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Have Patience Mating for pugs can be a tricky process. Pugs have a short, wide muzzles which can make it difficult for the male to successfully mount the female. Additionally, pugs are brachycephalic, which means they have a shortened snout and airway. This can make it harder for them to breathe and can increase the risk of injury or stress during mating. Hence, it is recommended to monitor the pugs closely during mating to ensure that both dogs are safe. These health issues can include breathing difficulties and orthopedic problems. Mating pugs should be done in a controlled environment and under the guidance of a veterinarian. Pugs, being brachycephalic breeds, have a small litter size when compared to other breeds. They typically have litters of around 4 to 6 puppies. However, the number of puppies can vary depending on several factors. Some pugs may have smaller litter if it is their first litter or due to certain health issues. The size of the litter depends on several things, including the health and genetics of the breeding pair. The health and age of the mother pug also play a critical role in determining the number of puppies she will have. A healthy, young mother will typically have a larger litter than an older or unhealthy one. Additionally, genetics can also play a role in determining litter size. This is because their brachycephalic skull and short snout can make natural birthing challenging. Therefore, a cesarean section might be necessary for safe delivery. Similarly, it will make sure that the birth process is safe for the mother and the puppies. What is the history of the pug? Click here to learn more. Pugs should not be bred until they have reached maturity. This is typically between the ages of 1 and 2 years old. Breeding a pug too early can have serious health consequences for both the mother and her puppies. A female pug should not be bred until she has reached full maturity both physically and emotionally. This usually occurs around the age of 1 to 1. Additionally, the female pug should be in good health and should have passed the necessary health screenings before breeding. A female Pug that is too young might not have a fully developed pelvis. Likewise, her skeleton might not be strong enough to safely deliver puppies. This is usually around the age of 2 years old. They should also be in good health and pass the necessary health screenings. As a general rule, it is advisable to avoid breeding any dog before 2 years of age. This is because it could negatively affect the development of the animal, both in terms of physical and behavior. Encouraging a pug to mate can be a tricky process. This is because pugs can be picky about their partners and may not be interested in mating at certain times. Some of the effective methods are discussed below. Ensure Good Health and Calm Environment One way to encourage mating is by ensuring that both the male and female pugs are in good health. This means that they are of the appropriate age for breeding. There should be minimal distractions and interruptions to maximize the chances of success. Use Pheromones Another way to encourage mating is through the use of pheromones. Pheromones are chemical signals that are released by dogs to signal their readiness to mate. They can be used to signal to the female pug that the male is ready to mate, and vice versa. These pheromones can be found in commercial products that can be sprayed around the area where the dogs will be mating, or in pheromone-impregnated collars. Some pugs may be more interested in mating at certain times than others. Hence, it may take several attempts before mating occurs. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Introduction Mating pugs may sound like a daunting task, but with the proper guidance it can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience. Ensure that your pugs are healthy, get them used to each other, and plan ahead for the puppy arrival. What are Pugs? Pugs are a breed of small dogs that have become popular in recent years. They have a strong, sturdy build, a flat face, and a curly tail. Because of their temperament, they make excellent family pets and are especially good with children. Pugs are also known to be quite active and require plenty of exercise to stay healthy. Mating pugs requires careful planning and preparation. It is important to make sure that the pugs are in good health before breeding. It is important to introduce the pugs to each other before mating to make sure that they are comfortable around each other. It is important to have a plan for taking care of the puppies, such as having a place to keep them and gathering necessary supplies. With the right steps, it is possible to have successful, healthy puppies that will make excellent additions to any family. With the right care and attention, pugs can make wonderful pets and companions. Mating Requirements Mating pugs is a serious responsibility that should be taken seriously. Make sure they have up-to-date vaccinations, are free of parasites and are of the right age—at least one year old for females, and two years old for males. Introduce them in neutral, low-stress places and let them get to know each other at their own pace. Make arrangements for a place where they can be born, and gather the necessary supplies, such as bedding, food, and toys. By taking the necessary steps beforehand, you can ensure that the entire mating process runs as smoothly as possible. Health Requirements To ensure a successful mating process, both pugs must be healthy. Have your vet check them to make sure they are up to date with their shots, and that they are free of any unpleasant parasites. Isolate them if they have had contact with any other animals. Any mating should also be put off until both of the pugs have been spayed or neutered. Make sure you are giving your pugs the best diet possible. Obesity is a common problem in pugs and can cause health issues during the mating process, so make sure the pugs are at their ideal weight. Taking them for short walks, or playing in your backyard is the perfect way for them to stay healthy and active. Spend some quality time with both pugs separately, and together, to ensure that they are comfortable and familiar with one another. Gradually increase the amount of time you spend with both pugs together, increasing their exposure to each other. You can also take them out on walks together, and reward them with a treat when they show good behavior. This will help them bond and form a stronger connection. Make sure they get the chance to spend time apart to maintain their individual personalities. If they display any signs of aggression, separate them and take a few steps back. Let them come together when they are comfortable. If physical aggression becomes a problem, it is best to consult a professional. Make sure that both pugs are at a healthy