lab german shepherd mix puppies

Lady This sweet momma came to our rescue with her two babies as a part of a neglect case. Lady enjoys her foster siblings but doesnt need to be with them. She doesnt mind her foster cat siblings and has been around kids! She loves to be where her foster mom is at all times! Lady is still a little timid when doing new things or going to new places. We are still working on going up and down the inside stairs to bed and kennel. She is 4 years old and is potty trained! Does Lady sound like she could be a part of your family?! This girl is an angel! She seems to be potty trained and is very well behaved! She likes to have her people near her but also likes to be in her own space where she feels comfortable. Her favorite is butt scratches and she will ask for belly rubs!! She knows sit, shake, down. Before throwing the ball, she has to sit. She gets so excited. She loves playing in water and will jump up to catch any water splashed at her. This girl is amazing on a leash too, she gets a little excited to smell every once in a while but once you pull the leash, she takes the correction and is back to your side. She is cat friendly as she avoids them at all costs. Could this girl be the right fit for you? She is ready for her furever family at anytime! Adult, Female, Large Lola Name: Lola Occupation: Showgirl Likes: Food, everything, everyone, puppy toys Dislikes: Being lonely, computer printers, world hunger This gorgeous beauty queen hails from the mystical small town of Fairfield, Iowa, where she was temporarily loved by the good people of Noahs Ark Animal Foundation, and where she won her first beauty title of Best Ears. Thanks to that experience, Lola has gone on to win other good doggy titles such as Most Energetic and Employee of the Month, with her foster family in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Lola is an 8 month old all white German Shepherd that would do best in a home that has experience with the breed and is prepared for puppy energy, such as a home with older kids as she can be a bit rambunctious at playtime and might knock down smaller children. She is housetrained and knows a few basic commands and tricks but would do best in a home that will continue her training to become the best version of herself. An obedience class would do her wonders as she is a very quick learner! Lola would also do best in a home that has someone there most of the day. She will not be adopted to a family that plans to crate her all day, as she is still trying to grow hair back on parts of her legs from being kenneled for long periods of time. Lolas foster mom works from home and Lola is only crated when everyone in the house will be gone, however she will most likely grow be able to be trusted to roam free alone in a home eventually. At night she is not crated but prefers to sleep with or near her people for instance the hallway outside bedrooms. Some nights she will make the rounds and sleep with everyone, to make sure no one in the family misses out on her cuddles! Lola is a very loving and delightful puppy that would make any family a very good companion that gives her returned love and attention. She told us that she is already very excited to meet you! I am a petite girl who enjoys freedom in the house but dont let my good looks fool you - I am a very smart girl and love to steal food when youre not looking! I am a polite GSD who doesnt jump on humans but I do like to bark when the mail gets delivered. I am potty trained and I know sit, stay, and will usually wait for my food if you tell me! I love squeak balls and love a good hard chew. Im not sure how I feel about other dogs - I see them at the groomers but I usually start to squeal. Im kind of picky when it comes to other dogs and Ive never met a cat before. Ive never met a stranger I didnt like and Ive even been around kids, old and young! I have a fenced-in backyard but I usually stay on a leash because I still havent mastered coming back when called. Im looking for someone who has patience and knowledge of GSDs and would love someone who can take me for a nice, long walk. Senior, Female, Large Mia Mia is a sweetheart of a gal looking for a forever home that will love and cherish her. Mia is great with people, kids, and dogs. Mia is super playful. She has a genetic condition called MegaEsophagus. Her throat does not push food down to her stomach. To help her eat, Mia must sit in a "Bailey Chair" to eat softened food. She must then sit for 30 minutes while gravity works its magic. Mia knows her chair and her routine. Mia must also drink from an elevated water dish. If she eats in any different way, she will likely regurgitate and may aspirate. Due to her condition, she underwent a gastroplexy with her spay. This means you will never have to worry about bloat with Mia. With attention to detail, Mia can live a long happy life. She will reward you with a kind heart and dedication. Mia is whip smart. Mia has basic obedience down and would shine in good citizen and advanced obedience classes. Mia's chair and supplies will come with her. He has been with his foster since June .He is heartworm negative and up to date with his vetting, including neuter. Moe gets along great with dogs. Although Moe has not been tested with children. We have no reason to believe that he would be a problem with them. We are not sure about cats. She was an owner surrender because she was not very nice to the feral kitties in the neighborhood. We will not place her in a home with cats. Nova is great with dogs and children. She is a lovely girl in the home, content to lay at your feet as you work or relax. Adult, Female, Large Pepper Pepper cam into our rescue with her sister and mom, life has not be kind to her. Pepper and her family were part of a neglect case in Oklahoma. Pepper is a very sweet girl, but she will need lots of love to get her confidence back up! Pepper does not mind cats and has been around kids. Pepper is approximately 2 years old and is potty trained. Because she is so shy and timid, she is still working on leash training. We would like Goldy and Pepper to stay together! Do they sound like they could be a part of your family?! A friends daughter fostered her and found her to be sweet. However, it didnt work with her other pets, so she took her back. Princess had a hard time at the shelter with a few incidents. I agreed to take her, and my friends daughter pulled her on the day she was to be euthanized. I picked her up in early April. At the time, she had heartworm. Treatment was completed. Shes probably due for a check on it now. The Dallas shelter had her as 13, but everyone here thinks shes younger. Maybe .When she was surrendered, she was in heat. They spayed her at the shelter. Since Ive had her, shes been sweet to others other than the growls at repairmen. She likes to lick people. Now the special issues she has. Princess has separation anxiety. Shes gone from Prozac when I picked her up to trazadone. The trazadone helps a lot. Acepromazine was too strong, but the boarding place I use sometimes gives her half doses if needed. I can now leave her for several hours without anything happening to the house. She became smart to my tricks to get her into the crate at night, so I leave her out now. She really doesnt get along with other animals. I was told that when I got her, so Ive left my four cats in bedrooms since she arrived. Thats a huge reason why Id like to find her a forever home. Im not skilled with dogs though, so maybe someone could help her overcome that problem. I understand that she was surrendered with another dog. I also go out of town a lot, so I end up boarding her. She is kept away from direct contact with other dogs. Its been mentioned that she has made a lot of progress since she started there. Shes less reactive when other dogs go by her pen. I think the best scenario for her would be with someone who is home a lot and has no other pets. She definitely loves her humans. The sweetest most gorgeous GSD mix who cant wait to find her new home! Rachel has had a rough start to life but that doesnt stop her one bit! Rachel has love for everyone and everything she does. We think she is about 2 years old but in those 2 years she was likely never inside. So know if you would like Rachel as part of your family that she will need training. She doesnt understand how house life works, whats acceptable and whats not. As her fosters we have taught her a few basics but with just a few short weeks with her she will need lots of attention in her new home. Shes a master counter surfer. She does great with the 2 young kids in her foster home ages 4yrs and 18months and also with the other 2 German Shepherds in the home male and female. We do not know how she does with cats or small dogs. I believe Rachel would benefit from having another dog in the house who loves to play as much as she does! She is so playful and full of energy she could go for hours! She is very much a Velcro dog, she will follow you step for step everywhere you go. This gorgeous girl is ready to share her sweet, smart and sensitive self with her forever family! Adult, Female, Large. German shepherd puppies for sale IOWA can be found by contacting your local veterinarian or searching online. The German Shepherd puppy for sale in Iowa is probably one of the rarest breeds there are. The German Shepherd is a big strong dog. It has a thick and muscular build. It also sheds a lot. If you live in an area that gets average weather, then owning a German Shepherd would be a mistake as it would not stand a chance of surviving even the slightest bit of weather. If you want to get a German shepherd puppy Iowa costs much less. The average German shepherd puppy in the Iowahawk state will cost around twenty-five hundred dollars. If you buy one from a licensed breeder in the state of Iowa, you will be paying around six hundred dollars. You could get lucky and find someone selling one at a discounted price from a pet shop. So where can you find good German shepherd breeders in Iowa for sale Iowa? All of these cities have a good amount of local German shepherd breeders who are willing to sell their puppies at affordable prices. You need to check out the dogs carefully. Ask questions like do they come with shots. Before you pay them any kind of money to make sure that you have checked them out thoroughly. These breeders should be willing to work with you to create a plan that will help you find a good home for your puppy. The best puppy breeders will have German Shepherd puppies for sale IOWA at reasonable prices, even though the market has been hit hard by bad economic news. You want to be able to get a good deal on your puppy so be sure that the puppy breeders you contact are not puppy mills. Reputable German shepherd breeders will offer you a guarantee or a warranty for the dog. This is a great way to know that if you have questions regarding your puppy they will be answered quickly. You want to purchase German shepherd puppies IOWA from someone who is not only good at working with a new puppy but someone who will also help you through the entire buying process. The Internet is a great source of information and can give you valuable contact information for different puppy breeders. You may also want to check out the local classifieds in your area. You want to be careful because many people are selling shepherd puppies for meat. This means that you have to be careful when choosing the puppy that you want to bring home. Also, look for the health records for each of the dogs that you are considering. German shepherd puppies for sale IOWA come in a variety of colors and the more common colors are gold, silver, copper, brass, and black. The most popular color is tan, followed by white, pink, tan, and apricot. However, most dog breeders do not sell purebred German shepherd puppies. There are other websites and ads that you can advertise on to get German shepherd puppies Petland. Just be sure to use caution when looking on the Internet because there are some bad breeders out there. Share this:.

Black and Tan This is the color most of us think of when we picture a German Shepherd dog. With a rich tan undercarriage and a black face and back, this color of GSD has been around since the very first was officially registered back in Germany at the end of the 19th century. Although Horand von Grafrath was a little darker than the modern black and tan GSD, the ancestry is evident. With their luxurious white coats, these pale dogs look more like Golden Retrievers with erect ears. Despite their popularity, like the white German Shepherd, the blue has been a cause of controversion in the Shepherd world because recessive dilution gene comes with inbreeding practices and health issues. Blue German Shepherds may appear gray or even silver and are sometimes mistaken for a Blue Belgian Malinois. Isabella This unusual coat color variation is another washout as far the AKC is concerned, which is a shame given how striking it is. It originates from genetically combining liver and blue dilution genes. Like the liver and blue German Shepherd dogs, Isabella GSDs often have unusual eye coloring and different colored noses. Liver German Shepherds will usually have a brown nose. Blue German Shepherds have a blue nose. There is no evidence that the Isabella coloration makes the dog more susceptible to health issues. However, Isabella is a recessive trait. Selecting for recessive traits always limits the gene pool and makes dogs more susceptible to genetic conditions. Grey Not to be confused with the silver, black, or blue German Shepherds, the gray variety look more wolf-like with their dark coats. Some breeders specialize in producing dogs of this unusual color. Silver Similar to the gray German Shepherd, silver is nevertheless recognized as a distinct color. Often grouped together, however, the gray and silver colors are produced by the same genes. Finding a breeder that specializes in silver German Shepherds is a lot easier than finding one that focuses on the grey, so this might be your best bet if you want a more exotic-looking companion. Silver is an uncommon color for GSDs, possibly because it is a recessive gene. Similar to the dilution gene, this gene influences black pigment. While you also get silver sable German Shepherds, the patterned coats mean they are categorized as sable rather than silver. However, silver German Shepherds are often seen in military work or the police force. The red color is the result of the color gene pheomelanin. It can have any shade of red, ranging from strawberry blonde to a deep mahogany red. Alongside black and tan, the black and red combination is preferred over others by German Shepherd breeders. As black and red are both produced by dominant genes, this color combination is easier to breed for, and many breeders focus on producing purebred dogs with deep red coloring. Sable A classic color for the German Shepherd, a sable comes in a variety of colors but each hair sports a black tip. Sable GSDs can be black, gray, red, silver, or tan and are also known as agouti. Agouti is a type of coloring also present in other dogs, like the Agouti Husky. In this coloring each hair has several bands of brown and black, leading to a typical wolf-like coloration. Some founding members of the German Shepherd breed believed this should be the only color present in German Shepherds. Black sables are born as all-black pups and tri-colored sables are born as black and tan puppies. As the puppy ages, their coloring changes. Some GSDs may take as long as three years to develop their final sable coloration. As every sable GSD is different, with the color and pattern both varying, it makes for an eye-catching and unique dog. Sable is a dominant color that is easy to breed for. If you breed a Sable German Shepherd to any other color, you will likely get sable puppies. Black and Silver Much like the black and tan GSD, a black and silver German Shepherd usually has a silver saddle across its back, although the pattern and hue both vary from dog to dog. Like the silver GSD, the black and silver coloration occurs only when the recessive intensity suppression gene is present. This color is not common in the AKC show ring and can mostly be found in working dog lines. Because these dogs are not visible in the dark, it is highly advisable to only walk them on a light-up dog collar in the evenings and at night. Bicolor Bicolor German Shepherds appear almost completely black and, to fit the breed standard, must have black heads, back, legs and tail. Even if their paws are brown, the heels need to be black by the color standard definition. However, the AKC accepts bicolor as a recessive color in the breed. Though technically allowed in the show ring, these dogs are mostly found in working lines. Black and Cream The last official color on our list, the black and cream GSD remains true to its origins as a lighter version of the common red and tan coloring. There is some controversy surrounding the black and cream variation. Most AKC breeders do not want them to participate in the show ring. They strive to breed darker dogs that do not show the light cream coloring. The color does little to change their character, however, and black and cream GSDs excel obedience, nosework, rally and agility and are as loyal and brave as their black and tan cousins. Her DNA proved them wrong, although the Panda coloration remains unrecognized by some kennel clubs and breeders. The Panda GDS is created by a rare genetic mutation. The genes responsible for an all-white body and the patchy white are two different ones. This does not stop them from being popular however! There is a large demand for Panda-colored German Shepherds. Unfortunately, this inflates the price and leads breeders to focus on the color mutation rather than genetic health, so be sure to only source a puppy from a