problems to the dog. Eye Problems. Pannus or chronic superficial keratitis is a common eye problem with the German Shepherd breed. When it is left untreated, the dog may experience blindness. It is usually common for the dog at its middle to the old age of seven to nine years and above. Heart Problems. Vital signs that you should be wary of are breathing problems, behavioral changes, weight and diet changes, abdomen swelling, and weakness. There are several reasons for the dog to catch a heart problem but being aware of the signs and symptoms should help in treating it as soon as possible. The German Shepherd Chow mix does not necessarily have any health issues or illnesses that were specifically pointed out. Nevertheless, the sicknesses and health problems that were mentioned above can still be passed on to the offspring derived from the genes of both parent dogs. Healthy supplements including chondroitin, fish oil or omega three acids and glucosamine should help in preventing or reducing hip dysplasia problems. According to the American Feed Control Officials, a German Shepherd Chow mix puppy should eat protein at about twenty-two percent, while an adult German Shepherd Chow should consume only eighteen percent of protein. Protein from whole meats including beef, fish, and chicken are recommended in its diet. It features the following ingredients: salmon, chicken meal, menhaden fish meal, pea derivatives, sweet potatoes, carrots, blueberries, and parsley. It is made grain-free and packed with protein. Ingredients are as follows: duck, chicken meal, turkey meal, whitefish meal, egg protein, peas and chickpeas, sesame oil, and almond oil. It is another grain-free dog food with a hundred percent satisfaction guarantee. This dog food contains a variety of animal protein and healthy fat sources. Ingredients include salmon, chicken meal, menhaden fish meal, lamb meal, chickpeas, split peas, dried potatoes, and sunflower oil. It is a unique-tasting and premium dog food made of real beef, dried whole eggs, pork meat meal, beef liver, potatoes, and sweet potatoes, salmon oil, cauliflower, apples, green beans, carrots, blueberries, and other sources of antioxidants. This dog food is full of nutrients and proteins without containing wheat sources. The ingredients include turkey, turkey meal, chicken meal, chicken fats, chicken liver, salmon oil, peas, and potatoes. Feeding your German Shepherd Chow mix should have a balanced diet just like any other dog. You should consult with your veterinarian about these dog foods and devise a holistic dietary plan. Too much protein is too much calorie for the dog and may result in too much weight. If you want to obtain the best food for your sweetheart, this is a place to start. Senior dogs have specific nutritional requirements and you should search for their food in the best senior dry dog list. In case you have welcomed a puppy into your home and the little munchkin is just getting used to a regular diet, take a look at the list of the best puppy food brands. Your sweetheart comes from two different parents, which makes your pups more likely to grow to love dry dog food for small dogs or best large breed dry dog food. The same is expected from its offspring too. Hence, the German Shepherd Chow needs a daily dose of mental and physical stimulation to stay on the right track of things. Aside from doing activities with the dog including running, hiking, jogging and cycling, training is also another way of stimulating since German Shepherd Chows enjoy pleasing their owners. Below are some activities that you should do with the dog: Swimming. Swimming is not only an exciting activity for both the dog and its owner, but it also burns a lot of fuel or energy from the dog. The German Shepherd Chow mix is a friendly dog to people, but it is equally essential for it to recognize other dogs and behave in the same manner towards them too. Dogs, in general, are curious animals, and you can keep their curiosity in check by teaching it how to be around and respect other dogs. The dog will eventually learn new social skills. Scenting or Tracking Games. The German Shepherd parent dog side of the German Shepherd Chow mix was tracking dogs that loved to hunt things. Some games include finding the treat, hide and seek, and find the toy. Obedience Training. There are many ways to train your dog, but it all boils down to giving it commands and following your orders. Any form of training should keep the dog mentally and physically engaged and exhausted too. The Chow Chow parent dog side of the dog is known to be independent due to its stubborn nature and may choose not to obey you when you tell it to do something. Here are some training methods that you could apply to the dog: Puppy Training. The most important part of training the dog as a puppy is giving it your time and company. This should teach your dog the value of your bond with it and will soon acknowledge you as its alpha. Let it play with toys that you give so that it learns that being with you is a rewarding experience. Positive Reinforcement. Rewarding your dog while teaching it commands can come a long way to its relationship with you. You give your dog a reward such as a treat or a toy whenever it successfully responds to your command but gives it nothing until it learns how to react correctly to your call. A German Shepherd Chow mix needs to be taught how to socialize and behave properly around both humans and animals. If the dog would live in a home with children, it should be exposed to them as early as possible so that the dog learns how to tolerate your kids and feel more comfortable around them. They are playful towards any member of the family and is also easy for anyone to get along with as long as the person is introduced to the dog properly and not spontaneously. It is generally a peaceful dog that barks less unless provoked or neglected of attention. Some traits that make German Shepherd Chows great family pets are loyalty, protectiveness, and loving. It is also a perfect watchdog because the dog when faced with a stranger or someone not belonging with the family, becomes wary and can show intimidation as a warning sign to potential intruders. This is not just an energetic dog, but it is also a larger dog breed in size. In terms of lifestyle, the dog does very well with owners who are also active outdoors. The family does not necessarily need to have an energetic attitude towards the dog since it can be stubborn too, but owners should set daily activities that include the dog in their routine. Overall, the German Shepherd Chow mix is an excellent dog breed and family pet to own. With the parents of two dog breeds that are geographically far apart, a combination of the German Shepherd and the Chow Chow seals the deal. Sheprachow Description The Chow Shepherd is not a purebred dog. It is a cross between the Chow Chow and the German Shepherd. The best way to determine the temperament of a mixed breed is to look up all breeds in the cross and know you can get any combination of any of the characteristics found in either breed. It is very common for breeders to breed multi-generation crosses. Louie the Chow Shepherd as a puppy at 3 months old with his toy. She also has a purple spotted tongue you can't see. I adopted her when she was a year old. She is a wonderful dog. She is very loyal to me. If I ran through fire she would do it to. She loves my family as well but when she sees me its like she hasn't seen me in forever. She is highly intelligent. I can tell her to stay and not to run the street without her moving till I say come. She will play fetch but only for a bit. When she hears a noise from over the fence she waits to see what I will do. If I say no she will do nothing and if I say, "Lilly whats that? She prefers to follow me then anyone else. She is not an aggressive dog but rather a defensive dog. I have known her to mistreat a sign and snap, but not to bite, to warn. She will happily curl up in my pillow but when I start crawling in bed she gets out and on the floor into her bed. When she is out side alone she will never bark unless someone is over the fence but if I yell her name once she will stop barking. She never barks in the house. Unless she is in my room and hears a different voice in the house but I can either say stop or let her out to run to the stranger just to smell but she really could care less about the person. She hates being smothered by strangers only my family and I and a couple friends. She hates when strangers stand close behind her. She doesn't mind dogs as long as they are smaller then her. She hates when a dog is over the fence. A Boxer came on our property once and she attacked it. I broke it up very fast I am aware of the danger, I am a vet tech. She follows me everywhere. She loves my family but when I'm there she will only listen to me. I don't walk her on a leash because she will follow me anywhere. She will run back and forth barking and growling. And doesn't like strangers coming in the back yard. Learned that the hard way with the gardeners. We have a game I chase her and she maneuvers around the trees but I stop and run she will run and bite my hands or shorts or shirts and bark and growl but if I turn around and chase her she will freak and run then crouch and let off a good bark, but once I say Lilly no more she will immediately stop and come to me so I can kiss her. When I feed her I put the food in front of her but she will not eat until she sits and I shake her paw. She will drop a treat out of her mouth if I tell her to. She is very loyal to me, she knows I love her and I adopted her. She was probably 2 years old at that time so I am guessing she is around 13 now. She was very energetic, smart, wouldn't eat from her bowl until given permission, loved being with my grandchildren and me always. Her worst habit as I discovered early on was being aggressive to other dogs which probably was a result from her long term confinement at the pound. Now at her age she is arthritic and moves pretty slow.I feed her an excellent diet and walk her twice daily to maintain muscle and keep her mobile. We are bonded as much as any human and dog could ever be in this life. She is the best and I pray every day that I can be the person she thinks I am. This energetic hybrid dog breed is becoming increasingly popular. The Chow Chow German Shepherd is a designer breed. To create a new breed, it was bred from two different pedigrees. Designer dogs are more robust and healthier than their parent breeds. But, poor breeding can have the opposite effect and magnify any existing health problems. Before you buy or adopt a Chow Shepherd, make sure to do extensive research. Type of coat: Thick, dense coat lengths may vary. Shedding: Moderate to heavy with seasonal shedding Lifespan: Approx years Variations in Color: Tan, brown, chocolate, black, silvery grey, and red colors and patterns may favor one parent breed. Notable Features: Large ears and tufts, with ruffled fur around their necks may vary depending upon each dog , thick coat, and a face that resembles a German Shepherd Daily exercise: High exercise requirements, many hours of intense exercise daily Daily Food: You should eat one to two meals of kibble per day for medium-large dogs the recommended amounts will be in your dog food packet. A Chow Chow was first crossed with a German Shepherd by breeders to create a superior breed that could be a great herding dog and a loving companion. Chow Chows are the oldest dog breed. They were used for hunting in ancient China. According to some reports, a Chinese Emperor kept over 5, of these dogs. Queen Victoria loved Chow Chows and even took her beloved bet everywhere she went. German Shepherds are still working dogs today because of their intelligent and protective nature. You will often see them serving in the military and police forces. They are used here as guard dogs, search and rescue, sentries, drug detectors, or messengers. This breed can be a little wary of strangers due to their vigilant and watchful nature. The graceful and beautiful Chow Shepherd is a German Shepherd-like face with a long muzzle. The tail curves upwards and around, much like the Chow Chow. Because they are a cross between two parent breeds that shed, their grooming requirements are high. Daily brushing with a de-shedding tool is necessary for your German Shepherd Chow mix. If the seasons change, you should do it more often as he will shed more. You should also be ready to vacuum your home regularly. Dogs with healthy nails can grow very long if they are not taken care of. Chow Shepherds are loyal to their families and cautious of strangers. Chow Shepherds are similar to German shepherds and can be trained to guard their family members. They also have less separation anxiety than traditional Chow Chows. Chow Shepherds are stubborn, however. Chow Shepherds are intelligent and can make training challenging. Chow Shepherds can sense inconsistency and uncertainty in a trainer and will react accordingly. Chow Shepherds can be socialized with other pets, but it takes effort. Chow Shepherds may not be the right choice for families with small children and pets. Chow Shepherds need mental stimulation as well as physical exercise. Chow Shepherds are very social and love attention. They can be irritable if left alone. They may chew on and destroy furniture or cause damage to it while their owners are away. Purebred dogs are more expensive than mixed breeds. Shepherd Chow mixes can be slightly more expensive than other popular breeds but have had problems with dangerous breeders. Many puppy mills used unsafe breeding methods to produce the Shepherd Chow mix when it first became popular. These puppies were often sick or abandoned at the pound. Although price is not everything, it can be a good indicator that your puppy will likely suffer more from a lower price. However, it is important to do your research and get the license of the breeder before you buy from them. They can be socialized from a young age and will do well. However, it is better to have one of these breeds in your home to teach your children how to respect animals. They will get along well with teens and tweens and love to play together all day. Keep your Shepherd Chow mix on a schedule and keep them from eating too many treats. Usually, they will need only one or two meals per day. Ask your veterinarian what you should feed them each day. Grooming Needs Chow Shepherds require regular grooming due to their dense, thick coats. It is recommended that you brush your Chow Shepherd at least twice a week. Your Chow Shepherd will require more frequent brushing during shedding season. Chow Shepherds should not be used if you have allergies. After bathing your Chow Shepherd, dry it thoroughly. Chow Shepherds love playing in the snow and it keeps them cool in winter. Exercise Needs Chow Shepherds require a lot of exercise. Your dog will be happy and healthy if you give them at least one hour of intense exercise each day. Chow Shepherds are often unable to be left alone so make sure they have access to a safe area. For a Chow Shepherd to stay energized and healthy, running, hiking, and playing fetch and throw are all great options. Other German Shepherd Mixes.

