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Occiputs are bigger in some breeds, like Golden Retrievers, and smaller in other breeds. This article may contain affiliate links and loyalgoldens may earn a commission if a purchase is made. Unlock your goldens natural intelligence and see just how quickly problem behaviors disappear. This is the best at home dog training I've ever used! From wolf-like Huskies to strangely formed Pugs, both evolution and human breeding programs have further changed their appearances, including head size and shape. After all, lumps can be a sign of cancer in dogs, humans, and other animals. These bumps are so well-known that the iconic Pluto from Disney features this bump in his appearances. Another attribute linked to the occiput is sense of smell. This is because Bloodhounds, Golden Retrievers, and other strong sniffers tend to have a large occiput. However, these beliefs are actually false. The occiput is a piece of bone that sticks out from the skull of a dog, also called a protuberance for the way it juts out. The occiput goes back a long way, to the days when dogs lived in the wild and evolved from wolves. They developed this protuberance because their predators liked to try to crush their skulls in order to kill them. To survive, dogs developed the bony occiput on their heads, which served as protection from predators and support for head movement. New dog owners may be unaware of this fact, leading them to seek medical attention for their dog, believing something may be wrong. Cancerous growths often appear indistinguishable from benign ones and are best spotted by veterinarians trained to spot the differences between them. There are many types of growths and bumps to be on the lookout for as your Golden Retriever grows and ages. Some are benign, meaning harmless, and some are malignant, which means cancerous. Abscesses are treated by vets who carefully lance the abscess and flush it out with a sterile solution. Lipomas are most common in older Goldens and overweight dogs, but are usually benign and nothing to worry about. A lipoma is actually considered a tumor, which sounds scary, but actually just means abnormal growth. Lipomas are examples of benign skin tumors. Hives Allergies in Golden Retrievers Dogs have allergies too! This can result from a bee sting or plain old contact allergy and will normally go away on its own. To help them go away and your dog remain comfortable, a vet may recommend antihistamines to reduce the hives. A sebaceous cyst can present as pimple-like bumps on your Golden Retriever, and they also rupture or pop like human pimples do, with the same creamy liquid inside. Histiocytomas Benign and Golden Retriever Puppies Histiocytomas are small, hard bumps that may appear on the heads, ears, and legs of Golden Retriever puppies. These are generally always benign and will disappear on their own. A Mast Cell Tumor, or MCT, is insidious because they can appear similar to a wart or other harmless growth, leading you to believe nothing is wrong. How serious mast cell tumors are can be determined by a vet. Surgical removal can be done for mast cells if caught early, but aggressive cases can be very serious. Discover how to train your Golden Retriever by playing games : 21 games to play with your Golden that will make them smarter and better behaved! If caught early, even malignant growths may be safely removed, and your Golden Retriever will live a long, healthy and happy life. Recommended Reading:. The spot may be small or large and vary in shape and colour. The site does not cause any physical injury to the dog. So, the site is nothing to worry about. The bump does not result from anything the dog has done. The spot also helps to protect the dog from injury when jumping or landing from heights. This bump is responsible for the distinctive coat colour of the Golden Retriever, as well as its unique appearance and personality. Some breeds of Golden Retrievers do not have a halo, such as the English Bulldog. In addition to helping with hunting and retrieving skills, the bump is part of what makes up the perfect dog. There are many reasons Why Golden Retrievers have a bump on their head. Some of the most common ones include: 1. Golden Retrievers And Abnormal Skin Growths Golden Retrievers are prone to developing abnormal skin growths, which can cause concern among pet owners. These growths can range from harmless fatty tumours to more severe forms of cancer. In addition, keeping your Golden Retriever on a healthy diet and providing regular exercise can help prevent the development of these growths in the first place. Proper care and attention can help your Golden Retriever live a happy, healthy life without abnormal skin growth. Abscesses Malignant Infection In Golden Retrievers Golden Retrievers are known for their affectionate and gentle nature but have some health risks. One of these risks is the development of abscesses malignant infections on the head and neck. These abscesses can occur from bacteria or fungus, which can cause severe pain and swelling and may require treatment. Spots can spread to other body parts if untreated and may require surgery. To diagnose an abscess in a Golden Retriever, a veterinarian will typically take a sample of the skin and examine it under a microscope to look for signs of infection. In some cases, the veterinarian may inject antibiotics directly into the abscess to help reduce the severity of the condition. If left untreated, spots can be severe and lead to death if not treated quickly. Golden Retrievers are the most likely breed of dog to develop lipomas, and they are often found in areas with a high breed density, such as at dog shows and other competitions. Lipomas are generally not harmful and can remove without surgery. Lipomas are a common benign tumour in dogs, including Golden Retrievers. These lumps can appear anywhere on the body and are usually harmless, but it is essential to have them checked by a veterinarian to rule out potential health concerns. While the exact cause of lipomas is unknown, they are more commonly found in older dogs and those who are overweight or obese. Regular check-ups with your veterinarian can help ensure that any health concerns, including lipomas, are identified and addressed promptly. Hives Allergies In Golden Retrievers Golden Retrievers are famous for their friendly and affectionate personality but are also prone to developing abnormal skin growths called hives. Hives in Golden Retrievers typically cause intense itching and can easily lead to secondary skin infections if not adequately treated by a veterinarian. These growths often require specialized treatments, such as anti-itch creams or medications that help control the inflammation. However, there is no known cure for hives. Instead, treatments usually focus on relieving the symptoms and treating possible secondary infections. At the same time, avoiding exposing your pet to known allergens is helpful. By keeping their skin healthy and avoiding Exposure to Allergens, you can help prevent future issues with abnormal skin growths in your furry friend. Cysts Benign And Golden Retrievers A bump on the head is not always a sign of a severe health problem. A cyst, a benign growth on the skin, most likely causes a spot on the head. Benign tumours of all shapes and sizes are common in golden retrievers and other breeds of dogs. Most cysts are minor and do not cause any problems. They are loving, friendly, and playful. But like any other dog breed, Golden Retrievers can develop skin tumours histiocytomas. Histiocytomas are benign tumours that can grow anywhere on the body, but they are most commonly found on the head, neck, and ears of Golden Retrievers. Puppies born to mothers with histiocytomas may also be at risk for developing tumours. In that case, it is essential to regularly schedule an appointment with your veterinarian to have your skin examined for signs of histiocytomas. Production in mammals mast cell tumours is a type of cancer that arises from the overgrowth of mast cells. Golden Retrievers are prone to developing mast cell tumours because their long fur traps more sweat and sebum, leading to MCT formation. Mast cell tumours in Golden Retrievers may cause persistent itchiness, weight loss, baldness, or difficulty breathing. Mast cell tumours are a common type of cancer in Golden Retrievers. These tumours can be malignant, meaning they have the potential to spread to other parts of the body and cause serious health problems. Owners need to be aware of the signs of mast cell tumours to seek veterinary care as soon as possible. Symptoms may include lumps or bumps on the skin, itching, redness or inflammation, and changes in behaviour or appetite. Treatment for mast cell tumours may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or a combination of these methods. With prompt diagnosis and proper treatment, many dogs with mast cell tumours can go on to live happy and healthy lives. Conclusion Collectively, the factors mentioned above can lead to a bump on the head of a Golden Retriever. In addition, breed-specific concerns include eye disorders like cataracts, glaucoma, retinal dysplasia, allergies, and ear infections. Moreover, they are prone to specific tumours, such as lipomas and cysts. To sum up, understanding why Golden Retrievers have a bump on their head can give us a deeper appreciation for their unique and well-adapted physical traits. Plus, learning about the evolution and history of dog breeds can be a fascinating topic in its own right. Frequently Asked Questions 1. Some Golden Retrievers are prone to developing small, harmless cysts or fatty tumours as they age. Another possibility is that the bumps could be a sign of an underlying health issue, such as an infection or allergic reaction. This bump also helps the dog judge distances more accurately while hunting and navigating uneven terrain. The vaccine may cause the dog to develop a lump on the head. Additionally, the spot helps to protect the eyes from being damaged by flying debris. It is important to note that just because a particular physical characteristic may be present in one species, it does not necessarily mean it should be replicated in another. While a bump on the head may be a desirable trait for some humans, there is no evidence to suggest that it would benefit dogs. Intentionally causing harm or altering the natural appearance of an animal can be considered unethical and potentially harmful to its health. Doberman Pinschers Cavalier King Charles Spaniels While swelling of the face and head, as well as difficulty opening the mouth, are clear signs, a blood test or a muscle biopsy will provide an official diagnosis. If diagnosed early, the prognosis for MMM is good. Bone Or Skin Lump? A skin lump will move around a little when you touch it. If the bump happens to be a skin growth, your vet will be able to diagnose it. Many skin lumps turn out to be non-cancerous , however, there are some that are malignant cancerous. Therefore a visit to the vet is your best chance of ruling out cancer or being able to catch it early and treating it. More common in younger dogs, these bumps usually go away on their own and are generally always non-cancerous. Sebaceous Cysts These pimple-like bumps usually develop on the head, but can also appear on the back of your Golden Retriever. They form when the glands become clogged with dirt, oil and debris, and appear as a single raised bump that is white or slightly blue. A sebaceous cyst can rupture or pop just like a human pimple. Skin Squamous Cell Carcinoma This is the most common form of skin cancer and typically affects older dogs. Appears as raised wart-like patches or lumps that are firm to the touch. It is most often found on the head, lower legs, rear, and abdomen. Back in the day, before science discovered the true purpose of an occiput for protection , many people believed that the large bump on the skull meant their dog was super smart. This belief seemed even more possible because dog breeds that are intelligent such as Golden Retrievers, and Labrador Retrievers, have larger occiputs. As cute as the story is, unfortunately, it is a myth! There is no scientific evidence that indicates a pointed head refers to intelligence. Another common myth that has been floating around was the thought that a larger occiput meant the dog had a greater sense of smell. This myth came about because Bloodhounds have large occiputs, and they have a very keen sense of smell. But, again there is no scientific evidence to back this up. A pointed head simply means your Golden Retriever has a different skull structure. Final Thoughts As we have learned, the reason why your Golden Retriever has a pointed head is because of a bone called the occiput. More than likely, you have heard of this large bump being referred to as a knowledge bump or smart bump. An occiput only grows at the same rate as the skull, which is why it is more noticeable in puppies. An occiput that gets larger in an adult Golden Retriever may indicate certain health issues. It is best to consult your vet if you notice any changes. Does your Golden Retriever have a pointed head? Share your thoughts and comments below. I would love to hear from you! Jenny I am the proud owner of a Golden Retriever named Ellie. She keeps me busy, and when she is resting, you can find me working on my blog. She is always close by though. I live in Stirling, ON Canada with my husband, and we both enjoy the never a dull moment life with our Ellie. Spread the love.

Articles Have you wondered what results from breeding a Labrador and an Akita? What about how they look and their personality? This breed is called the Akita Lab Mix. These parent breeds are known for their devotion and protective instincts towards their family. Despite these positive traits, the Labrakita has a naturally aggressive nature whose popularity is called into question. Have plans to buy an Akita Lab Mix or search for reliable information about this dog breed? You are in the right place. These include health issues, care, temperament, and grooming tips. The height and weight of a male Akita Lab Mix fall between 24 to 27 inches and 80 to lbs, respectively. That of females falls between 22 to 25 inches and 70 to lbs, respectively. Physical Appearance Labrakitas are beautiful doggies and have a good appearance. There are several reasons for this. First, they have amber, hazel, or brown eyes. Also, their nose is either brown or black, and their muzzles are long. This doggie has an intelligent expression, which often gives them a smiling face. Labrakitas have a light chest and mast with a large, square-shaped head. Its thighs are stocky and muscular, and its long tail is slightly curved. With its square and upright appearance, long legs, well-shaped paws, and great bone structure, the Akita Lab Mix surely has a great physical appearance. If the Lab genes of the mix are strong, then the possible coat colors are black, yellow, or chocolate. However, if the mix possesses more of Akita genes, then you will get the following colors: Fawn, brown brindle, black, red, white, silver with black overlay, red with black overlay, fawn with black overlay, and brown with black overlay. Labrakitas have dense coats which are either short or medium. As dogs age, they may develop some health problems. Mixed breeds like the Akita Labs are not left out. They will inherit those health problems their parents are susceptible to. Below are some of the common health issues of the Labrakita. Elbow And Hip Dysplasia This is a condition where the elbow and hip joints grow abnormally. For hip dysplasia, it leads to unsteady joints, while for elbow dysplasia, the cartilage and bone loosen, irritating the joint tissues. Epilepsy This happens when your four-legged furry friend is shaking uncontrollably and incessantly. It occurs within a fraction of a minute or can continue for several minutes. These seizures in the Akita Lab Mix are caused by kidney or liver disease, Encephalitis, high or low blood sugar, eating poison, head injury, anemia, strokes, or brain cancer. Gastric Torsion This is also known as bloat. Surgery is the best treatment for this. Another disorder is pemphigus , which causes antibodies to attack the skin and result in painful boils, blisters, and ulcers. There is also another disorder worth mentioning, namely sebaceous adenitis , which is a skin condition leading to hair loss and dried-out skin patches. Taking care of your Akita Lab Mix requires a lot of effort. This includes using dental water additives and giving your canine buddy a good exercise routine and a high-quality diet. This is why this breed naturally possesses great stamina and energy. Your Akita Lab Mix needs about 60 to 90 minutes of exercise daily. Make sure you take your pooch for hikes and long walks. You could also play fetch, go swimming and running. As a very active dog breed, an adult Akita Lab Mix requires a large amount of food to maintain its activity level. The Akita Lab Mix is prone to elbow and hip dysplasia. This is why you must feed your doggie with foods supplemented with chondroitin, glucosamine, and fish oil. Doing this will only worsen health issues like hip and elbow dysplasia. This helps in digestion, increased immunity, better joint functioning, and healing. Make sure multivitamins are always in the meal plans of your canine friend. These recipes are designed by vets and are manufactured using human-grade ingredients. Also, these foods are made in the USDA kitchen with safety standards used in human food production. This is why the use of dental water additives is necessary. Are Akita Lab Mixes Aggressive? They are often found to be territorial around other dogs. This ranges from playful and super-exuberant to reserved and headstrong. It can also possess traits from both parents. This is why their temperament is difficult to predict. Also, avoid housing another dog. Also, if you have toddlers, you must be careful. Even when your dog is well-socialized, annoying kids can trigger a negative reaction. Intelligent Training an intelligent dog like the Akita Lab Mixes is easy. However, the process could be daunting because Labrakitas are stubborn. Fortunately, this dog breed responds well to positive reinforcement. They love to please and love physical challenges. Just ensure that you are consistent with your training. Also, offer them special gifts and treats during training to encourage them. Image from Instagram: jessdupuis97 Protective Labrakitas are known to be territorial and very protective of their homes. They are excellent guard dogs and can be hostile, especially against strangers. You will need to train them well to avoid attacks on guests. This is why the Labrakita is not a great option for families having other pets, most especially cats. With a proper introduction, your furry friend will enjoy the company of other dogs. Unfortunately, the case may be different if your Akita Lab Mix takes after its Akita parent. They will be fiercer. Do Labrakitas Shed? Both the Labrador Retriever and Akita are shedders. Therefore, expect your Labrakita to be a heavy shedder. However, grooming these canines is easy. All you need is a special routine to follow. Coat Care Labrakitas have double coats. This coat sheds heavily several times yearly, most especially during the spring months and in the summer. To make things easy for you, you must engage in weekly brushing. It comes with a handle for comfortable use. Also, its fur release mechanism ensures a better experience compared to comb use. Also, just like cats, they can cleanse themselves. Frequent shampooing could cause dry skin problems. It eliminates the wet dog smell, and it is great for dogs with itchy, sensitive, dry skin. Removes loose hair: reaches through the topcoat to remove loose undercoat hair without cutting skin or damaging the.FURejector button: just push the button to release hair with ease. Check for wax buildup, possible irritations, and ear mites in your Labrakita, and take proper care when necessary. This can affect their health negatively. Brush their teeth 2 to 3 times weekly. This will prevent cavities and possible dental problems. This prevents unintentional scratches to your skin when they jump at you. This is because Akita Labs are rare. Therefore their price is higher compared to other dogs. At times, due to their high demand, they may even be more expensive. Akitas may not get along with Labradors even though they are friendly and devoted to the family. They could be domineering. Therefore, you must discover the characteristics and personality of the Labrakita when bringing in one to live with your Labrador. You should also introduce the Labrador properly to avoid any negative occurrence. Do Labrakitas Swim? Labrakitas can swim. Their swimming ability also depends on if they have more traits belonging to the Labrador parent. If a Labrakita prefers to be on land or snow, then they possess more traits of the Akita parent. Origin and History The Labrador Retriever During the s in Newfoundland, Canada, the Labrador Retrievers' oldest doggie ancestors were trained as waterfowl retrievers. After a long crossing with Newfoundlands, breeders got the magnificent Labrador Retriever we know today. In , the American Kennel Club recognized the new sports breed once it arrived in the United States. It is the all-time most popular dog in the United States. Crossbreeding with huge breeds like the Great Dane helped them pursue and kill wild boar, deer, and even bears. In the s, Japan began a massive reform to bring back Akitas after they nearly went extinct. Appearance The eyes of these designer dogs might be brown, hazel, or amber, while the nose can be black or brown. They have a long snout and a contemplative face, and they often appear to be smiling. They have triangular-shaped ears situated high on the head; however, the ears could be floppy based on the dominant parents. A purebred Akita has pointy ears, while a purebred Labrador Retriever has floppy ears, so hybrid dogs could either be a combination or a replica of the parent dogs. Color An Akita lab mix has a thick coat consisting of straight hairs that can be black, grey, brown, red, cream, fawn, white, pied, or brindle, and with short to medium in length. The Akita lab mix may wear a light or pale-colored mask on their face and have a light or white chest. The Labrakita has a big, square head, a stout frame with powerful legs, and a long tail that may curl somewhat over the back or coil all the way around like an Akita Inu tail. Size and Weight The size of a Labrador varies based on the dog's age and gender. Its normal height is 22 to 25 inches 56—.Depending on sex and age, an Akita Inu can weigh anywhere from 70 to pounds 32 to 59 kg. The height ranges from 26 to 28 inches 66 to 71 cm. The typical Labrakita mix stands between .It weighs between 65 and pounds .Temperament and Personality Unlike the Akita parent, the Lab and Akita mix is not a self-sufficient creature. This devoted, family-oriented dog likes to be with its owner. If you allow it to be alone for too long, it may develop anxiety, grow disruptive, and begin biting or demonstrating aggressive behavior. Because the Akita Labrador mixed breed is a cross between two complex temperaments, you're likely to get a one-of-a-kind dog. Also, be aware that predicting Labrakita puppies' future behavior may be difficult while selecting your new companion. When it comes to outsiders, this protective dog might be violent, yet