weight and in good physical condition. Provide them with a balanced diet and plenty of exercise to keep them healthy. Make sure that both pugs have up-to-date vaccinations and are free from any parasites or illnesses. It is best to consult with a veterinarian prior to mating. Follow these tips to ensure that the pugs are healthy and ready for mating. Preparing for the Puppies Preparing for the puppies is an important part of the mating process for Pugs. It is important to make sure you have a safe and secure space for the puppies to be born and to grow up. Make sure that the space is warm and safe and make sure to provide plenty of food, water, and toys. You should make sure to have necessary supplies such as puppy formula, collars, and beds. You should do your research and find out exactly what you need to do to properly care for the puppies. Ask your vet and other experienced breeders for advice on the best foods and supplements for the puppies. Knowing what to expect and preparing for the puppies will make for a smoother transition for everyone involved. Arranging a Place for the Puppies Before you start mating your pugs, make sure to have a place ready for the puppies to stay. An ideal location would be somewhere quiet, but with plenty of space for the puppies to explore and play. Make sure the space is well-ventilated, and that it is easy to keep clean. Also consider the temperature of the space — pug puppies do best in a temperature range of 68 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit. It is also important to have the necessary supplies for the puppies. See also Is Polyurethane Toxic to Dogs? Dog food should be tailored to the needs of puppies and should contain essential vitamins and minerals. You should also have a few different types of toys for the puppies to play with. The most important thing to remember when it comes to puppy toys is that they should be made from safe, non-toxic materials. Make sure to have everything ready before the puppies arrive. This will help to ensure that your pugs have a safe and comfortable place to live, and that the puppies have everything they need. With a bit of preparation and planning, you can be sure that your pugs have a successful mating and that the puppies are looked after in the best way possible. Gather Supplies for the Puppies It is important to prepare for the arrival of the puppies by gathering all the necessary supplies. Make sure you have enough food, towels, bedding, and toys for the little ones. It would also be helpful to have a kennel ready for them, as well as a collar and leash. The puppies will also need a place to sleep and a warm spot to play. Make sure you have supplies to clean up after them, such as pet-safe cleaning products, a broom and dustpan, and a vacuum. You should have a first-aid kit on hand in case of emergencies. Make sure you have a collar, tags, and a leash ready for the puppies once they are old enough to go outdoors. To ensure an easy transition for the puppies into their forever home, consider putting together a welcome package of supplies. This could include a few toys, an extra blanket, some food, and a few treats. Doing this will help the puppies adjust to their new home and give them a sense of security. Post Views:

As the name implies, it has been scientifically formulated to provide all the necessary nutrients, vitamins and minerals for puppies. Features Precisely balanced nutrition to help build immunity and mobility High-quality protein to promote ideal body weight Promotes gentle and healthy digestion with balanced and complete nutrition This delicious formula promotes gentle and healthy digestion and has a savory meaty taste your puppy will love Recommended for puppies up to 1-year-old and pregnant or nursing dogs Check price on Amazon. You want to be able to see visible chunks of meat in the food. It contains a large amount of deboned chicken meat and whole grains, making it a balanced option for your GSD puppy. However, larger companies generally have more resources for stringent quality control protocols. They can employ expert nutritionists and food scientists, and are more eager to enrich our collective nutrition knowledge through research. On the contrary, smaller manufacturers may have less control over ingredient quality, perform less laboratory testing, and are less likely to employ veterinary nutritionists. On top of that, there are still some basic rules you can follow. And we will walk you through things you will need to consider in this article. Every pet is unique and the goal is to find the best diet for the individual pet. Is real food good for German Shepherd puppies? Real food contains whole ingredients that are cooked to aid in digestion. Whole real foods are a great option for adult GSDs, it might be best to keep the puppy food dry or wet. The American College of Veterinary Nutrition does not recommend feeding dogs less than one year old a homemade diet as they can be lacking in calcium and phosphorous, which can have serious implications down the line for GSDs. Best homemade food for German Shepherd puppies If you insist on feeding your GSD puppy a homemade diet, the best way to go about it is to get recipes specifically formulated for them by a veterinary nutritionist. This will ensure all of their needs macro — and micronutrient needs are met, particularly their calcium and phosphorous requirements. This is very important to prevent issues like hip dysplasia and other joint and bone issues as an adult GSD. A typical homemade food recipe: Chicken. It also tends to be high in protein. Food that is high in protein and calories will provide your puppy with the energy that they need and help them gain the right amount of weight as they grow up. Most puppy food also includes vitamin and mineral supplements, such as calcium and phosphorus, for healthy and strong bones and teeth. You should speak to your vet to ensure that you have the right food and are feeding your puppy the proper amount. We hope that these reviews have helped you decide on the right food for your German Shepherd puppy. Remember to stick with large-breed food because it usually has the correct ratio of vitamins and minerals to give your GSD puppy all the suitable nutrition that they need so they can grow up strong, healthy, and happy. Featured Image Credit: Victoria Antonova, Shutterstock Written by Kathryn Copeland Author Kathryn was a librarian in a previous lifetime and is currently a writer about all things pets. When she was a child, she hoped to work in zoos or with wildlife in some way, thanks to her all-consuming love for animals. Unfortunately, she's not strong in the sciences, so she fills her days with researching and writing about all kinds of animals and spends time playing with her adorable but terribly naughty tabby cat, Bella. Kathryn is hoping to add to her family in the near future — maybe another cat and a dog.Read more Advertisement.