It will be interesting to see how their relationship changes if Cosmo, a 9-year-old Jack Russell terrier, continues to be singled out in film reviews for extra praise. Will McGregor and the rest of the cast be jealous of Cosmo? Or toast his success with dog biscuits? In fact if you want to roll over and watch dog movies all weekend, here's a litter of films to pick from. Bear lives on a submarine with Captain Ramsay. Milo is one of Stanley Ipkiss's few friends. Private detective's dog, Baby, wears an eye patch. Ernest P. Worrell's brave dog is called Rimshot. Not Mexi-can't. I may look like a dog, but I only play one here on Earth. It's a litter! Kids turn an old hotel into a dog shelter. Stray dog helps girl connect with friends and family. A rowdy Labrador retriever grows up with a family. The last man of earth has a faithful dog named Sam. A yellow mutt adopts an s ranch family. Classic canine characters Benji: The film is a kid-pleaser. Rin Tin Tin: The German shepherd became famous in the s. Road trip with two dudes and a French bulldog. Navin's dog has an unprintable name, but is often dubbed Stupid in basic-cable broadcasts. Island vacationers are terrorized by abandoned dogs. Detective cares for murder victim's dog. Paul Walker plays a sled-dog trainer. Proof of service or military ID must be presented at the time of adoption. Pets younger than two years will have normal adoption fees. What is included in the adoption fee? All Pet Adoptions Include: Spay or neuter surgery, dewormer, age-appropriate vaccinations, rabies vaccination, flea prevention, a pet microchip, and a one year registration with the City of Houston. BARC strongly recommends taking your newly adopted pet to a veterinarian within 72 hours for a follow up exam. If the pet becomes sick BARC offers treatment for newly adopted pets within two weeks of the adoption date. Heartworm disease is a serious and potentially fatal disease which affects dogs and other mammals in the United States and other parts of the world. This disease is transmitted by mosquitos. It does not spread from dog to dog so it is safe to adopt a heartworm-positive dog. Heartworm disease can be resolved and most dogs respond well to treatment and can live long and happy lives! If the dog you have chosen to adopt is heartworm positive, we will have you speak to a medical team member prior to completing the adoption. The team member will be able to answer any questions you may have, help you learn more about this disease, and what the treatment will entail. Heartworm disease can be prevented. Due to the high density of the disease and mosquitos in our area, all dogs in your household should be on heartworm prevention. Visit www. How do I adopt a pet in Foster Care? Pets in Foster Care are not physically in the shelter except for on special event days. If you have found a pet from foster care that you would like to adopt or learn more about, Email barcfoster houstontx. Please allow at least 48 hours for the foster caregiver to reach out. Once you have met the pet and confirm you would like to adopt, our foster team will reach out to you on how to start the adoption process. For most pets, the adoption will still have to be done in person at BARC. For more information on adopting a pet from foster care, please contact barcfoster houstontx. Please come to BARC before 1 p.

Degenerative Myelopathy Von Willebrand Disease Perhaps the most well-known is hip dysplasia, a condition that causes the hip joint to develop abnormally. This can lead to pain and lameness, and eventually requiring surgery. German Shepherds are also at risk for elbow dysplasia, a similar condition that affects the elbow joint. Other common health problems include allergies, intestinal issues, and eye problems. With proper care and diet, however, German Shepherds can live long and healthy lives. Finding a German Shepherd puppy for sale from a reputable breeder can dramatically — although, not eliminate — the risk of your dog developing some of these conditions. While German Shepherds are often considered to be low-maintenance when it comes to grooming, their coats do require some care and attention. The most important thing to know about German Shepherd coat care is that the breed does not shed uniformly throughout the year. After the shedding period has ended, you can reduce the frequency of brushing to once or twice a week. In addition to regular brushing, German Shepherds also need to be bathed on occasion. How often you need to bathe your German Shepherd will depend on factors such as how often they play outside and whether they have any allergies or skin sensitivities. Generally speaking, however, a once-monthly bath is sufficient for most dogs. German Shepherd Puppies For Sale. Eugene Thompson and Mr. Wayne Richards pronounced Ri-shard. Her kennel was founded on Grand Victor GV Harrigan, whom many claims were the greatest shepherd that ever lived. From the same lines that produced GV Harrigan, gave rise to the Heidelberg German Shepherd Dogs, as well as, many of the other highly regarded top producing kennels in the United States. Unfortunately, many of these other kennels went another direction in their breeding in the late s and early s by producing a more extreme show dog type of German Shepherd that is over angulated. In addition, these top kennels in many cases disregarded temperament. Our guidelines to breeding the Heidelberg German Shepherd Dogs are, first and foremost, temperament, followed by health, and finally, show quality and appearance. More than champions later and several thousands of satisfied owners of the Heidelberg type of German Shepherd Dogs, we continue breeding Heidelberg German Shepherds that are world-renowned. We continue to use the Heidelberg name because we do not breed these dogs for our ego to have some contrivance of our last name to label our dogs with and to collect accolades. Rather we breed these shepherds for the future generations that will enjoy and love these wonderful German Shepherd Dogs, as we do, long after us. Why change the name? American vs. European: One Disclaimer: Before reading, the following note that we are providing only anecdotal evidence that we have witnessed with our eyes. Throughout the years, we have observed that the biggest cowards and least trainable dogs consistently are the so-called import German shepherd dogs. For example, when the owner brings their import out for boarding, the import will have its hackle up and be extremely aggressive towards staff, even to the point of snapping at our staff. This aggression is unfounded, and these shepherds are potential liabilities for their owners. However, after the owner leaves, these same dogs become cowards. They consistently refuse to socialize with other dogs or staff and coward in the corners of their kennels. This type of temperament would not protect their owners if a real threat materialized. For example, while these dogs are being aggressive towards staff, a quick step towards them would send them cowering behind their owners. This is not the correct German shepherd temperament. Keystone German shepherds are not aggressive towards strangers and do not coward from threats. Our dogs are aloof toward strangers until they learn that they are friendly, in which time they will readily accept the stranger as a family friend. Likewise, if the stranger proves to be a threat to family or property, our shepherds may provide a warning growl. At this point, if the bad actor does not cease, but continues with their aggressive behavior, they may be met with a bite. At this time, the perpetrator will again be allowed to stop with their aggressive actions; however, our shepherds may meet additional aggressive acts with increasing aggression. This is the correct protective temperament of the German shepherd dogs. This natural, innate protective behavior, by our dogs, is not learned and cannot be trained, and it may keep you from being sued. The correct shepherd temperament is discerning and controlled. Note: all breeds of dogs can become liabilities if untrained or improperly trained. The European or import shepherd purposely is bred to be high-strung and restless. They breed these dogs to be high energy translated as high maintenance for the very demanding sport of Schutzhund and police work. This is a very legitimate pursuit, and necessary for the production of police and military dogs. However, let us be realistic, for every puppy produced that would excel at this sport or as a working dog, these breeders produce several cull dogs for which they have to find homes. Some of these breeders sell these cull dogs to the unsuspecting public. Invariably they will sell these dogs to families that are ill-equipped to deal with a nervous, high-strung dog that must be occupied or they become destructive. These are the very same dogs that we see time again being boarded at our kennels. Our shepherds while capable at excelling at Schutzhund and police work are even-tempered. They are bred to be relaxed and calm. Our shepherds are happy to lie down next to you while you watch television or if asked to herd livestock or play fetch. They are focused on you and your activities. This is what we believe is the correct shepherd temperament, which is a pleasure to live with. We had a European breeder come out to our kennels to try to show us how superior his European lines were to our American lines. He brought out his prize stud. This dog was released from his crate and took off running around our property. After minutes of this man trying to catch his prize import to demonstrate him to us, we told him that we had to get back to work. The man finally caught his dog and left. We never saw him again. Our dogs never run off from us. Our dogs are true shepherds and as such, they are herding dogs. They herd us by observing us, they love us, and we become their sole purpose in life. For example, while at dog shows, we exercise our dogs off-leash several times a day. We usually find a big open field so that they can run and play. A competitor once asked us why we would take the chance of losing one of our valuable show dogs by letting them off the lead. I responded that we are not taking any risks because if our dogs wander too far, all we have to do is call their name and they come to us at a full run. Our competitors exercise their dogs at the shows in small pens because their dogs will run off and not return. We had another Schutzhund trainer come out to purchase one of our puppies. He had seen one of our dogs at a Schutzhund event and he was quite impressed with its working abilities. European: Two American vs. European: Two However, because of years of propaganda about how inept American lines are, he could not bring himself to purchase one of our puppies. He left our place muttering that these dogs cannot be this good. The poor man wanted one of our puppies so bad, but he could not let go of his incorrect biases. I also suspect that the man was afraid of the grief that he would receive from his schutzhund friends if he showed up with one of our American bred, German shepherd Dogs. We had another misguided import breeder challenge our dogs and their temperaments. He asked us if he could come out and perform temperament tests on our puppies. We obliged him. He ran through all his tests with our puppies passing all of his tests. Perplexed and frustrated, the man picked up a large stainless steel bowl and threw it down as hard as he could on concrete in the middle of the six-week-old puppies. The puppies reacted as any normal living thing would by running a few steps from the loud noise and then turning to investigate. They were scared; your dogs have terrible temperaments. Structurally many shepherds have been bred to be deficient. Both European and American lines have their specific problems. Many American lines have been bred to have severe angulations and slopes to their backs, that forces these dogs to run on their hocks or to flip their hocks in and out of their body line to provide leg clearance while trotting. This can be readily viewed by watching a dog trot away from you. The correct motion when viewing a dog in a trot moving away from you is that the rear legs and hocks should move in straight lines in an economy of motion. We breed our dogs to be structurally correct, and thus movement is fluid without wasted motion or energy. Likewise, many imports have been bred to have an imbalance with strong shoulders with weak and underdeveloped rear legs. These dogs are two-wheel drive only. You can see this best when they are on a lead and digging in, thus driving with their front legs almost dragging their rear legs. This has been taken to the extreme with some of the import lines, which can be best seen with what is termed as a roached back. This roached back results in a downward tilt of the pelvis and curved spine, which weakens the rear legs and negating a fluid trot. Most all modern imports and European dogs have very short and choppy strides. This short and choppy stride results in very inefficient movement. These dogs would be poor herding dogs and would quickly tire much quicker than shepherds with correct and efficient movement. Take note of the heads of many of the modern European and import shepherds. Due to the shorter snout, the jaw of many imports was forced to be wider because teeth have not changed in size or number It is very difficult genetically to change teeth the jaws and head of imports have become wider to accommodate all the teeth. Notice also the lack of leg bone thickness on many of the import shepherds. Many of these dogs have a petite bone structure, which is undesirable for herding or working dogs. The bones need to be substantial and strong to avoid breakage in the field or while bringing down a criminal. A dog with a broken leg cannot perform its job. Nature does not make mistakes over the long-term. Compare shapes and angles by examining several pictures of the wolf compared to the import and our dogs. Then examine and compare pictures of our German Shepherd Dogs vs. The difference will become evident in these visual comparisons. Do not buy into the propaganda that imports are inherently superior to all American lines. This propaganda was started as a sales technique to get unsuspecting purchasers to pay more for inferior and sometimes extremely ugly shepherds. If examined and investigated with an open and intelligent mind, you will come to the conclusion that our Heidelberg German Shepherd Dogs are superior in temperament, structure, and natural beauty than most all other lines and types of shepherds whether European, imported, or American. What is beautiful? Researchers have attempted to define beauty. The overwhelming consensus in defining what is beautiful and aesthetically pleasing to the eye was found to be in Form and Function, Balance, and Symmetry of the object considered. The Heidelberg shepherd meets these definitions of beauty. Few scenes in life are as invigorating and stimulating as watching a Heidelberg German Shepherd Dog running in a flying trot across an open grassy field. The opposite is true! Our German shepherds are loving, sweet, and gentle dogs, especially around small children. Supplements and Supplies We offer everything that is needed to bring home a new puppy from toys, collars, to water and feeding bowls. The prices and quality are exceptional and, we are likely less expensive than big wholesale houses such as PetsMart because our overhead is lower. In addition, we provide one of the best vitamin supplements available. Our Pure Total Vitamin Supplement meets the micro and macro-nutritional requirements needed by your growing German Shepherd Dog, puppy or adult. These nutrients cannot be obtained from the diet alone. Have you seen puppies eat dirt or grass? They do this because their nutritional requirements are not being met. Our supplement contains diatomaceous earth, brewers yeast, active yeast enzymes, vitamins B complexes, E, and C, kelp, flax seed meal, chicken liver powder, brewers yeast, selenimum, complex amino acids, Omega oils, and fishmeal. We also provide the purest contaminant free cod liver oil available in one-quart bottles that will last approximately 3 months. Our cod liver oil is human grade and many of customers use it for their own nutritional regime. Keystone Store Vaccinations We start vaccinations on our puppies at six weeks using Duramune Vaccines. Our first series of shots