it is gentle with its family. The Labrador Akita's thick double coat sheds heavily once every six months. Giving your Akita lab cross weekly brushing is the only way to avoid excessive shedding. Because this dog is unlikely to have a strong doggy odor, it won't need to be bathed on a regular basis unless it gets really dirty. If you bathe this designer breed too often or use too much shampoo, the dog may get a dry skin condition. Nail clipping must be done on a monthly basis, and examining the dog's ears for infections and ear mites should be done regularly as well. Training Because an Akita parent is a stubborn and independent dog , your Labrakita mix will initially require consistent and firm training as a puppy. Fortunately, the Labrador-Akita mix is an intelligent dog that is usually fairly easy to train thanks to its Labrador DNA. That means they can make an excellent guard dog when it comes to strangers, yet a cuddly, friendly dog behind closed doors that can potentially get along well with small children. With that being said, if you really want a good family dog or if you have very young children or other animals, it may be best to go for a pure Labrador Retriever instead of a Lab mix. This is because the Akita Lab mix can be quite large dogs and it can be difficult to predict their temperament due to the significant difference in personality between the Labrakita's parent breeds. One thing that can cause an issue with the Labrakita dog is their stubbornness, so you'll need to come up with the proper mix of persistence, compassion, and positive reinforcement. Plus, if you give your Labrakita more stimulation through physical challenges and exercise, it will be more receptive to training. Socialization When it comes to socializing your Labrakita, you'll have to devote time to training your companion to welcome visitors and relatives. Regrettably, it may not be a simple process. Having visitors or outsiders in its territory may irritate this dog, especially if they have more prominent Akita genes than Lab genes. But we should mention that some Akita Lab mixes can certainly learn to be a cherished family pet that will be exceptionally loyal and loving. Because this breed has natural predatory instincts, it is not recommended for households with different pets, particularly cats. We don't want their instinctive prey drive kicking in with the family's beloved guinea pig. Following slow and steady socialization with other dogs, however, could help your new friend enjoy the company of other canines. Exercise To keep fit, healthy, and content, the Lab Akita mix needs a lot of activity. If these dogs do not receive enough exercise, they can grow obese and agitated; thus, they should have at least 60 to 90 minutes of intense movement per day. Playing at the dog park, trekking, swimming, playing at the beach, brisk walks, or a jog around the neighborhood once or twice each day are just a few of their favorite activities, and they are particularly thrilled to be out and about. Akita Labs may develop negative behaviors such as nibbling on items and damaging property if they do not receive adequate exercise. Food and Diet The exact nutrition will be determined by the size, age, gender, and level of daily physical activity of the dog. The majority of these characteristics are determined by inherited parental genes. To put it another way, you should give your dog food based on its appearance and needs to avoid autoimmune disorders or other health issues. We advise consulting your vet as well, just to be sure. Health Problems As holds true for other dogs as well, a Labrakita is most likely to receive genetic health problems their parents passed on to them. A few common health issues for the Labrakita are: Progressive retinal atrophy — A common eye illness in the Labrakita is progressive retinal degeneration, which damages the retinal nerves and can lead to blindness that comes with old age. Glaucoma and cataracts are other eye problems that can develop. Hip and elbow dysplasia — This is a bone condition that develops when a dog's joints do not develop properly. As a consequence, the joints may become irritated and unstable. Cranial cruciate disease — This condition causes discomfort and immobility in dogs when the cranial cruciate ligament in their knee ruptures. Bloat — Gastric dilatation-volvulus is an unpleasant gut swelling and twisting that occurs suddenly when the dog's stomach flips. It's a life-threatening condition that must be treated immediately if detected. Life Expectancy A Labrakita's average life expectancy is around 10 to 13 years. The price may be influenced by lineage, parent bloodlines, birth order, gender, show vs pet quality, color, size, and other characteristics. Remember to ask the breeder to give you the findings from the parents' health tests. Final Thoughts The Labrakita designer cross-breed is a great blend of two completely different breeds. This clever and obedient dog is well-suited to active owners and households without other pets. If you socialize your Labrakita puppy well enough, you could end up with a much friendlier dog in the long run. Regardless of which parent's DNA is more dominant in your Labrador-Akita mix, you will have a beautiful and unique best friend with this canine. Our team of authors seeks to answer the questions that you frequently ask yourselves. Similar Posts. Akita Lab mix puppies A Labrakita is likely to have aspects of each parent dog, but which traits transfer to which puppies can feel more like gambling than science in first generation crosses. Although second generations onwards have a bit more practictability when it comes to looks and personality. This hunting class dog works in packs and can bring down surprisingly large, fierce prey. Today, the Akita is a permanent part of Japanese history and culture. The Labrador Retriever hails from Newfoundland, which today is a part of Canada. This breed arose from a lineage of water dogs and has a wonderful swimming ability and natural love for water. Size, Height And Weight This mixed breed tends to be fairly large in adulthood. They can range anywhere from 21 to 28 inches tall, and weigh from 55 to lbs. This is because of certain differences in the personality and temperament of the Akita versus the Labrador. The Akita is a truly ancient dog breed that has evolved to hunt in packs of other equally large and intelligent dogs. They are intensely loyal to the point of being considered an excellent guard dog. In contrast, the Labrador is a dog that rarely meets a stranger — everyone is a friend! The Akita can be very independent and willful and so will need a positive, firm, steady, and consistent training regimen to integrate successfully into the social life of a family. The Lab also needs early and ongoing positive yet firm training to do well as part of a family and community. From this, you can already see that your Akita cross Lab puppy will need continuous socialization plus lots of positive reinforcement and training to do well as a pet dog. Both the Akita dog and the Labrador Retriever have short, thick, double-layer, water-repellent coats. The Akita has less doggy odor than the Lab, although both can benefit from an occasional bath. So you can expect at least weekly brushing and monthly bathing duties for your Labrakita, as well as a certain level of ongoing shedding and a twice-annual big coat shed. Despite being a mix, any reputable Akita Lab mix breeder will willingly volunteer results of all required and recommended breed-specific health tests. An Akita Lab mix with good socialization, from friendly parents, and positively trained has the potential to make an excellent family pet. However, there are risks of guarding behaviors, and intolerance towards rough handling by small kids. An Akita Lab mix can be a good family dog in a family with older children who can learn to handle the puppy appropriately. It is not a great dog choice if you have other vulnerable family pets. Both the Akita and the Lab have a strong prey drive from their shared background as hunting and working dogs. But try to focus more on health and personality than price, if you can. Make sure that you meet both parents. Decide whether you think either one of them or a combination of the two would fit into your lifestyle. Choose a breeder that is motivated by something more than money. Both parents should know their names, and be attached to their owner. They need to look bright, healthy, relaxed and well exercised. However, by taking a closer look at its parents, we can get a good idea of what our puppy will look like. They have a square appearance with good bone structure and an upright stance. Akita Lab mix lifespan The average Akita Labrador mix lifespan is between 10 and 13 years. Three main factors that affect the longevity of this breed include: Genetic information they inherit from parents. Events like illnesses, injuries, and accidents happen to them during their life. Their nutrition and lifestyle. If our four-legged friends receive immense love and proper care, they can live longer and be with us for many years. Akita Lab mix temperament Akita Lab mix temperament is intelligent, loyal, and stubborn. They tend to be independent and aggressive with strangers. These dogs can also be territorial around other dogs. Akita and Lab mix is an excellent guard dog. They are very protective of their family and will not hesitate to make their presence known when they sense you are in danger. Health Like any hybrids, there is a risk that Akita Labrador mix will develop hereditary health issues such as hip and elbow dysplasia, eye problems, and excessive weight gain. On that basis, buying Akita Lab mix puppies from a reputable breeder is now more favorable as you can avoid a potentially sick dog. Furthermore, it is crucial to maintain good care and regular veterinary checkups to detect any health issues early and keep your dog healthy. Exercise Labrakitas naturally have a lot of energy because both of their parents were excellent hunters. The recommended amount of exercise for an Aktia mixed with Lab is 60 to 90 minutes of vigorous activity every day. They like playing fetch, going for long hikes or walks, swimming, and other water activities. They will respond best to positive reinforcement like all other dogs. You can use high value rewards to keep your dog motivated. It can come from praise, belly rubs, favorite food, treats, and so on. Keep each training session short, fun, and consistent. Any dog will benefit from early socialization! Akita Lab also needs it to prevent and lessen their aggressive instinct. Although Labrakitas can groom themselves like a cat, they still need regular brushing and bathing monthly to control shedding and keep their coat shiny. Trim their nails when you hear the clicking sounds on the floor. Also, brush their teeth at least once a week to maintain good dental health. All ingredients need to be easy to digest. Additionally, their food must be high in protein and free of artificial additions or fillers. It is crucial to avoid overfeeding your dog because it only makes their health problems worse. Therefore, you should follow a regular feeding schedule and avoid leaving food out all day. Akita and Lab mix does best in a family with older children who can learn to interact with a dog appropriately. They tend to be aggressive toward other canines, especially those of the same sex. A good rule of thumb is never to leave two males or females alone together. Furthermore, with their hunting background, Labrakitas also have a tendency to chase small animals, including cats. But keep in mind that early socialization can help! Lab Akita mix puppies for sale Akita cross Labrador puppies will be a bit pricey. The price depends on their parents, the number of available puppies, and medical attention received. A reputable breeder will provide you with the results of breed-specific health examinations as required. Conclusion Akita mixed with Lab, commonly called Labrakita, is a cross between a purebred Akita with a purebred Labrador Retriever. And if you ever see one in the market, chances are, it will be pretty expensive. The price is indicative of the value of the parents, the number of available puppies, and medical attention received. Another way to acquire an Akita Lab Cross would be through shelters and rescues whose primary focus is to find prospective homes for rescued puppies. A convenient way to start your search is Adopt-a-Pet. This hybrid can cleanse itself just like the cat, but remember to brush the coat several times a week. Bathe your Lab Akita Cross only when needed because their skin tends to dry out if you bathe and shampoo them so often. You should trim the toenails about once a month, check ears for mites and wax buildup and brush teeth regularly to prevent cavities and other dental conditions. We listed some grooming essentials below: Safari Wire Pin Brush — A pin brush that works marvelously in grooming large dogs. It is useful in removing loose, lifeless hair and debris, leaving a healthy shine. It is bendable and conforms to the contours of your pet, effectively removing loose and lifeless hair. It works to reduce shedding and prevent matting for a healthier and shinier coat. These clippers have a built-in safety stop and an ergonomic grip for a more relaxed and comfortable trimming session with your Akita Lab Mix. It effectively kills insects like ticks and ear mites and even works to eradicate the eggs. It features a soothing lavender scent for clean and fresh-smelling hair. It is also formulated with ketoconazole to combat fungal infections and chlorhexidine gluconate to fight bacteria while promoting a soft and lustrous coat. The triple-headed toothbrush offers a unique design that conforms around the teeth makes brushing from all angles effortless. On that premise, buying from a reputable breeder is more favorable now than before because you can avoid a potentially sick dog. A breeder with a good reputation should offer a health guarantee on puppies. A Clearance is a proof that a dog has been examined for and cleared from a particular health condition. Hip and Elbow Dysplasia — Hip and elbow dysplasia is a skeletal condition in which the joints for both hip and elbow have grown unusually. The unusual shapes restrict the sockets and joints from the meeting, resulting in grinding instead of gliding smoothly. The major complication with hip dysplasia is unsteady joints, whereas, in elbow dysplasia, the bone and cartilage loosen and irritates the joint tissues. The continuous rubbing can cause an assortment of pain problems. Surgery can be done to remedy the joint if diagnosed early on. Gastric Dilation-Volvulus or Gastric Torsion — Also known as bloat, this condition is characterized by a sudden, painful swelling and twisting of the abdomen. If your pet is showing signs of bloat, it is best to bring him to the Vet for immediate treatment as this condition might kill him. Surgery is done to decompress the stomach. Epilepsy — Dog Seizure happens when your pet is shaking incessantly and uncontrollably for a fraction of a minute to several minutes. With generalized seizure or grand mal seizure, the dog will convulse and can lose consciousness. The irregular electrical activity is happening throughout the brain. With the focal seizure, the dog will show involuntary movements in one appendage or one part of the body. Seizures may have an underlying cause — Liver or Kidney disease, Brain Cancer, Strokes, Anemia, Encephalitis, Head injury, Low or high blood sugar, Electrolyte problems or eating poison. Cranial Cruciate Disease — The cranial cruciate ligament, which is a vital knee joint stabilizer, is ruptured causing pain, arthritis, and lameness of the hind leg. Surgery is recommended to keep the tear from advancing to more severe problems in the joints. Eye problems — Glaucoma, extreme pressure injures the optic nerve and ultimately leads to blindness; Entropion, a genetic eye defect where one or both eyelids are inverted and rub on the eye surface; Cataracts, a common eye problem that causes cloudiness and obstructs vision; and Progressive Retinal Atrophy PRA , a degenerative disease radically affecting the retina and eventually leads to blindness, are major eye concerns in the Lab Akita Cross. Autoimmune Disorders — Akita Labs experience many autoimmune disorders such as Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia, the immune system destroys his red blood cells; Pemphigus, antibodies attack the skin and cause painful ulcers, blisters, and boils; Sebaceous Adenitis, a genetic skin condition that causes scaly dried out skin and hair loss; and Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada, the body attacks the skin cells that generate pigment melanin in the skin, eyes, and hair. Others — Renal cortical hypoplasia, a genetic condition that causes unusual development of the kidneys which may lead to renal failure; Hypothyroidism, a thyroid abnormality resulting to low and inadequate hormone production and may cause obesity, low energy levels, and an inelastic coat; Cancers have also been observed Akita Labrador Mix Food Requirements Each dog is unique and therefore will require a specific diet. Since the Akita Lab Cross is prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, give him food fortified with fish oil, glucosamine, and chondroitin. It is imperative to avoid overfeeding your dog as it can only aggravate health problems such as elbow and hip dysplasia. Your most important goal should be to nourish your pet friend properly. The best way, to begin with, is to make sure you avoid feeding the Akita Lab the worst dry dog food around and instead choose among best dry dog food out there to make sure you provide all nutrients to your furry pal—or choose between Wellness Core Dog Food or Dog For Dog Food. Supplements should also be taken into consideration if you fear your doggy is not getting enough nutrients. Before buying one of these, learn more about nutrition boosters by reading our review of Nutra Thrive dog food supplement. If you adopted a pup just recently, hop over to our best puppy food brands list, and if you own a wise, old doggo, maintain their health with the perfect ratio of nutrients for older dogs by offering them a cup of best senior dry dog food. The Akita Lab mix is usually a big dog, so going for best large breed dry dog food may be the right choice. If, against all odds, your dog turned out small, test one of these best dry dog food for small dogs and see if they like it! Remember that some of the smallest breeds have the most refined taste. Take them for long walks or hikes, engage in play or fetch, go running or swimming. About s60 to 90 minutes of vigorous activity every day will satisfy their exercise requirements. Because of their aggressive behavior, exercises should be done in a fenced-in yard. Cool Pup Insect Shield Dog Bandana treated with an odorless formula of permethrin to shield your Lab Akita Cross effectively from mosquitoes, flies, fleas, and ticks. The innovative harness features built-in insect protection with state-of-the-art cooling technology to protect your dog in extreme temperatures. The adjustable strap provides a snug and comfortable fit while the reflective trim offers safety. The rubber-coated frames feature a flexible nose-bridge for comfort and perfect fit. It also has an adjustable strap to ensure the glasses stay on even when your pet companion is up and about. If you enjoy the sun, the sea, and the sand and want to bring your Akita Lab Mix along for a swim, the Frisco Dog Life Jacket is a must-have! With safety in mind, this life jacket features three adjustable straps that allow for a perfect fit, so your pet to move comfortably in the water. It also has a grab handle so you can effortlessly pull your pet friend out of the water in case of emergency. Akita and Labrador Combination Training It is easy to train an intelligent dog, but it can also be daunting because the Akita Lab Cross is stubborn. But like all other dogs, they will respond best to positive reinforcement. This mix aims to please and will love a physical challenge. Behavior Training — Potty Training can be annoying, but cleaning up is just as exasperating. The artificial turf also emits an organic scent that lures dogs to use it. This mat is odor resistant and antimicrobial to help keep your space clean and fresh-smelling. It has three layers and works by sitting the carpet above the plastic insert and drain the liquid into the tray inclusion for easy cleanup. Start by introducing the names of different objects in your house such as a ball, a toy, and his favorite bowl. Once he recognizes the names, training your dog to bring something to you will be easy peasy. The molded bumpers prevent pets from eating or drinking too fast thus avoiding problems with digestion or vomiting. Fun Training — Catch a Treat is an effective way to help keep his mind active. This trick relies on food being hurled at your pet so giving him praise is also essential. What better way to help him dispense some of his energy? Akita Lab Mix And Families A cross between the Labrador and Akita Inu which are both family-oriented dogs, this hybrid also makes a perfect family pet. Keep in mind though that strict supervision is necessary for households with very young children. They will delight in the company of new friends or other dogs provided that they are introduced first. The Lab Akita combination is also an excellent guard dog because of their protective nature. They can become very hostile and may attack strangers aggressively. Keep in mind that early socialization helps take care of any bad habits that could develop. This hybrid combines two working breeds, one of which is a waterfowl retriever and the other a hunter of large game and devout protector. As such, Akita Lab mixes may be all about business, with an extremely loyal disposition toward their family, or they may be overflowing with friendliness toward most people, with only a slight affinity for sniffing after wild things. What Is an Akita Lab Mix? The Labrakita dog is the result of crossing a purebred Labrador retriever with a purebred Akita. The cross produces a large and big-boned dog with a thick double coat. These dogs were continuously bred with larger breeds, like the Great Dane, to enable them to track and hunt intimidating game such as wild boar, bears and deer. Over the years, the Akita became a treasured and loyal companion, often used as a guard dog and protector of land and master. Unfortunately, the breed almost went extinct, with caused Japan to launch an extensive reformation in the early s. Labradors The Labrador retriever hails from much further away, in Newfoundland, Canada. Eventually, the Lab as we know it today came to America, where the AKC accepted the breed as a member of its sporting group in .Make no mistake, Labradors are still prized hunting dogs, but they are most commonly used now as beloved family pets. Labrakita Temperament Due to its lineage, an Akita Lab mix can have one of two very different personality types, or it may have traits from each type. Akitas have a tendency to be standoffish and potentially aggressive toward unfamiliar people, and they can also be territorial around other dogs. They are very protective of their family and will not hesitate to make their presence known if they feel that their home is threatened. Furthermore, with their hunting background, Akitas also tend to chase after small animals, including other household pets like cats. If you entertain lots of guests in your house, then this will not be a good dog for that environment, either. They are usually fine with other dogs in the house, but they may also want to chase after smaller animals. They thrive on time spent with their owners and become anxious when left alone for too long. When left to their own devices, Labs can be rather destructive. Similarly to Akitas, Labs may be tempted to chase after anything that they get a whiff of while out in the yard or in public. If a Labrakita has English Lab breeding, though, then they may not have as strong of a prey drive. With all of the above being said, this will not be a dog that can spend much time off the leash, regardless of which parent they more closely resemble. If the mix has strong Lab genes, then he may be one of the following colors: Akita black Lab mix Yellow Lab Akita mix Chocolate Lab Akita mix Labs also come in dilute color formations, but these are far more rare. If a mix has strong Akita genes, then he may be one of the following colors: Black. You may like: Akita saint bernard mix Akita. Akita dog breed comes from Northern Honshu in the Akita prefecture, where the climate is colder than in other parts of Japan. The area is also mountainous, with many streams and rivers flowing through it. These factors likely influenced the development of the Akita Inu breed, which is known for its thick fur coat. Historical records indicate that Akitas were used as hunting dogs as early as the 17th century and later used for bear and boar hunting. Today, Akitas are still used for hunting in their native country, but they are also kept as companion animals worldwide. The Akita is a loyal and devoted companion, but they can also be strong-willed and stubborn. They are quick to learn commands but may only obey them if they see the point in doing so. Akitas are reserved around strangers but affectionate with their family and friends. They are loyal and protective of their home and family and make excellent guard dogs. Akitas require firm training and socialization from an early age to prevent them from becoming aggressive. Today, the breed is a popular companion animal in the United States and Japan. The Akita dog is also used for hunting, tracking, and as a working dog in many other countries worldwide. Black Lab. The black Labrador is a beloved breed among dog lovers. Moreover, Labrador Retrievers are a variety of black Lab dogs. There are three colors available: black, chocolate and yellow. Some people believe that Labs behave differently in chocolate and black. However, there is very little evidence to support this claim. The black Lab temperament is, for the most part, like other Labrador Retrievers, incredibly friendly, energetic, athletic and social. Black Lab dogs are energetic, friendly, active, and one of the most loved pet dogs in America. There are pros and cons to adopting a black Lab puppy. Buying, caring for and adopting a black Lab puppy. As a puppy parent or new dog owner, a black Lab can be your best choice. Consider what type of lifestyle and family is best for a black Lab. The Akita Black Lab mix is a loyal and protective dog breed. They are excellent family pets and are very easy to train. A Black Akita Lab Mix can be one of two personality types depending on its lineage. Or it could have both. The size of the Black Labrador or Akita will determine how powerful he will be. A Black Lab and Akita standard heights and weights indicate that an Akita Lab mix could reach between