reputable breeder. Albino An albino German Shepherd is incredibly rare. An albino of any species or breed lacks any pigmentation, including of the skin, hair, and eyes as well as the blood vessels, resulting in a pinkish tinge. You can distinguish an albino German Shepherd from a white one by checking his eyes and nose. A White GDS will have some pigmentation resulting in brown eyes, whereas albinos always have red or pink eyes. An Albino GSD, should one exist, may experience other health problems associated with the condition. They may, for example, be photosensitive, requiring protection from direct sunlight. What is the Rarest Color of the German Shepherd? The rarest color of German Shepherd is the isabella due to the recessive combination of liver and blue. You will have to search for a long time to get such a puppy — and his price will likely be high as well! What is the Best Color for a German Shepherd? The best color for a German Shepherd in the show ring is black and tan, followed by sable. If you are not planning on showing your dog through the AKC, you can pick any color you like. This is not based on any actual working abilities though and more of a myth that has been passed on through generations. What is the Original Color of a German Shepherd? As German Shepherd dogs were bred as working dogs, the original breeders focused on temperature rather than appearance. The original color of working German Shepherds was sable. The most traditional color in the show ring is black and tan. While you should pick the coloring you like the most, make sure to not just choose your dog based on his looks. German Shepherds are prone to developing back and hip issues. Before buying a puppy for his color, make sure that his breeder selects for health first and color second! Otherwise you might end up with a puppy with great color but poor health … which is never a good thing. Unleash the real potential of your companion! We will email you daily with training tips, ideas and videos. This is an introductory course into our training philosophy. You will get customized video lessons based on your training goals — and you can implement them in just 5 minutes a day. Kay Talbert from Texas regularly posts videos of her pet , Lucy, to TikTok, where her unusual coloring has caused a stir. Talbert, who has three other dogs , confirmed Lucy was a rescue and a "full-blood" German shepherd. She told Newsweek: "I met both parents and a few of her siblings and one other sibling had her coloring as well! Photo of Lucy, the golden German Shepherd. Her owner, Kay Talbert, said her pet will turn three in February. Kay Talbert Talbert has been sharing clips of Lucy, and her menagerie, which includes two cats and a blind dog, to her TikTok account kaylaszoo0. A clip shared last week saw Talbert jump on a popular TikTok trend, sharing photos set to the song Yellow, by Coldplay, where people share a current image, then reminisce about previous years with a montage of snaps. But one video, in particular, saw the internet fall in love with the pooch after it blew up last year. The video asked: "Anyone ever wonder what a solid gold German Shepherd looks like? Never saw that coloring before," another user wrote. T quipped: "She's a golden girl. I've never seen one. The adorable pooch lives with three other dogs, one of whom is blind. Kay Talbert. Talbert told Newsweek that in addition to the kind words she receives, some people also question Lucy's breeding due to her color. She said: "A lot of people actually give me a lot of grief over her coloring because it isn't a standard German shepherd color. They tell me she's poorly bred or backyard bred but I love her and I think she's beautiful! Educate yourselves. Lucy lives in Texas and has sparked interest online with her unusual coloring. As people pointed out, there are a number of coat colors considered standard for German shepherds, according to the American Kennel Club AKC. They include black, black and cream, black and red, black and silver, black and tan, blue, gray, liver, sable, white, and bi-color. Blonde does not make the list, however, as noted by the specialist website, thegermanshepherder. The site explained: "While the most common coat color found on German shepherds is black and tan, more unusual and rare coat colors such as blonde can occur. Although some German shepherd puppies are born with lighter, blonde coats, most of these dogs have coats that turn darker with age. The rarest color that a GSD can have is known as liver German shepherd coat. Read more. Some owners refer to them as black and champagne or fawn. Also, when a white German Shepherd has red in its background, it shows up as a cream color. It is possible for particular black and cream German Shepherd puppies to grow into a black and tan look as they get older. Still, you cannot guarantee how the colors will shift or if they will change in the first place. Dog shows aside, black and cream dogs do not have the same intimidating look as darker dogs and can make for great gateway pets for those looking to adopt their first dog but find the alternative looks more intimidating. Ideal for: Households with young children can adopt black and cream puppies as these GSDs are easier to accept for little kids. Black All Black German Shepherds have no shot at dog shows but are much better at something else: guarding. This perception comes with the added assumption that your black German Shepherd is well-trained to deal with intruders. Even though these dogs are great at discouraging intruders, they have excellent temperaments and empathy to be family dogs. Black GSDs are not more aggressive than other varieties. Unlike solid black, most puppies only show their actual color weeks after birth. They also make shedding less annoying as the black hairs are less visible. A recessive gene causes the black color. Some black dogs have gold eyes, as shown in the image. Large houses are also perfect spacious places where such dogs must exhaust their excess energy. A bi-color features two colors, one of which is often black. Most will appear all black with brown feet or legs, as shown in the image. The AKC pioneered this categorization and is most relevant to dog shows where solid colors and bi-color dogs are judged differently. Depending on the specifics of the color, the dog-and-owner fit can vary. Sable Sable is a pattern often seen as color because of its visual impact. The sable color is named after the mammal sable, which also has a similar color. This type of German Shepherd has black peppered across its fur, giving a deeply crimson color that looks nearly indistinguishable from black and liver. The sable coat pattern appears visibly black as each hair has a black tip. Sable colors include black sable, gray sable, tan sable, red sable, and silver sable. If you like the look of this color pattern, head over to this article to learn loads more about this gorgeous variety; Sable German Shepherd. Ideal for: This shepherd dog is best for those living in sun-kissed suburbs where the true color of sable German Shepherds shines. White Featuring the look of a bleached wolf, the all-white German Shepherd is entirely white and represents quite the irony. It is often purchased because of its exotic looks but is also seen as flawed enough to disqualify from the show ring. In other words, it represents the positive and the negative results of judging dogs by their looks, where they are simultaneously loved and discriminated against because of their color. Given that the first German Shepherd was black, this dog is visually the farthest from its ancestors. There is often a misconception that this type is a mixed breed. However, the white German Shepherd is definitely purebred. Ideal for: Families with young toddlers can benefit from getting a non-intimidating dog. This leaves behind bi-color German Shepherds featuring black and a specific hue of tan that gives an overall deep gray look. Ruskin House of Shepherds They are often gray sable. However, many gray dogs have no black pigmentation, differentiating them from the sable. They have an aesthetic appearance and can tip top between work and show, though they are best kept as multifunctional pets. They look intimidating enough for strangers but acceptable even for younger children who have never had a big dog as a family pet. Nonetheless, they are pretty rare, so you may have to find a specialized breeder to adopt one. The color is rare because it is improbable to guarantee when breeding a single blue stud and rare to occur spontaneously. And the ones who breed rare GSDs only charge a lot per puppy. Since blue is a manifestation of black, it can appear in all German Shepherd looks that feature the black color. Therefore, these dogs are bred mainly in the working line, where black and tan are the most common colors. That makes blue and tan the most common bi-color look of blue German Shepherds. Ideal for: Individuals looking for an exotic, rare dog with a story would love to have a blue German Shepherd. Liver Liver as a color term is used almost exclusively to describe dark brown dogs. The shades of dark brown can vary, but the term stands. It is no different for German Shepherds, who are also categorized as a liver for being dark brown. With black not really being seen as color — white as a complete lack of color, brown has the best shot of getting the highest points for color richness — except in the show world. This is because the American Kennel Club sees livers as faults, and they cannot enter the show ring. However, liver German Shepherds are highly sought-after, making them some of the priciest German Shepherds to acquire. Still, their price is artificially inflated because of demand. Ideal for: Those who love the deep brown aesthetic will love a liver German Shepherd. Liver and Tan As mentioned earlier, German Shepherds with liver parents are pretty often liver-colored. While mutations did occur to manifest this look into the otherwise black line of GSDs, the genes of these dogs are relatively stable, making them great studs. Ideal for: Owners with prominently brown wardrobes can get a kick by extending their color preference to their dogs. Isabella Isabella German Shepherds face the same ironic fate as white GSDs, where they are simultaneously admired and acquired for their beauty yet disqualified or marked down from shows for their looks. Similar to liver dogs, the AKC views them as a fault. Isabella GSDs look lavender-flavored cappuccino in that they are a light lilac color. They have a distinctly feminine appearance regardless of gender and can make a beautiful addition to the family. Because of their non-threatening looks, they are readily accepted in suburban communities, whereas new pets can often get scrutinized unfairly. Isabella GSDs are rare because they come from a combination of recessive traits that might not even manifest in studs. Studs often have desirable dominant features, including rich colors. The Isabella color comes from the combination of liver and blue, one of which is rarely used for breeding. This leaves room only for blue genes to pass through non-blue studs, which is not entirely likely. Ideal for: Those who want to make a statement with one of the rarest German Shepherds will be satisfied with an Isabella dog. However, they better be willing to pay the premium. You cannot have a Sable Shepherd without having reddish fur. But the distribution of red and black or silver and a lot of black is what matters: the lighter coat makes up the backdrop over which the darker fur is peppered. Ruskin House of Shepherds Sable shepherds are rarely sable all over, and portions of their body feature only one of the two colors that make up their sable pattern. In other words, given black and red as primary sable-makers, these dogs are more likely to be black and sable or red and sable. Sometimes you can get a rarer color sable, such as the liver sable in the image. Brindle German Shepherds are the closest to sable in that they also consist of one color peppered across another in tiger stripes or a marbled pattern. Instagram: alastian. Black is far more prominent, and these dogs are the closest to the second generation of German Shepherds. Panda A Panda German Shepherd looks like a white or bi-color dog who tried to apply eye shadow for the first time. The area around their eyes is black, reminiscent of a panda. They have white color featured across their chest, limbs, feet, and tail tip, similar to a Border Collie. Panda Shepherds do not have any other similarities with the panda; the dog has an active temperament compared to the lazy panda. The gene is dominant, meaning it only takes one parent to replicate the pattern. It is also seen as a fault for conformation. My German Shepherd Pup Willow Still, getting a German Shepherd puppy with many white spots is a risk if you plan to enter him in a dog show as an adult. But if you do not care about dog shows, the white markings can be charming. It is rarer to find white spotting in black GSDs. These spots are more common in black and red, black and cream, black and tan, and liver variations. However, they blended in with her adult coat in time. A German Shepherd can have a black, blue, silver, or brown saddle though other colors are not definitively excluded. Saddle-back German Shepherds have to be bi-color by definition because the saddle is visible only in contrast with another, often lighter, color. Blanket The blanket is yet another pattern independent of color. Just like with saddle GSDs, being bicolor is a prerequisite just to spot the blanket. The saddle pattern has a better shot at dog shows between saddle German Shepherds and blanket ones. Since the blanket is dark, dogs with this pattern have an intimidating presence and are often used by the police and protective patrols. This makes them excellent guard dogs as they carry the same connotations. Mask Mask refers to the face of a German Shepherd with visible contrast in the face compared to the surrounding region. On the one side, they can have black fur over their faces, which gives the appearance of a mask, but the rest of their body can feature stripes brindle or the sable pattern. This study of dogs with colored masks found that the mask is caused by a specific allele referred to as a melanistic mask. Mask German Shepherds have a unique appeal, which makes people go to great lengths to acquire them. The mask is almost always black. In case the mask is a lighter color, it is categorized differently. The area around the mouth can be lighter, making the German Shepherd look more like a wolf. Some reverse masks also have a dark stripe down the muzzle, as in the image shown. Needless to say, these German Shepherds can be pricey simply because of their resemblance with wolves. They also are intimidating again because of this similarity. All the connotations they have with wolves, and their wildness come in handy when scaring away intruders. However, this is a myth, as they are as easy or difficult to raise as regular dogs. To breed them, you must have both the mother and the father, who carry the same reverse mask look. Like the masked variety, German Shepherds with a reverse mask can have other patterns as the mask or the reverse has to do with their faces. Speaking of wolves, the closest a GSD can come to having a wolf-like appearance is to have a reverse mask look and be a blanketed silver sable. The rarest color of German Shepherd is Isabella, which is also known as lilac. Not only is this color visually appealing, but it is also difficult to predict when breeding. The recessive blue and liver getting combined are not very likely, which makes almost all Isabella shepherds pleasant surprises. Getting a lilac shepherd from a reputable breeder is advisable because unscrupulous breeders may repeatedly breed puppies and neglect the non-isabella dogs hoping to profit from the lilac pups. Black is prominent across most variations of GSDs. From black and tan, often working lines, to black and red for showing, most German Shepherds have a hint of black. If you are looking for the most common overall color of a German Shepherd, the two that come out on top are black and red and black and tan. The show line dog of this bicolor look will be the cheapest yet will command a price significantly higher than a working dog of the same pair of colors. Some German Shepherd colors, such as blue and white, are controversial because they have been linked to genetic health issues, such as skin problems and deafness. Breeders who prioritize these colors over health can perpetuate these issues. Yes, the color of a German Shepherd puppy can be predicted based on the colors of the parents and the genetic inheritance of the color genes. By understanding the basics of color genetics, breeders can make educated guesses about the colors of their puppies. Do German Shepherds Change Color? German Shepherds do change color, especially if they are bicolor. This happens when they mature and shed certain colored fur but never grow it back. The color change is most prominent in brindle GSDs and sable shepherds, as the decrease in one shade of fur leads to a change in the overall look of the dog. No, the color of a German Shepherd does not affect its temperament. Temperament is determined by genetics and upbringing, not color. Final Thoughts German Shepherds are descendants of dark dogs but have come a long way since they were first shown as the perfect cross between beautiful and work-ready. GSD colors can vary from lighter ones like the rare Isabella all the way to solid black. The pattern variations include mask, sable, brindle stripes, and saddle, whereas colors can be solid or pair from the pool of black, red, tan, blue, silver, cream, liver, white, and gray. With over 30 years of experience working with dogs, this former Police Officer has seen it all. Find her on Linkedin!