We have owned and shown boxers in conformation events since and have been breeding boxers since .We have Canadian and American Champions in our house and breeding programs and we do show our dogs in conformation in Canada and the United States. All of our boxers live in our house not in a kennel and our puppies are raised in the middle of everything being exposed to our daily lives. Our older dogs remain with us to live long health lives in retirement. We are also proud to rescue boxers, helping out Boxer Rescue Canada, and some older ones end up residing with us for good. We occasionally breed our dogs and our boxer puppies are raised in our home with our family and the other dogs. We are proud of our well socialized puppies and we want to ensure they go to loving homes where they are members of the family. We also show our boxers and that is our hobby but they are first and foremost family. We do allow people to come and see our dogs but we have a very busy schedule which includes our new business www. Although we don't have puppies often we do want people to realize the value of buying from a reputable breeder and why that is so important so we do try and meet up with you even if it is at a show to talk about dogs. When you have questions or problems later on we'll still be here for you, we've been around for over 25 years.We are are always to here to help you with your boxer! We are very proud of limiting our breeding program to ensure all boxers are fully health tested and they PASS their tests, including yearly holtering , Echo by Doppler for SAS along with other health testing. This is NOT just a vet visit but more extensive tests to ensure we are breeding healthy boxers so Your puppy is healthy and has a chance of living a long life. He is a family friendly pet who has never shown any signs of aggression and was raised around children for most his life. He is obedient and knows his commands. Can be.There is an incredible fawn female. She is extremely sweet and loving. Up to date on all vaccines. Potty trained. Very calm and playful dog. Looking for a good home for him. He is a boxer and Rottweiler.We have the pleasure of raising these pups in our home along with our children. Pups are exposed to a variety of stimuli and.She has a tail, good with house training and not a chewer. Our puppies are raised on our acreage with our children and other pets. They are well socialized. Puppies are.Both mom and dad and grandparents have echocardiograms to ensure heart health, and to ensure they are clear of subaortic stenosis- which is a potential boxer.Born on March 7th, female and male. Lots of brindle Coloring There is 1 female left. Raised with both dog parents in a family home out in the country. She has 2 sets of shots. Mostly potty.Visit Website Below to Order Now! Shipping by seller Some search tips we've found useful: Try a different or more general keyword Expand search location. He is a family friendly pet who has never shown any signs of aggression and was raised around children for most his life. He is obedient and knows his commands. Can be.There is an incredible fawn female. She is extremely sweet and loving. Up to date on all vaccines. Potty trained. Very calm and playful dog. Looking for a good home for him. He is a boxer and Rottweiler.We have the pleasure of raising these pups in our home along with our children. Pups are exposed to a variety of stimuli and.Lancaster Park Beautiful purebred boxer pup, full of energy and very playful. Vet checked and house trained, she is also unfixed. Dog just has too much energy and is too strong for current elderly owners and would.She has a tail, good with house training and not a chewer. Our puppies are raised on our acreage with our children and other pets. They are well socialized. Puppies are.Will be a year old on Oct 8. His shots are utd and is intact as was looking into him being a stud for breeding. Very healthy with no issues. Bo is a very well behaved dog and.Both mom and dad and grandparents have echocardiograms to ensure heart health, and to ensure they are clear of subaortic stenosis- which is a potential boxer.Born on March 7th, female and male. Lots of brindle Coloring There is 1 female left. Raised with both dog parents in a family home out in the country. She has 2 sets of shots. Mostly potty.Great with kids of all ages. House, leash and kennel trained. She is calming down with age, easy going but still space to run around big yard or acreage.Some search tips we've found useful: Try a different or more general keyword Expand search location.