include distemper and parvo. At six and nine weeks we vaccinate for Distemper, Parvo live and killed , Adenovirus Type 2, and parainfluenza, and corona. At 12 weeks we vaccinate for all the above including 4-Leptospira Canicola — Icterohagiae Bacterin. This same shot is repeated at 16 and 20 weeks and then again at 6 months. Since following this vaccination regime, we have not had any puppies get sick. We also inoculate for rabies between four and six months followed by an annual booster then biannually after age three. Oklahoma rabies is required annually for the first two shots and then bi-annually. We sell puppy shots and adult shots for a fraction of the cost of going to a veterinarian clinic. Our vaccines are always fresh and up to date. For example, we were one of the first kennels to receive the new vaccines that protect against the new strain of Canine parvovirus type 2 CPV.Since we are not veterinarians it is illegal in Oklahoma for us to administer shots to dogs not owned or co-owned by us. Our vaccines are easily administered intramuscularly by injecting the needle quickly into the meaty part of the rear hip. We usually have an assistant hold the puppy in the air with the rear leg hanging loosely relaxed and the puppy does not even know it has received an inoculation. For rabies shots, we administer these subcutaneous by grabbing the loose skin on the back and injecting just under the skin. Please call or text to reserve a spot. We do tend to fill up during major holidays. Space is limited. We will board at no charge and breed your female every other day to a stud dog of your choice. Stud fees are nonrefundable, although if female fails to get pregnant you may bring her out for an additional breeding. If a third breeding is necessary, we will require that a veterinarian examine the female to ensure fertility before we attempt the third breeding. If your female is a virgin, no brucellosis test is required. However, if she has previously been bred to a dog other than a Heidelberg, we require a brucellosis test. Full-Service Grooming We offer full-service grooming. Training Many times throughout the year, we offer free group obedience and conformation training on Saturday mornings. See our Show Info page for dates and times of these free classes. Usually, it does not take more than one or two sessions to resolve a particular problem or to teach your Heidelberg German Shepherd Dog, puppy or adolescent basic obedience commands. We also have many of our dogs being trained in search and rescue, herding, and as service dogs. If you are interested in any of these training services, we can provide you with information for the best groups to contact. If you are interested in owning a champion and competing in the conformation ring, we will assist and fully support you in this endeavor. For a nominal fee, we will gladly take your dog to shows if you cannot make it yourself. In addition, we will assist you in picking out and training a future champion that will readily win so that you may avoid unnecessary expenses. We did much of the work ourselves, and after my real job, I would drive out to the property to do construction work. This particular occasion, I was on the property installing hardwood floors. Oregon became bored with my installation work and he decided to find another room with a cool place to lie down on the concrete subfloor. I stepped outside the back door to rinse out a bucket when out of the woods two very large Rottweilers came running straight towards me. I instantly could tell that these were not friendly dogs and that they were intent upon attacking me. With one Rottweiler, I could possibly defend myself, but with two, I was in real trouble. Suddenly, I felt Oregon brush across my leg as he charged to meet these two large muscular dogs. He slammed into the shoulder of the closest one knocking him over, and then Oregon latched onto the face of the other with a guttural growl. Unsettled they ran back into the woods from which they had materialized. Oregon was in hard pursuit. After I processed all that had taken place in a matter of seconds, my thoughts and concerns were redirected to Oregon. Before I could call him, a terrible noise came from the woods. I heard dogs growling, crying, screaming, and then silence. Then Oregon appeared unscathed from the woods in an extremely proud trot. Naturally, I gave him the royal treatment for the rest of the day. I am convinced that I would have been severely injured or worse if Oregon had not been there to protect me. If you need a protector for your wife or children, call us for the best home protector and baby-sitter that you will ever own. No alarm or security system short of a hour armed guard could protect your family and property as well. Nancy and the Kids Nancy has asked to remain anonymous. Nancy was 27 married with children, a boy and girl age 3 and 2, and her husband traveled a lot for his job. They had purchased their Heidelberg shortly after they were married to protect Nancy while her husband was out-of-town. In this neighborhood, the mailboxes were on the front porches. One night while alone with her two small children Nancy was awakened to the sound of a deep guttural growl, that she had never heard before. The growl caused the hair of her neck to stand. She got out of bed and followed Chance downstairs where he jumped up on the back window barking loudly. Nancy still hazy from her deep sleep thought the best thing to do was to open back door and let Chance out. Nancy called the police, and the police found that the screen was removed from the back window and that the window had been pried open. The intruder, they said, was only moments from coming in the house. A week later in the same neighborhood, an intruder broke into a house and brutally raped a woman. They never did catch this predator, but what is known is that Chance saved Nancy and her two children from a potentially brutal attack. While our kennel was small, we still had several German Shepherd Dogs that we had to divide them up and have family members care for them until we could purchase property and build kennels in Oklahoma. During these trips, Patty started to notice that every time she had high or low blood sugar Bismarck would lean over the car seat and incessantly lick her face. Patty has had juvenile diabetes since she was years-old. Sometimes with high or low sugar blood levels diabetics will not help themselves because they become confused mentally. Therefore, family members may have to force the diabetic to test and treat their sugar blood level. One day, my daughter and I had just started to watch a movie when Patty said that she was going to Wal-Mart. Two hours later, Ashley walked outside to find Patty hanging halfway out the door of her vehicle passed out and almost in a diabetic coma. Patty would check her sugar in the evenings and if it was high or low, she would then bring Kodi into the house and love on him until her sugar returned to normal levels. Kodi goes everywhere with Patty including work, restaurants, when she travels, etc. In the four years that Kodi has been a full-time Service Dog, the only serious diabetic event Patty has had is when she left Kodi at home to do some Christmas shopping in .Patty had disappeared for several hours and the entire family began calling her. When she answered the phone it was obvious that her blood sugar was low and that she did not know where she was while driving her car. We finally got her to park in a parking lot and through a lot of questioning, we pinpointed her general location. Her sister found her and got her to eat dinner, and Patty recovered. The next shopping trip, Kodi went with Patty. Kodi sleeps on the floor next to Patty and wakes her up in the middle of the night if her sugar is high or low. This is a great comfort to the family because most diabetics slip into diabetic comas or even die while asleep. This nighttime risk for diabetics is because nobody is around to know they are in trouble. He is our hero! Welcome to the Pennsylvania state page on TrustedPuppies. Situated in the Northeastern and Mid-Atlantic regions of the United States, Pennsylvania offers a rich history, diverse landscape, and plenty of dog-friendly activities, making it a fantastic place for German Shepherd enthusiasts. PA sits 6th among the other states, with a hefty dog population of around 2. Our site features reputable PA breeders who specialize in raising healthy and happy puppies. Our breeders are committed to raising the highest quality puppies. They provide their puppies with all the necessary vaccinations and veterinary checkups to ensure they are in the best of health before they go to their forever homes. They also provide ongoing support and advice to ensure a smooth transition for both you and your new furry friend. Pennsylvania is a paradise for dog lovers, featuring an array of dog-friendly restaurants, parks, and events to enjoy with your canine companion. At TrustedPuppies. Most of our trusted German Shepherd breeders offer safe and affordable flight delivery, with a devoted flight nanny accompanying your new pup throughout their journey, ensuring a secure and comfortable trip as they make their way to their new home in the Keystone State. In addition to flight delivery, most breeders also offer affordable vehicle delivery utilizing specialized pet delivery services. This option guarantees your German Shepherd puppy is safely transported to your doorstep by a professional who understands the unique needs of pet travel. Begin your search for the perfect German Shepherd puppy today on TrustedPuppies.

Airy, Maryland or Email for the fastest response at labpups gmail. Many great pups will be available for pickup. Please email us for additional information. Keep safe and well. Airy Maryland. Back in , I was visiting a neighboring farmer buying some hay. Upon walking into his backyard, I was greeted by 10 adorable black Lab puppies -- all attacking my shoe strings. At that very moment, seeing all the love they gave, I knew what I was destined to do. Over the next several years, I absorbed as much knowledge as possible about Labradors and breeding. I went all across the United States and purchased great breeding stock pups based on bloodlines, conformation and disposition in order to produce very high quality Labradors. Through the years, we have kept our business small because we love our dogs and feel the need to give them all the attention and love required by a Labrador. In the summer of we moved our labrador operation to a new location under the direct supervision of Shadyside Labradors located at Shadyside Drive, Mt Airy, MD. We, my sister and I look forward to continuing on with the same great dogs and the same management philosophy used since in this wonderful new home for our dogs on 28 acres of wonderful Carroll County farmland with gentle rolling hills and serene wooded paths. Best Regards, Pet Keen is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more. We understand there are many reasons for seeking a breeder, though, so we encourage it to be done the right way. We have not personally investigated all of the breeders below, rather, we have gathered their details for you to get in touch and ask all the right questions before you decide. Learn more about our position and how to choose a breeder here. The Labrador Retriever is one of the most popular dog breeds in the United States due to its friendly and affectionate temperament. These dogs are great with children and even get along with other pets. The 6 Labrador Retriever Breeders in Maryland 1. Many people need to rehome their pets and often look to the animal shelter for help. Since the Labrador Retriever is so popular, you have a good chance of finding one there. Purchasing your pet from an animal shelter quite likely saves its life and frees up resources that the shelter can use for other animals in need. They have a complete website with plenty of information about Golden Retrievers and when their next litter will be available. You can also use this website to sign up for the waiting list. Hillcrest Retrievers Visit Their Website Woodbine, MD Hillcrest Retrievers are breeders and trainers that will help you get the puppy or looking for or train your misbehaving dog. They even offered to train you how to handle your puppies. They have been in operation since and have a comprehensive website we can sign up to get a notification when puppies are available. They only produced the occasional litter, but you can sign up on their website to get a notification when puppies are available. Until they sell them, they raise the dogs as part of their family, so they are well socialized with people and other pets by the time you adopt them. All puppies are born to dogs with outstanding AKC pedigrees, and they produce new litters frequently so you can sign up to the waiting list on their website. See Also:. The Labrador Retriever is also the most popular purebred dog in America for the 21st straight year. More than twice as many Labs were registered than any other breed making it a likely leader for many years to come. At Twin Lakes Kennel, we have been breeding and training world class Labrador retrievers for more than thirty-five years. Our second-to-none Puppy Guarantee makes buying a pure-bred Labrador retriever one of the wisest decisions you will ever make. Read the personal testimonials from prominent Labrador Retriever owners from around the country. And visit our Puppy Page or call Woody or Judi for up-to-the-minute puppy information at .Located near Laurel Hill, NC, we deliver our world class Labrador retriever puppies and adults to locations as far away as Alaska. We can easily deliver our guaranteed Labs to your location in or around Annapolis. For details, call Woody or Judi at .Labrador Retriever Puppies and Children In a recent article, a licensed professional counselor for more than twenty-five years, explained how owning a Labrador retriever can help produce healthier, happier, more well adjusted children. Here is an excerpt from her article: The ten reasons that I am giving for children to have a dog are not listed in order of importance. All of us have different characteristics which we find more important than others. Every reason I list, however, is important to the childhood of your son or daughter. Dogs can help children grow stronger. Just by being a part of the family, dogs can help contribute to keeping your children healthier. According to Science Daily, kids who grow up with dogs have fewer allergies and are less likely to have eczema than other children. They grow up with higher levels of certain immune system supporters that keep them in better shape as they get older. School systems report that children from homes with dogs also have fewer sick days during the school year. Another benefit in this area of physical strength is that kids who play with dogs can take falling down and rough and tumble play much better. Be sure to read the rest of her article, Ten Reasons to Own a Dog. Our world class Labrador Retrievers puppies for sale! Our Latest Happy Clients! Become A Happy Client! Questions about Labrador Retriever puppies for sale in Maryland? We have answers. What affects Labrador Retriever puppies for sale in Maryland price? A lot of factors go into puppy pricing, including breeder experience, coat color think silver Labrador Retriever puppies for sale in Maryland , and pedigree of the litter. Do Maryland Labrador Retriever breeders ship puppies out of state? How do you screen Labrador Retriever breeders MD? And what do we look for in partners? Why is Uptown Puppies different from other places? We built Uptown Puppies to bring together ethical breeding operations with families who want a fast, easy way to find their dream dog. What is a puppy mill? Puppy mills are unethical, inhumane breeding operations where profit is far more important than raising happy, healthy dogs. When you buy from a puppy mill, you can expect your dog to develop genetic illnesses more often, have worse behavioral problems, cost you thousands in extra vet fees, and to be more likely to pass away at a young age. Are there any Labrador Retriever puppies for sale in Maryland? MatchMaker is a simple but powerful tool to help us match families with litters, breeders and businesses that perfectly suit your expectations and preferences when it comes to the ideal dog. How do I know I can trust you?