Reserve your new puppy now! Experienced Breeders We are a small boxer breeding family from rural Pennsylvania. All of our boxers are house pets who receive attention and love daily. They are vetted regularly and health tested. We do not have kennels or an outdoor facility of any kind. Each and every puppy is raised with our family, in our home. All of our boxers receive daily exercise and training. We begin potty and crate training at 4 weeks of age, so when they go to their forever homes, training has already begun!! Supreme, Respectable Lines We have a wide variety of registrations to suit our needs. We are known for our brand new line of Merle Boxers, as well. With each litter we will clearly state the registration, health and bloodlines. Our dogs are up to date on their vaccinations and our pups will be too! All of our dogs are on a diet of PawTree. We believe a high quality diet is essential for raising healthy dogs and puppies. Click on the link below to get started!! How about an emotional support dog or an athletic dog to run and bike with? A boxer can do it all! They have been used for hunting, tracking, messengers, guarding, pulling, and so much more!! Boxer puppies are best known for being amazing family dogs, super great personalities and very affectionate. They love to cuddle and play and can be gentle, and be protective companions for the whole family. Photo Gallery. Life Span Did You Know? The Boxer is one of the most popular dog breeds in the United States. It has been recognized by the AKC since .Although the Boxer dog breed originated in Germany, their ancient ancestry can be traced back to the Assyrian empire war dogs of BC. The modern Boxer breed we know and love today was originally developed in Germany in the late s. English-bred Bulldogs and the Bullenbesiier were crossed to create an energetic and agile hunting dog to chase wild game. The Boxer is a popular family companion and a versatile working dog. As a member of the Working Group, Boxers can be found competing in dog sports like agility, obedience, and herding. They also make great service and assistance dogs, as well as therapy dogs, and can be found working as search and rescue dogs, drug detection dogs, police dogs, and military dogs. The Boxer is a muscular and energetic dog that tends to have a happy, friendly disposition. They bond closely with their families and tend to get along well with children and other dogs. They can even do well with other pets despite their high prey drive if they are socialized and trained with them. As long as they are well-socialized, Boxers are generally upbeat, playful, and friendly. Although they have a natural instinct to protect their family from unwanted visitors, they do tend to warm up once introduced and are happy to make a new friend. They can be prone to barking a lot if you do not work on socialization and training your dog to stop barking early on. Boxers can be highly adaptable dogs. Although they have a lot of energy and are better suited to homes with yards where they can run, they can adapt to apartment living as long as they get the daily exercise, attention, and mental stimulation they need. As with any non-arctic dog breed, they are sensitive to very cold temperatures. Boxers are also a brachycephalic breed, which means they are even more sensitive to heat than other dogs. A Boxer is also one of the most affectionate dog breeds. Because they bond so closely with their families and get bored easily, they should not be left alone for long periods of time. Potential health conditions to be aware of in a Boxer include hip dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy, thyroid issues , and heart conditions like aortic stenosis and cardiomyopathy. Good breeding practices make a big difference and reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. So, make sure you are asking the breeder about the health and genetic history of the parents and about any health tests that have been done. Boxers are intelligent dogs that are eager to please their owners. Despite their energetic personality, they are one of the best dog breeds for first-time owners and are highly trainable dogs. They tend to excel at almost any task put before them! Because of their open, friendly nature and high energy, they have a tendency to jump up at people in excitement and playfulness. Since they grow into powerful dogs, you will want to make sure you train your dog not to jump up. Boxers have smooth and short coats that will shed a little year-round and require minimal grooming. A brush-down once or twice a week and the occasional bath as needed will keep their short coat healthy and looking great. Nail trims once or twice a month are usually enough to keep nails from growing too long. Checking ears weekly and carefully cleaning as needed can help prevent ear infections. Checking and wiping their facial wrinkles weekly or a few times a week if your dog is prone to getting into things can help keep their wrinkles clean and free of irritation. Dental diseases, like gum disease, are the most common health issues in older dogs because dental care is often overlooked; and, it can lead to other serious health issues. Brushing daily, plus cleanings at the vet when needed, is ideal. The Boxer is a high-energy dog breed that needs plenty of daily exercise to stay happy and healthy. Due to their high prey drive and urge to chase, they should only be let off-leash in secure areas. Boxers tend to get bored with repetition, are excellent problem solvers, and are naturally exuberant. A fully-grown Boxer usually stands inches tall at the shoulder and weighs pounds. Boxers generally live years on average. In Germany, the Boxer was one of the first dog breeds chosen for police training. Featured Boxer Article.

I am familiar with common and uncommon health problems they may face so when my boyfriend and I decided we were ready to adopt our own english puppy finding a reputable breeder that prioritizes health was most important to us. Erica and Mitch of Bruiser Bulldogs are just that. They are experienced, ethical and quality breeders. I was referred to them by my friend that I trust after I saw their gorgeous healthy puppy. Our Puppy Primrose is the light of our lives! Bruisers was there to assist us every step of the way. We would highly recommend Bruisers Bulldogs to anyone looking for their own happy, healthy pup! Leah H. We were lucky to have come across Bruiser Bulldogs and even more so the fact that they were near our family and hometown made it even better. We have had Clementine Callie for four months now, and she is a wonderful dog. Her personality is amazing, and I think part of it is breeding and the other part is Erika and her family lovingly raising the puppies in their home with plenty of attention and snuggles. I also was impressed that, rather than send the puppies out right at 8 weeks, Erika kept ours for a few extra weeks because she was tiny and not read to leave her mom yet. It's that care that differentiates Bruisers from other breeders. Emily R. Erica was easy to work with thru the entire process from application to adopting and now beyond as we host our new family member, Chief. Her on-call support and willingness to provide open, honest advice to all of our questions and concerns continues to be appreciated. We would highly recommend Bruiser Bulldogs to anyone looking for an English Bulldog to join their family. Elizabeth W. Lady L. They are experienced, responsive and knowledgeable about all things bulldog related. They went above and beyond for us and are truly dedicated to all of their pups! We love our little girl so much and would recommend Bruiser to anyone looking for a healthy beautiful bully. Jonathan E. Erica and Mitch are trustworthy, excellent communicators, fair, passionate, and produce the best bulldogs. We were at the top of the waiting list for months and Erica reached out every litter to see if we were finally ready for a bulldog. When we were, she was very easy to work with. Her knowledge on bulldogs is outstanding. We had many questions on the process and she always knew what was best for the puppy. We've had Penny formerly Blair for two months and she is very healthy, energetic, playful, and sweet. She is great with other people and dogs. We are so happy with our pup. When we are ready for bulldog 2, we will only consider Bruiser Bulldogs. Mitch C. Bowser was born April and is an integral part of our family. When we were first exploring English Bulldog breeders our biggest concern was the overall health of the dogs. We decided to work with Erica at Bruiser Bulldogs because we liked their focus on improving the breeds breathing abilities and the fact that the puppies are raised within her family environment before coming home with their new owners. Bowser also breaths clearly and our vet was impressed with his overall health from the moment we brought him home. All that said we know English Bulldogs have a predisposition to many health issues and that his current health can not predict the future. With that In mind its important to start with a breeder that open to answer any of your questions as Erica has ours, and that strongly believes in improving the breeds overall health profile. Adam B. My sister ended up finding Bruiser Bulldogs and we knew right away that they were the breeder for us. In September we ended up driving 9 hours to pick up two Bruiser bulldog puppies- one for my husband and I and one for my mom. Jackson and Penelope have been nothing but a joy. They are both very athletic and healthy. They are also HUGE snugglers and always want to be with you. It is an absolute pleasure having these two bullies in our lives! Erica is very knowledgeable about the breed. She is very hands on throughout the process and is just overall a kind and honest person to work with. With all that being said I cannot recommend Bruiser Bulldogs enough! Collyn C. One of the reasons we chose Bruiser Bulldogs was due to the claims about breeding for health. During our first visit at our vet's office, he told us that our pup was one of the healthiest English bulldogs he had ever seen. He is healthy, happy and social. Would recommend to anyone. Christina S. We seen our dog on their website and sent them an Email. Mitch called us and personally walked us through the process and made sure we had the right dog for our family. We couldn't be happier when we picked up our dog Ramsey, Erica made sure we had everything we needed and then some. They are truly amazing people who breed truly amazing dogs! Jim T. They are amazing breeders, and the puppies are so beautiful and healthy. Chubba Chubba Choo is almost a 1. Jason and Michelle run a successful business with healthy pups that are loved from day one. I highly recommend them!!! His puppies are gorgeous and I promise your heart will tug at you to bring more than one home. The mama dogs were so happy, sweet, pretty and just wanted your attention. The puppies were adorable, healthy and competing for you to play with them. Not one of those dogs ignored you and didn't want to be the center of attention. You could tell they all had great personalities and were very social. Puppychase is Bulldog Heaven! I was very satisfied with the purchase of our puppy. The environment is clean, cool and does not smell. That's hard to accomplish with so many dogs. The Bulldogs are well cared for and the property shows they are a top priority. I can't imagine not being pleased with any dog from Puppychase. The only regrets I have are not being able to take more puppies and I wish I could have seen the male Bulldog in person. I didn't even think to ask. Maybe next time! I have had 3 Bulldogs from PuppyChase. Chester 13 yrs old, Henry 8, and Gus 15 wks. Chester died 2 wks ago. Jason is so knowledgeable and loves his Bulldogs. The health and personalities of his dogs are perfect! The hardest part is picking which one. He uses a flight nanny to ensure the safety of these little guys which allows families from all over U. S A to have a dog from PuppyChase. What a beautiful home and kennel he has in Georgia. Thank you Jason and Michelle! Keep up the great work with breeding English Bulldogs and giving families and experience of a lifetime of owning and loving these beautiful dogs!!! I would highly recommend. Jason and Michelle are dedicated to ensuring their pups and litters are taken care of! Their pups have the best disposition!! Exceptional customer service and will go above and beyond to accommodate your needs. New to the breed? Will definitely make our way back to PuppyChaseKennels. The Bulldog is also the mascot of Yale University and the U. Marines, no doubt for its tough and tenacious character. Although Bulldogs were originally bred as cattle herders and for a bloody sport called bullbaiting, they now make excellent family pets. Georgians love Bulldogs for their gentle and loving nature. This is a fairly low maintenance breed that loves a brief walk, followed by a snooze on the sofa. In particular, Bulldogs are a great first pet for novice pet parents in Georgia. In terms of lifestyle, Bulldogs adapt well to apartment living in Georgia although they do have a loud bark. They can tolerate being alone to some degree, so a Bulldog may be a good choice for individuals who live alone and go away to work for some hours every day. However, Bulldogs do not tolerate extreme cold or extreme hot weather. Bulldogs are an all-around friendly breed. They are affectionate with family members and do well with kids. You might find your Bulldog is overly friendly towards strangers. However, they can have some trouble adjusting to other dogs in the household. Bulldogs are moderate shedders and heavy droolers. This is a generally robust breed with overall good health and easy to groom. However, Bulldogs do have a high tendency to gain weight, so you have to be careful about giving treats and table scraps and controlling portion size at mealtimes. In terms of training your Bulldog in Georgia, this is not a breed known for its supreme intelligence. Apartment dwellers in Georgia should be aware that Bulldogs have a tendency to bark and howl, so early training is key. Overall, Bulldogs are a great choice for Georgia individuals and families. This is a playful breed with low to medium energy and moderate exercise needs. Bulldogs make great companion dogs in Georgia.