All breeds of Labrador Retrievers are known for being kind and gentle — and this trait runs especially strong with the chocolate-colored sweeties. While these dogs are very friendly to strangers, they have even more affection to give to their beloved families. Your Chocolate Lab puppy or adult will be happiest spending time with their favorite people. If you have young children, a lab is a great fit, as this breed is usually quite tolerant of the horseplay of small children who are still learning how to interact with pets. Just like many people, Chocolate Labs enjoy both downtime — especially if it involves being pampered by their family — and active high-energy fun. We recommend daily exercise, which can include anything from fetch, to tag, or even frisbee games. The average Chocolate Lab lifespan is between 9 and 11 years. The most common Chocolate Lab health problem is hip dysplasia, which occurs more commonly in older and overweight dogs. This is just one of the reasons to make exercise a common part of your time with a Chocolate Lab puppy or fully grown adult. Another problem that occurs in overweight labs is joint and movement issues. The other most common Chocolate Lab health problems are: Progressive Retinal Atrophy Cataracts Elbow Dysplasia As is the case with any dog, when you bring home a Chocolate Labrador, make sure that you have a good vet to handle routing vaccinations and check-ups as well as emergency health problems. Learn more about the Keystone Puppies Health Guarantee! Chocolate Lab Coat Care In general, Chocolate Lab coat care is easy compared to many other dog breeds which require weekly or daily work. Labrador Retrievers all have double coats, which includes an under layer of short hairs and a slightly longer top layer. This coat is useful for repelling water and keeping them cool in warmer temperatures — and warm in cooler ones. Their coat is also noted to be slightly dry and oily. Chocolate Lab coat care is fairly minimal and considered low maintenance. The coat should be brushed with a firm bristle brush 2 — 3 times per month to minimize shedding. In addition to that, baths are needed fairly infrequently. What is more crucial is ensuring that their toenails are well cared for throughout the year. Meet Chocolate Lab Puppies for Sale. We currently have puppies available now as our mothers have hade much larger litters than expected and we had more puppies than people on our waiting list. When searching for a Retriever Breeder in Ontario it never pays to gear your search toward finding a Labrador puppy quickly, rather, focus your efforts on finding a Chocolate Lab puppy of quality, bred by a breeder with a reputation who will stand behind the Labrador Retriever puppies they breed. Please visit our Facebook site by entering luckylabspuppies in the search box on Facebook, see the pictures of our Labrador puppies and hear what our owners have to say about our commitment to quality. Look for quality puppies for sale not quick puppies. A second thing to consider is that you will want your breeder of Labrador retrievers to provide you with support after your Labrador puppy goes home with you. Lucky Labs guarantees this lifelong commitment to support for you and your Lab and we are happy to do so. We have deep discounts to Labrador puppy training websites , many articles on our blog dealing with health, behavior and other aspects of owning a Labrador puppy. We are available for you after your puppy goes home either by email or a phone call. Our availability changes at times in regards to the color of Labrador puppy we have available. As well, there are times when we get so busy and focused on our pups that we may have beautiful ckc yellow black or purebred chocolate lab puppies for sale that are not listed here. So if we are the small scale family based registered breeder for you please send us an application for a puppy in order to get the most accurate and up to date information about what our availability is. Puppies for sale Our silver lab puppies for sale are actually a faded coat chocolate lab. When both parents carry the chocolate gene, and they both carry the dilute gene then the color is diluted to a silver. If you look close you will notice that the silver lab still had brown pigment around its eyes and mouth because officially it is a chocolate lab. Silver Labradors make excellent family dogs. The Labrador Retriever breed regardless of color has been the most popular breed for over 25 years and the Silver Lab is no different. We have some Silver Labs who will be mating in the future resulting in puppies for sale. If you are interested to get on the waiting please read toward the bottom of this page to see what colors we are accepting applications for. For more information about silver Labradors click here. There is 1 male and 1 female yellow Lab puppy available to reserve who go home Oct 7th. One of these yellows will go to an Ontario Police force and the sibling will be available. Please apply below for more information. There are 2 black males available to reserve from this litter. Please apply below. Haddie and Archie Haddie had her puppies. There is 1 chocolate female available to go home Sept .Reservations are available please apply below. Ginger and Hank Ginger had her puppies Aug 5th and they will go home Sept 30th. Available for reservation are 2 black females, and 1 chocolate female. Reservations are available please apply below Chanel and Archie Chanel had her puppies. This litter will go home Oct 7th, 1 yellow male, 2 yellow females, 1 chocolate male and 4 chocolate female puppies are available for reservation. Daisy Flowers and Gus One chocolate female puppy is available for reservation to go home Oct 8. Ruby Emma and Archie Ruby has 5 chocolate males available and 1 chocolate female available to go home Oct 18th. Interested in one of our chocolate lab puppies for sale? Click here and visit the Lab Puppy Quality page for further information and price. If you are ready to apply click the button below and send us an application for one of our puppies for sale. You may want to consider being a guardian of one of our dogs, if so, click here. We are accepting applications for chocolate, silver, and black lab puppies. For chocolates we have some mothers mated who will have puppies ready for homes Sept through December. Our availability changes daily as people reserve puppies and sometimes change their minds for a puppy later on, or a different sex or color. We are expecting one litter with a few yellow puppies who will be ready to go home in Oct. We will have black lab puppies that will be born in August and Sept, reservations are available. For silver litters our next silver puppies will be ready in winter of .We are accepting applications now for our silver waiting list and first born silver puppies will be offered to those on the waiting list in the order that their deposits are received. To reserve one of our silver puppies or to get onto our waiting list for winter silvers please apply below. The earlier you place your deposit the higher up on the list you are. To check the quality of our purebred dogs click here. If you have had a family talk, everyone is on board getting a puppy, and you are ready to take that step please apply here. If you want a puppy later this fall or winter we are accepting applications for those timings as well. If an adult lab is better suited for you view availability on this page. View our Labradors There are many pictures of our Labs on the pages of our website, please click through some of the pages to view them. There is a photo gallery of our dogs here. As well, once a litter is born and we reach your position on the waiting list we will email you a picture of the puppies and the parents for you to decide if you want to move into that litter and take one of the puppies, or, you can wait for the next litter. To see many many more pictures and videos of our dogs please scroll back through our Facebook page as it goes back to .Trained Chocolate Lab Puppies. Life Span Did You Know? Labrador Retrievers are one of the most popular dog breeds. The Chocolate Labrador Retriever is not a distinct dog breed from other Labs, but it is a separate coat color variation that is specifically bred for. Similar to the other standard coat colors of Labrador Retrievers, Chocolate Labs are energetic dogs that get along well in a family setting. As a Retriever, they also make great hunting dogs and have also been known to fill other working dog roles including service dogs, guide dogs, search-and-rescue dogs, and more. They are even one of the common dog breeds employed in K-9 units. A point of interest is that all modern Chocolate Labrador Retrievers can be traced to three specific Black Labradors that lived during the s. Chocolate Labs are industrious little pups. They were bred for retrieval and will often sniff about for something to get into. They are also one of the most affectionate dog breeds and absolutely love being with their favorite humans. Properly socialized and well-trained, Labs are one of the kid-friendly dog breeds. They get along well with children, other dogs, and other pets. They are famously even-tempered and playful. This makes them fantastic dogs for a growing family, as they tend to be gentle and patient with little ones. They can have a high prey drive. They usually do well with small pets within the family that they have been raised with or socialized around, but likely will still have the urge to chase other animals while out and about. They also tend to be open and friendly with strangers. After all, strangers are just more people to give them attention and play with them. Chocolate Labrador Retrievers may be high-energy dogs, but they are also highly adaptable. They will thrive in homes with fenced yards where they can run freely. They can adapt well to apartment living as well as long as they get plenty of daily exercise, attention, and mental stimulation. Their natural urge to dig and bark when they are bored or agitated can be quelled with a little training and exercise. Although they can handle some alone time, Labs love to be with their families and thrive on attention from them, so they do not like to spend long periods of time alone. Chocolate Labs also have a water-resistant double coat that makes them well-suited for most habitable climates. As with most dogs, they are sensitive to heat. Although they can handle some cold and will likely love to play in the snow, they are not a snow dog breed and may need to bundle up while out on walks in areas with harsher winters. Potential health concerns to be aware of in a Chocolate Labrador Retriever can include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia , progressive retinal atrophy, cataracts, hereditary myopathy, and heart disease. There is also a condition with a genetic link called exercise-induced collapse EIC , which can occur in young adult Labradors. Carriers of this can be identified by DNA tests and it is advised that breeders test for this and avoid practices that would produce the disease. Good breeding practices make a big difference in the health of puppies and reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. Make sure you ask about the health and genetic history of both parents and about any health tests or clearances that have been done. As a large, deep-chested dog breed, Labrador Retrievers are at a higher risk for bloat. Bloat in dogs can be dangerous and can quickly become fatal if the stomach flips gastric torsion. Chocolate Labrador Retrievers are incredible companions and are also one of the best dog breeds for first-time owners. Their energy can make them a handful at times, but their intelligence, adaptability, patience with people, and eagerness to please make them easy to train. Labs are one of the smartest dog breeds , so they pick up on things easily. As long as training is consistent and focused on positive reward and praise, a Chocolate Lab will do their best to respond as expected and will often exceed expectations. Chocolate Labs have a short, water-resistant coat that will shed year-round. Brushing a few times a week, daily brushing during seasonal shedding, and the occasional bath are all that are needed to keep a Lab coat healthy and looking great. They may need baths more often if they are avid swimmers, go on a lot of outdoor adventures, and get dirty a lot. Floppy ears tend to trap dirt, moisture, and debris. Proper dental care for dogs is imperative to help prevent painful dental diseases like gum disease or tooth decay later in life. You can also supplement your dental care efforts with vet-approved dental hygiene chews. Labrador Retrievers are one of the most active dog breeds and need a lot of daily activity to be happy and healthy. Daily walks plus playtime, time to run, and other activities are usually enough, but your Chocolate Labrador will likely be up for more activity if you are. One of the facts about Labrador Retrievers is that they have an extended puppyhood and tend to maintain that puppy-like energy and maturity until they are years old. Swimming can be a great lower-impact activity and Labrador Retrievers are one of the dog breeds that tend to love water. Between that, their water-resistant coat, and webbed toes, you may have trouble getting your Chocolate Lab out of the water. Fully-grown Chocolate Labrador Retrievers usually stand inches tall and weigh pounds. Chocolate Labs generally live for years on average. Fourteen years later, the American Kennel Club did the same in .Featured Chocolate Labrador Retriever Article. It quickly became clear that this new dog, at the time called the St. Then, in the 19th century, visiting Englishmen took note of these incredible dogs, brought them home to England, and soon perfected and standardized the breed—which had now been dubbed the Labrador Retriever. When they began as the St. While this is still true today, the recessive colors of yellow and chocolate have become more and more coveted by those seeking Labs as pets. Thanks to years of breeding efforts, those recessive colors are not as difficult to find as they once were. Chocolate Labrador Retriever Puppies for Sale Chocolate Labs are a favorite among those looking to add a member of the breed to their family. Coat shades can range from a warm, light brown to a deeper chocolate color. Both parents must carry and pass on the recessive chocolate color gene in order for a puppy to be born with this coat. Just like their black and yellow counterparts, chocolate Labrador Retrievers are known as doting and capable dogs. You can put them to work as hunting or service dogs, but they make excellent cuddle buddies as well. Their beautiful coats and breed stature make them great show dogs too. The chocolate lab puppies we breed for sale at Hidden Pond Labradors come with their first round of shots, one-year written health guarantee, and a veterinarian health certificate. We are dedicated to breeding our puppies for premier health and pedigree, as well as raising them in our home so their personalities and happiness can blossom. Experience the love, joy, and comfort this amazing breed has to offer with a chocolate Labrador Retriever puppy of your own from Hidden Pond Labradors. Give us a call at or message us online to inquire about our available and upcoming Lab puppies!

Both are current on their vaccines and the deworming. They have always went to the vet for exam and vaccines. Are super healthy. Buy Now Frenchie puppies French bulldog, puppies blue Brendle ferry. Beautiful, ready for their forever homes. AKC set a for shots and physical. Need to rehome. French bulldog is a year and 8 months. Never had a liter. Great with kids. They are 10 weeks and have their 2nd shots. Come with full AKC papers. Ready to leave July 8th Prices are different for each coat and gender. Buy Now Fluffy frenchy Selling my fluffy frenchy they have there akc papers Buy Now Frenchie puppies for rehome 1 male and two females AKC registered can provide more details xxxxxxxxxx Buy Now Male french bulldog 5 months old up to date on shots and dewormed loving french bulldog. He is Pied, masked, fawn male. Pretty face, good personality, fiesty and confident. Good personality, talkative, quick, smart and eager to learn. Will make a good watch dog and companion. Will be small, perfect for small dwelling. No emails will be returned must call xxx xxx-xxx0 if serious only please. Her name is Dolly. She likes to sleep with her people and get lots of love. She never has been home alone aside from day trips now and then. She is an amazing dog and needs a loving home. She will come with dog kennel training collar dog food dog bowl water bowls poop bags and a life jacket I have the paperwork to register with the AKC I just never chose to do so. View Detail French bulldog male Male akc registered 1yr health guarantee up to date on shots and dewormed. On shots, Dewormed, creat trained, lilac, blue, brindle carriers. View Detail Male french bulldog. Selling our French bulldog we will in Fresno CA. Looking for loving home Number; xxx-xxx-xxxx Dont message to scam! Platinum mini Frenchies! Inbox for more info or details prices are negotiable. We have answers. You could take them for a few short walks instead, and make sure you put some time aside to play back at home too! What are the characteristics of French Bulldogs? They love cuddling up with their owners they are companion dogs after all. They also like playing, they have lovely personalities, and they are very friendly dogs too. They really are perfect family dogs! Why are French Bulldogs expensive compared to many other breeds? French Bulldogs are a bit different from many breeds because they have difficulty reproducing naturally. Instead, French Bulldog breeders in Fresno must use artificial insemination. Those narrow hips mean the pups need to be delivered by cesarean section as well, and this all adds to the cost. How should I start using Uptown to find my new pup? Finding French Bulldog puppies for sale in Fresno is incredibly easy at Uptown! Just search for something like a French Bulldog Fresno, find a pup you like the look of, and connect with the breeder or business. Then you can start making arrangements to meet your new pup. It really is that easy! Can I find the cheapest Frenchie puppies here? We are not focused on helping people find the cheapest French Bulldog puppies in Fresno here. Our customers want to find pups from the top French Bulldog breeders Fresno with excellent reputations and who follow ethical breeding practices. Of course! We love shelters, and a reputable shelter can be a great place to find a dog. However, if you want a specific purebred dog like a Fresno French Bulldog for sale, and you want details of the full behavioral and health history, you might be better off searching for Fresno French Bulldogs for sale at Uptown instead. Can I go along to pick up my new puppy in person? If you find the perfect French Bulldog for sale in Fresno, you may be able to pick it up, but you will have to make arrangements with the breeder. The Fresno French Bulldog breeders and businesses here will make travel arrangements so you can go to your nearest major airport to pick up your pup. Which food is best for my new puppy? When you find the perfect French Bulldog for sale Fresno, you may be wondering about which food to feed them. Start off by asking your vet, but sometimes you will have to try a few different foods to find out what your dog likes. Remember, they are all individuals so they have different tastes, so you should take that into consideration. In general, they weigh anywhere from 16 to 28 pounds, and they measure about 12 inches at the shoulder. Males tend to be a bit larger than females, but they are all small. This makes them perfect for apartment living! Frenchies are very relaxed and friendly, and they tend to get on great with other pets. Make sure you socialize them early on and supervise contact, but they should all become great friends over time.