Things to do with your English Bulldog Louisiana is a great place to live with an English bulldog. The state has a diverse landscape, plenty of outdoor activities, and dog-friendly businesses. Hike the Trails Hiking is a great way to get some exercise and enjoy the outdoors. There are many hiking trails in Louisiana that are perfect for English bulldogs. Be sure to bring plenty of water and snacks for your dog, and take breaks often. Visit a Campground Camping is another great way to enjoy the outdoors with your English bulldog. There are many campgrounds in Louisiana that allow dogs. Be sure to bring a tent, sleeping bags, food, water, and other supplies. There are many places to fish in Louisiana, both in fresh water and salt water. Be sure to get a fishing license and follow all the rules and regulations. Go Boating Boating is another great way to enjoy the outdoors with your English bulldog. There are many places to boat in Louisiana, both on rivers and lakes. Be sure to bring a life jacket for your dog and follow all the safety rules. There are many places to swim in Louisiana, both in fresh water and salt water. Be sure to supervise your dog at all times and follow all the safety rules. Visit a Dog Park Dog parks are a great place for English bulldogs to run and play off-leash. There are many dog parks in Louisiana, both in urban and rural areas. Visit Dog-Friendly Businesses Louisiana has a number of pet-friendly businesses, including restaurants, hotels, and stores. These are just a few of the many things you can do with your English bulldog in Louisiana. With its stunning scenery, endless activities, and friendly people, Louisiana is the perfect place to create lasting memories with your furry friend. How do you breed for a healthier English Bulldog? Like all things in life, breeding for health is simply a matter of priority. We are blind to many of the breed priorities that distract other breeders from improving the health of the English Bulldog. We focus on health and personality and very little else. We are not interested in winning a blue ribbon in the show ring. Rather, we test for things like elongated soft palates, narrow tracheas, stenotic nares, luxation in the patellar tendons, heart defects, cherry eye, optic cilia, entropion, ect. We focus and prioritize creating healthy bloodlines, therefore our bulldogs are typically much healthier than the breed as a whole. After breeding for health, what other priorities are you focused on? Our true desire is to create the perfect family bulldog. We also believe a bulldog bred for the correct personality is essential to the family unit as well. A Bruiser Bulldog is bred for intelligence and playfulness. We want our bulldogs to be full of personality and some quirk. We believe a full personality along with a little stubbornness is the true North star of the bulldog breed and is what makes the unique among other breeds. We look for these personality traits in our adult bulldogs and continue to create bloodlines that reflect these qualities. What are the steps of your adoption process if I am located in Louisiana? Check out our available English Bulldog Puppies page. At times, we have available puppies but almost always have a waiting list as well. A quick look at our available puppies is the starting point to begin the process. Send us an email or give us call .If approved to adopt one of our puppies you are welcome to place a deposit to hold until your puppy is ready to go home. Greetings from the Wysongs! Northern Indiana based, Bruiser Bulldogs offers purebred English Bulldog Puppies for sale to loving adopters seeking to find a higher quality English Bulldog. As English Bulldog breeders , Mitch and Erica Wysong have dedicated themselves to a lifelong journey of changing the culture and societal pressures of poor breeding practices within the English Bulldog Community. Mitch and Erica believe in producing a healthy English Bulldog puppy first and foremost. Through years of research and development, Bruiser Bulldogs is leading a new movement away from the overdone, wrinkled bulldog that has been long plagued by health problems. By embracing a healthier, more athletic look they are able to ensure that each and every English Bulldog Puppy for sale by Bruiser Bulldogs is supported by a platform of health tested, clean genetics. Upon adoption, each family that takes on the responsibility of a Bruiser Bulldog enters into an active and vibrant communal family of bulldog owners. Mitch and Erica believe it is their responsibility to provide emotional and mental support for the lifetime of each and every English Bulldog puppy they produce. To ensure the success of every adoption, Bruiser Bulldogs will always be committed to helping Bruiser Bulldog adopters care for their English Bulldogs to the best of their ability. I am familiar with common and uncommon health problems they may face so when my boyfriend and I decided we were ready to adopt our own english puppy finding a reputable breeder that prioritizes health was most important to us. Erica and Mitch of Bruiser Bulldogs are just that. They are experienced, ethical and quality breeders. I was referred to them by my friend that I trust after I saw their gorgeous healthy puppy. Our Puppy Primrose is the light of our lives! Bruisers was there to assist us every step of the way. We would highly recommend Bruisers Bulldogs to anyone looking for their own happy, healthy pup! Leah H. We were lucky to have come across Bruiser Bulldogs and even more so the fact that they were near our family and hometown made it even better. We have had Clementine Callie for four months now, and she is a wonderful dog. Her personality is amazing, and I think part of it is breeding and the other part is Erika and her family lovingly raising the puppies in their home with plenty of attention and snuggles. I also was impressed that, rather than send the puppies out right at 8 weeks, Erika kept ours for a few extra weeks because she was tiny and not read to leave her mom yet. It's that care that differentiates Bruisers from other breeders. Emily R. Erica was easy to work with thru the entire process from application to adopting and now beyond as we host our new family member, Chief. Her on-call support and willingness to provide open, honest advice to all of our questions and concerns continues to be appreciated. We would highly recommend Bruiser Bulldogs to anyone looking for an English Bulldog to join their family. Elizabeth W. Lady L. They are experienced, responsive and knowledgeable about all things bulldog related. They went above and beyond for us and are truly dedicated to all of their pups! We love our little girl so much and would recommend Bruiser to anyone looking for a healthy beautiful bully. Jonathan E. Erica and Mitch are trustworthy, excellent communicators, fair, passionate, and produce the best bulldogs. We were at the top of the waiting list