A little about us North Mountain Kennels is proud to offer quality German Shepherd puppies for sale, bred from some of the best sires and dams in the world. From meticulously bred service dogs to family pets, North Mountain Kennels has the perfect German Shepherd puppy for you. About Our Breeder Audrey is not just your average dog trainer. She is highly educated in all things K9. She has obtained 2 Masters Degrees from London Hanover University College of Zoological Studies with a concentration in canine behavior from a neurological perspective. This allows her to learn that what we "see" as the outward behavior and how it begins on a cellular level in brain. Truly understanding at an in-depth level of the animal that many "Trainers" do not understand or have any desire to understand what creates behavior and where it begins in the brain. Knowledge is power and with this knowledge Audrey Estep carefully crafts training plans developed for each puppy in training rather the a cookie cutter approach to all dogs. My services are designed with you and your pet in mind, and I believe in working as much with you as with your pet. Happy Healthy Bloodlines Great genetics make for a confident well rounded puppy that is suitable for companion, sport, IPO, or police K9. However, not all great quality breeding stock are titled European German Shepherd dogs. I'm selecting dogs with a history of producing consistent sound and healthy offspring. Not all dogs in my program have an OFA score on hips and elbows. My dogs generally have a European score on hips and elbows since they are tested prior to import. Furever Friends My puppy program revolves around creating the most sound animal for whatever your purpose is from birth. Puppies are exposed to a number of environmental obstacles, smells, sounds and sights to ensure confidence and sociability. Our Puppies All puppies are vaccinated, treated for internal and external parasites, micro chipped and come with AKC papers to register you puppy. What our customers have to say about North Mountain Kennels Don't just take our word for it, see what our customers have to say about us, our puppies, and the programs we offer! Proven Results. The average price will also depend on the conditions in which the puppies are being raised — a reputable breeder will only sell his or her puppies in a clean and healthy environment. It should be noted that it is not ALWAYS more expensive to purchase a puppy from one of these areas — especially if you locate an excellent breeder. Some breeders may charge more because of the high demand for German Shepherds in these areas. Virginia has many cities that fall into the cheapest category for purchasing a German shepherd puppy. Generally, however, you will find that smaller towns charge less than larger metropolitan areas. You can find German Shepherds in most parts of Virginia — so keep looking. If you go see the puppies and they appear unkempt or ill-treated, this should also be a cause for concern. Your breeder should provide you with a clean and healthy environment for your new puppy. When you find a breeder that you feel comfortable with, be sure to ask lots of questions. Breeders are usually more than happy to share their wealth of knowledge about the breed. There are a few key questions you should ask your breeder before purchasing a German Shepherd puppy from them. Some questions you may want to ask include: Are the puppies kept in a clean environment? What kind of food are they eating? How far along in age are the puppies when they leave for their new homes? Do they offer any kind of medical care or guarantee? These questions should give you an idea about how much effort and care goes into raising German Shepherd puppies. A good breeder will have no problem giving you the contact information of happy customers who have purchased puppies from them in the past. When speaking to references, be sure to ask about the quality of the puppy, how well the transition went and if there were any problems after taking the puppy home. References can be a great way to get an idea about whether or not a breeder is reputable. They should be on site when you visit your potential puppy. Make sure that both parents are healthy, friendly and well-tempered. Healthy German Shepherds typically live between years; so be sure to inquire about their health history. An honest breeder will tell you about any potential health problems that may arise due to genetics or environment. German Shepherds are known for their intelligence, strength and obedience. They are often used as working dogs in law enforcement, search and rescue, therapy and other service-related roles. German Shepherds are known as a very loving and devoted breed. Not only do they bond strongly with their owners, but they also fully accept family members and children as part of their pack. They can be somewhat wary around strangers until they get to know them. They are relatively active dogs that need plenty of daily exercise and mental stimulation. You can also ask for letters of reference from veterinarians who have treated the puppies in the past. Meeting past customers will give you a good idea about the quality of the puppies the breeder is producing, and it will also help you to determine if the breeder has a good reputation. Remember, we are looking for breeders who offer healthy, well-socialized puppies at an affordable price. If you are getting a puppy from a breeder, it is important to ask if they have a good veterinarian they use. A good breeder will take their puppies to the vet for check-ups and will also have their vaccinations records up-to-date. If the breeder cannot provide you with the name of a good veterinarian, this might be cause for concern. It is also important to ask how often the breeder takes their puppies to the vet for check-ups. A reputable breeder will be more than happy to answer all of your questions. If you come across an ad for German Shepherd puppies that seems too good to be true, it probably is. Be on the lookout for the following signs of an unethical breeder: The puppies are being sold at a very low price The puppies are being sold online or through classified ads The puppies are very young and have not been fully vaccinated There is no contact information listed for the breeder The breeder does not have a good reputation If you see any of these signs, it is best to walk away and find a reputable breeder. You can also report them to the Better Business Bureau or your local animal control agency. German Shepherds are a breed that is known to be susceptible to a number of health problems, including hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, bloat and cancer. It is important to ask the breeder if your puppy has any health problems. A good breeder will be honest about any health concerns the puppy might have and will also provide you with a guarantee that the puppy is healthy. If the breeder does not offer a guarantee, this is another sign that you should walk away. A reputable breeder will always stand behind their puppies. Many new owners choose to buy a crate so that their puppy has a safe and secure place to sleep and relax, but others prefer to use baby gates or exercise pens instead. Before bringing your German Shepherd home be sure to puppy-proof your home. This means removing any items that the puppy might be tempted to chew on, like electrical cords or furniture legs. You will also want to make sure that there are no poisonous plants in your yard. It is also important to have a designated area for the puppy to potty. Puppies should be taken outside regularly to eliminate, and you will want to make sure that there is always a spot in your yard where they can go. If you have other pets in your home, it is important to socialize them with the new puppy as soon as possible. German Shepherds can be dominant dogs, so it is important to make sure that they know who is boss. Also, be sure to set a good example because they will look to you for guidance. Be prepared for a lot of love, kisses and muddy paws. Potty training a puppy can seem impossible at first, but with dedication, it is completely achievable. Before bringing your German Shepherd home, make sure that you have everything you need for potty training. This includes everything from food and water dishes to pee pads and poop bags. When you start this process, it is important to choose a designated area where the puppy will eliminate in your yard or in the house. Pee pads are also an option if your dog does not want to go outside in cold weather. You should always take your German Shepherd Puppy outside when they wake up, thirty minutes after eating or drinking anything, before bedtime and about minutes after playing. If the puppy eliminates in the designated spot, be sure to praise them and give them a treat. It is important to be patient and consistent when potty training a German Shepherd Puppy. With a little bit of time and effort, your puppy will be successfully potty trained in no time. I love animals and love helping people adopt a pet. It all started when attending Missouri State University and I began volunteering at an animal shelter. Puppies are currently 6. Puppies are home-raised, exposed to children, other dogs, and interacted with multiple times a day each and every day - we truly LOVE them! They will make great family pets! Mom and Dad are AKC registered and puppies will come with paperwork for registration. Puppies have been vet checked, dewormed, and received their first shots. One is already spoken for so don't delay or you'll be missing out on your perfect new family member! Contact via text or call xxxxxxxxxx or email xxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxxxxx. Virginia German Shepherd puppy looking new home, 2 months ago, first set shots and dewormer. Buy Now German shepherd puppy Finney is a beautiful black and red girl. She is smart, alert, and ready to be your best friend! Buy Now Puppies born June 11, Have one male and two females puppies for sale. He loves to play even before he could open his eyes or walk. He will be ready for his new home on September 17th. His father is a champion long coat from Germany with pink papers and his mama is an import long coat from Serbia. Both parents are on site. He will come home with a toy, blanket with mamas scent and his AKC limited paperwork. Dads list of shows won and pedigree information available at this link. You may meet our pups in our home before submitting your deposit to hold your pup. We only accept payment via PayPal or Cash to avoid any scams. We will not send you any codes nor will we reply to anyone stating they will need one from us. Thank you for looking! Obsessed Buy Now German shepard puppies 8 weeks old. Puppies are currently 5. Puppies will also be vet checked, dewormed, and receive their first shots before going home. View Detail German shepherd 8 month German shepherd male Fully training. AKC registered. He is potty trained. This is a short-haired white german shepherd and is known for their love of water. The White German Shepherd is a majestic looking dog and has the appearance of a polar bear face. He was born on June 15, and is now two months old. He has been vaccinated,vet checked, and dewormed. This beautiful pupy deserves a loving and caring owner. Contact Tammy at xxx. Buy Now German shepherds puppiez sheperd puppies available looking for loving home. Will come with first set of shots and dewormer. More information please message me. Long coated west german showline. Red and black. Due the middle of August. Picture and video is from a previous litter. Mom 4 yrs old dad 5 yrs old. Call to make appointment black and tan , bage ,orange-red we call her Foxxy 5 girls 1 boy. She has had 2 vet visits with all shots and dewormed. Her colors are black and tan. We have had shepherds for over 20 years and being a breeder is such a pleasure. She is ready for adoption. She comes with AKC papers and vet visits. Shepherds are the 2nd most popular dog. They are intelligent, loving, loyal and great guard dogs. The last thing that you want to know is if you can take them around with you when you go to visit places like parks and whatnot. There are many different reasons why German Shepherd puppies are the right choice for you and your family. Dogs of this breed tend to be very intelligent, energetic, and loyal. They are great companions for kids and make great watchdogs. Dogs of this breed can oftentimes be found living in kennels and do not have a lot of negative attention directed at them. This means that you will be getting a dog who has been socialized and trained properly and will be friendly towards people. Being around other dogs will help teach them how to behave around other people. Before you decide to adopt a German Shepherd puppy it is important to talk to your local vet. Find out how far along in their life they are and if they have any health problems. Also, find out how much experience you will need to bring the puppy home before you go and get him or her. You will not want to bring a puppy home to mom and dad and have them go right into quarantine because you got them home before they were ready. Bring the puppy home with you as soon as possible and let the vet check it out. You will not want to adopt a German Shepherd unless you already know what type of pet you would like to get. Do you want a family pet or just someone to go on walks with? Make sure that you ask questions so that you know what your German Shepherd puppy will be like when he grows up. Ask about vaccinations too so that you will be sure that he or she is clean. You will also want to make sure that you can commit to taking care of the dog for at least a year or two before you adopt one from a shelter. This is very important because you will have to be able to take good care of the dog while it is learning to be an adult. You may want to visit your local animal shelter and see if you can contact the people who adopted the German Shepherd. See how they are with the dogs and see if you think you want to adopt one there. You may have a friend who is an expert in owning guinea pigs or other small animals so you should ask her if she knows where you can get a German Shepherd puppy. She may even be able to tell you where you can get a puppy that is going to be perfect for your family. Go ahead and ask her and you will be well on your way to owning a wonderful family pet. If you do not know where you can get German Shepherd puppies, then you will have to ask around. You want to make sure that everyone you know has heard positive things about German Shepherds before you adopt one. You want to also find out as much as you can about them before you decide to adopt one. The Internet is a great way to learn more about them and find out what kind of reputation the shelters have when it comes to adopting dogs. You will want to make sure that you are making the right decision when it comes to getting a German Shepherd puppy. Most people are not going to want to let their dogs run loose around the city, but if you are just going to a local park, then you will not have any problems. Just keep in mind that you will need to be responsible for the dog when you bring it around. It is not easy raising a puppy, but if you can be patient, then you will have a great puppy in your home for many years to come. Share this:.

Gap in birth The overall Labrador gestation period is from 58 to 64 days. You will notice when your Labrador is ready to give birth by watching for common signs such as a lack of appetite and a rigid abdomen. You might find them crying; it may be due to the labor pain. How many puppies does a Labrador have in their first litter? After their first litter, they will have on average between 6 to 10 puppies. Labrador Litter Size The average Lab litter size can range between 1 to 12 puppies depending on the health, age, and size of the dog. The size of a litter is different for different breeds; large breeds give birth to more puppies than small ones. Litter size depends on the size, diet, and age of the Labrador, the litter size may increase or decrease. You should also know about the Labrador heat cycle. The biggest litter recorded in the Labrador breed was the birth of 14 puppies. What factors affect the litter size in Labradors? Litter size is not a fixed thing, but it changes depending on different factors. The very first litter of the female Labrador is mostly tiny as compared to the other litter. If the female is under 7 years, there are chances of a small litter. While on the other hand, sometimes breeding Labrador before 5 years can result in a large litter size in puppies. Even labs that give birth between 2 to 5 years of age get large litters. Older Labradors produce less sperm than young male labs; this may affect the litter size in terms of puppies. However, the male Labrador that is 5 years old has an abundance of quality sperm, which contributes to a healthy and large litter. This is why it is highly recommended to allow breeding when both the male and female Labradors are 5 years old. The health of the Labradors Health plays an important role when it comes to litter size. In short, both of the Labradors should be healthy in order to maximize the overall number of puppies. As a dog parent, if you want your female lab to give birth to the maximum amount of puppies. Providing the best quality supplements to both male and female Labradors is really going to help in increasing litter size. Diet A female Labrador with a poor diet is never going to give birth to the required number of puppies. If you expect a large litter size from your Labrador, you should first provide her with the best quality food throughout the year, not just in the breeding season. Providing the best quality and suitable quantity of food is going to improve the fertility of your female Labrador. We are not talking about providing a bunch of supplements but a balanced diet to produce a large litter. Gene pool As mentioned above, it is not all about the female Labrador. Still, male Labradors somehow plays a role in litter size. Fertility is the only factor that is affected by the gene pool. Other than this, traits are primarily hereditary. Sometimes, the color, size, and eye colors are not affected by the gene pool, but all of these are hereditary. Gap in birth Last but not least, the gap between the birth seasons also affects the litter size of the female Labrador. You cannot expect the same large litter two years later. Consult a vet when you are planning to breed your Labrador. As such, they are recognized experts in facts and figures for many breeds of dogs. According to their data, most labrador litters contain between five and ten puppies, with the average being seven. In comparison to all dog breeds, Labradors are right in the middle. The average size of a litter of puppies, in general, is five or six dogs. The largest known litter of labradors ever recorded was 14 puppies , born to a black labrador in the United Kingdom in .Labradors are huge