Your puppy can experience unruly behavior all of a sudden when they enter a new maturity stage. I know how angry and frustrated you get at your dog when they seem out of control. That was me, too! Instead, realize your GSD might not be out-of-control, but they might just be in a new phase. At the same time, your GSD begins to take more interest in the great world around them and ventures into new activities… Which winds them up in trouble as they explore. They also develop more independence and rely on your presence less and less. At some point, you believe your puppy is possessed and feel that all the things he learned are forgotten. Around 12 to 18 months old the out-of-control behavior will pass and all your hard work will start to pay off. Either way, puppy or adult, you need to prepare yourself. So, it all adds up to this: you learn how to control a German Shepherd using the following behavior plan to make it through this difficult time. But… Deep down you know you want to enjoy your GSD again and realize you must follow a training plan to help your rebellious dog become the calm, well-mannered German Shepherd you know he can be. Let me explain how to train an out-of-control German Shepherd using a scientifically-based behavior plan. German Shepherds are most active at dawn and dusk in scientific terms this is called crespuscular. The best times to exercise your GSD are: early morning early evening The rest of the day your dog is generally less active and sleeping. Shepherds wake up with energy and excitement after a long sleep time. This is why your pup is so excited in the mornings and when you come home from work. German Shepherds are used to walking and running miles and miles, so use an exercise tool called a long line or long leash to let your puppy enjoy running at their own pace. Do NOT force a puppy to run with you or you can damage their bones and joints. Puppies need gentle exercise, the type found here is most appropriate: The 5 Best Exercises for German Shepherd Puppies A German Shepherd over 18 months of age can run with you in short sprints, building up to longer distances. They have a need to do what they were designed for, which means they: generally enjoy chasing toys outdoors exploring different terrain using their noses to find things Most of all, an exercised dog is a calmer dog! And calm dogs are simply less likely to get unruly. Did you know that the German Shepherd Dog is bred with natural instinctive intelligence to solve complex problems apa. Yet many owners have never thought to give their dog mental stimulation. How do you mentally stimulate a German Shepherd? German Shepherds like both physical and mental challenges that are game-oriented. Dogs that have not had the chance to use up their energy are more likely to become difficult to handle, over-excitable, and out of control. A simple brain game to promote mental stimulation in your German Shepherd is to use a food-filled Kong Extreme. This keeps your dog occupied and also lets them use their energy by working for their food. You might say… I train my dog every day and he still acts out of control! And, I totally believe you! But, have you trained calmness? Instead, stay proactive by teaching your pet to perform the behavior you want! The most effective way to stop unwanted and out-of-control behavior is to ignore it. Avoid the battle! Out-of-control German Shepherds love to get you excited! Many times, their greatest pleasure is getting you wound up over some small matter. Remember, what fuels the misbehavior is often the conflict itself. Stay calm and refuse to get engaged physically or verbally. Fold your arms, look away from him, and walk out of the room if possible. Being ignored is a major consequence for most German Shepherds. Hand-feed your dog their meals. Taking food gently from human hands is a valuable life lesson and your dog loves to practice getting food! Hand-feeding your dog is also a perfect way to raise the value of interaction with all people. This simple training builds trust in your dog while showing him that only calm behaviors not nipping or pawing for the food get the reward. Quietly give him a small piece of tasty treat and a very gentle stroke on his side. You also should try these German Shepherd bonding exercises to help calm down your dog and increase their trust in you. Teaching Right is Easier than Correcting Wrong Learning how to train an out-of-control puppy will go more smoothly if you focus on teaching him what is right, instead of punishment. How many times do you correct your dog for a certain behavior, only to be too tired or stressed later to stop the same behavior again? You might think you taught your dog the right way to act, but his out-of-control behavior is telling you another story. This is the point where you brush up on disciplining a German Shepherd the right way. Before we go any further… Let me tell you that discipline does NOT involve physical corrections or punishment. Successful positive German Shepherd obedience training , especially for dogs lacking control, relies on the appropriate use of management tools to prevent your GSD from practicing and being reinforced for unruly behaviors. Some leashes are designed to be hooked to waist belts or clipped to belt-loop with a carabineer. With your puppy near or attached to you, you can provide the constant supervision they need to prevent them from getting into trouble. Click and reward for a calm behavior you like. Like anything else you must remain consistent to learn how to control a German Shepherd. Emphasize Structure and Consistency A German Shepherd puppy acting wild needs structure and consistency in their daily activities. A good behavior training program emphasizes structure and consistency. And why should you care about emphasizing structure and consistency with a German Shepherd that is out of control? Because predictability and structure equal less stress; and less stress is what you came here for in the first place. The more consistent you are with your training and expectations, the less chance your dog will misbehave. Think about this… You can spend the time now training your out-of-control German Shepherd the right way, or you could potentially live in stress and frustration for years to come. Which sounds like the better outcome for you and your dog? There are thousands of owners out there, just like you, who are in the same boat, too. But you must start! You can even create a German Shepherd entertainment plan to keep them busy! Give them the attention they deserve so you can both enjoy each other again. Manage the situation by using either a baby gate to keep your dog away from the front door, teach him to sit for his greetings where he gets the appropriate reward — petting, eye contact, and praise. Learn to train your dog to go to their mat and give them small bits of reward when they are lying calmly. Write out a similar chart of your own and place it where everyone can see it. This helps everyone to know the steps to train your out-of-control German Shepherd. Want more help learning how to control a German Shepherd? Using a combination of exercise, training, management, with a sprinkling of useful tools, and dedication to consistent training, you can help your German Shepherd learn to chill out and become a calm, happy companion who is a joy to be around. So, take the next step… If you want more help training an out-of-control German Shepherd puppy, read Your German Shepherd Month-by-Month to stay one step ahead of your intelligent companion. Stop thinking you have to live with a wild child and get busy training. She has a Bachelor of Science degree, with Honors, and has been training dogs for over a decade. Related Posts. Engaging in rougher play than usual. Excessive barking, yipping and snarling. Even in hyperactive ways. To stop this bad behavior, curb it as soon as they display it. Try doing it when you come home. If they jump at you, turn away from them. Then walk away. Another scenario to ignore their bad behavior is meal time. You know how it is most of the time. They may knock the bowl out of your hand and scatter food everywhere. Frustrating, right? Use meal times to teach them manners and self-control. As soon as they jump all over you, go back to what you were doing. Ignore them until they calm down. Wait a few seconds, then go back to the dog food. If they display the same behavior, ignore them again and wait until they calm down. If you have reached the part of pouring the food before they jump, put the bowl out of reach. Then go back to what you were doing and ignore them. Repeat until you can give the food without them jumping all over. You can do this for other bad behaviors such as excessive barking. Follow the same steps above. Or, you can teach them to sit and wait for their food. Do this when they have calmed down from jumping and barking. Their meal would serve as their reward. Can you imagine all 80 pounds 36 kilos of them jumping all over you? Your German Shepherd puppy is not far from that. Would it make them hyper again? One of my friends owns a dog named Oreo. She was worried that rewarding Oreo with attention might make the dog jump at her. She tried it on Oreo, and the dog simply looked at her with the tongue out. The dog even calmly lay down for a belly rub. If it worked on this dog, you can try doing it on your own dog. Reward them with attention and see if your dog remains calm. I do not guarantee that they will always remain calm. But if they become hyper in response, go back to tip 1. Aside from attention, you can also reward them with treats. Note: A calm dog is a happy dog. Your dog can do this up to twice a day until they are fully grown. For example, 3-month old pups can take a minute walk. Or you can divide it to walking 10 minutes and fetch 5 minutes. Gradually increase the time while the puppy grows. But as owners found out, not all German Shepherd puppies are the same. How long puppies can walk depends on their limits. Some can do minute walks times a day at 2 months old. Others can only do one minute walk together with other exercises. At first, you can do minute walks twice a day. Or you can add another minute walk. Caution: Do not push puppies too hard at a young age. If they get tired, stop the walk and let them rest. In addition to walks, do short play sessions in the park or mental exercises at home. Then build on these walks and play sessions as your puppy grows. By having a job, hyperactive behavior is slowly eliminated. So their energy is redirected to more productive things. An example is putting away their toys. It might take a few tries. But with the right motivation, German Shepherds will learn it. Remember, they are smart and can learn tricks in a few tries. Another example is playing scent games. German Shepherds are very good at this. So good that police use them to sniff and identify bombs and other dangerous items. Let them prove their skill at home. Hide items such as anise and clove. If you have a yard, you can do it there. If not, right inside the house will do fine. Another job you can give them is carrying things. German Shepherds love to please their owners. So carrying things for you will be a very important job for them. They can learn carrying things through the Fetch Method. Repeat until they pick the item every time. Then reward them. Move a few feet away and have them bring the item to you. Reward them accordingly. Have them carry the item as you walk around the house or outside. Always reward with praises and tasty treats. Or firewood from the shed to the house. Let your German Shepherd carry their own water and treats in a small backpack. The extra weight will help tire them out. Now, different scents have different uses. Rose is good for reducing anxiety. Rosemary, on the other hand, works to reduce tension and fatigue. Lavender and Roman chamomile will work wonders for your hyper German Shepherd. Lavender promotes relaxation and sleep while chamomile puts the mind at ease. Caution: Scents are not applicable to dogs that have allergy to a particular scent. Consult with your yet. Ask your vet for recommendations for ones that can calm a hyper dog. Does music work the same way in dogs? Will they relax once they hear Beethoven or Mozart? Apparently, yes! Particularly ones where they can sing along. This research observed shelter dogs exposed to classical music, heavy metal and altered classical. Dogs exposed to heavy metal display body shaking, suggesting nervousness. Another study has the same findings. This one observed 2 groups of dogs. One group was observed with classical music. The other was observed in silence. The study found out that when exposed to classical music, the dogs were calm. Their stress levels decreased significantly. Not only that. Dogs were in a relaxed state not standing up and not barking while listening to music. But why classical music? The answer lies in the tempo. Music with long, continuous tones beats per minute is relaxing. Think of classical, reggae and soft rock. This was proven to relax dogs. On the other hand, music with short, choppy tones is excitatory. That includes hard rock and heavy metal. These have a faster tempo that caused an increase in anxiety and agitation among dogs. In addition, heavy metal music has loud percussion that can frighten dogs. Some dogs love to chew on shoes all the time. Or they destroy blankets or the fabric of your sofa. This chewing obsession can drive anyone crazy. If your German Shepherd is a puppy, they could be teething. Chewing relieves any pain and discomfort associated with it. On the other hand, older dogs chew to keep their jaws and teeth strong. This is what dogs in the wild do as well. However, it becomes a destructive behavior if they direct it toward inappropriate items. In situations like this, dogs chew out of boredom or frustration. Caution: Do not punish your dog when they chew inappropriate things. Never place them in their crate as punishment. Teaching them what is okay to chew and what is not is one way to solve the problem. Another is to give them toys and chew bones. In doing this, take note of the kind of toy they chew for long periods of time. If they love chew bones, then keep offering those. However, here are a few reminders when your German Shepherd a bone: Give them raw meat bone. Let them chew on it for minutes. Then store it in the refrigerator. Discard bones after 3 or 4 days. Always supervise your dog when chewing a bone. If your German Shepherd is an adult, give them a large bone. They could chip their teeth while chewing. These might cause blockages or damage the intestines. Your German Shepherd needs interaction to avoid boredom. This way, they redirect their energy to productive things. Play can be in the form of physical or mental exercises. Play games such as Frisbee or fetch. Or teach them the shell game. You can also involve members of the family in the games. For instance, you need to go to work. Your German Shepherd has to know that the crate is their safe haven. Such as a punishment. Caution: Leaving your puppy in their crate longer than 6 hours is not advisable. It will only make them anxious. Staying in the crate too long will end up in pent up energy. And once out of the crate, they are bent on releasing that energy. When crate training your puppy, remember these: Ignore them when they cry while in the crate. Wait 20 minutes until they calm down. If they are just starting the training, it may be difficult at first. There are times when they cry in the middle of the night. But this gradually stops when they reach 3 or 4 months old. It is flattering to some extent. That level of attachment says a lot about the time you spend with them. It only becomes a problem when they learn to crave for your attention. To prevent this, let them play on their own for a while. This teaches them not to crave for your attention all the time. German Shepherds are basically tireless furballs. Lack of or insufficient exercise is one reason why they are hyper. Take them walking early in the morning and late at night. Or take short walks throughout the day as long as the weather is good check out tip 4 for more info. They can also socialize and play with other dogs. If you have a lawn, take your puppy out for some games. Play fetch or tug of war. No yard? No problem. There are games you can do inside the house. Swimming is also a fantastic exercise for your puppy. Let them swim in your pool or somewhere that allows dog swimming. Aside from swimming, running will tire them out. However, there are important guidelines when doing this activity. First, make sure your German Shepherd is 15 months old or older. By this time, their bones and muscles are fully developed. Second, ensure that they are trained well. Basic commands such as sit, stay and stop go a long way for their safety. Third, get them a clean bill of health by checking with the vet. Physical exercise