for months and Erica reached out every litter to see if we were finally ready for a bulldog. When we were, she was very easy to work with. Her knowledge on bulldogs is outstanding. We had many questions on the process and she always knew what was best for the puppy. We've had Penny formerly Blair for two months and she is very healthy, energetic, playful, and sweet. She is great with other people and dogs. We are so happy with our pup. When we are ready for bulldog 2, we will only consider Bruiser Bulldogs. Mitch C. Bowser was born April and is an integral part of our family. When we were first exploring English Bulldog breeders our biggest concern was the overall health of the dogs. We decided to work with Erica at Bruiser Bulldogs because we liked their focus on improving the breeds breathing abilities and the fact that the puppies are raised within her family environment before coming home with their new owners. Bowser also breaths clearly and our vet was impressed with his overall health from the moment we brought him home. All that said we know English Bulldogs have a predisposition to many health issues and that his current health can not predict the future. With that In mind its important to start with a breeder that open to answer any of your questions as Erica has ours, and that strongly believes in improving the breeds overall health profile. Adam B. My sister ended up finding Bruiser Bulldogs and we knew right away that they were the breeder for us. In September we ended up driving 9 hours to pick up two Bruiser bulldog puppies- one for my husband and I and one for my mom. Jackson and Penelope have been nothing but a joy. They are both very athletic and healthy. They are also HUGE snugglers and always want to be with you. It is an absolute pleasure having these two bullies in our lives! Erica is very knowledgeable about the breed. She is very hands on throughout the process and is just overall a kind and honest person to work with. With all that being said I cannot recommend Bruiser Bulldogs enough! Collyn C. One of the reasons we chose Bruiser Bulldogs was due to the claims about breeding for health. During our first visit at our vet's office, he told us that our pup was one of the healthiest English bulldogs he had ever seen. He is healthy, happy and social. Would recommend to anyone. Christina S. We seen our dog on their website and sent them an Email. Mitch called us and personally walked us through the process and made sure we had the right dog for our family. We couldn't be happier when we picked up our dog Ramsey, Erica made sure we had everything we needed and then some. They are truly amazing people who breed truly amazing dogs! Jim T. Micro bullies with frenchi bloodline. Healthy weighing lbs. Very loving little boys and girls. I still have 4 available. You're more then welcome to come visit us. Our puppies are raised with our kids and they are well socialized. Serious buyers should only Text ME at xxx xxx-xxx9. Free Shipping is Included. My pups are going to turn heads with beauty! Both parents are sweet, loving, kid-friendly mini Dogs. They are great with kids, cats and of course they love other dogs too. This little pups are always so happy, enjoys chasing a ball or simply cuddling up in your arms. Our pups always come pre-spoiled and of course will be current on vaccinations. Excellent health is a top priority for our puppies as they are part of our family until the minute they become part of yours! These pups will also be checked from head to toe by our vet, just to be sure these pups are in excellent health. You won't find a better cared for or better quality anywhere, so claim this pups fast before it's too late! Besides, it never hurts to have the best looking dog on the block. I can ship my puppies to you. Miniature Bulldog puppies make wonderful family pets as they are loving and kind. Flash and they are being raised in our home, where they are spoiled daily. Flash has been on a vaccination schedule and was seen by the vet recently with a perfect check-up. Find more Bulldog puppies for sale in closest states: Mississippi , Alabama , Arkansas , Texas , Oklahoma , Missouri If you have never owned a Bulldog before, or are interested in reading more information, check out our Bulldog Dog Breed Information page. Latest Dog Articles Most common digestion puppy's diseases We don't like to think of our new puppy falling sick with puppy disease. But youngsters get sick quicker and take longer to get well than adults. It's vital to recognize sick puppy behavior, signs and symptoms of puppy illness, and how to know when you ca How to Defend Yourself against a Mad Dog According to World Health Organization about citizens require emergency care treatment on a daily basis for dog bite injury. Also, about 4. Now, those are insanely alarming statistics. But they are tru Dog Care Tips Few things in life are more fun and rewarding than bringing a dog into your family. Your dog will offer your family years of love and loyalty — as long as you provide him with food, shelter, responsible care, and love in return. Welcome to the Louisiana state page on TrustedPuppies. Known for its rich culture, vibrant music scene, and delicious cuisine, Louisiana is an incredible place to find and raise your new English Bulldog companion. Our goal is to connect you with the most exceptional English Bulldog breeders and puppies for sale in the region, ensuring you find the perfect furry friend for your family. Our site features a wide variety of reputable Louisiana breeders who specialize in raising healthy and happy puppies. Our breeders are committed to raising the highest quality puppies. They provide their puppies with all the necessary vaccinations and veterinary checkups to ensure they are in the best of health before they go to their forever homes. They also provide ongoing support and advice to ensure a smooth transition for both you and your new furry friend. Discover the thriving dog-friendly scene in Louisiana, featuring inviting restaurants, spacious dog parks, and engaging dog shows. For those passionate about dog shows, events like the Louisiana Kennel Club Dog Show provide an opportunity to appreciate the elegance and charm of English Bulldog canines while connecting with fellow enthusiasts. With an estimated 1. At TrustedPuppies. Most of our reputable English Bulldog breeders provide safe and affordable flight delivery, complete with a dedicated flight nanny who accompanies your new pup throughout their journey, ensuring their safety and comfort as they travel to their new home in Louisiana. Many breeders also offer affordable vehicle delivery, utilizing specialized pet delivery services. This option allows your English Bulldog puppy to be transported directly to your door by a professional who understands the unique requirements of pet transportation. Begin your search for the perfect English Bulldog puppy on TrustedPuppies.