fans of babies as they age. Active families love a Lab! In short, probably not. Your vet can confirm pregnancy, give an estimate of how far along the pregnancy is, and give you an approximate due date. Humans and canines alike know the excitement of a first pregnancy. When it comes to labradors, this can also impact the size of the litter. Biological and evolutionary factors come into play and make first litters smaller. Expect one or two additional puppies from her first two. After the fourth pregnancy, the litter size tends to taper off. In addition to whether or not it is her first litter, the age of the mother labrador also affects the size of the litter. Generally speaking, the older the mother, the smaller the litter size. This fact is a little confusing, though, when you also consider that first litters are smaller. It means that a 3-year-old labrador will have larger litters than a 5- or 6-year-old labrador. So, if two female labradors have their third litter at ages four and six, the four-year-old labrador is likely to have the larger litter of the two. How Old is Dad? Believe it or not, the age of the father of the puppies can also impact the size of the litter. This is because of the viability of his sperm. When a female dog is in heat, her ovaries release several eggs that are ready for fertilization. However, if the male dog is older, his sperm tends to be less vigorous, meaning fewer will reach the eggs, and therefore fewer eggs will be fertilized, resulting in smaller litter size. A Labrador lounges on his dog bed Natural versus Artificial Insemination How did the mother dog become pregnant? Many labrador breeders and breeders for other types of dogs, as well prefer artificial insemination. It also takes the social interactions of the two dogs out of the equation. Some dog handlers and breeders hesitate to put their mama dogs in such a sensitive and potentially unpredictable situation. The bad news is that, while artificial insemination seems to be the more controlled and safe option, it usually yields fewer puppies. Of course, the breed of the dog is a significant factor in genetics. Does the Size of the Mom Matter? Not really. If you have a mom who is part labrador herself or is a purebred labrador but has puppies with another breed, some of these numbers and averages change. If your pregnant pooch is only part labrador, the size of her litter will also depend on what other breeds she contains. The general rule of thumb is that the larger the breed, the larger the litter. If your lab is a part German shepherd , expect a somewhat bigger litter. The breed of the father matters less, though. The breed of the father has more to do with the size of each individual puppy. Fun fact: the largest known litter of puppies ever recorded is a whopping .Unsurprisingly, the 15 male and nine female puppies were born to a Neopolitan Mastiff in , one of the most giant breeds around. Do Labs like water? Healthy dogs tend to produce larger litters. My wife and I love playing with our active miniature Labradoodle Max. We want all Oodle puppies to be healthy and happy, have lots of fun and be part of the family. Load More. First things first, how many pups can you expect? The average litter size for a Labrador Retriever is typically between 5 and 10 puppies. The largest recorded lab litter is 15 pups, but anything above 10 is generally very rare. Still, even 10 is a lot. Many lab owners never see a pup litter, however, because the first litter of any dog tends to be on the smaller size. The first litter of any dog will be in the 1 to 5 range rather than 5 to .A larger first litter is still possible, of course, but it is unlikely. As for single-pup pregnancies — many are under the illusion that these are incredibly rare. They are not. Granted, pup first-time pregnancies are more common, but 1-pup births are certainly more common than pup ones. On the other hand, if you just want to have a couple of pups from your dog before you spay her, the fact that the first litters are smaller is perfect for that. Typically, no, but there may be some issues to watch out for. Especially for younger dogs read — just under one year , one-pup pregnancies can even be viewed as common. However, it is wise to consult with your vet before the pregnancy or in the early days. If this happens, a C-section will be necessary to get the pup out. Another common issue that also necessitates a C-section is that singleton puppies are often larger than normal. This is quite understandable given that a single pup tends to get more nutrients and more space to grow in the womb. Hence — the C-section. Your vet will brief you on everything you need to have prepared, of course. A 5 to 10 average litter size is on the bigger side of things in the canine world. This is normal for a large breed, however. Bigger dogs tend to have larger litters than smaller ones for obvious reasons. Of course, you should consult with your vet ahead of time to make sure that your dog is healthy. But, generally, your lab should go through the pregnancy without a hitch. The birth itself can be stressful, of course, so you need to be prepared for that. The gestation period for Labradors is on par with other breeds — anywhere between 57 and 65 days with an average of about 63 days. In other words — the gestation period should be 2 months, take or leave a few days. Do keep in mind that pregnancy can remain completely unnoticed for weeks, however. The sacs will start getting noticeably big between the 21st and the 35th day of the pregnancy, which is one of the main signs. A lab can typically get pregnant right after its first heat or around her 8th month. It is recommended to wait for one or two heat cycles to pass before you try breeding your dog, however. There are a few common pregnancy complications in all dog breeds, however:. In this article How to determine your Labrador's litter size As we've said, the number of puppies inside a Labrador's belly varies greatly. Your pet can have anywhere from one to over twelve puppies. The average litter size is five to ten, but it is heavily influenced by several factors more on that later. Your veterinarian can actually help you find out exactly how many puppies there are inside a Lab's uterus. They can take X-rays of the pregnant female and count the skeletons of pups in her belly. This is an acceptable way to determine litter size in dogs. You have to wait until six weeks of pregnancy for puppies' skeletal system to develop. Ultrasound scans and abdominal palpation are other ways to estimate litter size. What is the average litter size for Labs? In , a comprehensive study was performed to answer the question of litter size in dogs. The researchers analyzed breeds and more than 10, litters, and they calculated the average litter size to be 5. However, there was a clear difference between miniature and large breeds. The former only had 3. The above research is for all dog breeds. But the AKC analyzed over 85, Labrador litters to conclude that Labs have a typical range of five to ten puppies, with an average of 7. So we can safely say that Labradors, being a large breed, will likely have a larger litter size. Though cases of producing just a puppy or two are not unheard of. Overall, if you have a pregnant Lab mother, expect her to give birth to about half a dozen babies. The biggest Labrador litter on record Now you know how many puppies to expect when your Lab gets pregnant. And you're probably wondering, "But what's the maximum they can pop out? Back in , when a black Scottish Labrador named Anne was pregnant, the vet predicted that she would have three to six puppies. Little did they know, the proud mama kept popping out babies one after the other until there were 15 of them! A more recent case was reported a few months back in April .Here, A Labrador called Bella produced 14 fur babies, just one shy of the record set in .The labor lasted for seven hours, and Bella gave birth to eight black and six yellow Labs. Fun fact: Anne's 15 kids are a lot, but the Guinness World Record for most puppies is set by Tia, a Neapolitan mastiff. She gave birth to 24 puppies in November .Of course, she couldn't do it all by herself and had to take the help of a Cesarean section. Factors affecting Labrador litter size Many variables influence how many puppies Labradors have. In this section, we'll talk about some of the crucial ones. But several other factors such as breeding management, reproductive history, and season also play a role. Even the environment she lives in affects her well-being and, consequently, the health and number of her babies. Much of the information here is sourced from an article published by Dr. Bretaigne Jones for Royal Canin. Age Labradors usually remain fertile for their entire lives. However, as you might imagine, their litter size decreases as they get older. As a general rule, Labs are most fertile between the ages of two to five. However, regardless of her age, a dog's first litter is usually smaller than the future ones. After the first one, the number of puppies increases with every litter, through the fourth litter. Then, it starts declining steadily. A Labrador will have her first heat cycle anytime after she's six months old. But you should never breed a Lab during her first heat cycle, as she's relatively young at this point. Imposing the stress of pregnancy and lactation can have adverse effects on the mother's mental health. Just like very old females, too young mothers also produce smaller litters. This is why the AKC recommends waiting for the third heat cycle, which means not breeding until the female Lab is months old. Lastly, the male Lab's age also affects the litter size. But the influence is much less than the female's age. As a male Lab gets older, his sperm count and quality decrease. He will produce larger litters under the age of five. Breed Size We've already discussed that smaller breeds tend to produce fewer puppies, and larger breeds have a bigger litter size. This trend is seen even within the same breed. A Labrador weighing 45 pounds 20 kg may only produce five or six babies, while a pound 32 kg Lab may give birth to a litter of ten puppies or more. Again, these are only generalizations based on the data available about Labrador puppies, which means there will be exceptions. You can have a relatively small Lab giving birth to nine or ten pups every litter. Health and Nutrition This one is a no-brainer. If your Lab is happy and healthy, she'll give birth to more puppies, and the babies born will be healthier as well. The mother needs to be in perfect health so that she and her pups survive the birthing and whelping process. Not only the female but the male Lab should also be healthy if you want to avoid complications. Nutrition is crucial for your Labs throughout their entire lives. And when it comes to breeding, diet directly affects the litter size. Both male and female Labs will produce healthier and larger litters if they've been fed a high-quality diet. Check out my Recommended Products for foods that I recommend, including custom fresh food solutions. Gene Pool Diversity Breeding two dogs from diverse genetic backgrounds results in bigger litters. Similarly, the smaller the gene pool is, the fewer puppies your Lab will have. Gene pool is smaller when closely related dogs brothers and sisters, fathers and daughters, etc. The more dogs are bred from the same line, the smaller the litter will be. This process of mating such dogs is known as inbreeding. We can measure the gene pool diversity using the coefficient of inbreeding, a numerical value ranging from zero not inbred at all to one completely inbred. Other Factors to Consider Apart from the things we discussed, litter size is also affected by: Type of breeding: Natural breeding results in more puppies than artificial insemination AI. Using AI can decrease the litter size by as much as 15 percent. Season: Usually, if a Lab gives birth in spring, she produces more puppies. But if the breeding takes place in summer, the litter size is smaller. Mating frequency: Litter size is smaller if the female is bred only once. So it's recommended to mate the Labs every other day until the female refuses to mate. What can you do to increase litter size in Labradors? While litter size is mostly out of our control, optimal conditions can increase how many puppies Labradors have. The first thing you should do is feed your Labs a healthy diet throughout their lives. There's no reason to spend extra money on grain-free food because dogs' evolution has given them the ability to digest grains easily. Just make sure you're feeding them one of the high-quality kibbles available in the market. Apart from a healthy diet, you should also give her enough playtime and exercise to maintain her ideal body weight. For female Labradors, it's lbs. Pregnancy drains the mother's body of protein, vitamins, minerals, and energy. You need to satisfy her dietary needs with food rich in fats and carbohydrates. Feeding a low-carb diet during pregnancy leads to increased fetal death and stillbirths. Consult your vet and make sure her diet includes enough vitamins, amino acids, minerals, omega-3 acids, antioxidants, and dietary fiber. As the mother nears the last three weeks of pregnancy, her dietary needs will increase significantly. This is because the embryonic puppies gain 75 percent of their body weight during this period. Depending on the litter size, she may need one and a half to two times her typical requirement for these few weeks. Control inbreeding risk Another thing you control is the coefficient of inbreeding. We've seen that mating closely related Labs results in decreased litter size. So it's the breeder's responsibility to choose suitable Labradors to pair. It would be best if the male and female Lab's last three ancestors are unrelated. Lastly, you can give your Lab lots of love and attention. She's going through a challenging period, and it's up to you to support her. Doing this doesn't directly increase the litter size, but it keeps the mother happy and enhances her well-being. So go and scratch her behind the ears! The One-Half Rule This is a general rule that's usually followed by all mammals. It states that a mother will produce half as many babies as there are nipples on her. Sounds interesting, right? Statistics back this rule. Most female dogs have eight to ten nipples, and as we've seen, the average litter size is 5. Humans, of course, have two. Most mothers give birth to one child at a time, but they may also produce twins occasionally. While it does happen, having more than two babies is rare among humans because nature tries to ensure enough nutrition and nourishment for all the babies. Now don't start counting your Lab's nipples! This is simply a statistical correlation; it's not a method you can use to predict litter size. The best way to determine litter size is to take your Lab to the vet. How often do Labradors produce puppies? As we've discussed, female dogs can go into heat anytime after they're six months old. After the first heat cycle, they will typically go into heat twice a year, which means they can produce puppies every six months. However, many breeders and veterinarians advise against breeding continuously. They contend that it's hard on the mother's body and decreases the litter size. Accordingly, they allow their female Lab to breed every other heat cycle, which means the mother will give birth to one litter per year. Others, including one I spoke with on the issue, contend that breeding back to back has physiological benefits for mothers, citing commentary from Dr. Robert Van Hutchinson, a well renowned veterinarian and reproduction specialist. In an online reproduction seminar , Dr. Hutchinson explained that the female's progesterone levels remain elevated for 60 days during ovulation - regardless of pregnancy. This causes severe stress to the uterine lining, and can lead to long term health issues. Therefore, skipping seasons prolongs this activity as opposed to breeding season after season and retiring the mother early. How many puppies Labs have in their lifetime As we've discussed, a Lab goes into heat twice every year, which means she can give birth to a litter every six months. Suppose a female starts breeding when she's two years old and continues doing so until she's eight. In that case, she would produce 13 litters over her lifetime. We've also seen that the average number of pups a Labrador produces is 7. We know that litter size is affected by several factors and does not stay the same throughout the years. But for argument's sake, let's say our female Lab continues to give birth to seven kids during every heat cycle. So theoretically, a Labrador can give birth to over 90 puppies in her lifetime. How long are Labradors pregnant? When measured from the date of ovulation, gestation lasts for days. Since it's difficult to determine the date of ovulation, you cannot know precisely how long your Lab will be pregnant. This is because male sperm can live for 10 to 11 days in the uterine tubes of the female dog. However, for the most part, you should expect your Lab's gestation period to last for two months, or maybe slightly longer. Signs of pregnancy in a Labrador As we've discussed, Labs' gestation period is only about two months. So you don't have a lot of time to notice and interpret the signs. Many pet owners are shocked to find their Lab pregnant in the final days of her pregnancy. Below are some signs of pregnancy in Labradors. If you start to notice them in your female dog, it could be that she's about to give birth to little fur babies. Your dog becomes exhausted quickly or spends more time sleeping Loss of appetite early stages or increased appetite later stages She becomes more affectionate, seeking extra attention, and wanting to stay beside you Appearing lethargic or depressed and just want to be left alone all the time There's mucus discharge from her vulva occurs about a month after mating Her nipples' size or color changes happens about a month after mating Her abdomen size increases noticeable after 40 days She gains weight starts happening around day 35 Of course, the best way to determine whether your Lab is pregnant is to take her to a vet. They will perform one of several diagnostic tests to determine if she will become a mother. Abdominal palpation, ultrasound scan, witness relaxing test, and X-rays are the most common ways to check pregnancy. Final thoughts Breeding Labradors isn't an easy task. You have to invest time and effort to take care of the mother and her puppies properly. Labs usually have five to ten babies per litter, and the average litter size seems to be 7. Factors like the mother's age, health, diet, and the coefficient of inbreeding affect how many puppies Labradors have. We can also influence the litter size to some extent by making sure the female Lab is healthy and by selecting unrelated dogs for mating. Many breeders mate their Labradors every other heat cycle once a year ; others