and mental stimulation give you a tired, calm dog. German Shepherds are highly intelligent dogs. Help them work their brains by giving them mentally stimulating activities. Hide and seek is a fantastic example of this. It promotes physical exercise and reinforces the recall command. To do this, distract your dog long enough for you to hide. You can throw a ball and have your dog run after it. Then find the best spot for hiding and call your pooch. Just look at this adorable German Shepherd looking around the house for the owners: As you can see from the video, the game is an opportunity for an exercise. The dog goes from room to room several times until they find the owner. The dog has to work harder to find where the scent of the hiding owner is. This game is also a nice way to teach your puppy their name. This is mentally stimulating as your dog uses their nose to find each treat. Note: Spend 30 minutes or more for mental exercises. You can also give them interactive toys to keep them busy. You may unknowingly be feeding them with food that has unsafe ingredients. Many dog foods are made with additives, preservatives and colorants. These have no nutritional value at all. If anything, these only make hyperactivity worse. According to an article by canine nutrition expert Dr. Conor Brady , several things answer the question. Many dog foods are made with chemicals to make them last longer. These are not safe. Another reason is the high dose sugar and low dose protein. High dose sugar can spike blood sugar in humans. Imagine what it can do to a dog. In addition, dog foods contain only the minimum amount of protein. Why is this so, when protein is the building block for serotonin and dopamine? Serotonin and dopamine are the happy and calming chemicals. Lastly, dog foods contain low levels of vitamin B complex. This is responsible for energy levels and behavior. Also, B complex contains vitamin B6, which produces dopamine. Of course, you need to teach your puppy first to love riding a car. Then switch off the engine. Do this until your dog becomes comfortable riding a car. This is also a huge opportunity to mentally stimulate them and tire them out. During a ride, there are a lot of things for them to process. New smells, new faces. This could be a whole new experience altogether. You can drive to new places where you can run, walk or just explore. And by the time you get back home, your German Shepherd is hopefully spent. Because your dog is only a puppy, avoid exposing them to dog parks immediately. Some dog diseases are highly contagious, such as parvovirus. Also, dog parks are open to all dogs of breeds, sizes and temperaments. Some dogs could be rough or simply violent. This could lead to a traumatizing experience for your puppy. Caution: Ensure that socialization is a fun experience. But take them out of situations that frighten them. What you can do, though, is to slowly introduce your dog to others. If not, then perhaps a neighbor or a friend has a dog your puppy can meet. Arrange playdates if possible. Or barking right in their face. One way to prevent this is to instill some manners in them. Teach them impulse control. Impulse control teaches your dog how to engage with you. That is, without lunging, nipping or excessive barking. Make them sit before you open the door or clipping the leash. Before you give them dinner, wait for them to sit. And when they do just that, reward them with what they want. They will associate sitting with getting what they want. In a big way, this teaches them to calm down before they can have the good stuff. Remember to be consistent on your part. It comforts them. So when you have to leave, give them something such as a used shirt. When they are alone, having your smell will feel as though you are with them. For your puppy, the stinkier, the better. Some days going outside for walks or runs is not permissible. Puzzle toys will keep your German Shepherd busy and entertained. The only downside is that they will tire of it after they have figured out how it works. That will get them through obedience training. That way, it can prevent behavioral problems later on. This was exactly what this research found out. It studied dogs divided into 4 groups: puppy class, puppy party, adult class and no class. The puppy and adult classes underwent an hour of training each week for 6 weeks. The other 2 groups did not undergo formal training. The findings showed that the groups that attended training responded well to commands. The puppy class group also showed positive responses to strangers. The study concluded that this could prevent behavioral problems such as disobedience or fear of strangers. That being said, spend at least 30 minutes each day for their training. Train them young starting with basic commands. These are useful commands that you can use at home or when outside. Also, get them busy with leash and off-leash training. This is particularly useful for when you are taking walks or running. Think agility, flyball or disc dog. Getting involved together in sports can strengthen your bond. In addition, these sports provide physical and mental exercise at the same time. A word of caution, though. Formal training can be expensive and time-consuming. But if you do, you can do the sports for fun. Daily running, check. Puzzles and toys, check. Most of the time, exercises, training and activities solve the problem. But if your German Shepherd is still hyper, it could be a medical condition. So check with your vet because the problem could be thyroid dysfunction, allergies and even ADHD. Yes, you read that right. ADHD is common in human children. Apparently, the same symptoms could be seen in hyper dogs. One study in found out that social and physical factors were associated with ADHD-like behavior. ADHD-like behavior refers to inattention and increased motor activity. The social factors mentioned were: Number of social contacts. The duration of the period of separation. On the other hand, the physical factors were: Frequency and duration of walking. The amount of playtime as puppies. For your peace of mind, have your vet run tests to rule out any problems. Either way, it will help toward calming your German Shepherd. Some owners and dogs thrive on routine. For instance, your German Shepherd eats their breakfast at 6am and 6pm. On the other hand, structure is for people who dislike strict schedules. You can set a schedule for activities without being strict about the time. For instance, your dog knows you will take them for a morning walk when you wake up. And not necessarily at 6am. This is great for days when you feel like sleeping in. Take some time to reflect on yourself. There could be problems at work or other stressors that keep you agitated. Without you knowing, all these reflect on your body language and tone of voice. You reflect energy that your dog catches on. One can easily give in to frustrations when training a puppy. But yelling and punishment will only make your puppy more hyper. Also, be consistent. Stick to the rules you set for your hyper German Shepherd. So fixing it will not happen overnight either. But committing to do the right thing will get your dog to the result you want. Related posts:. Mar 10, German shepherd dogs are an active breed. If you live with one, you know what we mean. As working dogs, they are high energy and have lots of brain power, too. And even then, as long as they have the ability, they still love to have fun and play well into their senior years. Since German shepherds were bred to work all day, they have lots of stamina. Built for herding and guarding livestock, they have plenty of energy to burn. They can easily get destructive, frustrated, develop anxieties, and even get depressed. Bored German shepherds are unfulfilled, unhappy dogs. The age a German shepherd begins to slow down is unique to the individual dog. The energy level expended in these sessions will lessen as the dog ages, their physical condition declines, or they develop orthopedic problems, etc. By the time a German shepherd reaches 8 — 10 years old, they are usually content to play, roam around the yard, go for a short walk, enjoy the outdoors, or go for a car ride. Taking them out for several short sessions several times a day is better than 1 — 2 long sessions. Some experts suggest exercising your puppy 5 minutes for each month of age several times per day. So, if your puppy is 4 months old, you would go for a minute walk several times a day rather than one power walk for an hour. Training Training your puppy will also help tire them out. You can also burn off energy by reinforcing training throughout the day. By doing things like having your puppy sit and wait for food, sit at the door before they go outside, or sit before you hand them a toy, you can work in the type of training that will also help calm them down. By exposing your puppy to new people, places, scents, noises, and animals, you will help them grow up into a confident dog that is free from fear and anxiety while burning up some of that puppy energy. Things like stuffed Kongs, puzzle toys, chew toys, snuffle mats, games, problem-solving like finding treats , scented toys, and more are all fun and help burn off steam so they can relax. Teach your Puppy to Relax or Settle Down Did you know you can also teach your puppy to relax and settle down? But, at the end of the day, your puppy can learn to chill out for a while. You can do this by marking calm behavior with a verbal command. Other tips for calming a high-energy puppy include: Crate training Confining to an exercise pen Mental games, such as sniffing and finding things Treat dispensing toys Switching out toys Calming the environment To recap, German shepherds, are working dogs that have lots of energy. They will be active from the day they come home and remain so well into their adult years years old. The age they begin to slow down depends upon the dog, their overall health, breeding, drive, etc. You can expect your adult dog to start becoming calmer around 6 years old. But even senior dogs continue to enjoy activities that they are physically able to do. After all those needs are met, you can teach your puppy how to relax and be calm. We hope you found this information helpful. As always, please feel free to share with your friends. Why your German Shepherd is crazy Insufficient exercise A common reason for German Shepherds to act in a crazy way is that they are not getting enough exercise. German Shepherds were bred to do energy-intensive tasks for hours on a daily basis. As a result of this, it can take a lot of exercise to properly stimulate them. Related post: Ways to exercise your German Shepherd. This will often go hand in hand with not getting enough exercise. In this situation, your best option would be to ignore the craziness if you can and then to reward it with your attention when it is being well behaved. Boredom The cause of the craziness could be that it is bored. The distractions and excitement of being somewhere new can be too much for it to handle and cause it to forget its training. To prevent this it is important for you to make sure to train your German Shepherds in multiple locations. The behavior is being encouraged It could be that you have been inadvertently encouraging the behavior by giving it things that it wants in order to get it to calm down. This can have the effect of teaching it that behaving in a crazy way will get it what it wants so it does it more. Separation anxiety The reason that your German Shepherd acts crazy at times could be due to separation anxiety. This is where your German Shepherd does not like being left alone and it causes it to behave in a crazy way when you are about to leave, when you are gone and when you have recently returned. Related post: Why is my German Shepherd so anxious? If you think that this might be the cause then you should take it to the vet. Nature It could simply be that your German Shepherd is genetically predisposed to act in a crazy way. Even if this is the case, you can still get your German Shepherd to behave more calmly by giving it lots of training and exercise. How to stop it from being crazy There are a number of things that you can do to get your German Shepherd to calm down that I will mention below. Training To get your crazy German Shepherd to calm down it will be necessary for you to give your German Shepherd a lot of training. By doing this it will get your German Shepherd to be more responsive to your command which will allow you to get your German Shepherd to calm down when it acts crazy. It will also help to reduce the craziness since it will expend energy in looking for your command and trying to remember what you want it to do. It will also help you to have a better relationship with your German Shepherd since you will be able to get it to behave in situations where you really need it to do so such as when you have guests over. There are lots of ways that you can train your German Shepherd. You should start with the basics such as to teach it to sit and stay in an environment where there are not too many external distractions. When you can get it to do the tasks well in a less distracting environment teach it to do it again in a harder one. Once you can get it to do less challenging tasks you can move onto teaching it harder ones such as to teach it to come to you on command. You might be surprised at just how much exercise it can take to get your German Shepherd to calm down. You might want to try giving it a lot more exercise one day just to see how it affects its behavior. A good way to give your German Shepherd lots of exercise is to teach it to play fetch. It can be difficult to teach it to do it at first but it is worth doing since it will allow your German Shepherd to do a lot of running over a short time period which should wear it out effectively. You could also consider walking it with other dogs since they will often expend a lot of energy by playing with each other. You just have to do it for long enough for it to stop acting crazy and then you can give it attention. Calming chews There are calming chews that you can get that are designed to calm your German Shepherd down that you might want to try. Crate training If your German Shepherd is misbehaving while you are away then you might want to consider crate training. When done correctly it will give your German Shepherd a place where it can go that will make it feel calmer. Things to consider Its age If your German Shepherd is still young then it is likely that it will be less crazy when it gets older. If you train your German Shepherd once and then neglect to train it for a few weeks then you will struggle to make any progress. Instead, you should find ways to train it easily on a daily basis. Related Questions Why is my German Shepherd acting crazy suddenly? If your German Shepherd is acting crazily suddenly then it will likely be due to a recent event. Perhaps it recently lost a friend, you moved home, its owner changed or it might have gotten injured or ill in which case you should take it to the vet. If you want a happy and obedient German Shepherd, this is one of the best online dog training programs available right now. You can get the first month free using This link. Different causes make your furry friend chew destructively on couches, surfaces, and shoes. These include: Poor obedience training from when your dog was a puppy Loneliness from being left alone for too long Lack of exercise and mental stimulation Obsessive-Compulsive Behavior Excessive stress in the home environment How to Stop Destructive Chewing in Adult German Shepherds As with the causes, the remedies for excessive-destructive chewing in an adult GSD can be diverse. These will include: Retrain your dog if you think basic training was poorly done during puppyhood. You may want to consider the services of a professional trainer. Find ways of keeping your dog busy when you are not around. You can consider giving your dog a bone to chew on. If you do, go for natural or synthetic ones that will not break into pieces and risk choking your dog while he is alone. Ensure your GSD has the recommended 2-hour exercise daily, which could be distributed into walks and runs in the morning and evening and play and games at other times. That means he finds a replacement for his wild mates in his human family. Besides, the GSD is also a friendly and affectionate dog that loves cuddling time and spending time with family. As such, leaving your German Shepherd alone can cause excessive loneliness, otherwise referred to as separation anxiety , when it gets to the levels of an undesired psychological condition. The German Shepherd is among the top 10 breeds most predisposed to separation anxiety. This suggests that it could also be a breed thing, and you must take extra precautions. Dogs with this behavior problem find something to relieve their nervousness and