Categories Dog Training German shepherds make incredible pets! However, the German shepherd is a large and muscular dog that can potentially do a lot of harm to smaller animals. So if you have other pets, such as a cat, you may wonder if they can coexist. German shepherds can absolutely get along with cats. However, this depends on how you raise the dog and the effort you put into socializing them. Whether you have a German shepherd or plan to get one soon, there are things to consider if you also own a cat. Read on to learn how to ensure the two animals will get along. To say a German shepherd naturally dislikes any animal would be a mistake. Though they may look a little scary, GSDs can be as friendly as any dog breed. Also called a prey drive, this refers to how dogs may naturally want to chase or hunt smaller animals. Now, it might be seen as an inconvenience for anyone who wants a dog besides hunters! This natural drive can encourage your German shepherd to see smaller animals as things to chase. This could be bad news for your cats. However, this only serves to highlight the importance of socializing your German shepherd. Depending on how well you socialize your dog, it very well could be the reason your dog sees your cats as friends rather than potential food and prey. Both animals are obviously different species and will have different habits, tendencies, and approach to others. We need to remember this natural inclination when helping our German shepherds get along with cats. German shepherds are smart: Wicked smart. They are consistently ranked as one of the smartest dog breeds. This means proper training is all they need to get along fine with cats or other animals. German shepherds are loyal: When you treat a German shepherd well, it will want to please you. It will respond quickly and happily to any training, which is best for everyone involved. This breed is particular protective, especially when it comes to the people or animals that they love. In other words, they look after their pack. The Personality of Cats It takes two to tango, or to get along. A lot of cats tend to be quite aloof, while others can be surprisingly affectionate. However, if you have an impatient cat or one that does not like affection, it might not get along with a dog. After all, dogs tend to be quite physical with their affection. So a cat might end up losing patience over being licked or bothered. In a study, researchers found the five main personality traits of cats, dubbed the Feline Five. The five include neuroticism, extraversion, dominance, impulsiveness, and agreeableness. Why Cats and German Shepherds Are Similar And according to the five feline traits, German shepherd and cats are more similar than you may think. In fact, I would argue that these dogs have all five traits too. Plenty of owners believe that German shepherds are neurotic and sensitive dogs. As a result, they can grow neurotic over small sounds, digging, or scratching. German shepherds can also be very extraverted dogs, depending on your dog. And if properly trained or socialized, they have a better shot at being extraverts. Dogs are all innately friendly animals and the GSD is no exception. Given the sheer size and power of these dogs, is it really a surprise that German shepherds possess a dominant personality too? And because German shepherds are some of the smartest dogs , they tend to do well with obedience and training. This makes them very agreeable dogs if properly trained. Their loyalty goes deep and the dog will take every opportunity to please their owners. Unless your dog has been socialized with cats, they make act aggressively. However, German shepherds that are raised in a home with cats tend to get along just fine with them due to their unwavering loyalty and devotion to the pack. In fact, Rover calls them one of the top five most loyal dog breeds! German shepherds also have a natural protective instinct , which makes them much more likely to keep the cat safe than to do harm to it. But of course, the dog must be very familiar with the cat and see the animal as a pack member. Because of these two signature traits that define the German shepherd, it can be easy to make the two get along. Or at the very least, cohabit in a civil manner. Of course, there are plenty of variables, including the personality of your cat. And a lot of it depends on how well and often you socialize your dog with the cat. However, often it is up to their owners to shape their temperament and behavior. But any breed can learn to get along with cats, and German shepherds are no exception. However, there are a few steps to take to get your German shepherd to like cats. Start Socialization Early One of the best ways to ensure your German shepherd gets along with cats is to socialize them from when they are puppies. A German shepherd that is around cats from a young age will see them differently from an adult that has never been socialized. According to the American Kennel Club, socialization should start as young as 3 weeks of age. That early window of development is going to be crucial to seeing good results. Socialized dogs enjoy a much calmer and happier life than those that miss out on it. In fact, with how intelligent German shepherds are, they can quickly learn how to get along with cats. Below are a few tips to help you along your way. And, the results may not always be what you might ideally want. However, remaining patient and understanding with your German shepherd through it all will only make things better. Keep the Rewards Flowing: German shepherds are brilliant, and rewarding them only serves to speed up any learning. By rewarding positive behavior , you can see better results far sooner than without an abundance of rewards. And by rewards, we of course mean treats! Focus on the positive and keep up the treats. Your attitude toward the process will have an effect on how your German shepherd responds. They can reads moods quite easily. Does