believe back-to-back breeding to be most effective. Compared to other breeds of dogs, labs are somewhere in the middle. The size of a litter may vary based on factors such as medical condition, physical fitness, health, nutritional intake, and genetic variation. Incredible, huh? We will also discuss the 1st-ever large Labrador litter. Labrador puppies are generally born between 58 and 64 days after being conceived. There is an interesting relationship between pup count and the time to expect your labrador to be pregnant-free. One of the reasons for this is that there is not enough space and not enough sustenance to sustain the baby. In addition, it is not necessary for you to take your lady labrador to the veterinarian in order to deliver her since this can be adept without having to leave your home under the appropriate circumstances and precautions. It is simply a matter of offering some privacy and relief to the expectant mother. In any case, if you see the dog behaving strangely, it is a sign of the fact that the puppies are waiting to be born. Different breeds have different litter sizes, and dogs of large breeds have a tendency to breed more babies in comparison to dogs of small breeds. In addition to different breeds, there can also be differences between similar breeds of dogs. When it comes to Labradors, their first litter usually consists of 7 puppies. On the other hand, it is also important to note that other factors may come into play during this process, which may affect how many puppies your lab lady produces in her 1st litter. Even at the first litter, older labradors are capable of having up to 14 puppies. First pregnancies are always exciting both for humans and canines. However, in the case of labradors, the litter size affected as well. Interestingly enough, if this is the 1st litter of puppies for the female dog, chances are fewer puppies will be born. What is the reason? Because a newly pregnant mother has a smaller uterus, the body still has to adjust for pregnancy, labor, and delivery. Heredity and evolution play a role in the small size of the first litter. Generally, female labradors have the biggest pregnancies during their third and fourth pregnancies. From her first two pregnancies, two to three more puppies aexpected. However, as she reaches her fourth pregnancy, fewer puppies expected. In light of the above, it is important to note that the majority of vets advise against breeding dogs beyond the fourth time. Labrador parents and the dog centers should be happy to hear that there are a number of factors that contribute to the larger litters. To get the best labrador puppies, your best strategy involves paying close attention to the dietary needs, well-being, and physical activity of both DAM and SIRE. The Health Factor Litter size influenced by health in many ways, so health is the key factor here. Simply put, it is necessary for both female and male labradors to be in good health with the goal of producing the largest litter of puppies possible. When it comes to pet parents, to have the most puppies possible from your female lab, you should pay attention to her health. As no unhealthy labrador female can carry large litters. There is an important distinction to be made about the fact that health is what is being discussed, and this does not necessarily imply a labrador is obese. Before you breed your labradors, you should consider how slim or overweight they are. Supplementing the male as well as female Labrador with the best nutrition is key to increasing litter size. When compared to the litters of other breeds, the 1st litter of a female lab is usually small. The likelihood of a small litter is high if the bitch is under seven years old. However, it does not influence the size of a litter exclusively, in which case miracles can occur, such as the lab producing a larger litter at an early age. Young labradors must used for breeding because aged dogs will not release as much sperm and it will somehow affect the size of the litter. Labrador sperm count is high in the male of 5 years old, indicating that the litter will be healthy and large. It is therefore very important that breeding takes place at about the age of 5 years old for both male and female labradors. Genetic pool plays no role in litter size since only fertility affected. Aside from fertility, characteristics are primarily handed down from generation to generation. There are times when you will notice, such as with purebreds, that their eye color or size is not influenced by their genetic makeup, but these traits are inherited. Diet Matters Happiness can never achieved through a bad diet. Everyone knows this. Having a poor diet will prevent a female labrador from giving birth to as many puppies as she should. To ensure that your female labrador has a large litter size, it is essential that she is provided with a high-quality diet all year long and not just when breeding season arrives. Providing your female labrador with a high-quality and appropriate amount of nutrition will surely increase the furtiveness of your female labrador. Besides providing her with a nutritious diet, make sure she gets plenty of physical activity and proper exercise to stay in shape. When it comes to the female labs, they weigh between 55 and 70 pounds which is equivalent to 25 — 32 kilograms. Remember — Supplements is not the solution here and generally not recommended; a diet with a variety of nutrients is. Best Food For Pregnant Labradors In recent years, we have learned that pregnant labradors need high protein diets in order to be healthy. The nutritional needs of pregnant dogs are similar to those of pregnant women. In addition, they need certain vitamins and minerals in their diet. In light of this, we need to learn which is the most appropriate high-protein food for pregnant labradors. You can quickly become overwhelmed with all the choices you have when it comes to buying dog food for your lady labrador. The best dog foods for pregnant labradors compiled for your convenience. A litter from 2 years ago, for example, would not be the same size. Prior to pursuing a breeding session with your labradors, you should consult with a veterinarian. Keeping the proper gap between the two will not cause the litter size to decrease. However, having consecutive pregnancies will reduce the litter size. Other Considerations On top of the factors discussed previously, there are other factors that impact litter size: Mate Rate — According to the majority of the people, if a female only mates once, she will have a smaller litter. We recommend allowing them to mate every couple of days if they are necessary, but you must stop when the female refuses to mate. If you do not stop a female labrador when she refuses to mate, you will put him under a great deal of stress, prohibiting him from having successful breeding. Season — Most commonly, Spring is the most common seasonal time for a labrador to give birth, during which she gives birth to a large litter. However, when breeding occurs in the summer, smaller litters are born. Breeding type — It is generally acknowledged that naturally bred animals deliver more puppies than artificially bred ones. One-Half Rule All mammalian species tend to follow the same underlying rule. According to the rule, the number of babies a female gives birth to is equal to the number of nipples on her body. There is some evidence to support this rule. Typically, a female dog has between 8 to 10 nipples, which explains why litter size is typically 7. Two of them, of course, found in humans. It is common for mothers to have a single baby at a time, but twins can also be born. Although it is not unheard of, having three or more children in the same body is extremely rare as nature ensures sufficient care and nutrition for every child. These results are merely correlational. If you want to know the size of your litter, make an appointment with the veterinarian. Labradors belong to the large breed category, which means that they mature between 18 and 24 months. Which means that breeding should avoided up until her 3rd heat cycle and approximately two years of age. Pregnancy Symptoms In Labradors Labs only take about two months to gestate. The vast majority of pet parents are surprised when they discover their lab lady pregnant in the final days before the delivery. Your lady labrador may exhibit these signs as she prepares to give birth to a litter of puppies. In this case, your veterinarian can assist you. A pregnant female can be x-rayed to see how many pups are in her belly. Puppies with skeletons are seen during this process. Other methods to estimate the litter size include the following: Ultrasound scans Abdominal palpation. Mama Labrador Ready To Give Birth: How To Help Female Labrador giving birth is an incredible, exhilarating, and sometimes breathtaking experience you will surely remember for the rest of your life. Below are a few suggestions. Before you assist your labrador in giving birth, consult your veterinarian and gather the necessary supplies. It is important to make sure that your dog has an appropriate environment, preferably a litter box so that she has space to explore, but also to be aware of her needs. Some may be surprised to learn that labs are very capable of self-sustaining during the birthing process, as are many other breeds. Understanding when to provide assistance and when to let her handle things independently is an essential part of the process. The vet should be kept on hold for emergency purposes. Gather essential supplies such as cleaning towels, blankets, heating pads, gloves, and sterilized scissors. Maintain a clean and comfortable environment that is conducive enough to deliver puppies. She will need to be calmed because she will soon be in a lot of pain crying for help. Due to her heat cycle, labradors have heat cycles twice a year, allowing them to give birth every 6 months. If so, her lifetime litter count would be .Labrador puppies usually have six to seven pups on average. In fact, litter size changes throughout the year depending on a variety of factors. As a hypothetical case, assume the lab lady continuously delivers seven kids during every heat cycle. Consequently, female labradors are capable of bearing 90 puppies in their lifetime. No, the dates of their birth are the same, but the times are different. There is usually a minute interval between puppies. But it is possible for the mama dog to rest for as long as 4 hrs between puppies. Post navigation. But what if you have a Lab that has recently given birth to only 2 puppies? Is that normal for Labradors, or should it be a cause for concern? The larger the breed, the more likely the litter will be bigger, but a healthy Lab can also have a small litter. The rest of this article will go into Labrador litter sizes in greater detail. Keep reading to learn more about this exciting subject! The breed of the mother is another factor to consider. Make sure to keep your puppies warm during the first few weeks. If the mother has previously had larger litters, she may be confused or distressed due to having such a small litter this time around. You should also stay close to her if she seems highly distressed. Littermates Are Important for Puppy Development During the first few weeks of life, puppies learn basic social skills by playing and play-biting each other. The mother will scold puppies for being too aggressive and teach them manners. Feeding your Lab a healthy diet will also increase the chances of a big litter. After seven years old, having a small litter becomes more common in Labradors and all dogs. Although it may not seem like it, keeping your Labrador healthy and active will also increase its chances of having many puppies. A healthy Labrador will have a more muscular body, so carrying a big litter will be easier. Litter Size Occurs Naturally You can do certain things to make it more likely for your Labrador to have a bigger litter, but it may not always work. Or she may be too young or too old! Many small dog breeds are likely to have small litters, such as Chihuahuas, Pomeranians, Dachshunds, and Yorkshire terriers. Typically, Labs will always have many more puppies than a Pomeranian. Jack Russels, for example, are a small breed, but their average litter size is six. Six is a big number, considering how tiny Jack Russels are! A healthy Labrador between 2 and 5 years old has the best chance of having a big litter. Smaller litters need extra help to stay warm due to the lack of warmth from littermates.

Use tab to navigate through the menu items. Deer Creek Comfort Dogs Shaping future companions for families and those in need of comfort Our family has been raising puppies for over 20 years. Our children have always had a passion for dogs which began our journey and now our grandchildren enjoy growing up with our wonderful dogs by their side. Deer Creek provides emotional support dogs, therapy dogs, service and therapy prospects, canine good citizen dogs as well as family pets. Deer Creek assists our families with puppy selection to help ensure the families get the puppy that will work well with their needs. Someone once said, "Acquiring a dog may be the only opportunity a human ever has to choose a relative" and we hope you choose one of ours. If you are interested in finding your new family member, fill out our puppy application and we will be thrilled to work with you. We recognize that our dogs have the capability of changing peoples' lives on a therapeutic level. Many of our Doodles have become therapy dogs at funeral homes, children's advocacy centers, hospitals and nursing homes, and others have found homes as anxiety, PTSD and emotional support dogs. Learn more about our nonprofit organization Deer Creek Paw Prints at www. Learn More Molly, Rhys, and Beau! Mini Labradoodle vs Mini Sheepadoodle Comparison Two dog breeds, one purpose: to make your life a joy-filled journey powered by strong bonds, friendship, and unconditional love. Meet the Mini Labradoodle and the Mini Sheepadoodle. Two very adorable and friendly dogs with upbeat personalities, the Mini Labradoodle and Mini Sheepadoodle make the perfect addition to any lucky family. Your way of life, hobbies, and work schedule are all important factors that can help determine which of the two dog breeds is a good fit for your lifestyle.Welcoming a new puppy into your home is an exciting time filled with joy, cuddles, and a few inevitable challenges. One of the most common questions new puppy owners ask is, "When can puppies go outside? They are fun, easygoing, and gentle. Mini Labradoodles enjoy canine games like chase, fetch, and Frisbee, and thrive on cuddles and love. Energetic, friendly, and full of life, the Mini Labradoodles make wonderful jogging and hiking companions. They are known to enjoy a good swim, a long stroll, and are very fond of adventures. The Mini Labradoodle puppies are happy, energetic, and bright bundles of joy. They are loving and eager to please, love to play and cuddle, and are excellent training students. A cross between Labrador Retrievers and Mini or Toy Poodles, the Mini Labradoodle may take after one parent breed or the other in appearance or they may have their own unique look with an added bonus of a hypoallergenic coat. We raise high-quality Mini Labradoodles as well as a few other breeds. We also have partnered up with several other reputable breeders that raise mini labradoodle pups that meet our strict genetic criteria and testing. So we usually have a good selection of very high-quality puppies. View Our Available Puppies! F1B Mini Labradoodle Puppies are a second-generation cross or hybrid. The father is a Mini Poodle and the mother is an F1 Labradoodle. The F1B Minature Labradoodles usually have soft hair that is usually wavy or curly. Thes puppies are considered semi-hypoallergenic since they shed minimally. These puppies can be a good fit if a person that has mild pet allergies. Once F1B Mini Labradoodles reach 6 months old they require to be groomed once every 8 weeks or so to keep their fur healthy and to stop matting. Adult F1B Mini labradoodle dogs range in size from 14 inches in height and pounds in weight. The average life span is typically years of age. The F1BB puppies usually have curlier coats and will be totally hypoallergenic. Once the F1BB pup is 6 months they will need regular grooming every 6 to 8 weeks. F1BB Puppies are usually slightly smaller than F1B puppies and range from 12 inches in height and pounds in weight. Mini Labradoodles are known for their intelligence and the ability to be trained very easily. They make amazing family pets and love to participate in family activities like swimming, hiking, camping or just playing tag in the yard. This breed is also a good choice for people who live in apartments as long as they get at least minutes of exercise a day. So if you live near Pittsburgh Pennsylvania and are looking for a healthy and beautiful Mini Labradoodle puppy that can be delivered to you then check out our available pups now by Clicking Here. Below are some Mini Labradoodle pups that have been adopted. Puppy Breeds The Labradoodle is a hybrid breed of dog derived from breeding a Labrador Retriever and a poodle. At their best, Labradoodles are intelligent, friendly, and affectionate. They come in three sizes: miniature weighing 15 to 30 pounds , medium 30 to 45 pounds , and standard 45 to more than pounds. Because they are a crossbreed their traits are not fixed, so there is no guarantee that the Labradoodle puppy you purchase will fall into the desired weight range. Labradoodles have a moderate activity level. Larger Labradoodles may be more active than their smaller kin. They need a good walk or active playtime each day, and, if youre interested and the dog's overall health is good enough , they are athletic enough to participate in such dog sports as agility, flyball, obedience, and rally. They can also be excellent therapy dogs. Both of the breeds used to create Labradoodles tend to be smart and learn quickly. If you begin socialization and training early and use positive reinforcement techniques such as praise, play, and food rewards, you will be rewarded with a wonderful companion. Their large size gives them the sturdiness to withstand roughhousing with little children. Their endearing temperament makes them the perfect addition to any family. They are also a very hearty dog, being a hybrid. They can live for years on average. Poodles have a reputation for being hypoallergenic, meaning that they can be tolerated by people who have allergies to dogs. Because they have the Poodle in their heritage, Labradoodles are sometimes promoted as being hypoallergenic. But allergies are not caused by a particular dog coat type but by dander. Some people with mild allergies react less severely to particular dogs like the Labradoodle. Do you think a Labradoodle puppy might be right for you and your family? Check out our available puppies page to see our precious Labradoodles for sale! Name Required.