stress, so most will turn to destructive behavior. Typical forms of destructive behavior include excessive chewing, house soiling, getting into the trash can, digging, destroying furniture and other items, and increased aggression toward family, strangers, and other pets. I would never leave her in her crate for more than hours. However, I got delayed in traffic for another 30 minutes on this occasion, and she clearly got bored! I only wanted one cushion! Remember that destructive behavior can be caused by factors like lack of exercise or a stressful home environment. Three solutions can be highly effective in stopping separation anxiety in your German Shepherd. Suggestions include finding someone to keep them busy and staying connected with them while you are away. Find a way of keeping your dog occupied while you are away Keeping your dog mentally and physically engaged can be achieved by employing a professional trainer or a dog walker. There are also doggy daycare facilities where you can take your GSD. Find a way of staying connected with your dog while you are away In an ever-changing technology era, staying connected with your GSD using dog cameras is easy. Take, for example, the Furbo Dog Camera from Amazon. Its main features can offer many ways to stay connected with your German Shepherd. You can toss a treat to your dog to reward him for good behavior. You can talk to your GSD to calm him down, especially when the barking alerts come in. Urine-Marking in German Shepherds Urine marking is an instinctive dog behavior that usually starts during sexual maturity. They will urinate on objects to leave a message for other dogs. For example, male German Shepherds will spray on the walls of a building where there is a female GSD in heat to tell fellow males to stay away. Generally, females only spray when they are in heat to attract any male dogs that happen to be in the area. However, urine marking becomes inappropriate inside the house, making it a behavior problem. The original herding and protective roles of German Shepherds make them quite territorial. As pack dogs, GSDs can also be highly dominant. Territory marking you welcome your partner at home, and your dog urinates on their backpack to claim ownership of you. Your dog has noticed a new dog in the neighborhood and wants to mark the house as his territory. How to Stop Urine Marking in German Shepherds To prevent or stop urine marking , consider one of these remedies — depending on the cause. Keep new and unfamiliar items in the house out of reach. Clean places where your GSD has urine marked to remove the smell and prevent your dog from remarking them. I like this one as you can use it on any surface. Help your German Shepherd become friends with new persons or dogs in the house. Eliminate anxiety-causing situations in the home. Confine your dog in his crate for a couple of hours. Consult a canine behaviorist if the behavior is out of hand. German Shepherds with ADHD will portray behavior problems such as hyperactivity, inability to pay attention, being easily distracted, impulsiveness, poor social skills, aggressive responses, fear, and sensitivity to noise. The consensus seems to reign about the interaction between genetic and environmental factors in ADHD. Hyperactive German Shepherds may be uncontrollable during walks, manifest excessive leash-pulling, become overly excited when removing the leash or returning home, and be challenging to engage in obedience training. Experts have used human ADHD questionnaires to detect the condition in dogs since; it seems hyperactivity has similar body chemical markers in dogs as in humans. This explains why testing ADHD in dogs entails observing changes in respiratory and heart rate and behavior. Consequently, solving hyperactivity in German Shepherds entails countering self-stimulation with external stimulation. As often repeated, the test for ADHD is to give your German Shepherd a prescribed stimulant in a controlled clinical situation and then observe the change in its respiratory rate, heart rate, and behavior. The levels for these markers will reduce in dogs with ADHD. Avoid self-diagnosing your dog, especially with self-made remedies. Excessive Barking in German Shepherds Barking is a typical communication behavior in dogs, and German Shepherds are known to be naturally vocal. Nonetheless, when barking becomes excessive, it can become a nuisance for both the owner and the neighborhood. Excessive barking means your dog will start to bark for any little stimulant and go on and on and on. It could be a doorbell, a passing stranger, or even the rustling of leaves in the backyard. If your GSD barks excessively, this may be the first sign of underlying issues and that he is sensitive to specific triggers. Triggers of excessive barking include: Boredom — your German Shepherd is home alone most of the time. Insufficient exercise — both physical and mental. Territorial behavior — your dog is overly protective of you, your home, or your possessions. Attention seeking — your dog has been reinforced to receive your attention when he barks incessantly. Medical issues — your German Shepherd has a medical condition that causes them pain and discomfort. How to Stop Excessive Barking in German Shepherds Sadly, people re-home their dogs every day due to excessive barking. If you have this German Shepherd behavior problem, below are the methods that are incredibly efficient in stopping excessive barking in dogs: Using positive reinforcement. To do this effectively, you must understand your German Shepherd and what makes him bark in the first place. Desensitization and counter-conditionin g : desensitization means exposing your GSD to the stimulus that causes excessive barking at a level lower or similar to the actual trigger. Eliminating the triggers: this might be a bit difficult, especially if they are beyond your control. For example, you cannot stop strangers from using a path near your house or leaves from rustling. Avoid gimmicks such as bark collars and sprays designed to teach your German Shepherd not to bark, as these only address the symptom and not the cause of the behavior problem. You have to lure them to the bathtub and put up with their crazy shaking and splashing unless you have managed to train them out of it! But bathing your dog becomes an extra hassle if covered with awful-smelling dirt! So, why do German Shepherds roll in the mud? Many speculative theories are used to explain why dogs roll in the dirt. Here are some of them: In the wild, wolves disguise their smell with dirt History has it that wolves disguise their scent by rolling in the dirt. Since dogs have their ancestry from wolves, it is speculated that they will roll in the dirt for the same reasons. Dogs love to leave their smell around Dogs have the instinct to leave their smell around to claim dominance or mark their territory. The pungent smell of dirt pushes them to want to claim their dominance with their odor, even when strong smells would overpower it. It gives them a sensational feeling As animals that predominantly use their sense of smell to interact with the environment, dogs enjoy extra sensory stimulation and may look for it excessively, such as lying in a pile of dirt. German Shepherds have innate behavior dispositions unique to the breed, like all other dogs. This can include behaviors like mouthing or destructive chewing. Think of their instinctual protectiveness towards their loved ones and how that can cause them to be aggressive toward strangers via nipping or jumping at strangers. But German Shepherds grow to be the dog you train them to be. And if that is not done correctly, behavior problems like howling will occur. However, that is not the only reason why your GSD may be misbehaving. German Shepherds have behavior problems such as howling, mouthing, jumping, and nipping due to poor or incomplete socialization and training, letting your dog have his way, insufficient exercise, hormones, health reasons, and using aversive training methods. Genetics can also cause poor behavior, which is easily solved by training. Genetic Disposition to Bad Behavior It has been scientifically proven that behavior, including howling and jumping, has both genetic and environmental determinants. This fact is recorded in a study on the genetics of behavior traits in German Shepherds, which confirmed that multiple genetic and non-genetic factors influence canine behavior, such as mouthing and nipping. In simple terms, your German Shepherd may inherit genes predisposing them to aggression from their parents, which does not mean you cannot tame the behavior through training. Poor Puppy Socialization Poorly socialized puppies grow into badly behaved adult German Shepherds exhibiting undesirable behaviors like jumping up and biting. If a German Shepherd is not socialized well at this age, he will become an unapproachable and untrainable adult. Proper socialization training for your German Shepherd means exposing them to different environments where they learn how to interact with other people and pets positively. This makes them more confident and calm than anxiety and aggression in unsocialized and badly trained dogs. Incomplete Obedience Training Obedience training is crucial in helping your German Shepherd understand your expectations. This includes managing behaviors such as play biting and improving the overall trainability of your pet. Many new dog owners think a week of training after bringing their dog home is enough. Not so! This is also key to ensuring your dog feels confident when interacting with visitors. Miscommunication can result in undesired behaviors like play biting, especially when your pet meets visitors. I have two helpful guides to help you with obedience training using positive reinforcement techniques. These guides incorporate strategies to improve trainability and build confidence in your dog. It has been confirmed that positive reinforcement training produces the best behavior in dogs because it boosts their confidence. Alao, you encourage your pet to repeat it by constantly rewarding him. Instead, research suggests that aversive training methods may be less effective in teaching good behavior to your dog. This can also negatively affect their interactions with visitors. Hormonal Effects and Gonadectomy Testosterone is often associated with aggression in male dogs. This research study discovered that other hormones could be the underlying causes of play biting and aggression in dogs. Oxytocin OT , a hormone associated with social bonding and sexual reproduction, and Vasopressin AVP , which regulates the volume of extracellular fluid volume and renal handling of water, can negatively impact dog behavior. Gonadectomy is the generic term for the surgical removal of the male testes or female ovaries. However, research results from a large sample of over 13, dogs show this is not entirely true. Scientists still do not know the reason for this. Would you call that a well-behaved dog? This is especially notable when visitors come to the house and the dog exhibits poor behavior. Not setting boundaries with your dog can be another reason your German Shepherd has behavior issues. Such a dog will show aggression when someone tries to set boundaries, such as at the vet or the dog park. The German Shepherd is a high-energy dog requiring at least two hours of daily exercise. This means more than leash walks! In addition to this, he will need lots of interactive play and mental stimulation to manage his health and build confidence. If you try to make your GSD a couch potato, he will have behavior issues, manifesting primarily in destructive behavior, negatively affecting his play-biting habits and behavior around visitors. Zak George , the well-known dog breeder and trainer, often emphasizes this point in his teachings. For example, a study revealed that dogs involved in physical activity and those who practice agility shows are less likely to show aggressive tendencies than those living a more sedentary life. Medical Conditions A final reason your German Shepherd will show behavior problems is if he has medical issues. These could be both physical and psychological. For example, dogs with Obsessive-Compulsive Behavior are often linked with self-directed aggression and self-mutilation, primarily through biting. A study on clinical features in dogs and cats with OCB indicated self-mutilation as the most recurrent of these features. Such practices are often seen as a sign of distress in dogs. Other medical conditions that may cause behavior issues in dogs include injury and post-operative pain, which can trigger aggressive behavior. In this case, having a breeder or vet advise on handling the dog can be beneficial. The causes of German Shepherd behavior problems are lack of socialization and exercise. German Shepherds are highly intelligent and social dogs and must be exposed to various people, animals, and environments to develop correctly. They are also active and energetic dogs that need plenty of exercise to stay healthy and happy. What other resources can help me deal with German Shepherd behavior problems? Many resources are available to help you deal with German Shepherd behavior problems. The most important is a qualified and experienced dog trainer. A good trainer can help you identify the source of the problem and develop an effective plan to address it. Another great resource is books and online articles written by experts on the subject. Final Thoughts Owning a German Shepherd is both exciting and rewarding for most owners. However, behavior problems associated with the breed can sometimes make owning a GSD a challenge altogether. What is most important is knowing that you can manage these behavior problems. Exercise, training, eliminating cues to behavior problems, and seeking a canine behaviorist are all possible ways to make your German Shepherd overcome his behavior shortcomings. Remember, though, that the job of a dog behaviorist or trainer is to train the dog and the human too! Related Posts You May Like:. They are most commonly brought home from a breeder at the age of 8 weeks to 6 months. This is also the juvenile stage when they start acquiring negative or positive habits. German Shepherd puppies can be hyper because of the following reasons: Lack of Exercise German Shepherds were bred to carry out tasks that require a lot of energy, such as herding. Therefore they need exercise to stimulate them. Puppies are always full of energy and therefore tend to run all over the place. They are also naturally built as strong, athletic dogs, and hence require a lot of exercise. Rewarding Bad Behavior When your German Shepherd puppy is hyper, giving them what they want, such as attention or food, to calm them down, encourages bad behavior. The puppy learns that to get what they want, they have to exhibit excited behavior. Boredom Hyperactivity in German Shepherd puppies can result from boredom. In most cases, dogs are left home alone as parents go to work and children go to school. An untrained puppy will end up re-arranging the house and not like an interior decorator! Lack of Training A German Shepherd puppy may act hyper if she is not properly trained. Therefore, regular training is essential to teach your GSD puppy discipline from a young age. This will help your puppy to know the difference between playtime and when to listen. Feeding the Wrong Food Dog owners tend to be overly kind to their puppies and may share food with them. However, certain foods may lead to their hyperactivity. Apart from causing hyperactivity, some of these foods, like chocolate , can be toxic to puppies leading to illness or death. If you are uncertain about what to feed and what not to feed your German Shepherd puppy , consult your vet. Separation Anxiety German Shepherd puppies often suffer from separation anxiety when their owners leave for business trips or vacations without them. This can also happen when the owner simply leaves for the day to go to work. They can express themselves by being destructive or peeing in the house while you are away. Getting Wet German Shepherd puppies who run around outdoors, just like a child, have to be bathed. This dryer comes with adjustable heat settings, a wide selection of air speeds, and a great warranty to boot. How to Calm Your German Shepherd Puppy As much as you love your puppy, all the hyperactivity and destruction can be overwhelming. The following are ways to calm a German Shepherd puppy. Properly Train Your Puppy Training enables your puppy to obey your commands. While you can train a German Shepherd to follow complex commands, only the basics are necessary. Make sure to always train your puppy in an area where there are few distractions, such as in your home or yard, and then progress to more distracting environments. This slow acclimation will also help to properly socialize your German Shepherd , which is essential