For the complete list please see our German Shepherd links page. German Shepherds are excellent family pets. They are loyal and protective of their owners and make great companions for children. The price can fluctuate even more depending on whether the pup is registered with the AKC or not. Purebred German Shepherds that are registered with the AKC typically sell for more money than those that are not. There are many wonderful German Shepherds waiting for homes. Contact the national breed club and ask for breeder recommendations in your area. Good breeders belong to at least one or more of these organizations: 2. A reputable breeder produces puppies with excellent health and temperament; they also take care when matching puppies with new owners. A good breeder will provide you with written documentation that the parents were cleared of hereditary diseases by a veterinary professional. Check online reviews and ratings of German Shepherd breeders in New Hampshire and speak to current and past pet owners before making a decision about which breeder to work with. Ask for a tour of the kennel and make sure all of the parent dogs appear to be clean, healthy, well-behaved and friendly. Make sure you feel comfortable with your breeder and ask as many questions as possible before deciding to buy a puppy from them. A good breeder should want to provide you with all of the information you need and should be available to answer any questions in the future. This can be very helpful because it allows you to see if the parent dogs are well-behaved, friendly towards other people and animals, etc. Breeders who produce healthier pets generally take very good care of them; they spend lots of time socializing the puppies and making sure they are comfortable around new people. If possible, try to observe any interactions between adult dogs at the kennel and young puppies so that you can get a sense of how the breeder raises their puppies. A good breeder wants you to be happy with your new pet and will work with you to answer any questions or address any issues you may have. Questions to Ask Ask for References from Your German Shepherd Breeder in New Hampshire A reputable breeder will have references that you can contact to learn about their experience working with them. Calling the recommended breeders is a great way for you to get in touch with people who have actually interacted with your newly selected German Shepherd breeder. When talking to references, be sure to ask lots of questions. Here are a few ideas: How was your experience working with this breeder? Was your puppy healthy and did it have a good temperament? Was the breeder available for support after you got your puppy? Would you recommend this breeder to others? You should ask if the parents of the puppies are screened for any hereditary diseases at all stages of life. Good breeders will also have their puppies vaccinated and dewormed at an early age. They should also provide you with a health record of your puppy that includes dates of all vaccinations and deworming treatments. Your breeder should also be willing to offer a health guarantee on the puppies. The breeder should be able to provide references from people who have interacted with their kennel. These customer references can give you valuable insight on things like: What was their experience working with this breeder? Would they recommend this breeder to others? How were their interactions with all of the different staff members at the kennel? There are many places you can find a new pet, including animal shelters and rescue groups. That being said, working with a good kennel who is knowledgeable about their breed can make having a new German Shepherd an easy experience for you and your family. If you think that this may be the right breeder for you or if they meet all of our requirements , we encourage you open up your heart and home to one of their lovable pups. Your breeder should have a veterinarian they use and trust. The veterinarian should also do health screenings on the dogs in the kennel and provide routine care for them. There are some unethical breeders who are only interested in making a profit. Some warning signs that you may be dealing with an unethical breeder include: They are not willing to provide references from past customers. They do not health test their parent dogs for genetic diseases. They do not vaccinate or deworm their puppies. They do not have a good veterinarian they use. If you notice any of these red flags, we encourage you to walk away and find a different breeder. German Shepherds make great pets and should only come from a responsible breeder. Asking the breeder about what they know will help you make an informed decision about your dog. The breeder should be willing to share any health tests they have done on the parent dogs, including hip scores and elbow certifications. They should also know if their breeding stock suffers from any genetic illnesses or hereditary problems. Make sure that all of your electrical cords are put away and inaccessible to your puppy. Have a safe place for the puppy to sleep, like a crate or dog bed. Stock up on food, water bowls, toys, and other supplies. Make sure that all family members are prepared to handle training and obedience commands. Schedule an appointment with your veterinarian to get your new puppy checked out and vaccinated. Be prepared to devote at least 30 minutes each day to exercising and training your new pet. With the right preparation, you and your family can enjoy years of companionship with this wonderful breed. Always take your puppy outside immediately after waking up, eating, drinking water, playing, and resting. Once outside, give your pup about minutes to go potty. Take them outside every 30 minutes or so until they start going potty on their own after only a couple of minutes out there. This will let them know what they are supposed to do while they are still young enough to be easily trained. Puppy Obedience Training Puppy obedience training is also very important and should start as soon as you bring your new pet home. Make sure to use positive reinforcement when teaching your pup basic commands like sit, stay, come, and down. Start with simple commands and then move on to more difficult ones as your puppy masters the basics. With a little bit of hard work, you can have a well-behaved German Shepherd that will be a cherished member of your family for years to come. 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. We own 20 acres of land with acres of forest behind us. Please feel free to check our Facebook page for news about StormCloud Long Coated German Shepherds We have been raising both long coat also known as long hair and stock coat German Shepherd Dogs since .Presently, we are breeding large mahogany red with black long coated German Shepherds which have proven to produce stunning puppies that are healthy, beautiful and have a sound and calm temperament. Very Exciting News. The temperaments on these stunning pups will be sound, happy and calm! Absolutely just what to look for in a true German Shepherd Dog! We welcome inquiries about all our dogs. Let us know what you desire in your German Shepherd Dog. Each of the females lends something a little different to each litter. This could be color, different types of temperament, Search and Rescue abilities, etc. We invite you to come and visit us and meet our 'Pack'. Feel free to check our website often as things are ever happening! Great new photos of our Long Coat German Shepherd puppies and adults having a blast! We ship to all 50 states! Hi there. We are climbing Welch-Dickey. All rights reserved. Send email to us at stormcloudshepherds gmail. Puppy pads Create a Schedule German Shepherd pups would do well with a schedule. Dogs live with a routine, and they are easy to train by having one. For this reason, make a schedule of the things you need to do regularly. Eventually, your pup will learn the routine events and will make itself adept at them. It will help you prepare for your pet, especially in the first few days of living together. As you allow your pet to adjust, do your best to create a stress-free environment for it. Always supervise it as it familiarizes itself with its new home. Still, it would be best to prepare yourself for loud noises when your pet is asleep. Moderate Training German Shepherds are highly trainable. It simply means they respond well, especially to positive reinforcement. Squeaky Toys Out of all toys, your pet will love the squeaky ones. For this reason, prepare for a lot of loud squeaks every time your pet is active. Thus, in picking your pet, you may want to consider getting it from the best. Tells you any health problems A good breeder will tell you any significant health problems in any of the dogs he or she bred. Asks more questions than you A good breeder would ask for more items from you than you would for him or her. Not in a hurry to send off A good breeder is not in a hurry to send the puppies off and get your money. He or she will even show you other breeders and veterinarians caring for their dogs. Requires expectations on both sides A good breeder will create a contract that offers not only what he or she expects from you. More than that, he or she will also show what you can expect from him or her. Sends puppies properly A good breeder will never send a puppy in a compartment and without any responsible person to go with it. Works only with one or two breeds A good breeder works only with a single or a couple of species. Shows breeding experience A good breeder shows her dogs in recognized confirmation shows. He or she will also join his or her breed in other breed-related performance events. Other states. Questions about German Shepherd puppies for sale in New Hampshire? We have answers. How much do your German Shepherd puppies for sale in New Hampshire cost? Whether you are searching for German Shepherd puppies for sale in New Hampshire or just a fun-loving German Shepherd puppy that falls beneath your budget, our network could be of use. Instead of wasting your time browsing the internet for New Hampshire German Shepherd breeders, why not make use of our expansive network of top-rated breeders? Does Uptown Puppies limit my search? No, in fact your search is not limited at all! When you make the decision to find your new companion through Uptown Puppies, one of the biggest advantages is expanding your search beyond German Shepherd breeders in New Hampshire. Finding a puppy through one of our listings means that you are choosing to work with a top-rated breeder, not one of the unethical puppy breeding businesses that has become common online. How does Uptown screen Shepherd breeders? As opposed to forming a list of search results strongly based on yearly sales or marketing budgets, our strategy is much different. At Uptown Puppies, we only list top puppy businesses and breeders who are able to pass our rigorous vetting process and take our prestigious Breeder Pledge. Why is Uptown Puppies different? Through our vetting process, our team is able to sort through and weed out all of the puppy mills and backyard breeders so that you don't have to. How common are puppy mills in New Hampshire? Puppy mills can actually be pretty large, often falling into the dangerous trap of inbreeding dogs which can lead to serious health issues later in life. What happens if I am looking for a specific size German Shepherd? If you are absolutely prepared to meet your new German Shepherd puppy, Uptown Puppies is the correct place for you to be. How does Uptown work? The Uptown Puppies process is actually fairly simple. Instead of stumbling around online looking for German Shepherd puppies for sale in New Hampshire, all you have to do is browse through our pages of available litters to find the one that is interesting to you. Once you express your interest to the top rated breeder who raised the puppy, all that's left to do is meet your adorable new german Shepherd. How do I trust Uptown Puppies? Our team of professionals are committed to screening each and every puppy business or breeder who is able to list a puppy on our website. What if there are no Beagle puppies near me? The partners in our network are skilled at making travel accommodations for their Shepherd puppies all over the country, meaning you can pick up your new companion at a local airport. No need to worry, puppies always fly in the cabin, not underneath the plane! What kind of dog can I expect when I bring home a German Shepherd puppy? German Shepherds grow up to be big,fun-loving, energetic dogs with a curious, sometimes overly clever personality. German Shepherds, even as puppies are strong, loyal dogs who are always ready for an adventure.

If you are curious about the unique appearance of this pup, you have come to the right place. Under certain lighting, the darker portions of the Isabella German Shepherds may appear to be lilac or lavender in color. In reality, they are a darker brown. The head, back, and legs of this variation of GSD are of this color. The lower portion of the Isabella German Shepherd, however, is a lovely, light fawn color. This pup looks especially striking because despite belonging to the same color palette, the shades contrast beautifully. For the most part, Isabella German Shepherds are identical to other German Shepherds in almost every way. This includes physique, traits, skills, and more. These dogs can appear somewhat different from what you might expect German Shepherds to look like. You will also find that their noses are brown or pink instead of black. These dogs tend to have brown or pink paw pads as well. Another thing you will notice about these pups is that they almost always have lighter eyes. This can be amber, blue, or green — it is quite a sight to behold. To understand why the Isabella German Shepherd has this type of coloring, you need to appreciate the color genetics of German Shepherds. Color genes occupy specific positions loci on chromosomes. German Shepherds have several of these chromosomes — some are dominant and some are recessive. The A-locus is what gives this breed its coat color. It dictates the base color of German Shepherds and a GSDs coat will depend on whether or not the loci are dominant. This A-locus can be expressed in four distinct ways in German Shepherds. The B-locus creates a recessive liver gene, giving rise to Liver German Shepherds. This B-locus liver gene is considered a dilution gene as it suppresses all black in German Shepherds. When the dilution gene is on the D-locus, this results in the Blue German Shepherd. These dogs have two recessive dilution genes. Unlike with the B-locus dilution, though, these loci simply create lighter shades of black instead of suppressing it. An Isabella German Shepherd is known as a double dilution, with recessive genes on the B-locus and the D-locus. The recessive B-locus genes ensure that Isabella German Shepherds have no black hair on their coat or much black coloring in general. The recessive D-locus genes further reduce the pigment in darker areas, resulting in lighter patches. One of the reasons that Isabella German Shepherds are so rare is naturally due to genetic variation. The coloring of these dogs relies on two rare and recessive genes. This means that both parents should have at least one pair of these recessive genes to produce Isabella German Shepherds. Even then, there is no guarantee that they will. There is more to the story. The AKC and other organizations accept the Isabella coloring, but dogs with this hue are penalized more heavily, making them less likely to win. To add to this, tan and black dogs are the favorites and do well in shows. Due to this, breeders will often focus on breeding dogs with these coats, avoiding dogs with recessive genes that can produce Isabella German Shepherds. You will most likely have to find an Isabella German Shepherd that accidentally cropped up in a litter. There is no way of knowing if this variation will appear or not. It may be possible to find breeders that specifically deal with Isabella German Shepherds, but you should be wary of such opportunities. If the breeders only pay attention to the coat color and not physical and health attributes , there is a higher risk of disease in the puppies. In case you find a breeder that tracks both coat color as well as health, you can expect to pay a hefty price for an Isabella German Shepherd puppy. The cost will be far higher than what you would pay for regular GSDs, even though the only difference is the coat. See also German Shepherd Bulldog Mix Breed Guide And Information You should also be aware that with breeders like this, you may be put on a waiting list that can span several months. Due to their rarity and unique qualities , these dogs are quite sought-after, as you can imagine. This is the full lowdown on the Isabella German Shepherd. It would be a breathtaking sight to see such a dog in real life. Peter My name is Peter and I am a dog lover. I have two German Shepherd dogs, one of which is called Biscuit because his coat is very light with brown patches. My wife and I moved from the UK to Ohio where we now live with our two daughters. We love squash on weekends and following the English Premier League closely! Previous Article. Photo by lyla. It usually starts on their face, neck, chest, and gradually to their whole body. Since these isabella German Shepherd dogs are already light-colored, you may not recognize the color change instantly. This happens when the fur of an isabella puppy is brushed off, and the adult fur settles in their body. The same thing happens when they are shedding. Usually, it starts at around two months until two years of age. Watch this cute video to see a stunning lilac German Shepherd puppy enjoying the great outdoors: Izzy the Isabella German Shepard dog. River Humber. They may excel like standard GSDs, but they are still considered faults and heavily penalized during shows despite their intelligence and unique appearance. In addition, they are protective and loyal to their owners. However, they need to learn to be independent since they are prone to be overly attached to their families. They can further develop separation anxiety and destructive behavior if left alone for long periods. An isabella German Shepherd requires a firm owner during training since they tend to be stubborn despite being highly intelligent. They are one of the fastest learning dogs, so training them will be swift. Overall, they are great family dogs. However, it is also important to note that they have a high prey drive. Isabella German Shepherd Lifespan and Health Issues Isabella German Shepherds may not be in the same color as the traditional GSDs but they are similarly healthy and can live up to 10 to 14 years on average. However, like other dog breeds, health problems can sometimes be inevitable or genetically linked. To help you get an idea of what they could be prone to health-wise, here are some common health problems your isabella German Shepherd puppy may encounter: Hip Dysplasia: As large dogs, isabella German Shepherds can be prone to hip dysplasia. Bloat: This condition is also known as gastric dilation volvulus GDV , and it happens when the stomach gets filled with gas, fluid, and food, which results in twisting. Pet owners should always take this as an emergency as it progresses quickly and can sometimes be fatal. Progressive Retinal Atrophy: PRA in dogs occurs as a group of degenerative diseases that affect photoreceptor cells, resulting in deterioration and blindness. There are no treatments available for this condition. However, vitamins and antioxidants may reduce eye stress and delay the formation of cataracts. However, this condition is successfully managed through monitoring, maintenance meds, and regular vet visits. These issues can be prevented and are manageable as long as you keep your eye on your isabella dog. Taking them to regular vet check-ups and keeping their vaccines up-to-date will keep them healthy and improve their quality of life. Brushing their hair regularly can keep their coats shiny and healthy, and it can significantly contribute to the severity of shedding every time the climate changes. Giving them sanitary hair trims can help maintain their cleanliness, too. In addition, wiping and washing their paws is necessary after walking or strolling outside. Chew toys or chew treats are a great way to strengthen their teeth and gums, on top of regular teeth brushing. However, we should always be mindful of the number of chew treats we give our dogs since giving too much can be unhealthy for them. Regular ear cleaning and nail trimming are a must. Note, though, that finding a lilac German Shepherd may be pretty challenging, considering it is rare. There are a lot of factors surrounding puppy prices. It is also essential to know that having a puppy is not a one-time purchase. You have to look through imperative needs and expenses before you decide to open your home to your new isabella German Shepherd. He is the total package of beauty, brains and health! Bo has the typical old fashioned straight-backed structure that we strive for. He has great bone and a beautiful classic GSD head. Bo is always happy to go places with us. He frequents local stores with us all the time and is a perfect gentleman. He is always looking forward to accompanying us for daily ranch chores too. He is great with all the animals. He especially loves puppies and is so gentle with them, he is a great helper in socializing our litters with big dogs. He has great food drive, loves learning new things and always does his best to please you. He also loves doing scent work and I hope to get him entered into some trials soon. He is naturally protective of our home but as soon as I give him the okay he will be the first to greet you for pets and is known to try and sneak in your lap if you sit down! He is an easy-going, gentle, super sweet boy who is always steady and fearless. Like our other boys he can also have a goofy streak at times and he can always put a smile on your face! We just love Bo and are really looking forward to incorporating his lines into our breeding program. But even Alsatians who meet all the criteria of a beautiful show dog face preferential treatment given to dogs of specific colorations. You have probably noticed that when you think of a German Shepherd, you first picture a black and tan dog with a classical saddle pattern specific to the breed. Most successful show dogs of German and American standards have a color pattern that highlights the stunning contrast between the two tones, whether black and tan or black and mahogany. However, the original Shepherd, Hektor, was sable. It might surprise you to know that a black and tan German Shepherd is recessive to sable. Theoretically, it should be easier to breed a sable german shepherd than a black and tan. However, show breeders have selected the black and tan with a specific pattern for decades. Since pet dogs often originate from show lines, black and tan dogs are most commonly what you will see and associate with German Shepherds. Working lines are more often sable or darker colors, featuring full blankets in the place of saddles. The liver, a brilliant chocolate color, is recessive and quite rare in German Shepherds. While the AKC recognizes solid liver and liver and tan in German Shepherds, there are also liver and white and, of course, Isabella variants. However, the liver is a serious fault as are washed-out or dilute colors so that Isabella would suffer double penalties in show rings. While people