Stacking boxes are really helpful in teaching the dog muscle memory of the correct position to stand in. I recommend introducing the dog to the stacking box as soon as you start your stack training as this will help you move quickly through your free stack and hand stack training, as well as for teaching the dog to stay and allow you to get some distance from your dog. I do not recommend putting a dog on a stacking box on a grooming table and noose forcing him to stand for long periods of time. Stacking box training should be fun. It is a training exercise that we do for short periods to build that muscle memory. A French Bulldog using a stacking box. Sassy on the stacking box. Cly, the Australian Cattle Dog, on a stacking box. Stacking boxes can be purchased or homemade and can be very helpful. Dean, the Doberman puppy, on pods. Legend, a Vizsla puppy, on table stackers. Bright, the Great Dane puppy on wood stackers. It is important that the dog enjoy the training and view it as a fun activity. Ideally, the dog can put himself onto the stacking box or platform, but you can also help the dog onto the box. Vicki has been working with dogs professionally for over 30 years as a professional dog trainer and behavior consultant, groomer and veterinary assistant. Vicki presents workshops and seminars all over the country on how training show dogs. Related Posts. Tax included. Shipping calculated at checkout. Embark Wood Dog Stack Training Blocks were designed with breeder and handler input to create an effective, affordable tool that replaces the a heavy stack box. Using a raised individual foot aid teaches precise placement of each paw as opposed to a bar that dogs can move side to side when using a stack box. They work great on flooring, grooming tables and are also excellent for use while scissoring. Choose a block size in which the paw fills the top of the block without splaying over any edge. Draw a circle around the paw while your dog is bearing its natural weight on paper or cardboard. Measure the length and width for best fit on the block top. Embark Wood Stack Training Blocks are available in two wood options. The Premium Line is crafted from solid hardwood cherry with a natural cherry or walnut stain finish. Economy blocks are made from solid hardwood poplar with a charcoal paint finish. Each block has an anti-slip bottom, grip top and are light and easy to move around while holding when the dog is on them yet are very stable and do not slide or move when in use. Embark Wood Stack Blocks are compact and much easier to store and travel with vs large, heavy systems. The only thing to keep in mind is that it needs to be secure and steady. If it moves, your dog will not only have a hard time standing in place but it could be frightened and not want to continue with its training. That said, if you choose to start stacking training with a puppy, remember to account for its growth. This is where the velcro comes in. Instead of building multiple boxes, just make one large enough for an adult dog and use velcro so you can adjust the size as the dog grows. According to the American Bully Kennel Club, there are four different sizes of the American Bully: Standard — medium to large dog with a bulky body and broad head. Pocket — similar build to the Standard Bully, but slightly shorter. Classic — blocky heads with square jaws. XL — muscular and broad, the XL Bully male stands at over 20 inches 51 cm high. Before you go to your neighborhood hardware store to purchase wood, consider the size of your Bully. The males typically stand at over 20 inches 51 cm high, and the females are usually over 19 inches 48 cm tall. As you can imagine, his stacking box needed to be pretty substantial. Luckily, you can use your furry friend to help you make the measurements. Its right side should be facing you while its head should be facing forward. Then reposition the rear legs by gently lifting each leg at the hook and placing it into position. I marked the length on one board and marked the width on another. So add a few extra inches before marking the wood. You might need someone to help you with this step. So one person can measure while the other holds the dog in place. Measure the Wood To get the length and width of your stacking box, hook the tape measure over the edge of each board and read the measurement at the marking lines you made. If you land at, say, .The longer of the two will be the length, while the shorter one will be the width. To keep all your measurements consistently accurate, always keep the tape measure straight and use the same tape measure throughout the project. Also, remember to add a few inches just to be safe. Cut the Wood Into Pieces The next step will be to cut the wood into the six pieces you need to make a stacking box. They will make up the sides. Four short pieces which are wider than the width of your dog. They will be the end pieces to finish the frame and the pieces onto which your dog will stand. Softening the edges of the boards not only makes them more aesthetically pleasing but also makes them less likely to splinter. Once you purchase the wood, ask them to cut it for you. After the first few cuts, the store may charge you, but it will still be cheaper than buying a saw you may never use again. When joining them, ensure you place the short pieces outside the long ones. Check out this visual of a planter box to get an idea of how it should look. As you can see, the end section is 24 inches .This will allow the final two pieces of wood to sit comfortably on the top edge of the longer sections. To build the frame, follow the following steps: Glue the Pieces Together Use wood glue to secure one short piece to one of the long pieces, creating a butt joint. Repeat this until the frame is solid and snug. I recommend Gorilla Wood Glue , which you can purchase from Amazon. Drill Holes Through the Joint You can predrilled the wood as it helps prevent the wood from splitting. If you predrill, ensure the pilot holes are the same size as the wood screws. That said, you can drill into the joint once the glue has set. Drive the Screws Into the Holes Gently insert the wood screws into the holes until they hold, then drive them into the wood using the drill. Add the Footboards to the Front and Back You now have two short pieces left. Attach the first piece either to the front of the box or a few inches below, with glue and screws. Like you did with the frame, first drill pilot holes, then drive the screws into them. Once the front footboard is in place, you can secure the back footboard to the back of the box in the same way. Apply the velcro strips to the long wooden sections and to the bottom of the footboards. That way, you can place them as you need. Finish and Paint the Stacking Box Sanding the stack box is a must to prevent splinters and to make it look nicer. Use a clean, damp cloth to wipe off any excess glue, dirt, or debris. Let the wood filler dry for at least minutes. At this point, you can paint the stacking box. Remember to use an appropriate primer before painting and that it will need to be finished and painted before adding the velcro strips. Conclusion A stack box is a super simple project to do at home, and if you have the wood cut in the store, you need minimal supplies. The critical thing to remember is that you need a solid frame so your dog feels comfortable. Once the frame is complete, be sure to attach the top pieces at the proper distance apart or make them adjustable if you want the box to grow with your pup. Have fun and happy training! I created this blog to share my passion for bullies, and help current and future pitbull owners with things like diet and education. Post navigation. Hinges optional Step by Step Guide: Gather your materials. You will need four pieces of wood, two long and two short, plus some screws or nails and a drill. Cut the pieces of wood to size. The long pieces should be about twice as long as the short pieces. Assemble the box. Place the two long pieces of wood parallel to each other and screw or nail them together at the ends. Then, place the two short pieces of wood perpendicular to the long pieces and screw or nail them in place as well. Place the box wherever you want your dog to be able to reach things. For example, if you want your dog to be able to get on the couch, you would place the box next to the couch. Train your dog to use the box. Start by putting treats or toys on top of the box and encouraging your dog to jump up and get them. Once your dog is comfortable with this, you can begin to place the box higher and higher until it is at the level you want it to be. This handy tool will make life easier for both you and your furry friend. Tips for building a stack box for dogs: 1. The box should have a solid bottom and a top that can be opened for easy cleaning. The box should be filled with soft materials, like pillows or blankets, to give the dog a comfortable place to rest. The stack box can be placed in the corner of a room or next to furniture for the dog to use as a step. Be sure to supervise your dog while they are using the stack box, and remove it if they show signs of discomfort. What does a stack box do for dogs? A stack box is a great way to help keep your dog entertained and mentally stimulated. They can be used for food or treats, and can help teach your dog basic obedience commands. The best part about stack boxes is that they are relatively easy to build yourself! There are a number of benefits that come with using a stack box for dogs. For starters, it can help keep them mentally stimulated. If your dog is bored, they may start to act out in destructive ways. A stack box can help provide them with the mental stimulation they need to stay calm and focused. In addition, stack boxes can also be used as a training tool. How do you stack a French bulldog? To stack a French bulldog, you need to place the dog on its back and gently lift its hind legs up. The dog will remain in the stack box until you remove it. But with a little patience and practice, you can learn how to stack your dog like a pro! Conclusion: How to build a stack box for dogs? So there you have it, your very own stack box for dogs! We hope you found this tutorial helpful and that your furry friend enjoys their new toy. Be sure to send us pictures of your pup playing with their stack box so we can add them to our ever-growing gallery. As always, happy building! FAQs: Why would I want to build a stack box for my dog? There are several reasons why you might want to build a stack box for your dog. Perhaps your dog is getting older and needs a little help getting up on furniture or into the car. Or maybe you have a new puppy who is full of energy and needs a place to play. Whatever the reason, a stack box can be a great addition to your home. What do I need to build a stack box for my dog? To build a stack box for your dog, you will need some basic materials and tools. These include wood or metal sheets, screws or nails, drill, saw, and measuring tape. A stack box is a great way to help a dog develop muscles and coordination. This is especially helpful for dogs who are hesitant about jumping or have problems with their balance. I've been working on teaching Ptera to stack properly, mostly so she is more comfortable when being measured for jump heights. I have been attending conformation classes to help with the being-handled-by-the-judge part of things, but having Ptera understand how she is supposed to stand in the first place is an important step. To help with that, I built a stacking box, with the purpose of showing her exactly where to put her feet. Making a stacking box is pretty easy. Tools needed for this were a saw, a drill, a staple gun, and scissors. Supplies are wood I had cheap 1x4s that were for a different project that ended up changing plans , screws long enough to attach your wood together, a piece of a yoga mat, and some staples long enough to attach the yoga matting to the wood. How much wood or yoga mat you need depends entirely on the size of your dog. You want the box to be longer than your dog, and somewhat wider than their stance. I just held my wood up to Ptera and guessed. If you don't own a saw with which to cut the wood, get your measurements before heading to the hardware store, and ask them to cut the appropriate lengths. Generally, they won't do cuts with less than 12 inches on either side, and sometimes they will charge for more than cuts, depending on where you go. You want two long pieces, and four short pieces. Drill, saw, cut boards, and screws You start off by making a box out of the two long pieces and two of the short pieces. I didn't predrill any holes, and did end up with a little bit of splitting on my wood. You can predrill or not. Either way, I highly recommend starting the screws in the short end piece first, before attempting to attach them to the long pieces. It makes the entire process much easier. Attaching the short piece with screws already started to the long pieces to form a box Once you have a box made of two short pieces screwed to the ends of the two long pieces, it is time to place the other two short pieces. These are the parts your dog's feet will be on. The first piece can be attached to the front of the box. Short piece for front feet is attached to the box Once the board for the front feet is in place, carefully decide exactly where you want your dog's back feet to be. I put Ptera up on the table and had her measure which holding the loose board so it didn't slip , but you can also measure with your dog standing in a proper stance especially if you have assistance so someone can measure while you hold the dog in place. Getting the right placement for the back foot board Once you have the correct placement for the back foot board, go ahead and screw that one on as well. At this point, I also lightly sanded down a few splintery areas from cutting and where the board had split while drilling. This is also the point where you would add stain or paint, if desired. I left mine raw, for now. All screwed together Next, cut some matting I used a small piece off the end of a yoga mat just wide enough for your dog's feet when in a proper stance. Attach the matting using a staple gun you could also glue this, probably, but I am too impatient to wait for glue to dry. Make sure to put the matting exactly where you want your dog to put their feet. The boards are to give your dog a rough idea of where their feet go, the matting is exactly the correct place. Having a different texture so your dog can tell when they get it right is a good idea here, and the yoga matting also helps keep them from slipping. Yoga mat added with the staple gun Now, you are ready to use your stacking box. Learning how to use the box.