for your puppy to grow in to a well-adjusted adult. When giving commands to your puppy, be sure to use an authoritative voice and issue them in a slow-low pitched voice. High-pitched commands which are spoken rapidly will only serve to over-excite your puppy. Below is a YouTube video showing you some simple and effective ways to train your German Shepherd puppy: Give Your Puppy Enough Exercise German Shepherds have more energy than most other breeds, and walking by itself as exercise will not be enough to keep excess energy at bay. Playing games such as fetch, going for runs, walking on hilly areas, and teaching your puppy to swim are healthy ways to wear your puppy out and curb hyperactivity. If you do not have adequate time to exercise your German Shepherd puppy, consider getting a dog walker. Did you know that German Shepherds are great frisbee dogs? This fact escapes most GSD owners, and because of this they often miss out on some great fun to be had with their dogs! Read this great article all about German Shepherds and their ability to play frisbee. Socialize Your Puppy As we mentioned above, a great way to calm your puppy is by regularly socializing her with other puppies, adult dogs, as well as other people and animals in general. Socializing your puppy will tire her out both physically and mentally, while at the same time making her the well-adjusted dog that you want her to be. This is because your German Shepherd puppy will learn that to be rewarded, she will have to behave appropriately, and that bad behavior will only result in being ignored. Aromatherapy Essential oils such as vanilla, ylang-ylang, lavender, sweet orange, and chamomile can be soothing to your dog. Test some of these on your German Shepherd puppy to see which one works best. For more information on aromatherapy and its benefits and potential harmful effects on dogs, check out this great article below: Is Aromatherapy Bad for Dogs? Setting up a good routine for your puppy is your responsibility. Make sure to not feed her too late at night, and always make sure that your puppy gets at least a moderately long walk before bed. A useful practice is putting food in a dog toy when your puppy becomes hyper. This will enable her to shift focus from hyperactivity to concentration. One great toy for this is a Kong Treat Dispensing Toy. This toy is designed to be filled with any number of goodies, and will keep your GSD puppy occupied for a long time! Some great examples of treats that you can put into a Kong are: frozen mashed banana and yogurt mashed potatoes and rice frozen Xylitol free peanut butter pureed and frozen watermelon and strawberries pureed and frozen turkey and cranberry mixture Essentially, if you can dream it, and it is safe for your puppy, you can stuff it into a Kong and keep your puppy occupied. Additionally, there are a number of other treat dispensing puzzle toys that will work to accomplish the same goal of reducing hyperactivity in your puppy while increasing mental focus. Stay Calm Reducing hyperactivity in you German Shepherd puppy begins with you. Puppies pick up on the energy you put out. If you become excited around them, they will copy you and start running around or barking loudly. To them, they are doing nothing wrong. In fact, a puppy will think that it is doing a great job by imitating you, the pack leader. So it is important that you set a good example for your puppy through your own behavior. It will take time to train and calm your German Shepherd pup because they are naturally energetic, strong, and athletic dogs — they love activity! Always use positive reinforcement as opposed to punishing your German Shepherd puppy. Final Thoughts German Shepherds are loyal, courageous, make excellent guard dogs, and bred as herders. German Shepherd puppies are generally hyperactive from the age of 3 months to 3 years. Later on, they become more mature and calm. Training puppies from 8 weeks to 6 months enables them to acquire and retain positive habits. Dog owners need to properly socialize their puppies, play with them, and use toys not only to challenge them mentally but also to require their full concentration, thus reducing their hyperactivity. Consistent training is also essential. If you are unable to do this on your own, we strongly suggest reaching out to a professional dog trainer. This will be a great long-term investment, and save you the difficult task of teaching an old dog new tricks. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. This post may contain links to products that I may receive compensation for at no additional cost to you. View my affiliate disclosure here. Search Zoomies: Has my dog gone crazy?! A strange and perplexing situation that all dog owners new and old alike deal with; one minute your best friend shifts from standing still, minding his own business, to a full-on dash around the house, entirely heedless to his environment around him. What's happening? What's wrong with your German Shepherd? Well, that's what we call a case of the "zoomies. In this state, a dog with the zoomies will exhibit a somewhat crazed look in their eyes and bent, tense running posture before frenetically racing around in circles. In these manic states, a dog with the zoomies may bark incessantly or make "back and forth" dashes or chase their tail. German Shepherds that have the zoomies may be entirely oblivious to their environment or their owner's commands. They have been known to knock over and even break objects and furniture if one of these instances happens in the house. As we will discuss in this article, while zoomies are not a "dangerous" condition to have for your dog, it can be curtailed and mitigated and quite problematic if not. Well, quite frankly, it depends on what you consider "normal. Not at all. For all pet owners out there, rest assured. In terms of overall health and liveliness, your GSD is perfectly normal. Zoomies are not, in and of itself, connected or correlated to any medical issue. Now, whether or not zoomies are a positive behavior for your dog, that is a different question entirely. You see, while zoomies do not indicate a medical issue for your dog such as heart disease, diabetes, or cancer , that does not mean it is altogether "good" for them to have. Basically, zoomies are caused and triggered by a dog or any animal for that matter that has an excess of stored potential energy that they have not been able to release throughout the day. This stored energy is continuously built up over time before being released out in one massive burst of activity. So as you can see, whenever your pet gets a case of the zoomies, there is nothing "medically" wrong with them. Still, it is not altogether good for them, you, or your possessions. Animals, like humans, thrive in an active environment and will naturally seek it out whenever possible. When in the wild, animals will often walk several miles daily as part of their routine. In many cases, this does not include rapid activity when hunting or fleeing from predators. Why is this important? Because, as a result of domestication, this norm is often heavily reduced from an animal's daily regiment, causing that excess of energy to be built up. This can be the same in humans, as well. If you've ever had those days of pent up energy or times when you felt "stir crazy" or overly anxious, congratulations! You have experienced your version of the zoomies. This is a great question and is heavily dependent on how long your dog has been restrained or kept in a stressful situation. Dogs that have been kept in a kennel for transfer purposes, been made to take a bath, or taken to the vet will all show relatively short bouts of the zoomies. The reason for this is because they are simply "burning off" their excess anxiety from stressful activity. In these cases, a brief bit of the zoomies is nothing to be too upset over and should be expected. However, when it comes to more prolonged bouts of containment, a case of zoomies might be quite long and potentially aggressive. In these instances, if a dog spends many hours being placed in a kennel or cage, they may be quite "lively" upon release. These dogs may showcase bouts of the zoomies for more extended periods and are most likely to cause physical disruption if in the house at the time. While zoomies is not a life-threatening issue, it is something that you should, for your own sanity and the overall comfort of your dog, consider mitigating as much as possible. This is somewhat of a loaded question. While you should, ideally, never stop or punish your dog from acting out from a case of the zoomies, you do want to be mindful of their environment. If they are near glass or sharp stationary objects, it is good to try and move them to another area while they run off the excess energy. Keep in mind that they may not and likely will not listen to your commands. A dog caught up in a case of the zoomies does not have that much "control" over themselves as they are overtaken by the desire to "get out" all of their built-up energy. So don't take it too much to heart if they bowl you over or bark too incessantly or otherwise ignore you when you call for them to stop. The more significant point that should be considered is how to reduce your dog's instances of zoomie behavior. When considering how much your dog should eat, rather than just pouring food whenever you think is best, consider measuring the amount you feed them each day to equate to their overall general activity. As stated before, animals do well with physical activity. So long as your dog has spent enough time at the house to recognize it, is in an area that is not vehicular traffic-heavy, letting them patrol the backyard or neighborhood for a few hours will drastically reduce the number of zoomie instances. This, of course, is also dependent on your dog's demeanor, your local leash laws, and your comfort level about your dog wandering. And while it may seem a bit difficult, especially with the increasingly dense schedules that many families have with work and other responsibilities, "play" does not always have to mean "fetch. Never the less, they can very much be disrupting. If you have a dog that is continuously showing signs of crazed and wild behavior, know that there are ways to curtail this in ways they will very much thank you for. Plus, no more flipping the table! Welcome to the Pack!

Is there a Dwarf German Shepherd? The two distinct types we mentioned in the introduction are defined by the length of their coat; either medium or long. Both types have a double layered coat, a softer and thicker undercoat and a coarser outer layer of guard hair. As their name suggests, the German Shepherd began in Germany. While there were different progenitor breeds, the first officially recognized dog was called Horand von Grafrath. In von Grafrath's owner started the breed as the epitome of what a working dog should be and it is from this one dog that all modern German Shepherd dogs originate. There has been some discussion over the years whether this dog may have been part wolf. The working origins of this breed are very important as the standardization was established to promote the dog's ability. This was something which was becoming lost as industry and urbanization began to reduce the need for working dogs. Thus, the German Shepherd was created to ensure these traits were maintained. While many GSDs are now kept as companion animals, they are still one of the most widely used working dogs in many different areas. Shepherding is not as common a practice as when the breed was established, but use in law enforcement , security and rescue operations is widespread. It wasn't just physical ability which made the German Shepherd breed so popular. Their incredible loyalty and desire for engagement means they are relatively easy to train. For the same reasons, they need to be well-socialized and given sufficient physical and mental stimulation. Without these practices, they can develop behavioral problems. How many types of German Shepherd are there? While the medium and longhair varieties are the only recognized length of coat for purebred German Shepherds , the color of said coat can be varied. Not all will be allowed in competition, with some color variations being considered to be faults affecting their scoring. Similarly, there are dogs which look very similar to the German Shepherd, but are not considered part of the breed. We will discuss these breeds further below. While they are usually of two colors, it is the distinctiveness of their markings which gives them this name. The saddle part refers to a patch of black fur which lays over their back, resembling the shape of a saddle on a horse. The other color of Saddle Back German Shepherds are usually either tan or red. In many dog shows and competitions, the more vibrant the color, the better the scoring. Liver color is not welcomed and may be used to deduct points in German Shepherd show dogs. They usually also have a black muzzle which covers their snout and parts of their face. Other areas such as their tail may exhibit black coloration. Solid Color German Shepherd Dog The solid color German Shepherd dog is less common than the Saddle Back, but they shouldn't have any other differentiating characteristics. Their health status and temperament should not be informed by color. It is possible to have powder blue colors in the dog's coat, but it is unlikely this will be solid. While a GSD may be accepted in competition, they will likely be marked down for both this color and liver. However, for solid colors, you tend to only get solid black or solid white German Shepherds. Solid black German Shepherds are accepted in competition. However, solid white German Shepherds are one of the few color variations which tend to be immediately disqualified. It should not be confused with albinism. Perhaps partly due to their disqualification from competition, solid white Germans Shepherds are not very common. They have a curious and striking appearance which is often confused with other dog breeds. Due to a genetic mutation, but they are a full German Shepherd and are not a mixed breed. The mutation occurred in a litter from the USA. This type of German Shepherd exhibits a white coat on the abdomen and legs, but has black or tan on other parts, giving them a sort of panda like appearance. Like other German Shepherd Dogs, they are agile, strong and ideal family pets. However, they arouse controversy over some breeders as white markings are considered a fault. The main controversy appears to be the belief that the dog is from inferior stock, but so far their health seems to be average when compared to other types of GSD. Image: perrospastoraleman. The sable pattern does not manifest in patches like the saddle back. Instead they have various multicolored hairs over their bodies which gives a variegated all-over appearance. This color tends to develop as they get older and some may be stronger than others. The color may be a combination of tan, gray, black, or gold. However, all Sable German Shepherds start off as tan and then develop darker colors as they age. The variations among Sable GSDs are wide, but they are due to a dominant gene. They are believed to be dominiant over German Shepherd colors and variations. Dog breeds similar to the German Shepherd Dog While there are different accepted and unofficial coat patterns in the German Shepherd, it can be easy to confuse them with some other breeds which closely resemble them. This common confusions are due to similar body shape and size, with similar usage as working dogs. Some may even derive from similar parts of the world, but they are all considered distinct breeds. They include: Belgian Shepherd This breed originated from Belgium, with its first breed description being recorded several years before the German Shepherd, although its breed standard was officially established after. They are excellent worker dogs, especially in herding, but are also well-known for their even temperament, playfulness and faithful personality. As with the German Shepherd, there are breed variations within the one breed. The four main types are: Malinois Tervuren Laekenois Depending on the location of the breed association, these breeds may all be considered part of the one Belgian Shepherd breed or they may be considered separate breeds themselves. Part of the confusion with the German Shepherd is the markings, with the Malinois in particular having a similar black mask on their face. Czechoslovakian Wolfhound This dog originates from the now defunct country of Czechoslovakia. It has been used as a working dog, especially as a guard dog to be used in border territories or to be used by the police. The breed comes from the crossing of the German Shepherd and the Eurasian wolf. Their inception is not necessarily the nicest one since they were bred to be used as attack dogs in special forces initiatives. Due