fight to acquire rare colors such as lilac in the French Bulldog , breeders largely avoid liver German Shepherds. As the race to be the most unusual and unique persists, the demand for Isabella and liver German Shepherds may increase. Isabella German Shepherd has a fascinating but obscure history Isabella, about color, may have originated as early as .Spanish Queen Isabella proclaimed she would not change her gown during the Seige of Granada until Spain prevailed. In the interim, her dress changed to a nondescript color of reddish with remnants of white and black. Other historians say Isabelline could have stemmed from the word Zibellino, which described the color of animal pelts popular in the early s. The color was a pale gold similar to that of cougars and lions of specific shades. Nevertheless, the first known use of the term Isabelline was in , referring to the color of a certain fashion trend in dresses. People soon interchanged Isabellan and Isabella to describe the unusual color, and its use for bird plumage and specific bear species became more prominent in .Isabella is noteworthy in that it can be breed-specific in its use. You will see Isabella and not lilac German Shepherds, although the terms refer to the same color. Weimeraners, universally dilute dogs, can be referred to as lilac, gray, or Isabella unless they are blue. French Bulldogs are commonly lilac. Other words that describe the same color as Isabella but are not used for the GSD are Isabella fawn, silver beige, silver-fawn, or lavender. What is an Isabella GSD? Isabella typically is lilac or dilute liver-colored dog. However, in the case of German Shepherds, who are not commonly a solid color, Isabella can be difficult to distinguish from a blue dilution. However, as blue and liver dogs represent diluted colors, the nose will be lighter accordingly. Therefore, a liver dog has a liver, brown, or reddish nose, and a blue dog would have a gray nose. Red and black German Shepherds are prominent in the German Show lines, and some people mistake them for liver dogs. However, liver dogs cannot have black hair, and solid red dogs will have fully pigmented noses. Isabella German Shepherds, although a double-dilute color, can have a relatively dark nose. According to Doggenetics. Some may even have a dark gray nose. What should you know about how colors like Isabella show up? Isabella German Shepherd, like any other color variation, has a genetic basis. However, the hereditary nature of colors is not as straightforward as other traits like height and muzzle length. In the simplest of terms, color genes occupy certain locations or loci on the chromosomes and dictate pattern expressions on the body. Dogs have several loci, and some are dominant over others. The A-locus or agouti gene is responsible for most German Shepherd coloration. Agouti dictates the base color of all dogs, and if it shows up or not depends on whether other loci are dominant. There are four expressions of the agouti-locus in dogs, all with their labels. Without getting into too much detail, agouti in its different expressions, also known as alleles, is responsible for four different color patterns, according to Animalgenetics. Each hair has bands of two or more colors often tipped with black. Sable is dominant over the other agouti expressions. A sable dog may have two dominant alleles or one recessive allele. Wild sable — Similar to sable, wild sable dogs have a sandy or reddish appearance instead of a predominance of black. Some dogs with this gene expression may also be solid black. Some sources, like Ddr-k9. Different presentations illustrate the complexity of color heredity in dogs. Such a discussion is beyond the scope of our article. Note, black is carried on a different and dominant locus in many other breeds. So how do you get an Isabella German Shepherd? The Liver and Dilution Loci Remember the loci we keep mentioning? The A-locus is your base color, but another named locus may transform it. A specific liver recessive gene, for example, resides on the B-locus and is responsible for a brown or chocolate color in dogs. The liver is a dilution in German Shepherds. Since the A-locus affects color pattern, otherwise bi-color and recessive black Shepherds will show as solid liver in dogs with B-locus dilution, and black and tans will express as liver and tan. Blue German Shepherds inherit two recessive dilution genes on the D-locus. Unlike the liver gene, the blue gene dilutes black without completely removing all pigmentation. As a result, dogs with dilution at the D-locus will be in various shades of blue, usually charcoal to light gray to steel blue. Gray or mouse German Shepherds can be blue and tan, solid blue, or blue bicolor. Blue GSDs usually have gray or blue eyes. Blue GSDs are distinct from silver dogs who are variants of black and tan. An Isabella dog is a double dilution that involves a puppy inheriting two recessive suppressing genes on the D-locus and two on the B-locus. The recessive liver gene ensures the dog will have no black hair. The dilution gene further suppresses pigmentation in the chocolate brown areas since there are no black hairs upon which to act. Isabella dogs often have sea-green or blue-green eyes. Do Isabella German Shepherds have additional health problems? An Isabella color occurs naturally in the GSD breed, albeit with precise alignment of several criteria. Blue Germans Shepherds do not have blue alopecia dermatitis common in other diluted breeds like the Doberman. Isabella German Shepherds thus far have no more health problems than dogs of the more common and standard colors. Because dilution is a recessive trait, selecting for Isabella German Shepherds based on increased interest and demand could promote health problems that would be difficult to anticipate. As always, if you desire an Isabella dog, go through a reputable breeder to avoid practices such as overbreeding and inbreeding that could lead to detrimental health concerns. Conclusion The following are two examples of Isabella dogs. This video shows an Isabella puppy with bicolor markings. Note the tan markings with the light reddish-gray, which will progressively fade as the pup gets older. You can see how difficult it is to distinguish a blue dilution from a double liver dilution, but this pup already exhibits a lavender sheen typical of Isabella German Shepherd. This video shows again an Isabella GSD but with what appears to be a sable base coat. Where the dog would ordinarily be black, she is a red chestnut. This could be a liver dog except for the hint of lavender about her muzzle. Note her light-colored nose, indicating she is not a wild sable. Take note that if this dog were black as she appears, she is blue and does not have liver dilution. Some circles refer to blue German Shepherds as Isabellas. DNA tests can confirm the genetic coloring of dogs. Liver dogs cannot have black hair, and blue dogs cannot be liver. Isabella typically refers to dilution on the blue locus and the liver locus, resulting in a sandy-gray color. The blue locus is more correctly a dilution locus, and therefore, Isabella German Shepherds are technically double-dilute livers. The Isabella German Shepherd is the result of a rare genetic variation that combines the color variations from the bleu and the liver dilution. This means that the coat is entirely the result of recessive genes. This color pattern is sometimes called lavender or lilac as well. These dogs have a fluffier and longer coat in most cases, and they will almost always have light eyes that are either blue or gray. Their noses might also be light brown to match the lighter tones in their coat. This dog can sometimes be mistaken for a Husky or some of the other longer-haired and light-colored dog breeds in this size category. They are actually German Shepherds, however, and are not directly related to these other dog breeds. Are Isabella German Shepherds Rare? The Isabella German Shepherd is quite rare. This is because this color variant comes from two recessive genes that combine to make the color possible. This is not a common color in the German Shepherd breed, and it is not an AKC-recognized color either. For the Isabella German Shepherd color to occur, both parents must have a particular recessive gene that allows the color to be expressed. This does not guarantee that all the puppies in the litter will express this gene, however. Breeders could produce a few Isabella puppies per litter or might not have any, despite having produced a whole litter of puppies with this color pattern in the past from the same breeding pair. A reputable breeder will be needed in order to get a dog that has this coat pattern. It can be very hard to get a dog in this color, and you might be on the waiting list for a long time due to the rarity of this coat variation. This is because the first German Shepherds that were bred intentionally to create the AKC-recognized breed were supposed to be black and tan. When the German Shepherd became more popular for working dog use and for the show, more breeders began creating litters of these dogs. While the Isabella German Shepherd was not allowed to be registered by the AKC, these dogs were valued for the unique color that made them appear quite different than the other German Shepherds that were being bred for showing and for working jobs. Breeders might not have been breeding intentionally for this color in the beginning, but some breeders do work hard to create this coat pattern today. The combining of recessive genes can lead to other kinds of health issues, so the AKC continues to encourage breeders not to try and create dogs in this color. There are very few breeders who can dependably create litters in this color, and there is little to no chance that this color will become part of the recognized association coat patterns that the AKC encourages. Isabella German Shepherd Appearance The Isabella German Shepherd looks just like a standard German Shepherd except with a unique silvery coat that is either sable, brown, or even golden in color. The Isabella dog might start out slightly darker and lighten over time. However, since their coats are so light to start with, you might not even notice this change taking place. The coat of the Isabella German Shepherd is silky and slightly long. This means that you will need to provide more grooming care for this kind of German Shepherd than you would for a standard-coated dog. An Isabella German Shepherd will almost always have a light pink or brown nose, and they usually have blue or grey eyes. They can also have blue-green eyes in some cases. This breed is about the same height and weight as a standard German Shepherd, but they can be a bit longer-legged and leaner in their bodies. These dogs can live for years. This is the same expected age range as for the standard German Shepherd. Getting your dog from a responsible breeder who certifies their dogs as being free of certain defects is important. This is particularly true since this is a color that comes from two recessive genes combined. You should never get any dog from anyone who is not a responsible breeder. However, when you are trying to get a dog with a really unique coat, you need to be doubly sure that the dog that you get does not have a lot of health issues or problems related to inbreeding. Most German Shepherds can suffer from hip and back trouble as they age, but there are things that you can do to help slow down this part of the aging process. Always make sure that you are prepared to take your dog out for enough exercise every day and that you take them to the vet if you notice something unusual going on. The sooner that your Isabella German Shepherd gets attention for health issues, the better, no matter how old they are. Kibble is the easiest way to feed your dog, but some people prefer to feed a raw food diet. When you do choose to feed a raw diet, you need to be certain that you get the food from a reliable source. Raw food diets can be imbalanced, or they might have been contaminated during shipping. Other people want to be sure to feed their dogs real butcher cuts. This can be hard to do, but if you are near a butcher shop, you might be able to change your dog over to this kind of feeding plan. Feeding your dog quality kibble is often the easiest way to go. These are high-energy dogs who need to be busy and mentally stimulated every day. Keeping your dog busy requires daily walks or play, and you might need to be sure that you find things for your dog to do that challenge their brains. German Shepherds are working dogs, and they like to feel employed. Even if you make up games for you and your dog to play that keep them busy, this can be a great way to keep your dog happy and healthy. Isabella German Shepherds love to go hiking and walking with their families. They also love to play with children and other animals in your home. If you have kids, you can trust your Isabella German Shepherd to play with them gently and quite happily for hours. Isabella German Shepherd Trainability and Intelligence German Shepherds are some of the most intelligent and trainable dogs out there. This breed learns rapidly and retains information for a long time. You can teach your German Shepherd all kinds of skills and routines with ease. Your dog will love to be challenged with new skills all the time, and they will be pleased when they succeed at making you happy. You can teach your dog tricks, and obedience, or even take part in competitions of many kinds. Your dog will be happy to learn things all the time, and if you enjoy working with a dog that loves to enjoy new skills, this is the right breed for you. German Shepherds benefit from being kept busy so that they do not destroy things or get anxious. You will need to be prepared to keep your German Shepherd busy on a daily basis throughout most of their life. This is because their coat is longer than the standard coat. While not as long as the long-coated German Shepherd, the Isabella German Shepherd will still require some of the more intensive coat care that long-coated dogs do. You will want to consider having a groomer work on your Isabella German Shepherd every few months to keep their coat in good health. This means removing burrs and other kinds of debris from their coat and making sure to keep on top of mats in the coat. Washing a long-haired dog also requires that you take the time to get them really dry before you start brushing them out. Grooming this German Shepherd will require more time and effort than the standard dog. You will need to be sure that you are prepared for the investment that this coat type takes if you do get an Isabella German Shepherd. These dogs are more prone to arthritis than small dogs, but you can manage these kinds of conditions with supportive care of various kinds. Hip dysplasia can impact even young German Shepherds, which is why you need to get your dog from a reputable breeder. Bloat is common in big dogs of many kinds. You will find that this is not so common that you need to live in fear of this problem happening to your dog. However, this is something that all big dog owners need to be aware of. This can happen due to your dog eating something they should not have, but it can also be spontaneous in some dogs. Your vet will have to do surgery to correct this problem, but the surgery has a very high rate of success. Progressive retinal atrophy is also common in all German Shepherds. This is a degenerative condition that causes blindness over time. There are few things that can be done about this kind of eye condition, but some vitamins and diet changes have been shown to help slow the progression of this condition. This is not as common as some of the other conditions on this list, but your German Shepherd could end up with this eye problem as they get older. Diabetes is also common in German Shepherds. This condition can happen to young dogs, but it is almost always a condition that impacts middle-aged and old dogs. Keeping their weight down is good for other issues as well, such as arthritis. Arthritis is a common problem for big dogs, and you will need to make sure that your dog is not jumping onto tall surfaces or exercising too hard every day as they get older. How Much is an Isabella German Shepherd? This is because this coat pattern is really rare. You will probably need to be sure that you are prepared to wait for a few years to get your dog as well. If the waiting list is long for a breeder, it can take a very long time to get to the top of the list. You will also not be able to be very picky about if you get a female or male dog since the number of Isabella dogs per litter can be small. You will need to be sure that you are working with a recognized breeder before you get on a waiting list. It can be a good idea to ask around other dog breeders about who they would recommend for a dog with this coat pattern. Alternatively, you can do some research online and ask the breeders who you are thinking of working with for some more information about their breeding process. Breeders who are not willing to talk with you about the details of their operation or who are not interested in providing certifications of health should be avoided. No matter what kind of dog you are getting, you should never work with a breeder who will not answer basic questions and who is not transparent about the health of their dogs. They are located in Saluda North Carolina and have been strong breeders of German Shepherds for quite some time. Their main focus is on German Shepherd puppies of different coat colors, especially the rare Isabella German Shepherd dog. The sires and dams used by K9 pines are registered dogs with the American Kennel Club which is where they are raised according to high standards that elevate the overall integrity of the breed. Their dogs are blessed with impressive titled pedigrees. In over 20 years, they have been able to build a solid line of genetically health-tested dogs that are still given the necessary orthopedic health checks with the proper certifications to show for it. As a breeding facility or kennel, they are located on a large property that is in Saluda, North Carolina. The dogs are given the proper socialization and training right from day 1 till they eventually go to their new families. Your new dog should come with the needed written health guarantee. They are also properly vaccinated and dewormed with the right shots to keep them healthy and strong.

Grooming will have to be a priority for this dog. Stay on top of all that hair by brushing your dog weekly. A mid to large sized dog, the Aussiedor is best suited for a house with enough yard space to get plenty of exercise. As mentioned above the Australian Shepherd Lab Mix can weigh anywhere from 40 to 80 lbs 22 to 36 kg and reach 22 to 25 inches 56 to 64 cm in height. The Australian Shepherd is also recognized as a loving family dog, particularly around children. Herding genes mean protectiveness, so this is something to watch for with an Australian Shepherd Labrador mix. Separation anxiety can be a factor. Nonetheless, these genes make a great therapy dog and both parent breeds are known to excel in these working roles. The ease of trainability is high, as this mix has an impressive IQ and loves a good mental or physical challenge to get those juices flowing. Positive reinforcement will keep her motivated to please and socialization will help soften herding instincts when it comes to the presence of strangers and other pets. Check out this video that showcases some vital techniques used to train an Australian Shepherd Labrador mix. You will need to challenge her because if not, she will challenge your belongings to a game of bite and chew. Spend an hour each day playing fetch, frisbee or going for a long walk. Labradors are known to be phenomenal swimmers, which could mean the same for your Australian Shepherd Labrador mix. If you have a pool, make a splash to burn off extra energy. For rainy days, keep interactive toys handy, such as doggie puzzles, that work the brain. Aussidors Have a Big Appetite This breed is not one to miss a meal. They have a big appetite, but also have a tendency to pack on the pounds, so keep meals on a schedule. Opt for calorie-dense dry dog food that is high in protein. Feed your adult Aussiedor 3 to 4 cups of food per day, divided into 2 meals. This is the belief that hybrids tend to be harder than the purebred parents due to a broader gene pool. Of course, as with any species of animal, there are a handful of health issues to stay informed about. You should always be prepared to ask breeders questions about health issues and they should be able to provide clearances from the vet. These are the most common Australian Shepherd Labrador mix health issues to be aware of. Elbow dysplasia: Growth abnormalities in the elbow causing painful mobility. Hip dysplasia : Abnormalities in the hips that are painful and hinder mobility. Muscular dystrophy: A disease that causes progressive weakness and loss of muscle. Collie eye anomaly: An inherited disease that aggravates the bilateral eye and can cause blindness. Progressive retinal atrophy: Degeneration of the retina that can cause vision loss. Cataracts: An opacity in the eye lens that impairs vision. Bloat: When gas causes the stomach to be distended, putting pressure on the diaphragm. Not to mention how adorable they look! Please oh please beware of puppy mills, though! With puppy mill dogs, puppy health is known to be poor. Do you have a pencil ready? Write down the following tips and keep them close to your heart when seeking out Aussiedor puppies for sale. Remember: good breeders should be dog lovers Breeding dogs is something that takes passion and love. Unfortunately, there are those few slime balls looking to bag a quick buck by exploiting the innocent. Here are 4 signs to look out for: A breeder should be an open book. Never make an online transaction. Ask to visit the location where the puppies were born and live. If a breeder declines, take it as a red flag and shop elsewhere. What do they have to hide? Puppy mill breeders will want to hustle fast, offering transactions that can be made online and charging cheaper prices than the average. Do your research on what the average cost is. Beware of breeders that make guarantees. For instance, if a breeder claims that their Aussiedor puppies will grow to a certain height or act a specific way, move on to the next one. Remember, no one can make predictions on how a hybrid will turn out. Here are some helpful sources to locate Australian Shepherd Lab Mix for adoption. Temperament: Exuberant, outgoing and friendly. Australian Shepherd Lab Mix Appearance As a cross their appearance can vary greatly between a nice mix of the two, or can lean more towards one parent or the other. The same thing can be said about their size with some being a heavier set like the Labrador or others being leaner like Aussies. Aussiedors are generally broad-shouldered and solid in structure with the broad face and large head of a Labrador. Their ears hang low and their tail is relatively long compared to the body. Size Once fully grown you can expect them to stand 25 inches tall, although they can be as short as 18 inches. As for weight it should range between pounds. Colors Despite the fairly basic colors of its parents, the Aussiedor is quite the rainbow dog. They come in nearly every color imaginable! The most common colors for this mix include bicolor black and white , tricolor black, tan and white , blue or red merle, tan, black and tan, spotted, speckled or brindle. Coat