Age Matter? Generally, introducing a puppy German shepherd to a cat will go more smoothly than doing so with an adult GSD. During this period, both animals are more adventurous and willing to explore. But again, this mostly depends on socialization. An adult or adolescent German shepherd that has been socialized early on can pull from prior experience. It likely already feels comfortable and safe around others, so will be less likely to show aggression. Still, we should cover a few tips that will be important regardless of what age you introduce your German shepherd to cats. Introducing Your German Shepherd to Cats We have put together some key tips and suggestions for ensuring your German shepherd and cat have a safe and productive introduction. While there are plenty of ways to do this, these suggestions come from real owners with success. We believe these are important, regardless of whether your German shepherd is a puppy or adult, or has been socialized or not. Supervision Is a Must You will want to have as much control over the situation as possible. Though the chance for aggression may be low, it is always better to play it safe. So we recommend being present from start to finish. We even would suggest continuing to be present for all future interactions, until you are absolutely sure your German shepherd and cat get along. In a lot of cases, you may scare the two animals from wanting to play with each other. This will just give you the opposite of what you wanted. Instead, start with short meetings. Maybe even just a minute at first. Our goal is to get your GSD and your cat acquainted with one another, not to become fast friends from day one though that would be perfect! Remember — patience is key! With that said, below is a quick outline for a natural progression of getting your German shepherd and cat acquainted with one another. After all, both animals rely heavily on their sense of smell. We recommend that both your German shepherd and cat have recently been bathed. Multiple scents can make for a confused sensory experience for both pets. While they are swapping scents, watch for any changes in behavior. Is either party showing signs of aggression? Then call it a day and separate them. Separated Awareness: A good next step is to let your German shepherd and cat be aware of each other, but have a barrier between them. This can be a baby gate or whatever you see fit. Just make sure the two can see each other through the barrier. This can let them grow used to each other without the risk of one chasing down the other. Always be sure to reward any calmer behavior or even signs of gentle curiosity. Make sure to bring out the good treats during this process! Try doing this for about minutes for a week or so, and decide if you can move on to the next step. If there has been no aggression, your pets might be ready. Together At Last: But not forever. For the first face-to-face meetings, we still want you to have complete control over the situation. Even if the two are finally familiar with one another, anything can happen at any moment. To be safe, we recommend still having a leash on your German shepherd. That way, if anything escalates, you can maintain control quickly and easily. Again, try this for about a week for only a few minutes at a time. Friendship Unleashed: Only once you are sure that there is no aggression or chasing from your German shepherd can you let them spend time together without a leash. Still, we strongly advise supervising from start to finish. Only once your pets have spent several peaceful months together can you possibly leave them alone together. Have you had luck getting your GSD and cats to be friends? If so, what steps did you take to foster their friendship? Share your experience in the comments below. Things can get crowded quickly, especially if you own a cat too! Read more here. However, there are different things to consider, along with training, when bringing the two together. Are German Shepherds Dangerous? Not only for your kids, but other pets such as cats. Post navigation. Aug 4, Share Although the rivalry between dogs and cats is a tale as old as time, it is normal for dogs and cats to get along with early socialization. The trick is finding a dog breed that will either ignore the cat or love it naturally. If you like German Shepherds, you might be wondering if this big breed gets along with cats. Instead, be proactive in socialization and temperament selection to find the right German Shepherd and cat. Read on to learn more about how German Shepherds react to cats and learn tips about early socialization. In comparison to more aggressive breeds, German Shepherds are naturally good with cats. That being said, individual German Shepherds may act uneasy around cats or act out right aggressively. In other words, it can be hard to predict if a German Shepherd will get along well with cats since individual personality is the biggest determiner. Because they are less aggressive than some breeds, you have better luck socializing German Shepherds. Naturally, German Shepherds are really loving, but they were originally bred as herding dogs. Their herding background means they have a natural instinct to chase, herd, and protect. Even if German Shepherds are not meaning to be aggressive, cats may often interpret their behavior as such. Luckily, German Shepherds, especially when they are puppies, respond to training well. With early socialization, German Shepherds have a great chance of getting along with cats. Only through socialization efforts can you trust that a German Shepherd will get along with your furry feline friend. Background As their name suggests, German Shepherds were originally used as herding dogs. It was their job to help keep herds together and defend them from predators. Today, German Shepherds still retain this herding drive. When around cats, they can chase and even nip at their tail or heels. If your cat takes off, the German Shepherd is especially