to their wild heritage, they are keen natural hunters. This personality trait needs to be discouraged when they are young. They can be loving and protective with their families, but can show aggression with strangers. They require experienced guardians who have the time and energy to devote to extensive training and care. Dutch Shepherd This is a dog which shares origins with different breeds such as the Belgian Shepherd and German Shepherd. This is evident in its physical characteristics which present in an equally muscular body and raised ears. This breed is distinguished by its coat with the most common variety being a tabby pattern with black, chestnut or yellow coloring distributed over their body. Working and show lines of German Shepherds In addition to the length of their coat and its coloring, the German Shepherd is also sometimes categorized by its body type. This body can be more or less stylized, tending to be more or less muscular. The more muscular the dogs are considered to be working lines and the less muscular are show lines. They are not officially different types of German Shepherd dogs, but they do exhibit small differences. Focusing on working dog lines, they tend to have larger muscle mass and a more structured body. This means they are more commonly used by police or security forces. There are differing opinions on whether temperament differs between working and show breeds. While both types will require training and education, some believe working dog lines can tend to be more aggressive and better suited for security. Conversely, show dogs are thought to have a more docile temperament. Whether a working or show dog, German Shepherds are not ideal dogs for first-time owners. These dogs need a lot of attention, proper socialization and careful training. Without it, they are prone to behavioral disorders. They can be wonderful and loving companion animals, but their need for attention and structure does not suit every temperament. Not all types of German Shepherd are show dogs, but even within this category there are variations. Show dogs can be either: Conformation: purebred German Shepherds used in conformation shows are bred to have a particular physical standard. Unfortunately, these dogs have breen bred to the point that deformities and health problems have practically been encouraged. This was brought to international attention with the Crufts dog show in the UK where a winning GSD was visibly deformed, causing outcry in the public [1]. Competition: for this type of purebred German Shepherd show dog, the animal needs to carry out certain physical tasks to compete against rival dogs. The working lines of dogs are now bred all over world, there are some original working lines which are more traditional. The categories of German Shepherd working dogs are: West German working lines East German working lines Czech working lines West German working lines are believed to be the most similar to the original breed standard of purebred German Shepherds. East German working lines are noted for their emphasis on good temperament and practical workability. Czech working lines are though to be the most wolf-like of the different types of German Shepherds. Show lines have origins in Europe also, specifically in West Germany. There is no recognized Dwarf German Shepherd breed. As with humans, German Shepherds can have genetic mutations which lead to conditions such as dwarfism. Unfortunately, dwarfism in German Shepherds negatively affects their heath in a very serious way, causing many problems and even resulting in pain. They have a much lower life expectancy and are not believed to live past 5 years. For this reason, breeding of these dogs is discouraged, being considered cruel. If you want to read similar articles to Types of German Shepherd - All Breed Variations, we recommend you visit our Comparisons category. Though size varies between individuals, a standard German Shepherd weighs about 60 pounds. Whether you already own a German Shepherd pup or are looking into it, be prepared for a hefty lap dog! Continue to 7 of 16 below. They were originally bred for their striking good looks and intelligence, making for a great working dog on the police force and in the military. They were so cute that dog-lovers in other countries soon caught on and began breeding them themselves. Continue to 8 of 16 below. These dogs are very protective of their homes and family and make excellent guard dogs. Continue to 9 of 16 below. They need stimulation, even if they are a family pet and not a trained deputy. This can be in the form of playful games, puzzle toys, tricks , and obedience training. Otherwise, German Shepherds may show off some unpleasant behavior, like chewing. Continue to 10 of 16 below. Continue to 11 of 16 below. Continue to 12 of 16 below. They perk up as they grow older, making them look extra tall and important. Continue to 13 of 16 below. Beautiful all black and all white German Shepherds are out there, too. Continue to 14 of 16 below. Continue to 15 of 16 below. This breed is inherently athletic and courageous—nothing can stop them, not even water. Continue to 16 of 16 below. Aug 17, Share German Shepherds have working lines and show lines, totaling five different types. The breed has changed drastically throughout its ancestry in various countries. Max von Stephanitz was the creator of the German Shepherd, aiming for a perfect personality, workability, and stunning appearance. His goal was to create a masterpiece: the ideal working dog reigning supreme above the rest. We like to think that his expectations for the breed have been fulfilled, as German Shepherds are one of the most beloved breeds across the globe as both service dogs and companions. Learning about their unique history will make you appreciate the breed even more. The 5 Types of German Shepherds 1. They are thought to be as closely related to what Max von Stephanitz had in mind. Not only are they charming, but they are also workers at heart. As with most working lines, these dogs tend to be smaller by a slight margin opposed to show lines. They are bred to have a high pain tolerance, which makes them much more valuable in their field of work. They are hardy in structure and have more of a blended coat pattern, known as a sable color. While this is the most common, they can also be black and tan or a mixture of sable and black. These dogs are much higher energy than show lines, which also means their prey drive is much higher. Having these working lines as pets is absolutely doable. However, it may require a bit more commitment on your part. These hard workers will need various games or tasks to fulfill their mental thirst. Agility runs, stimulating games for sensory, and a sense of purpose is essential. Read about the best food for this breed. They share much of the same history as well. They were bred and tailored particularly for their extremely heightened desire to work, along with their quick ability to guard. Because of their prey drive instinct, monitoring them around other animals and small children can help to avoid primal triggers. Some are incredibly docile and sweet, never hurting a fly. However, because of their working roots, it is something to watch for as a responsible owner. They have incredible focus and endurance, suiting them perfectly for physically and mentally stimulating roles. Like their West brothers and sisters, East German DDRs have sable coloring, though most are darker and sometimes even black. German Shepherd puppies have a different diet — get them what they need! Czechs are a bit leaner than other working lines and are nimble because of that. They tend to mature the slowest growth -wise of the working lines. They were once the most prey driven, which led to high stamina and agility. While this line has calmed over the years, they are still hard-wired for work. So, if you opt for a Czech puppy, reputable breeding to ensure a proper temperament for your family situation is imperative. Having appropriate outlets is vital. If you want the best out of your dog , providing them with appropriate behavioral training is key to an irreplaceable relationship. Because of muddied breeding, many Czech puppies have bloodlines that veered off, mixed with another German Shepherd type line along the way. Looking to travel with your German Shepherd? These lines are the most different of all the Shepherd variations. Since they are a combination of many bloodlines, you may notice that an American Shepherd is more substantial in build and their heads and muzzles are shorter. American show line German Shepherds are most generally black and tan, though with specific breeding, they can be a variety of colors. They are generally lighter and have more of a sloping gait and longer hocks than their European relatives. Their underbellies are thicker, as are their chest portions. Because of the backyard breeding problem among Shepherds in America, many of these dogs are passed off as champions but are muddied down. So, if you want a show-quality Shepherd, be sure to do your homework. Proven bloodlines are a must to ensure good temperament and quality. Backyard breeding has led to these guys getting quite a bad rap. You may see people selling shepherds claiming strong champion bloodlines, but these may not be authentic. While people may not breed these dogs to be irresponsible, it leads to many undesirable traits, such as nervousness, aggression, and various health issues. Need a convenient place for your training treats? Best Treat Bags for Dog Training 5. They are typically a rich rust color and black. Their backs are straighter, preventing any excessive sloping to reduce commonly seen issues. They must pass tests to ensure that their joints and hips are in tip-top order, to avoid problems like hip and elbow dysplasia. The Show lines came about once the working lines were solid, and each dog used for breeding must also double as working dog material. However, rather than being such prey-driven workaholics, these tend to be slow-paced dogs who do better within family structures. Because of selective breeding, European, and mostly German show line German Shepherds, have a less chance of developing issues relating to ill temperaments. Tests will reveal any traits considered unwanted to prevent further breeding from the specimen. Therefore, the most significant difference between show lines of America and Europe is a focus on the overall greatness of the breed. European lines uphold the authenticity of the original breed standards. These strict regulations help produce reliable, well-rounded dogs. This is what initially led to the German Shepherd taking on different breeding structures between the two sides. The separation lasted until .The introduction of the German Shepherd to the United States dates back to .Because of unregulated breeding, the U. Many original bloodlines are now broken, causing undesirable traits in the breed. Czechoslovakia had their hand in things as well, developing their unique spin on the breed. Europe and American lines have differences relating to breed standards. Conclusion Generally, German Shepherds are fantastically loyal and fiercely intelligent. When you opt to purchase a puppy, you must be aware of its history. This step can only help enhance the bond you will have with your pet, as well as prepare you for any bumps in the road of pet-owning. When training is properly implemented, their brains are stimulated , and if they are well-cared for, they are terrific additions to many different lifestyles. To be confident that you are getting a quality dog , deeply research any breeder and their claims to lineage. That will help ensure that you are getting an even-tempered, trainable dog. Many can appear almost entirely black with hints of cappuccino shade closer to the mid-limb region. Black and tan colors are common. In addition to being visibly darker, these dogs, common among working dog breeds, also possess characteristics such as more compact bodies than their show-line counterparts. Their smaller bodies make them more athletic and suited for robust tasks, which means they demand more stimulation. But if you, as an owner, actually want a dog that can engage your family with high energy, then a Working Line GSD is perfect. This perfection also comes on a budget. Ultimately many business factors like supply, demand, experience, reputation, and cost of doing business need to be factored in. One might think that standard best practices like visiting the stud do not apply to working line dogs. Aside from stimulating physical activities, West German Working Line German Shepherds also crave attention and appreciation, much like what an owner would expect to give his faithful companion. So before welcoming a German Shepherd, including the West or East varieties, to your home, ensure it aligns with your lifestyle and standards. These dogs are purpose-bred; they need an owner equally committed to their emotional needs as they are to their physical ones. Finally, West German Working Line dogs have an intimidating presence — an excellent deterrence for intruders and even pests. So, whether you are a farmer or an investment banker, these German Shepherd dogs are bred for a wide range of purposes, and thus, they will make efficient pets. The East German Shepherds, bred with impeccably high standards, showcase unique anatomy. With cappuccino and tan swapped with sable or sober grey, these German Shepherd dogs have a darker appearance with prominent black fur across their backs. At least height-wise, the bigger DDR Shepherds match smaller show-line shepherds. Their purpose-focused breeding is evident in their physical structure. Their backs, alongside their fur color, give away the difference. Interestingly, though working-line German Shepherds are generally cheaper than show-line shepherds, East German GSDs might be an exception. The high standards adhered to in their breeding and their purpose of protection have resulted in their prices coming pretty close to the top-tier show variety. The rarity and robust health of these German Shepherd dogs is another contributing factor to their high prices. Pure DDRs are not only hard to find but also live healthier due to genetic predisposition to the illness being ruthlessly bred out at the stud-selection stage back in the days of Deutsche Demokratische Republik. Consequently, the dog is fit for physically fit single owners and families wanting a guard dog. Their intimidating presence, alongside their devotion to not just you but your entire family, makes them the perfect, practical companion. Their purpose as a protector is undeniably evident. Despite being almost immune to most disorders and diseases that most GSDs are prone to, East German Shepherds cannot defy physics and come with the same drawbacks as any big dog: the wrong crate, crate pad, or bed can seriously affect their joints. Czech German Shepherd Czech German Shepherd Czech German Shepherds , another meticulously bred variant adhering to specific standards, originate from the Czech Republic, or they would have a different name. They are also a working variety and come relatively cheaper than show-line shepherds. They are almost entirely black, sable, or a mix of the two and resemble DDR Shepherds in many visual traits. Their sizes are pretty similar, but it is best to get confirmation from the breeder. Aside from being similar in looks, these dogs are also pretty close to DDR Shepherds in personality and maintenance demands. You will need exciting puzzles and games to keep him occupied throughout his development. But before you try to find a suitable breeder, you must be positive that a Czech GSD is the right fit. However, the visual appeal aspect can be subjective, and looking at the stud can help you assess whether the puppy will grow into the kind of pet you have in mind. More than the looks need to be factored in when selecting a dog. Czech Shepherds have incredible stamina and an intense need to be liked. This makes them the perfect cross between guard dogs and family pets. Like most working lines, they will love you and your family and jump to protect what they love. That also comes with a drawback: you need to teach your Czech Shepherd to differentiate between threats and norms. Fortunately, Czech Shepherds are intelligent enough that if you train them right early on, they can be pretty social and discern between actual threats and the normal. Czech Shepherds are full of energy and need an outlet. If you have productivity problems, getting a Czech Shepherd might not be the right call. But if you are an active individual with enough space in your home and your heart for an eager, high-energy dog, then this breed is ideal for you. There seem to be as many categories of German Shepherds as there are actual German Shepherds. But ultimately, your choice comes down to two options: the working line dogs vs. Pros of.