Their coat can be a mixture of types thanks to the difference of coat between Australian Shepherds and Labradors. It can either be straight or somewhat wavy and length can vary too. No matter how it may look all coats are typically dense and repel water like Labradors. Both the Labrador and the Australian Shepherd are heavy shedders, and the Aussiedor is no different — in fact, they usually shed even more than their parents. If you do not like finding fur everywhere, the Aussiedor may not be the dog for you. Their devotion to their family means they are also prone to separation anxiety. It is likely they will have the herding instincts of their Australian Shepherd parent. The wide range of colors means they can have numerous different markings. Aussiedors make excellent family dogs and adore children. Due to their easy going nature, they do not make the best guard dog. They are loyal to their people, kind and gentle with children and friendly to people that it knows. Some Australian Shepherd Lab mixes might lean more towards their Aussie side and be cautious around strangers, whereas others will lean more towards their Lab side. As a general rule though they tend to lean towards the easy-going attitude of the Labrador Retriever. Both Australian Shepherds and Labradors are high energy breeds, meaning that this cross is no different. They need lots of physical stimulation every day to keep them occupied and plenty of toys to play with. These dogs can easily play and run around for hours on end without breaking a sweat so make sure you have plenty of room and time to exercise them. They also excel at dog sports, including flyball, agility, and other active sports. They are not big barkers although they will bark to alert the family to anyone coming up to the house, or sometimes when they play. One important thing to know is they can sometimes have the herding instincts of the Australian Shepherd and attempt to herd small children or small animals. Fortunately, they are incredibly smart and are easily trained out of these undesirable behaviors. These dogs make excellent companions for families. Labradors are generally amazing with kids and also great with strangers and Australian Shepherds are similar although they can be more aloof. This creates a nice mix that adores children and playing, but can also be a bit protective of their family. Caring for an Australian Shepherd Lab Mix The Aussiedor is an amazing companion but their exercise and grooming requirements are not for busy adults. These dogs need a lot of time to be able to run around and be brushed. Even more, brushing will be needed if they have a coat that is similar to the Australian Shepherd. However, their easy-going nature makes them a perfect companion for novice dog owners or someone looking for their next competition dog. They are also amazing dogs with children which means there is almost no family that this dog does not fit with. Remember these dogs do not do well living in an apartment and some even have issues living in suburbs. Exercise Requirements As both their parent breeds are high energy your Australian Shepherd Lab mix will also be high energy. They can handle living in the suburbs with a fenced-in yard to play in along with daily walks, although they thrive on farms or larger properties with a job. At least two walks a day are needed for the Aussiedor. Just a walk around the block will not be enough for this dog, they need to be off-leash with space to run around. They will also need time to play when you get back home. Agility is a great game to teach and a great way to burn their energy out. Number of Walks Per Day: .Grooming and Shedding The biggest downfall to this incredible breed is the grooming and shedding responsibilities. Both Australian Shepherds and Labradors shed a lot, so the Aussiedor is no exception. Although their coat will blow out in the spring and fall, you should still be prepared for a lot of shedding throughout the rest of the year. At the very least the Shepherd Lab mix needs to be brushed weekly, although this should increase to every couple days during shedding season. Brushing your dog regularly and blowing out their coat if they have the longer fur of an Aussie can help control the extreme shedding. Shorter coat variations also do well with a damp washcloth being run over their coat to remove any excess fur. Feeding and Diet Just like their Labrador parent, the Aussiedor is prone to eating everything in sight and putting on weight. So with this pooch, you need to keep a close eye on their weight. A high-quality, calorie-rich, dry dog food is best for this breed. You might also need to use a slow eater bowl since they are prone to bloat. Australian Shepherds tend to live for about nine years, while Labradors typically live for closer to twelve. Thanks to the hybrid vigor, you can expect Aussiedors to live closer to about twelve years. Regardless both breeds are very smart and pick up on things quickly. They respond best to positive reinforcement especially if they lean more towards the Aussie. Aggressive methods such as pinch collars should be avoided as it will cause your Aussiedor to shut down and become disinterested in learning. Make sure to stick with only light corrections. As with any dog, socialization is an important part of doggy training when the Australian Shepherd Lab is young, but not as important as some other breeds. By nature, this is an easy-going dog that gets along well with everyone including kids, cats, and sometimes even strangers. They need their fair share of mental stimulation so you can set up a few jumps — training their agility is a great way to meet both their physical and mental stimulation needs. These dogs are physical athletes and they love being able to perform. Although a playful pup sounds endearing, consider how many games of fetch or tag you want to play each day, and whether you have kids or other dogs who can stand in as playmates for the dog. They are not purebreds like their Australian Shepherd or Labrador Retriever parents. The main colors of Australian Shepherd Lab Mixes are brown, cream, black, tan, and brindle. They are often a blend and mix of any of these colors. These dogs are generally not recommended for people with allergies. They tend to shed quite a bit. Australian Shepherd Lab Mixes can be very tolerant of children, but like all dogs, should be supervised when around youngsters. They may try to herd small children thinking they are part of their flock. Australian Shepherd Labs do get along with other dogs but it is important to socialize puppies. This gets them used to other dogs and also to people, although they are also affectionate to strangers. These pups like to stay active through the day. If they get bored, they could become destructive. They enjoy activities like frisbee, swimming, hiking, and walking. If you need a running partner, the Aussie Shepherd Lab could be your new coach. Australian Shepherd Lab Mix History The Australian Shepherd Lab mixed dog breed may have existed naturally over the years, but designer breeders started intentionally mixing Australian Shepherd and Labrador Retrievers in the late s, likely in North America. Today they make great companions and guide dogs, and often work as drug detection dogs. They need to have jobs and are happiest when they are active. They were originally bread to herd cattle and need to stay active. The Aussie Shepherd Lab mix was bread to be a super working dog. Mixing two breeds also minimizes health issues that tend to affect pure breeds, as they are often inbred. Breeders continued to create Australian Shepherd Lab Mixes as demand for the mixed breed pups climbed. Even though the Australian Shepherd Lab Mix got their start as a designer breed, some have ended up in shelters or in the care of rescue groups. Consider adoption if you decide this is the pup for you. Check your local shelters, look up Australian Shepherd Lab Mix rescues, or check with breed specific Australian Shepherd and Labrador Retriever rescues, as they sometimes help to re-home mixed breed dogs. That said, as a mix between Australian Shepherd and Labrador Retriever parents, you can expect Australian Shepherd Lab Mixes to be in the medium size range. Most weigh in at 40 to 80 pounds and range in height from 22 to 25 inches at the shoulder. However, many can be smaller or larger than average. Many Australian Shepherd Lab Mix lovers describe their dogs as protective, loyal, athletic companions. They are medium in size and full of energy and with lots of love to give. One thing Australian Shepherd Labs are not good at is being alone for long periods of time. Without the companionship they need—as well as exercise and the chance to put their intelligence to work—they become bored and frustrated. Like every dog, the Australian Shepherd Lab needs early socialization. Lots of walks and outings to local parks can help with this. While most are generally healthy, some may be prone to a few health issues, which is why it is important to maintain good care and regular veterinary checkups. Your vet can help you develop a care routine that will keep your dog healthy. Australian Shepherd Labs are prone to weight gain, and they have high energy levels. Opt for cotton balls over q-tips. Due to their floppy ears they are prone to infection. They should be checked weekly for redness or a strong odor. This may indicate signs of an infection. They should not be clicking against the floor. Your groomer can help with this. One main concern when it comes to your Australian Shepherd Labs care will be maintaining their oral health. You should brush their teeth daily, as this breed is prone to tartar buildup. Dental chews can also help combat the plaque buildup. How much your adult dog eats depends on their size, age, build, metabolism, and activity level. You should ask your veterinarian for recommendations about your Australian Shepherd Lab diet, as there is far too much variation among individual dogs—including weight, energy, and health—to make a specific recommendation. They tend to shed quite a bit, if you are not familiar with robotic vacuums, consider looking into a RoboVac. These pups will require a few good brushes per week. Brushing will also help to spread the oils throughout the coat. Australian Shepherd Lab mixes have a water resistant top coat and a warm undercoat. They are resilient in rain and snow. They can be very tolerant of children, but like all dogs, should be supervised when around youngsters. Always teach kids how to approach and touch dogs, and always supervise any interactions between dogs and young children to prevent any biting or ear or tail pulling on the part of either party. Socialization teaches puppies how to behave and greet other dogs. Find out if this is the right dog for you by learning about their Australian Shepherd and Labrador Retriever parents. However, you may want to try Australian Shepherd or Labrador Retriever breed specific rescues, as they often care for mixes, as well. Here are some rescues you can try:. Eye problems like cataracts, progressive retinal atrophy, and retinal dysplasia Hip and elbow dysplasia Osteochondritis Hypothyroidism To make sure that your pup is healthy, take it to the vet the moment it arrives home. It should be tested against the genes that cause hereditary cataracts. He must receive nutrition that is ideal for its build and weight. As much as possible, your dog should maintain a perfect and healthy weight. Giving your dog treats is the number one cause of obesity and being overweight. If you want to train your dog and reward it for good behavior, use positive reinforcement instead. The following dog food is the best for Australian Shepherd Lab mix breeds: 1. It is also made from brown rice, sweet potatoes, apples, spinach, carrots and more. It also comes with vitamins, minerals, and supplements that can help your dog burn fat more efficiently. It does not contain coarse grains but is made from wholesome ingredients and has a high-protein formula. It is the best food for highly-energetic dogs that are prone to digestive problems. Canidae Grain-Free Pure Sky Dog Food This mixed breed may come with digestive issues and allergies; therefore, this dog food may help your dog reduce these medical conditions. This will help maintain muscle mass and healthy digestion. Not all human food is good for dogs. Avoid the following food as much as possible: Alcohol Chicken bones or cooked chicken bones Chocolate, coffee, and tea Onions, chives, and garlic Salty foods and junk food You want your dog to have a healthy life, full of joy and happiness. The owners should try to provide them for their pups, but at the same time stay away from worst dry dog food. Puppies need energy for their active social life so take a look at our list of best puppy food brands. Dog-grandpas who prefer to stay home and watch TV might enjoy best senior dry dog food. Your pup inherits lots of genes from their lovely parents so you can try out best dry dog food for small dogs or best large breed dry dog food and see if any of them sticks. This dog needs you for mental and physical stimulation. It requires a lot of time for exercise and play. If this is not met, your dog could become bored and could become destructive. Activities, like running, jogging, Frisbee and fetch, are good activities to do every day. Take your dog to a playground or dog park where you can play with your dog in a safe environment. This mixed breed loves to swim owing to its Labrador Retriever roots. You can take this to a lake or dog pool where it can master its diving, fetching and retriever talents. Invest in the following durable toys for your dog. This rope toy is durable and will never break or tear. Your dog will love to play with this toy again and again. You can play all kinds of games indoors or outdoors with this durable toy. Ultra Rubber Ball Dog Toy Durable and will last forever, this ball dog toy is made from rubber and is safe for your dogs. You can play catch, fetch or any game or play outdoors with this soft toy. It is straightforward to train this dog, and with the following techniques, you can prepare this breed quickly, efficiently and safely. Give Your Dog Positive Reinforcement Food treats can cause obesity and other medical conditions which can cause the life and health of your dog. Instead of treats, offer encouraging words, pats, and hugs and play with your dog. You may also provide his favorite toy instead of treats. As soon as it arrives home, teach it house proofing rules. Show where he will eat, sleep and where it will find its food and water. Your little one may not get it right away, but with constant training, he will do just well. Therefore it would be best to train your dog new tricks by doing this indoors or in a familiar and safe environment. You may train it in your backyard or indoors and then gradually move outdoors once he is more comfortable and less distracted. A Lab Australian Shepherd dog may get professional training to become service dogs, herding dogs or guard dogs. An expert may train your dog for obedience training, protection training, attack training and other special tricks he can perform daily. But aside from its endearing and loving nature, it can also be used as a guard dog. This dog is brave and will guard its flock no matter what happens. This dog loves to play with kids and will herd them if they are not herding sheep or livestock. This dog will be patient and will like to be with other dogs and pets at home. The Lab Australian Shepherd should socialize with other dogs and people early. This should be done the soonest to prevent developing anti-social behaviors and aggression against people or other pets or dogs. Your Australian Shepherd Lab pup will become a disciplined, happy and healthy dog when caring for it and train it early. It should be exposed to other pets soon and receive ample hours of exercise and training daily. The Australian Shepherd Lab Mix, affectionately known as an Aussiedor, is a strong and playful, medium-sized dog breed with a solid build. The Aussiedor is a mixed breed dog from cross-breeding a purebred Australian Shepherd with a purebred Labrador Retriever. Designer dogs come in a variety of coat colors and types, depending on the genes and appearance of the parent breeds. This hybrid dog breed has a striking appearance with expressive almond-shaped eyes and is highly intelligent, active, and hardworking. An Aussiedor puppy makes an adorable family pet and companion for any dog owner that wants a high energy pooch. Fact: The Australian Shepherd dog did not originate in Australia as the name suggests. It actually originated as a herding dog in the 19th Century to work on ranches in the West of the United States of America. This loveable dog is known from its roles in Cowboy and Western-type movies as the herding dog on the ranch. Over time, the Aussie has developed a reputation as a strong and intelligent working dog that is easily trainable. It has, therefore, has been used successfully, for many decades, as a herding dog and shepherd dog, a service dog, a protection dog, and in a variety of search and rescue jobs. The Aussie has a high energy level with a herding instinct and is happiest when it is being kept very active and where it knows what it has to do. This is not your average couch potato pooch but it can be a happy family dog as long as it is kept busy. The Labrador Retriever dog is from Newfoundland, Canada. Possibly as early as the s, they were used by fishermen to retrieve fish from nets and catch those that escaped back into the sea. They are all good swimmers and have a gentle mouth grip that will not damage the prey they are ordered to retrieve. This dog breed came to Great Britain around .The 5th Duke of Buccleuch, a British Aristocrat, heard about their retrieving skills and is believed to have been one of the first people to import the Labrador Retriever dog from Newfoundland, Canada. He did this because he wanted a smart working dog on his estate on the Scotland Borders. He wanted to use them as gun dogs for retrieving the wild ducks he shot on his estate. Another British Aristocrat, the 2nd Earl of Malmesbury, was also a fan of Newfoundland retrieving dogs for hunting and quickly noticed their skill for retrieving waterfowl on land and in water. In , the new 6th Duke of Buccleuch met the new 3rd Earl of Malmesbury on a shoot and realized their mutual respect for these skilled hunting and retrieving dogs. The Earl then gifted two of his male Labrador retriever dogs to the Duke, who then used two of his female labs to begin breeding more and this is believed to have continued the pure Newfoundland lab bloodline we still see today in our Labrador Retrievers. The lab is simply an adorable and gentle dog that makes the ideal family pet. Its fun-loving and loyal nature, and easy-going temperament, makes it suitable for any age of dog owner or living environment. Meet the offspring: The hybrid offspring of these two purebred dogs is the Australian Shepherd Lab mix puppy — the Aussiedor puppy. Fact: Designer dogs are increasing in popularity and so is the trend to give them a cute combo name that reflects a bit of both parent names. The Aussiedor puppy will inherit characteristics from both parents. What are the main characteristics of an Australian Shepherd Lab Mix? Like any other crossbreed, the Australian Shepherd Lab Mix can inherit the characteristics of either parent or both. Crossbred dogs are no more likely to inherit health issues than purebred dogs; in fact, it is believed they may actually be stronger. Any puppy mix dog can inherit all, some or none of the health issues its parent breeds have. It can be heavily weighted towards the characteristics of one parent more than the other. The characteristics of an Aussiedor are a combination of nature and nurture: genetics of the parents, the environment and the quality, type and amount of training and socialization. The Aussiedor — possible coat colors Both parents have a double coat: a water-resistant topcoat and a warm undercoat. Therefore the Aussiedor will inherit the same double coat. Fact: The merle gene is associated with health problems and if both parents have this dangerous gene it can cause various eye diseases and deafness in their offspring. Fortunately for this Australian Shepherd mix , its Labrador Retriever parent does not carry this gene. Loyalty and companionship The Aussie Lab is a relatively new breed. Given its parent mix, it will be extremely loyal with a loving temperament when trained and socialized properly. It will make a very caring and protective companion, and crave company and inclusion. It needs to have company and can suffer from separation anxiety if left alone for long periods of time. Reputation: This breed is kind and gentle. Both parents have herding instincts so the Aussiedor is likely to inherit these instincts too. This means it will want to work and herd, so it needs to be trained and socialized early to prevent young children and other family pets from becoming part of its herd! They have a reputation as a high energy breed that can be gentle but can inherit the cautious nature of the Aussie and be a little aloof with strangers. It is not known as an aggressive dog but needs to be kept occupied or it can be mischievous. Trainability: The Aussiedor puppy needs to be trained and socialized as early as is will inherit a herding instinct and be highly active. This mixed breed is protective and could be occasionally aggressive with strangers. They may attempt to take over and herd small children and smaller pets so they need to be controlled. The trainability of this very intelligent breed should be quite easy as it is a working type dog. Positive reinforcement and small treats will work well but not harsh discipline, or any form of negative punishment or physical restraint as it may rebel. Power and intelligence: This mixed breed dog is very intelligent, strong, and active with a herding and working drive. It will enjoy and need working challenges incorporating mental and physical stimulation, but it will be curious and want to investigate the other side of the fence. Socialization: Early socialization and discipline are strongly recommended for any crossbred dog that has a herding and working dog heritage. Any type of hybrid dog with two intelligent parents will be strong-willed and need to be active and occupied. They will not want a sedentary lifestyle and will enjoy as much exercise and action as the owner can provide. When trained and socialized this mixed breed dog will be approachable and friendly around children and other animals. Purpose: Any herding or working dog will want to be useful and please its owner. Behavior: The Australian Sheprador is agile, active, and can be strong-willed so it needs to be trained early as it can easily and will become destructive or mischievous. When trained it will be a playful and friendly companion and family pet. Physical Characteristics of the Australian Shepherd Lab Mix This dog has an unusual appearance, with striking eyes, sometimes even different colors, and a beautiful coat. Both male and female tend to follow the same growth patterns in terms of size and weight. Unlike some breeds where males can grow to a larger size. Size: The Aussiedor is a medium sized dog. Australian Shepherd Lab mix puppies This mix is a smart, high-energy, high-shedding ball of fun. They require socialization due to guarding tendencies, and have some potential for inherited health issues, but they also have all the earmarks of a great pet. Today we will take a look at