Just look at their tails! So, keep an eye out for tails that are just right! The natural tail is well-muscled and has a thick base croup. It typically hangs down when the dog is relaxed. This type of GSD tail is set high and carried in a slight curve that is pointed upward, but does not go over the back like in Huskies. You see, a natural tail is an important feature of this dog breed and is highly valued by breeders and dog show judges. We can see this type of tail in both German Shepherds and Dutch Shepherds. Your German Shepherd may be long-haired if he inherits this type of tail! A bushy tail is not typically associated with any health issues. Additionally, it is not considered a fault or disqualifying trait in dog shows! It can be passed down from mom and dad or just randomly pop up during puppyhood. This type of tail is commonly seen in many German Shepherd mixes. With all that in mind, puppies with sickle tails are not allowed to participate in dog shows as they are not purebred dogs. Straight Tail A straight tail in German Shepherds is a tail that is not as thick as a natural tail and does not curve at the end — it is completely straight. Well, it is not an unhealthy tail, it just indicates that there may be other breeds in the mix. For example, a Belgian Malinois German Shepherd mix is most likely to inherit a straight tail that is on the thinner side. The straight tail is set high, but it does not curve as a natural tail does. When your dog is excited or alert, he holds his tail straight out and you may notice a slight curve at the tail end. Docked Tail Ever heard of a German Shepherd with a docked tail? Neither have I! Even though your GSD was bred to be a working dog, tail docking is a no-no. This procedure deviates from the official breed standards and it is banned in some states. While GSD tail docking is not as common as Doberman tail docking , some breeders actually do this. And trust me, those breeders are not reliable nor reputable. However, a docked tail in adult dogs may indicate that they have been through tail injuries or infections. It is not unusual to see German Shepherds with completely curly tails, which can be caused by a genetic mutation, which can be a sign that the GSD is a hybrid dog. German Shepherd Tail Positions There are plenty of tail positions that can mean a lot and we may not understand them all. Wagging Tail A wagging tail in a German Shepherd can indicate that the dog is happy and friendly. Tail wagging can also be a sign of GSD anxiety or aggression, depending on the speed and direction of the wag. A stiff tail can be tricky as it can show dominance, signs of fear or anxiety, and confidence. Tucked Tail A tucked tail can be a sign that the German Shepherd dog is feeling scared , threatened, or that it is trying to make himself appear smaller and less threatening. It is a common sign of submissive behavior which can lead to German Shepherd aggression. The tucked tail can also mean that your dog is feeling pain or discomfort, especially if it is followed by GSD whining , panting, or limping. Anal Furunculosis Is your dog scooting around the house? He may be suffering from anal furunculosis , a common problem in this dog breed. Most German Shepherds have straighter tails that hang down with a slight curve. As explained above, German shepherds typically have fairly straight tails. If the curl is tightly wound, held high, and raps around over the back over vertical , this suggests that your GSD likely has mixed genetics. The most common genetic mix causing a tightly curled tail would be from a breed in the spitz family, all of which have tails like this. Can we be sure of that? Typical German Shepherd tails follow the line of their croup lower back smoothly down to their hock joint ankle. When resting the tail should hang lower rather than high, predominantly straight but with a slight curve like a saber sword. When excited the tail will likely raise up and be held in somewhat of a higher position. Photo Examples: Source The end of the tail can sometimes be straight or slightly curled. Genetic make-up plays the most significant role in the appearance of your GSD, as do inherited faults and unique body structure differences. The only true way to know if your GSD is purebred is to have a DNA test done or have official documentation of both parents stating that they are purebred. Is it possible? This is very important to keep in mind. Additionally, tail positions change depending on their current mood, feelings, and temperament. Puppies that are excited and playful will almost always have a raised tail, but this might drop down when they are either calm, resting, nervous, fearful, or anxious. On the other hand, if your GSD puppy has an extremely curled tail that sits high over his back, this does point towards mixed genetics. Brush Regularly Most GSD owners already know that having a regular brushing routine is extremely important. The issue, however, is that the tail is often neglected for other pairs of the body such as the back and neck. The tail needs just as much brushing! Be sure to spend an extra couple of minutes focusing solely on the tail. The best brush for the tail would be a quality slicker brush. This is essentially a mini bath , without the hassle, and without risking those essential oils. A quick baby wipe of the tail will help keep muck, dirt, and bacteria from building up. This sensitivity then causes the GSD to curl the tail upwards. Although this makes sense, to a certain degree, there has been no scientific evidence or any substantial research to back up this claim. Redirection training will likely be your best bet, but this will take time and consistency on your part to ensure you redirect your GSD on to something else, every single time he tries biting his tail. Additionally, be sure to have a quick inspection of the bum area. Anal Furunculosis is another potential cause of tail biting. This is a chronic, progressive inflammatory disease and will need veterinary attention. A casual look and feel while your GSD is calm and relaxed in the evening times could get you in front of any potential problems. Last thoughts German Shepherds typically have straight tails that hang down with a slight curve, similar to that of a saber sword. If a German Shepherd has a tightly curled tail that sits high up, curling over the back, this is a strong indication that he has mixed genetics. What kind of tail does your German Shepherd have? Let me know if this article has helped you if you have further questions! Thanks for reading! The Puppy Mag makes an active effort to search for plagiarized content using plagiarism detection software. If plagiarized content is found, action will be taken. Unlike some breeds, they carry it low naturally, and an agitated, swishing tail is not ideal. If it curls under the dog, instead of being held out naturally straight from the body, the dog may be anxious and nervous. Long-coated Shepherds will have a fluffy plume, whereas short-coated dogs will have a sleeker tail. They will be between 18 and 36 months old before you can truly judge their tail type. While the dog is still developing, it can have a longer or shorter tail. Here are some common ones to look out for. High tails: usually a sign of alertness and excitement Hanging tails: troubled or submissive feelings Straighter than normal: exploring, but a little cautious Semi-raised and slowly wagging: usually happy Low and slow wagging: usually means unhappiness or concern Raised and fast wagging: Excitement Low and slow wagging: lack of enthusiasm, but responsive Very broad wagging: enthusiastic Short, curtailed wagging: can be a sign of anxiety Neutral: the dog is simply relaxed, alert, and happy Wiggly and loose: a happy puppy! It can be a sign of a mixed breed dog or a dog with a gene fault at the tail. Can Tails Get Sore? As an expressive part of the dog, tails can get sore or injured. However, these are some more severe problems to watch out for: Anal Furunculosis: This is a fancy term for an inflammatory skin disease around the tail and bum. Skin Infections: Like the rest of the body, the skin here can get infected. Because the skin is tight over the tailbone, it can be tough to treat too. Noted issues include chewing, allergy scratching, and itching. Dog bites can get infected too. Always treat skin issues at the tail seriously. The tail swells and is painful, it comes on about a day after exposure to freezing surfaces. Why do Dogs Chase Their Tails? Is It Bad? Pups and adult dogs alike may chase their tails simply for fun. But sometimes, it can turn into obsessive behavior. Luckily, training can help, especially with distraction and refocusing on toys or activities. What are the bad reasons for tail chasing? Small Spaces: The German Shepherd is a big dog, so narrow spaces can upset them. Stimulation: If your dog is under-exercised and stimulated, they can obsessively tail chase from boredom. Genetics: They may have the habit in their blood, or have learned it from parents. Stress: Anxiety can cause very dangerous tail chasing that often ends in injury, and you need to get to the root cause of the issue. It can cue you into their moods, and help you to avoid issues before they start. Likewise, knowing more about the breed standard for their expressive tail can help you identify potential issues with your dog and understand more about what makes them tick—or should we say, wag! This is important to know if you are purchasing a German Shepherd dog for a specific purpose or goal. In this case, you would be smart to choose a breeder that specializes in either the American or West German show GSD breed line. This is because show lines are bred for appearance and conformation. In contrast, working GSD lines are bred for personality and temperament traits. Appearance is always secondary. As you can see in these photos from the breeder cited here earlier, the working dog breed lines typically have thinner tails and sometimes the tails are curled, which could result in points off or disqualification in the show dog ring. Earlier here we mentioned that German Shepherds as a general rule can take a longer period of time to mature. The best way to know how long your German Shepherd will take to reach their full adult size and conformation is to learn as much as you can about the parent dogs. As the official GSD breed standard explains, adult German Shepherds can range in size from 65 to 90 pounds and stand anywhere from 22 to 26 inches tall paw pads to shoulders. As well, depending on the breed line your GSD puppy comes from, it can take anywhere from 18 months to 36 months to fully mature. As well, the breed line can influence the time to maturity, with the East German and Czech lines taking the longest in general to mature. Alternately, it could be that your puppy just comes from a breed line that takes longer to mature and you have a bit longer to wait before that fluffy, bushy tail fully grows in. The puppy coat is much softer and fluffier. It is also single-layer and is missing the second insulating under-layer these dogs grow as adults. The puppy coat will start to shed out around the four to the six-month mark. The shedding out period signals the start of the adult coat growing in. The adult German Shepherd coat is double layer. There is a longer, coarse, water-resistant outer layer that ranges from medium to long. Then there is the insulating, soft inner layer that lays close to the skin. However, this whole process can take some time and depend in size and breed line, as we emphasized here earlier. This often happens at the changing of the seasons. This is not anything to worry about. Why is the bushy tail important for the German Shepherd Dog breed? The German Shepherd Dog has a well-groomed, natural appearance. The correct tail is slightly longer than the height at the withers and it should be thick and tapering. It rests low and is never curled over the back nor excitedly switching side to side. The tail is carried low and straightened, but never tightly curled over the back, more like a plume than a buggy whip. A dog with a correctly functioning tail will hold it straight out or to the side when he is working or moving and will curl it between his legs when he is nervous or unsure of himself. German shepherd tail types GSDs will have mainly 2 types of tails based on the coat type, there is single coat german shepherd which will have a normal tail and whereas double-coated dogs or long-haired german shepherds will have a bushy tail. German shepherd tail length GSDs tail length is not too short, or too long. A standard GSD tail length should be long enough that the tail end should reach the hock joint. It should be hanging with a slight curve like a cavalry sword when GSD is at rest. The curve should be emphasized, and the tail should be raised when the dog is moving. German Shepherd Tail Positions and their Meaning: 13 signs and their inner behavior explanation Tail Position Meaning Raised high and curved over the back This can indicate uncertainty or a cautious approach. The dog may be assessing the situation or feeling uncertain. Horizontal and straight Indicates a neutral or relaxed state. It shows that the dog is calm and content. Slightly raised and wagging A confident and alert posture, is often seen when the dog is excited, confident, or on high alert. Low and tucked between hind legs Indicates fear, anxiety, or submission. The dog may feel threatened or uncomfortable in its current environment. Slow wagging Can indicate uncertainty or a cautious approach. Rapid wagging Shows excitement and happiness. The dog may be thrilled or anticipating something enjoyable. Stiff and straight up A sign of alertness and heightened awareness. The dog may be assessing potential threats in its surroundings. The tail held to one side Can indicate indecision or curiosity. The dog may be observing or evaluating something of interest. Tail held straight down Usually a sign of relaxation or calmness. The dog may be in a neutral state or feeling at ease. Tail held loosely and relaxed Generally indicates a relaxed and comfortable state. The dog is at ease and not currently on high alert. Tail wagging in a circle An extremely happy and enthusiastic expression. The dog may be showing great joy and excitement. Tail vibrating or quivering Typically a sign of high arousal, intense excitement, or anticipation. The dog may be highly stimulated. Tail held high and wagging Indicates a friendly and confident demeanor. The dog is likely happy and open to social interaction. Tail tucked and wagging Can be a conflicting or mixed signal. It may suggest submission or fear, combined with a desire to appease or seek reassurance. German shepherd tail positions The tail is usually carried in a curve when the dog is at rest. When the dog is excited or in an emotional state, the tail will sometimes be carried up in a curve or in an even higher position, like a plume. The tail may be carried between the legs when the dog is nervous or is anticipating trouble. German shepherd tail problems and diseases GSD tails are not the only measure of their current sensibilities. Because it is genetically predisposed, it can also be preyed upon by many health-related problems. Anal Furunculosis Chronic inflammatory disease of the skin under the tail and around the anus, which is usually caused by an inefficient response of the immune system and genetics. But how GSDs carry their tail and thick coat around the anus is somewhat responsible. To prevent such a disease, fertility should only be between non-affected GSDs. Skin infection GSD is very difficult to treat for skin diseases on the tail. The tails usually do not have that much skin, so this area is prone to infection. German Shepherd Hair loss is caused by allergies to the tail, itching, and chewing, which can eventually lead to infection if left untreated. Incisions and scratches or even a dog bite on the tail are all causes of infection. Topical antibiotics look lovely for GSDs as they keep their wounds smiling. Oral antibiotics that provide the right dose are the best choice. This is usually due to overwork, injuries, or spending too much time playing in cold water. The tail muscles become swollen and painful within 24 hours after exposure to freezing cold water. Chronic confinement in narrow spaces can also trigger this syndrome. The prognosis for the limber tail syndrome is good because it goes away on its own. Using a warm compress can reduce swelling and pain, but some veterinarians may prescribe painkillers. Puppies or adult dogs chasing their tails can be fun. They try to catch their tails and scream when they catch it. There are many factors that contribute to this behavior. By simply analyzing the causes, employers can train their GSD to stop this behavior. Training them as a puppy is a good start. In adult GSDs, distraction can help. GSDs are large dogs so keeping them in a narrow space can cause them anxiety, causing the tail to chase. Due to lack of exercise and activity they chase their tails in circles and sometimes eight widths. Genetics may also be responsible for this behavior. This behavior may have been passed down to them by their parents. Stress and anxiety cause them to chase their tail until they injure themselves. So it is important to check for stress and anxiety triggers. Do German shepherds have curly tails? The short answer is yes, it is possible for GSDs to have curly tails. However, the fact that not all GSDs have curly tails leads to the question of whether or not German shepherds are capable of producing curly tails. A German Shepherd may have a tightly wound tail that wraps over the backside. You can check out the official standard here. The normal German shepherd could take somewhere between 18 to 36 months to complete their growth and become fully mature. The tail will continue to develop until the animal is two years old. However, the tail will start to change in appearance at around eight weeks. Dogs communicate through a combination of body postures, facial expressions, vocalizations, and tail movements. The dog may be thrilled or anticipating something enjoyable, such as playtime or seeing a familiar person. The dog may be assessing the situation or feeling unsure about how to respond. Slow tail wagging is often associated with a more reserved or tentative emotional state, where the dog may be evaluating the environment or displaying a milder form of engagement compared to rapid wagging. The tail is so important that the German Shepherd, registered with the American Kennel Club AKC , appears prominently on the official breed standard performance and confirmation guidelines. Here are the main points described in the racial standard: The tail should be bushy. The tail should extend to the hawk joint kept away from the body parallel to the ankle joint. The tail should not be short or docked cut. Dog owners who want to show off their German shepherd at dog shows or confirmation competitions run the risk of being disqualified or points deducted if they do not meet each performance guideline of their dog breed standard.