the pros and cons of the Australian Shepherd Lab mix. We do know more about the origins of the parent breeds. If you have a first generation Aussiedor, then her origins really start with Labs and Aussies. Even if your mixed pup is second generation or beyond, the history of the parent breeds can heavily inform the makeup of the individual dog. These retrievers were later mixed with Newfoundlands to produce the classic Lab that we recognize now. They are prized as hunting partners, service dogs and of course family pets. Aussies descend from sheep-herding dogs that are believed to have originated in the Pyrenees Mountains in Spain and France. However, the Australian Shepherd that we know today was refined in the United States. Today, Australian Shepherds are still used for herding in some areas, but many of them are beloved farm dogs. They accompany their owners on trail rides or farmers who are working crops. They are also popular family pets. Especially for people with small children and good-sized yards that allow games of fetch and chase! What To Expect From An Australian Shepherd Lab Mix Learning about the parent breeds can help us to understand the possible temperament, behaviors, and appearance of a mixed breed like the Aussiedor. Labs are a little taller, ranging up to .Aussies can range between 40 and 65 pounds, and Labs are usually slightly bigger, ranging from 55 to 85 pounds. A Labrador Australian Shepherd mix will likely be a medium-sized dog, falling somewhere in the range of the parent breeds. They have sturdy, athletic frames and happy wagging tails. What are some other options? A black Lab Australian Shepherd mix, for example, could have the dark fur of the Lab parent, the generally lighter solid coat of the Australian Shepherd, or a multicolored coat like many Aussies. Chocolate Labs are perhaps the most popular color variation in the very popular Labrador Retriever breed. But just as with the black Lab Australian Shepherd mix, no one can promise that your Aussiedor will have a chocolate coat. On top of that, chocolate Labs have a recessive gene, making them a more rare coloration. Yellow Labrador Retrievers are more common than chocolate Labs, but not as commonly seen as black Labs. So you may still find it tricky to track down an Australian Shepherd yellow Lab mix. Ultimately, whether you find a black Lab Australian Shepherd mix, an Australian Shepherd chocolate Lab mix, or an Australian Shepherd yellow Lab mix, the exact coloration is impossible to guarantee. Australian Shepherds also have something of a reputation, so your Labrador Australian Shepherd mix will shed prolifically. However, an Aussie double-coat will require a good bit more maintenance. You might consider using a slicker brush to prevent the coat from tangling, to get rid of dead hair, and to remove whatever debris that your pup picks up during the work or play day. This dog will need weekly brushing at minimum; an Aussiedor with an Aussie-type coat might benefit from regular trips to the groomer to keep his fur from matting. Australian Shepherd Lab Mix Temperament When it comes to temperament, the Australian Shepherd and Lab mix is most likely going to be a handful for novice dog owners. Both Labradors and Australian Shepherds are high-energy dogs that were bred to work. Australian Shepherd Lab Mix Personality Due to their strong herding and thus guarding instincts, some Australian Shepherds can be protective of their families. This may make them shy or a little bit aggressive around strangers. Socializing an Aussie from a young age may reduce the chances of their guarding instinct from showing up later. Conversely, Labrador Retrievers are usually NOT shy or reserved with strangers or other dogs although a few individuals may be so. They are generally very smiley and happy dogs that love anyone who will give them attention. Knowing whether an Aussiedor will act more like a Labrador possibly a bit jumpy and prone to following her nose or an Australian Shepherd very jumpy and possibly prone to nipping at heels is a coin toss. Socialization Socialization is important for all breeds, really. Training your dog to react well in new and different circumstances is part of raising a happy, well-behaved pet. Introduce your pup to different environments, people of all ages, and other animals. Training And Exercise Australian Shepherd Lab mix training is best carried out with positive methods. From day one, reward behaviors you want to see, like calmness, ignoring the wildlife and not jumping up. Keep that buy brain occupied. This mix is not a lap dog or a couch potato. They need lots of interaction and play time in order to be happy and both physically and mentally healthy. Exercise Requirements This mix will do well with a fenced-in yard for play time, but they will truly thrive on a farm or larger property that will give them a job to do. They are people-pleasers who will love being your best mate or farm hand! Australian Shepherd Lab Mix Health And Care Just like purebred dogs, hybrid dogs may also develop certain conditions based on their genetics. Labrador Health Labs are generally quite healthy for medium to large dogs, but they do have some potential for health problems, both inherited and acquired. Inherited issues include hip and elbow dysplasia and PRA. Labs are also prone to other problems that may crop up along the way, such as obesity, ear issues, and skin allergies. Australian Shepherd Health Australian Shepherds can be prone to hypothyroidism, or autoimmune thyroiditis. Lymphoma is also unfortunately common in Australian Shepherd dogs. According to a study published by the Journal of Veterinary Medicine, idiopathic primary epilepsy is commonly inherited in the Australian Shepherd breed. Dogs with the MDR1 mutation should not be given certain antibiotics, anti-cancer drugs, anti-diarrheal drugs, dewormers, pain medications, or tranquilizers. Mix Health Your Aussiedor could potentially inherit any of the health problems to which the parent breeds are prone. Both Australian Shepherds and Labrador Retrievers are prone to hip or elbow dysplasia and cataracts. Make sure they both have good hip and elbow scores and a recent vet check. The Lab parent should also be PRA clear. Some sources suggest that the average Aussie lives between 12 and 15 years; however, one study found that the median age was closer to 9 years. In general, mixed breeds live a little longer than purebreds. So you could reasonably hope for your Aussiedor to have a life expectancy near the latter end of this spectrum. Shelter Dogs Fully grown rescue dogs have more reliable temperaments. When introducing a new adult dog into your home and neighborhood, be cautious around children and other animals until you can be secure in their behavior. Especially when you wish to purchase a puppy from a responsible breeder who uses genetic testing. The exact amount that you pay may also vary based on the parent stock, how much they are worth to the breeder, and the number of puppies available. Aussie Lab Sheprador. The resulting puppies can be a perfect mix of both parent breeds. Or they can take more after the Lab, or be a perfect replica of an Australian shepherd parent. The chance of predicting the exact appearance of a mixed breed dog is like winning the lottery! However, taking a closer look at both parents can give you some idea of what traits you can expect to see in your puppy. Size As a cross between a Labrador and an Aussie shepherd, you can expect your Aussiedor to be a medium-sized dog. Most are between 18 and 25 inches high at withers and weigh between 40 and 80 pounds when fully grown. Color Purebred Labrador retrievers have solid coats that can come in various shades of yellow, chocolate, and black. On the other hand, Australian shepherds are never solid and their coats come in a variety of different colors, including merle, black, red merle, red tricolor, blue merle, red, and black tricolor. Aussiedors often have brown, cream, black, tan, or brindle coats, but they can come in many other color combinations. When it comes to length, this mix can have a short or medium-long coat depending on which parent it takes after more. Being a double-coated breed, your mix will shed quite a bit all year long and blow their coat twice a year. The Aussiedor will keep you and your vacuum cleaner busy every single day of the year! Like any other designer hybrid, this mix inherits traits from two very different dog breeds. To get a better idea of what personality traits you can expect to see in your pooch, take a closer look at both its parents — the Lab and the Aussie. Furthermore, being a mix of two working breeds, your sheprador will have an impeccable work ethic with a strong desire to work. Eager to please, protective, and friendly, the Aussie sheprador has an endless supply of energy and is always in the mood to play. Being a highly athletic breed, this mix is best suited for active families with older children who will know how to play and interact with a dog. Keep in mind that your sheprador might inherit a strong herding instinct from its Australian shepherd parent. The Australian shepherd and Lab mix is a people-oriented and outgoing dog that likes to be involved in all family activities. And although Aussie shepherds are often kept in barns to be close to cattle, the Aussiedor prefers human company and should live indoors, close to their family. Activity Level Since both Labs and Aussie shepherds are highly energetic working breeds, it should come as no surprise that the Australian shepherd Lab mix is a bouncing ball of energy. This mix needs around two hours of strenuous activity every day; otherwise, they will quickly become bored and destructive. Running, swimming, cycling, hiking, and agility sports are all great ways to keep your pooch physically challenged and exercised. Also, if you have a chance to put your dog to work, go for it! Being a true working breed at heart, your pooch will enjoy having a job to do and will happily complete whatever task you give them. Caring For An Aussie Lab Mix Like any other dog, the sheprador requires proper care and attention to stay happy and healthy. Here are a few things you should pay attention to: Exercise As mentioned previously, shepradors have high exercise requirements and need around two hours of vigorous activity every day. Ideally, you should walk your pooch two to three times a day and also let them blow off some steam with activities such as running, swimming, or agility. Additionally, games such as fetch, flyball, and Frisbee are ideal for this mix since they keep your pup physically and mentally challenged at the same time. Intellectual Stimulation True to its parent breeds, the Aussie sheprador is one smart canine! Without proper mental stimulation, these intelligent dogs can easily become bored and frustrated. When bored, the good-natured Aussiedor turns into a menace that will chew, dig, and destroy your home and furniture. Companionship Aussie Labs are people-oriented and amiable dogs that crave human company. Without the companionship they need, Aussiedors can easily become depressed or develop separation anxiety. Due to their high social needs, this mix is best suited for large families and homes that are never completely empty. If you live alone and have long working hours, you should rethink getting this mix and consider a more independent dog breed. Grooming Australian shepradors usually have short or medium-long double coats that shed quite a bit. In terms of grooming, this mix is a high-maintenance breed. You should brush your Aussiedor five times a week to control the shedding and keep their coat clean and tangle-free. Bathe your dog once every two months or as needed using a mild, hypoallergenic dog shampoo. Aussiedors have floppy ears that easily trap dirt and are prone to frequent and painful ear infections. A sure sign your pooch needs to have its nails trimmed is if you hear them clicking on the floor. Diet Ideally, your Australian sheprador should eat food formulated for medium-sized breeds with high energy. How much food your dog needs will depend on its size, age, activity levels, and metabolism. Known Health Problems Although generally healthy Aussie Labs are predisposed to some of the same health problems that Labradors and Australian shepherds face. These include: Hip and elbow dysplasia: These are very painful conditions caused by malformation of the hip and elbow joints. Affected dogs usually experience mobility problems, lameness, and arthritis and must take pain meds during their lives. Cataracts: In Australian shepherds, hereditary cataracts start forming after two years of age and are caused by a gene mutation. This type of hereditary cataract leads to progressive vision loss. Life Expectancy Aussie shepradors have an average lifespan of 10 to 15 years. With proper care and regular veterinary checkups, many Aussiedors stay completely healthy well into their senior years. How To Train Your Australian Shepherd And Lab Mix As an offspring of two highly intelligent and trainable dog breeds, the Aussiedor is a very smart breed with a huge training potential. Like all other dogs, this mix reacts well to positive reinforcement and reward-based training. In fact, it can only make matters worse and cause your pooch to shut down and be afraid of you. The people-loving and smart Aussiedor is eager to please and will learn obedience in no time with reward-based training. Start training your pooch as soon as you bring them home to help them grow into a well-behaved and obedient dog. Besides training, you should also start socializing your mix from a young age. If your mix takes more after its Australian shepherd parent, they might be wary of strangers. Exposing your pup to different people, sights, sounds, and smells from a young age will help them become friendlier and more accepting of other people and dogs. The Lab Aussie shepherd mix makes a wonderful pet to active people and outdoorsy families with older kids. Being a working dog breed, this mix is also suited for life on a ranch or a bustling farm. These highly energetic and athletic dogs need a job to do and prefer to be involved in all family activities. If you are an active person who can keep up with such an energetic dog and give it a job to do, the Aussiedor might just be the pup you are looking for. Before buying a pup, schedule an appointment to meet the mother and inspect the conditions the puppies are kept in. They will also be able to show health certificates for both parents and puppies. The exact price depends on a lot of factors including the breeder, your location, lineage, and coat color. Used by fishermen to catch fish and ducks, the Lab evolved into a universally loved family dog. Highly trainable and friendly, Labs make great service dogs for people with disabilities, and are also used as search and rescue dogs, and therapy dogs. Australian Shepherd Despite what their name might suggest, the Australian shepherd was developed in the United States. Originally bred to herd livestock, Aussies make great family pets although they remain working dogs at heart. Loyal, protective, and smart, the Australian shepherd is one of the most energetic breeds you can find and is bound to keep you on your toes. The Lab Aussie shepherd mix makes a great pet to active people and families with older children. Highly energetic and agile, they should live in a large home with a fenced backyard, ranch, or farm. Not the one to sit idly, this mix needs an active owner that will know how to challenge them both physically and mentally. He was my first puppy as a an adult and as you might have guessed he was an Aussie Lab mix! Linus showed some of the above traits, but not all. His coat was more reminiscent of an Australian Shepherd which was longer, more fine, and very soft. Linus was an amazing dog. He could run with the best of them, but could also be very calm and focused. He had the herding instinct as we caught him rounding up the kids from time to time. All in all Linus had many of the traits mentioned above. I would not have considered him a high energy dog that required hours of exercise. He was fine and willing to run for hours, but also just as content curling up by your side while reading a book. Conclusion The Australian shepherd Lab mix can be a great pet and companion to active families with older kids and outdoorsy people. Highly energetic and smart, this mix will need a lot of physical and mental stimulation to stay happy and thrive. If so, what is your pooch like? Tell us more about your experiences owning this mix in the comment section below! Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. Check out more of our favorites on our New Puppy Checklist.

Select Page Our Purpose The purpose of Pug Rescue South Africa is to rescue, rehabilitate and re-home Pugs in need, irrespective of their age, breed standard or health. We also offer sanctuary to Pugs who are not adopted and to the many aged Pugs in our care. We rescue in excess of Pugs a year. When capacity allows we also accommodate non-Pugs and we refer to them as honouary-Pugs. Safe Haven We do not euthanize animals if they cannot find homes, we do euthanize if medically there is nothing more we can do to offer them a quality life. Gauteng, albeit we rescue throughout South Africa. In other regions we make use of foster homes. If the Pugs do not find homes in the various regions we then transport them to the sanctuary in Benoni. Rehoming Our rescues receive an extremely high standard of care at our sanctuary which affords them a home-from-home experience. Our rehoming criteria is also extremely strict. Our Purpose The purpose of Pug Rescue South Africa is to rescue, rehabilitate and re-home Pugs in need, irrespective of their age, breed standard or health. We are here to find forever, wonderful homes for the rescues in our care. Despite his owners being located, they never claimed him. How can you help? At Keystone Puppies, you will be working with professional, compassionate breeders who take great pride in producing happy healthy puppies for adoption that make the best fur-ever friends! No problem! Our Keystone Puppies Delivery Specialists can help! Don't let your dream puppy for sale slip through your fingers just because he lives so far away! Delivery Process Help Stop Puppy Mills We at Keystone Puppies have a zero tolerance toward puppy mills and any substandard or inhumane breeding practices. From the no-hassle health guarantees on all puppies for sale — to holding our accredited breeders to the highest standard — we put you and your new dog first. This doggie dedication starts at home, as every team member of our puppy adoption agency has at least one four-legged friend of their own. We know what dogs need to be able to fall in love with their fur-ever family right away and we understand what matters most to puppy parents. I named him Gunner. I was very impressed with all the puppies and with both the parents! All the dogs are clean and well kept and friendly and very good looking! I Love my Gunner so much!! Thank You! Life Span Did You Know? The Pug, or Pug Dog, is famous for its flat-faced appearance and large, soulful eyes. They are an ancient dog breed that originated in China over 2, years ago. They were originally developed as a refined pet of Chinese royalty along with the Pekingese and the Shih Tzu. During this time, the Pug was considered a national treasure that outsiders could only access if one was gifted to them. Dutch traders from the s can be credited with bringing the Pug onto the world stage when they brought some back to Europe with them. The Pug made its way to the United States in the s. Now, the Pug is a popular dog breed worldwide. They are a popular companion that provides their owners with plenty of love and laughter from their comedic and playful antics. The Pug is a playful and outgoing dog breed with a charming personality. They tend to be very loving towards children and also get along well with other pets and dogs. They are a companion breed at heart known for their gentle nature and sociable personality. They love to give love and receive it in return. Their sensitive nature makes them intuitive as well and Pugs will often sense the moods of their owners and react accordingly. They crave attention and affection from their owners and are big fans of napping. This dog breed is often described as an ideal house dog and they are moderately adaptable. They will do well in homes of any size, including apartments. The Pug also adapts well to city or country life and are a good fit for singles or families of any size. Although they are highly adaptable to various living situations, they are less adaptable to climates. Pugs are very sensitive to the heat and overexertion, so they are best-suited to moderate climates. They also love to be with their families and will not be happy if left alone for a long time. As with any dog breed, the Pug has some health conditions to be aware of. In particular, corneal ulcers and dry eye are some potential eye problems that can occur. Additionally, Pugs can be susceptible to hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, and encephalitis. Asking the breeder about the genetic history of the parents and to see health clearances can help allay concerns for some of these health issues. Pugs are also big foodies. They love to eat! Their love for food means this dog breed is prone to obesity. As a brachycephalic dog, their large head and short snout often cause respiratory problems, which can limit their exercise at times and contribute to weight gain. This will cause them to quickly gasp and snort, which can sound relatively alarming. These episodes are usually not harmful as your Pug is just clearing their palate and throat. The Pug tends to be easy to train and is a good fit for owners of any experience level. They are eager to please their owners and tend to pick up on commands quickly. They are sensitive souls and their feelings can be hurt easily, so they will not respond well to harsh corrections. This dog breed responds best to consistent training that focuses on positive rewards and will benefit from participation in puppy training classes. Pugs have a smooth, glossy, and short coat. Their fur is fine and soft. Although their coat is generally low-maintenance, it will shed throughout the year. Aside from brushing, Pugs only need occasional baths on an as-needed basis. Because Pugs have ears that drop down, they can be susceptible to moisture, dirt, or debris. Checking their ears regularly and cleaning as needed helps to keep them healthy and comfortable. The same goes for their iconic face wrinkles. Daily brushing is ideal, but if your Pug is not allowing you to do that, a few times a week should be sufficient. Getting your Pug used to these grooming tasks as a puppy will help make it a positive bonding experience and a much easier process throughout their life. This dog breed has a low to moderate energy level. Generally, daily walks and some play sessions are enough exercise for this dog breed. They may have short bursts of energy as they have a very playful nature, but they will tire easily. Some Pugs can handle a little more activity and even compete in some dogs sports like agility, rally, and obedience. Make sure you check with your vet first before jumping into dog sports with your dog. A full-grown Pug will usually stand 10 to 11 inches tall at the shoulders and weigh between 14 and 18 pounds. This dog breed generally lives for years. The Pug was a popular pet of the Buddhist monasteries in Tibet. Featured Pug Article.

It was so obvious that this puppy was blue and it was the only one in the litter. It was already sold and so was I. I then met Dawn Malcolm as I was looking for a traditional colored show type stud male. Dawn shared with me that she has a solid blue male and had a strong love for the livers and blues too. That was 12 years ago and our friendship is still very strong. I am glad we joined the Yahoo email group as I met some great people who were as interested in sharing in the goals I have set forth expanding the blue gene pool. With the help of many friends I incorporated various GSD with the blue gene to start my own lines. Over the years all have proven to be a valuable asset not only because of their color but because of their various personalities, health and structure. Some needed physical traits improved, others needed tweaking in the personality department to be what I feel is an ideal companion bred GSD which is what most average families need. She is a blue brindle born here. Many of my others carry the blue gene. Tanzietu - is Tanzies blue fawn daughter, her father is Miner so she carries long coat and can carry liver from her father. She is a puppy and will be included in the program as she matures. How did blue get into the GSD gene pool? The color has been apart of the original gene pool from the start. The puppies born of a blue GSD that are expressing the color blue themselves are born a very striking shade of blue. Shades of blue Blue is a dilution of black. It is lighter than black, and in some cases, it is very apparent that they are still blue as adults. The puppies are born a very pretty shade of blue and many of them turn to almost like a steel gray black as adults. Others are a lighter shade of blue. None the less the gene responsible for blue in the GSD is the D gene. Again, blue is a dilution of black. Therefore blue GSD are unable to produce any black on the dog. Every where traditionally seen black is, is blue with the dog has the D gene. Including the nose leather, eye rims, lips, and paw pads will all be a dark shade of blue and not black. When puppies are young their eyes appear to be very brilliant blue as all puppies are born with blue eyes but they do change over to a light yellow wolf eye or even to an amber orange eye as they mature. Is your GSD blue or carry blue? Feel free to send me a picture of your puppy or dog you feel may be blue. Keep in mind blue is the color, the patterns can be solid, sable, saddle, with and without other patterns panda, brindle, white spotting ect.Do you want to know for sure if your GSD is blue or carries blue? There are several color testing companies out there and we have used a few different companies our selves. The most recent company we have used is Embark. Not only does it test for all colors, it screens for several genetic diseases all in one test. We will be using this on many of our dogs in the next year. Thank you Embark for creating such a valuable tool for breeding. Scroll through the albums and if you do not find what you are looking for please send me a message. Keep in mind you do not have to have a facebook page to see this page. Breeds The link has been copied! Get ready to be blown away by the blue hue beauty of the Blue German Shepherd, a rare and captivating canine breed that's bound to steal your heart! Imagine the iconic strength and intelligence of a traditional German Shepherd, but with a mesmerizing twist: a shimmering, silvery-blue coat that makes them stand out like a sapphire gem in a sea of pebbles. But wait, there's more to this extraordinary pup than meets the eye! These blue bombshells are fiercely loyal, intelligent, and hardworking, just like their classic counterparts. So, if you're eager to learn more about this wondrous woofer, buckle up and join us on a fun and enthralling journey as we explore the magical world of Blue German Shepherds. Trust us, you'll be howling with excitement before you know it! This unique variation of the beloved German Shepherd breed boasts a distinctive silvery-blue coat, which is the result of a recessive gene. Their striking appearance still maintains the classic features of a standard German Shepherd, including their athletic build, almond-shaped eyes, and perky ears. Though they share the same breed lineage, the Blue German Shepherd's fur color sets them apart from their traditional counterparts. However, it's important to note that their temperament, intelligence, and working abilities remain on par with those of their more commonly recognized relatives. In fact, these blue beauties are just as capable of excelling in various roles such as police work, search and rescue, and service dog positions. Decoding the Genetics of the Blue German Shepherd's Coat To truly appreciate the Blue German Shepherd, one must delve into the fascinating world of canine coat color genetics. The blue hue in these dogs results from a recessive gene that dilutes the black pigment, causing it to appear silvery-blue. Both parents must carry this recessive gene for their offspring to inherit the blue coat. In German Shepherds, two pigments determine the coat color: eumelanin black and phaeomelanin red. Various genes control the distribution and intensity of these pigments, which ultimately defines the final coat color. In the case of Blue German Shepherds, a dilution gene d impacts the eumelanin, creating their signature blue sheen. It's essential to note that although blue is a non-standard color for the breed, it doesn't negatively affect the dog's health, temperament, or abilities. Since the blue coat is a result of a recessive gene, it is much less common than the standard coat colors typically seen, such as the black and tan, sable, or solid black German Shepherd. The infrequency of blue coat inheritance means that breeders who specialize in this color variation often have fewer puppies available, making them highly sought after by enthusiasts. Despite their scarcity, it's important to remember that these striking dogs still require the same training, socialization, and care as any other German Shepherd. Their rarity should never be a reason to overlook their fundamental needs as intelligent, active, and loyal companions. Exploring Blue Color Variations While the Blue German Shepherd is already a rare and captivating variation, it's important to note that their blue hue can manifest in different shades and patterns. Some Blue German Shepherds may have a lighter, almost silver-blue coat, while others may exhibit a darker, steel-blue shade. This breathtaking array of blue tones is part of what makes this breed so enchanting. Additionally, the blue color may appear in various patterns, including blue and tan, solid blue, or even blue sable. Each of these patterns further highlights the uniqueness and diversity of the Blue German Shepherd, making them truly remarkable in the world of canine coat colors. The Blue German Shepherd Temperament A Blue German Shepherd's captivating coat color doesn't change the breed's inherent temperament, which is characterized by loyalty, intelligence, and a strong work ethic. These dogs are known for their versatility in performing tasks, be it as police dogs, search and rescue workers, or service animals. However, it is essential to note that this coat color does not change the breed's inherent temperament, which is what makes them such a remarkable and sought-after dog. One of the most prominent characteristics of a Blue German Shepherd is their loyalty. These dogs are incredibly devoted to their owners and will do anything to protect them. This trait makes them an ideal choice for families looking for a loyal and affectionate pet that will provide a sense of security. In addition to their loyalty, Blue German Shepherds are also highly intelligent. They are quick learners and respond well to training. This trait makes them a popular choice for police and military work, where their ability to learn and follow commands is essential. Another defining trait of this breed is their strong work ethic. Blue German Shepherds are known for their versatility in performing various tasks, such as search and rescue, service animals, and police work. They are incredibly diligent and take their work seriously, making them a dependable and valuable asset in any working environment. When it comes to raising a Blue German Shepherd, socialization and training from a young age are crucial. Proper socialization helps to ensure that your dog is comfortable in various situations and environments. This, combined with consistent training, will help your Blue German Shepherd develop into a well-rounded, confident, and friendly dog that is eager to please and protect its loved ones. Exercise and Training for Blue German Shepherds As with any German Shepherd, the blue variation requires regular exercise and mental stimulation to maintain their health and happiness. These dogs are highly active and need daily walks, playtime, and training sessions to keep them physically fit and mentally sharp. Activities such as hiking, fetch, and agility training, or a flirt pole can be excellent ways to engage your Blue German Shepherd and channel their energy. Training should begin early and be consistent, as these intelligent dogs thrive on structure and guidance. Positive reinforcement methods, such as praise, treats, and toys, are most effective for training a Blue German Shepherd. Keep in mind that this breed is known for its high intelligence, so challenging them with new commands or advanced training is an excellent way to keep them engaged and eager to learn. Remember, a well-exercised and well-trained Blue German Shepherd is a happy and content companion that will bond closely with their family, showcasing their loyalty and affection. High-quality dog food, formulated for their size, age, and activity level, is essential to support their overall well-being. Always consult with your veterinarian for personalized recommendations and monitor your dog's weight to prevent obesity, which can lead to various health issues. Blue German Shepherds are susceptible to the same health concerns as their standard counterparts, including hip and elbow dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy, and bloat. Regular veterinary check-ups, a healthy diet, and proper exercise can all help minimize the risk of these conditions and ensure your dog enjoys a long, happy life. Balanced Diet A balanced diet is essential to ensure your Blue German Shepherd gets all the necessary nutrients for optimal health. High-quality dog food, formulated for their size, age, and activity level, is recommended to support their specific needs. Avoid giving them table scraps or human food, which can be harmful to their health. Always consult with your veterinarian for personalized recommendations, as some dogs may require a special diet due to health conditions or allergies. Weight Management Obesity is a common issue among dogs and can lead to various health problems, including joint issues, diabetes, and heart disease. Monitor your Blue German Shepherd's weight and adjust their diet and exercise routine accordingly to prevent obesity. Follow the recommended portion sizes on the dog food label, and avoid overfeeding or giving too many treats. Regular Veterinary Check-ups Blue German Shepherds are prone to certain health conditions, such as hip and elbow dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy, and bloat. Schedule regular veterinary check-ups to detect any health issues early and get prompt treatment. Ask your veterinarian for recommendations on preventive care, such as vaccinations, parasite control, and dental cleanings. These dogs have a double coat, which consists of a dense, insulating undercoat and a protective outer coat. Regular brushing, at least two to three times per week, is necessary to remove loose hair and minimize shedding. During shedding seasons , daily brushing may be needed to keep your home hair-free and your dog comfortable. In addition to brushing, routine grooming should include regular teeth cleaning, nail trimming, and ear cleaning to prevent infections and maintain overall hygiene. By establishing a consistent grooming routine, you can keep your Blue German Shepherd looking and feeling their best. To groom a Blue German Shepherd, follow these simple steps: Brush their coat two to three times per week with a slicker brush or pin brush to remove loose hair and prevent matting. Clean their teeth two to three times per week with a soft-bristled toothbrush and dog toothpaste to maintain good oral hygiene. Trim their nails regularly to prevent discomfort and joint problems. Clean their ears with a cotton ball or soft cloth and a dog ear cleaning solution to prevent infections. The Impact of Blue Color on Health The blue coat color in German Shepherds is a result of a recessive gene, and it does not inherently affect the dog's overall health. Blue German Shepherds are just as healthy and capable as their traditionally colored counterparts when it comes to their physical abilities and temperament. However, it's essential to choose a reputable breeder who prioritizes the health of their dogs over coat color. Reputable breeders will ensure that their breeding dogs undergo necessary health tests and screenings to minimize the risk of genetic health issues in their puppies. As long as you choose a responsible breeder, the blue color should not impact the health or well-being of your Blue German Shepherd. Interpreting the Significance of Blue in Various Dog Breeds The blue coat color is not exclusive to German Shepherds; several other dog breeds also exhibit this captivating hue. In most cases, the blue color results from the same genetic factors: a dilution of the black pigment eumelanin. Some dog breeds where blue coats can be seen include: Australian Cattle Dogs. They are very loyal to their trusted humans, but wary of strangers until they have been properly introduced. Their high intelligence makes them easy to train, although they can be strong-willed at times which can make them a bit stubborn. However, stubbornness can be an issue if you do not display a no-nonsense approach to training. So keep it simple, firm, kind and consistent with all your pups. They really love praise so adding some tasty snacks will definitely help get you get more success during training sessions. German Shepherd's intelligence makes it easier to train them. Still, they need consistent training when they're young, so they understand their boundaries, especially with the protective behaviour because you don't want them to harm anyone or anything without your consent. Inconsistent training can lead them to think they're in charge. It's best to be firm right from the get-go so their dominant behaviour is kept under control. Another dimension to having a smart dog is that you'll need to keep them busy. If you don't, their intelligence will go towards bad things like digging holes in the yard, chewing through things like your favourite shoes or your favourite pair of boots. They're very curious dogs and will get into almost anything they think will be fun to chew on. Keeping them busy with training, walks, or playtime can help curb that behaviour because it gives their minds something else to focus on instead. Puppies, as you know all too well can be a little accident prone during house training so take your time and keep on top of it. They respond best to positive reinforcement rather than punishment so consider using some dog pee-pee pads indoors for the first few weeks just until they become more confident and reliable about house training outside. The Steel Blue Panda German Shepherd loves to explore so give them lots of new toys to interact with and things to use their intelligence. These pups also love a good tug-of-war, but be careful — they tend to win! They have an internal coat of fine hair with an external layer of more coarse hare. Each year in fall and spring they shed their undercoat so expect additional grooming seasons during these times of yeat. Additionally you will find their fur has an uncanny ability to get everywhere, under the sofa, behind the television and even in your shoes! You will also need to brush the back of your dog's legs, his stomach and his chest to avoid getting mats in their fur. You should take care that you do not brush over any tangles which you can feel and if they are too bad then cut them out with scissors rather than tugging on them with a brush. For their feet, only use a soft brush or a piece of cloth as it is easy to injure their foot pads. If you see your steel blue panda german shepherds eye's are clogged with dirt, then take a clean damp cloth and gently rub them clean. While cleaning your dog's teeth, make sure that you are gentle with their gums and mouth area as they are rather sensitive. If you have any problems brushing your pups' teeth then talk to your veterinarian as they will know what products you can use that will be safe for your dog. You should also check their nails as the Steel Blue Panda GSD tends to go through a lot of physical exercise and as such, they do grow very quickly which could result in overgrowth if not properly cut. If your pup seems uncomfortable or is limping then you should see a veterinarian as it could be due to overgrown nails. When grooming your dog, if you find that he starts itching and licking himself more than normal then his skin may be irritated. If this occurs, call your vet immediately because the irritation might be the sign of an allergy or parasite problem. This is due to the combination of their rareness, their beauty, and demand. Because of this high price tag it is advisable to contact your local German Shepherd rescue in order to find a Blue Steel Panda pup that needs a good home if possible. Blue steel panda shepherd breeders are not always reputable which means that you need to be cautious when buying your pup and do your research on them. Not all breeders are out for just the money and there are many that do in fact care about their dogs. A reputable German Shepherd breeder will be involved with the community and their breed, they will also be very active in the local German Shepherd club — so keep an eye out for them at any events and activities. They should ask you questions about your life and not just demand to know what type of home you have and whether you have children or not. A good German Shepherd breeder will take back any puppies they have bred, even if you are no longer interested in keeping them; this shows that the breeders genuinely care about their dogs and their new owners - so please keep this in mind when buying a pup from a breeder. A good breeder should be happy to have you as a potential customer and be available for advice even after the sale has been made. The worst case scenario is that the puppy you buy has health problems which its original owner did not inform you about; in this case, it can be difficult to legally do anything about it. They are prone to hip and elbow dysplasia which is common in large breeds, but can also suffer from seizures, eye problems such as cataracts and retina degeneration, blood-clotting diseases, bloat, and cancer. The most common health issue that GSDs suffer from are allergies which can range from being mildly irritating to life threatening. Some are just allergic to certain types of food or grasses but there are some that have multiple allergies at once. The best way to help your pup is to check in with your vet if your pup displays any allergic symptoms. If they don't get enough exercise, it can lead to weight gain and be detrimental to their health. They're very energetic dogs, so you can take them on walks as long as the weather permits because they love the outdoors. You can also take them out to play fetch or Frisbee since they are brilliant dogs. You can also try agility training if your dog's interested in that sort of thing. It might sound like a lot of work, but it will be good for them, so they stay happy and healthy. As with any breed, you should always ask the breeder about the health of their parents and grandparents to ensure that they do not suffer from any hereditary diseases. If you notice that your dog is behaving oddly then it may be a sign of health problems and you should take them to a veterinarian as soon as possible. You should also be aware of all the symptoms and what could potentially cause them; this means keeping a journal of your dog's daily activities and taking note of the following: -If they are each time more tired than usual or breathing heavily -If there is a change in their stool or if they lose weight suddenly -If they are limping or avoiding certain movements -If their fur is dryer than usual, if it falls out easily, or if its full of dandruff Size. This recessive gene dilutes any black pigment on the dog including coat color, nose leather, foot pads, toe nails, lips, etc. It also affects their eye color. Blue pups have a beautiful light gray coat as babies, as they age however is usually darkens up quite a bit, the ones that darken up are called "steel" blues. To the untrained eye, they can be mistaken for regular blacks. There is also "Powder" blues, they tend to lighten up in color and always stay a very noticeable gray color. Powder blues are not seen very often. A blue pup with sable markings We have a couple blues and a few dogs who carry the blue gene. We choose these dogs first and foremost because their temperament, structure and health aligns with the goals of our breeding program. A beautiful unique color is just icing on the cake of an already exceptional dog. Our non-traditional color lines have some of the highest hip ratings in the US! We have produced non-traditional colored GSDs that compete in obedience, agility, nose work, etc. I personally love the non-traditional colored German Shepherds. These colors are been in the breed since the beginning and our foundation girl Rose just happened to be a blue! Blue, as a color, occurs in just about every breed, and especially in the herding breeds. Blue is considered to be a dilution gene, actually named an "allele", that is found naturally. Both parents have to have this allele in their genes to be able to produce a blue puppy. The blue pup will be blue, or gun metal gray, where another pup would be black. In my German Shepherds, I've had blue "black and tans", blue sables, and blue blacks. Blue puppies are very attractive. .However, when adult, it can be very hard to tell the difference between a blue and another colored dog in the German Shepherd and Belgian Malinois breed. The blue Dutch Shepherd is much more noticable. These dogs are as healthy and long lived as any of my dogs. The two photos immediately below show two German Shepherd littermates. Both are female. The blue puppy is a blue sable, while the other pup is a traditional black and tan. The Dutch Shepherd blue brindle coat coloring can be just as striking as the gold brindle. The UKC breed standard the Dutch Shepherd is not an AKC breed calls for coat colorings of "Brindle, on either brown or gray ground", so the blue which is really gray is acceptable in conformation showing. Gold brindle Dutch Shepherd and a blue brindle Dutch Shepherd Another coat comparision between gold and blue brindle with slightly older Dutch Shepherd pups This photo is of three month old Dutch Shepherd litter mates. Blues do indeed pop up in certain lines, and determining color in a Dutch Shepherd is like guessing what color eggs will be in your Easter Basket… it is near impossible - especially since their colors continue to develop even after 2 years of age. Notice the gun metal blue color on their lips, nose and muzzles. A mix of blue dogs with their tradionally colored counterparts. Lowell Road, St. Johns Michigan All rights reserved. Click here for detailed copyright notice. We use cookies to enable essential functionality on our website, and analyze website traffic. By clicking Accept you consent to our use of cookies. Read about how we use cookies. Cookie settings Accept Your Cookie Settings We use cookies to enable essential functionality on our website, and analyze website traffic. Cookie Categories Essential On These cookies are strictly necessary to provide you with services available through our websites. You cannot refuse these cookies without impacting how our websites function. You can block or delete them by changing your browser settings, as described under the heading "Managing cookies" in the Privacy and Cookies Policy. Analytics Off These cookies collect information that is used in aggregate form to help us understand how our websites are being used or how effective our marketing campaigns are. Save settings. Discover the online program that more than 57, dog owners have used to rapidly transform their dog into a well-behaved, obedient furry friend. It's true - there are German Shepherds that are blue. In fact, German Shepherd Dogs come in various colors and also in a lot of different color patterns too. Others say that the blue colour is simply a gene mutation, and as such the blue German Shepherds should never be bred from, and overtime the gene should be bread out of the species completely. The blue German Shepherd, technically, a diluted Black Shepherd with 2 recessive genes. The Dd dilution gene affects coat colour in the main, but can also change the colour of eyes and noses. All coat colours and patterns are controlled by a set or group of genes that work together. In standard German Shepherds you will see descriptions and breakdowns that speak of the A genes, which control the black and red colouring in the dog through the release of melanin, and this affects the generic base colour and variations. However, the colouring of the blue German Shepherd is controlled by a different gene, the D gene spoken of earlier. All genes come in pairs, and it takes the presence of the big D and little d pair to produce the blue German Shepherd. The big D produces full strength coat colour and is the dominant gene, and the little d produces a dilute colour, which is the recessive gene. For the Blue Shepherd to be created he needs two copies of the diluted recessive gene, one from each parent, in order to have the diluted blue fur. If both parents have blue fur color their offspring will have it also however it is also possible for the color to appear in regular black and tan German Shepherd Dogs if both parents have the recessive genes. In addition to the above, the Blue German Shepherd takes three variations in blue colour, they come in blue and black, blue and sable and blue and tan, and again it is all dependent on the mix of different genes. Additionally, the blue German Shepherd can also be a variety of lighter and darker blues. Steel blue is the darker shade, and powder blue is the lighter of the two. It can be difficult to identify a steel blue on his own, but when you stand him next to a black German Shepherd, you can easily tell the difference in colour. How do they look? If you've never seen one of these dogs just imagine that everywhere there is black on the GSD normally, that you now see kind of a dusty grey colour. In some cases the blue might look kind of dusty, like someone spilled flour on the dog's coat but then in other cases it might be more of a darker gunmetal colour. Although it is rare and frowned upon by the AKC don't let the blue colour scare you away. A healthy blue German Shepherd is a very handsome animal and has all the same loyal and intelligent traits as regular colored German Shepherds. Many owners who have an unfavourably coloured German Shepherd have suggested that their pups face colour discrimination in events even in competitions where color should not be judged. The males will weigh between 65 and 90 pounds, and they will measure 24 to 26 inches in height from paw to shoulder, also known as the withers. The females will weigh between 50 and 70 pounds and will measure 22 to 24 inches at the withers. Additionally, it is common for the blue German Shepherd to have lighter coloured eyes, such as light blue, golden brown or yellow compared to the darker eyes of normal colored German Shepherds. Again, this is controlled by the recessive genes explained above. Because of their appearance, the blue German Shepherd is often mistaken for a blue Malinois, or with yellow eyes can often look similar to a dark grey wolf. They are super affectionate with their immediate family and enjoy a cuddle on the sofa and lounging around home. The blue German Shepherd is known for their confident and courageous personality. If properly trained and socialized their natural guarding tendencies work great in a home environment. Blue German Shepherds can also be aloof with strangers, or outsiders of the pack if improperly socialized but if raised correctly they are lovely, loyal dogs. The blue German Shepherd, like any other German Shepherd, is a medium energy dog and requires up to 60 minutes of exercise a day. High intensity exercise that tests their mental abilities as well as their physical are their favorite. Your dog would also require mental stimulation throughout the day, such as playing interactive games with his you, patrolling the yard, or taking part in training sessions. Because of their guarding tendencies early socialization is key to a happy hound and household! They are working dogs, and they like to pull if they are not trained properly. We also recommend crate training from a young age. Unlike other breeds, such as the French Bulldog, the colour blue is not indicative of health issues or problematic personality traits. The diluted gene is often linked to health issues in other breeds, such as Colour Dilution Alopecia in Weimaraner, but the blue German Shepherd is not known to suffer any diluted colour related health issues. Simply put, the blue German Shepherd is simply a colour variation, and their health is exactly the same as a traditional coloured German Shepherd. Elbow and Hip Dysplasia is an abnormal formation in the elbow and hip joints which is prevalent in larger breeds of dogs. Over time this formation can cause pain in their joints and can often lead to crippling arthritis in older dogs. Because German Shepherds are susceptible to bloat, it is advised to spread food across several sittings during the day. The exact amount of food will vary on the size of your dog and their activity levels throughout the day. Grooming The blue GSD often has a medium length outercoat with a dense undercoat. Due to the thick undercoat, they are heavy shedders. To keep their coat nice throughout the year you will need to brush them 2 or 3 times a week. During shedding season you will need to brush them every day. You should wash your GSD every 6 to 8 weeks to keep the coat clean and help with shedding. Specialist dog shampoos and shedding products help make managing the coat easier. It is possible for blue German Shepherds to have a long coat but it is very rare. Because their colour is more on the rare side, you may end up paying a slightly higher premium for this colour of the breed. These dogs are rarer than their tan and black saddle siblings i. This can make it difficult to find one to buy. German Shepherds are larger dogs, and can have large litter sizes. With an average of eight puppies in a litter; a blue German Shepherd puppy may show up unexpectantly. If you would prefer to adopt, the German Shepherd Club of America has a list of available rescues and rescue centres all over the country. Adopting A Blue German Shepherd On the other hand, if you are considering rescuing a German Shepherd, then the American German Shepherd Rescue Association has listed rescue centres dedicated to this breed and you may find some blues that need a home. Finishing Up Blue German Shepherds make great family pets. They are fun, intelligent, trainable, affectionate, loyal and protective. If they are socialized from a young age, they are great with children and other pets and will be a lovely member of the family for years. Naturally, all dogs have their own quirks that make them unique, just like all humans, and a blue GSD will be no different. Generally, however, German Shepherds are intelligent and fun to be around and love to spend hours playing in the garden with their family. If you do adopt one of these beautiful pups then it might be wise to let your neighbours know so that they think you have a stray wolf in your yard! For more information about the blue German shepherds, you can consult different social networks of groups responsible for the upbringing and care of the GSD, like the American Blue Bay Shepherd Association. Sign up for promotions, news, discounts, and the chance to win prizes for you and your German Shepherd E-mail Address.