likely to behave in this way. Image Credit: lancegfx, Pixabay Personality German Shepherds are known for having one of the most lovable personalities. Today, this dog is considered one of the most popular breeds because it is intelligent, courageous, and responds very well to training. Additionally, German Shepherds are known for being sensitive and lovable, which is why they make perfect guard dogs for families. They get along great with children, but they will protect if necessary. With the right owner, German Shepherds easily become one of the most socialized and lovable dogs. Trainability In terms of trainability, German Shepherds are considered one of the best. They have a high desire to please their owners, and they are very intelligent, which makes it easier for them to pick up on commands. Especially in the first 3 months of their lives, German Shepherds have a great capacity for being trained. Because German Shepherds are intelligent and eager to please, training these dogs is not as difficult as it could be with other breeds. The earlier you socialize your German Shepherd, the better. The best time to socialize your German Shepherd is during the first 3 months of its life. If the German Shepherd is socialized sooner rather than later, it is much more likely to be kind and gentle around cats. Image Credit: Africa Studio, Shutterstock Factors That Affect Socialization To get the best result out of socialization training, there are some factors you need to consider. Age and temperament are the two most important. Age The most important factor to think about when you are socializing your German Shepherd is its age. The younger your German Shepherd is, the easier socialization will be. If you already have a cat in your home, it is best to get a German Shepherd puppy as opposed to an adult German Shepherd. Start training your German Shepherd how to properly behave around cats as soon as possible. Temperament Think about the temperament of both the dog and cat in question. If you know that your German Shepherd is aggressive around other animals, bringing it into the home will not be a good option for the cat. Step 1. If the German Shepherd is not yet trained, the meeting can go bad, even if the German Shepherd is not trying to act aggressively. Image Credit: marcin jucha, Shutterstock Step 2. Have two clean cloths and rub one along the back of each animal. Then, bring the cat cloth to the dog and the dog cloth to the cat. Allow them to discover the cloth on their own. Pay attention to how the animals behave. Does either animal seem anxious or overly excited? This will give you a good clue about how the animals will respond to one another. Continue this process until both the cat and dog are calm around the cloth. Step 3. Allow Them to See Each Other Once the animals are comfortable around the scented cloths, allow the animals to see one another but not be in the same room. You can do this by putting one animal on a side of a glass door and the other animal on the other. Do this a couple of days for 5 minutes at a time. Separate Them With a Pet Gate After the animals get accustomed to seeing one another, you can bring them both inside, but still keep them separated with something like a pet gate. This ensures that both pets are safe, but they also have the opportunity to see and smell one another. Step 5. Leash Meeting Once you are ready, you can let the German Shepherd smell the cat while on a leash. As both you and your cat get more comfortable around the German Shepherd, you can select a longer leash and eventually take the dog off the leash completely. Take your time with this process and give both pets treats for good behavior. Final Thoughts If you want to have both a dog and a cat, German Shepherds can be a good choice, but you need to take the time to slowly introduce the two animals to one another after extensive training. With early socialization, most German Shepherds get along great with cats. Some dog breeds are better suited to be kept around cats, which is why it is so important to do your research into the characteristics of each dog breed before making the big decision. No two dog breeds share the same personality, so it is vital not to make any pre-judgments about a particular breed of dog before reading the facts. In this article, you will see the background and characteristics of a German Shepherd while also answering the big question of whether they are good with cats. German Shepherds are renowned for being one of the highest-energy dogs out there, which comes with a lot of work for the owner. You must have a pretty big garden for them to exercise in, and daily walks are a necessity. The personality of a German Shepherd is usually aloof but not aggressive. A well-socialized German Shepherd is a guaranteed best friend and will leave you as a happy dog-owner. German Shepherds and cats A tale as old as time itself that possibly outweighs all hatred felt in the past: cats vs. If there were to be one dog that could rise above this battle, it would be the German Shepherd. Sure they may be big, but German Shepherds are intelligent enough to know the difference between playtime and protecting their owners. But does this gentle behavior mean German Shepherds can rise above this war that has appeared to be unstoppable for so many millennia? The answer to this question depends on how you raise your German Shepherd and whether they are correctly socialized. The term socialization is thrown around a lot in the world of dogs. It essentially just means exposing your pup to different people and animals from a young age. However, check out the next paragraph to figure out in more detail how to properly socialize your German Shepherd and some other relevant factors that contribute towards their social awareness and ability to deal with cats. How to get your German Shepherd to resist the instincts While some dogs seem to prefer meeting new humans and animals more than others, all of them can be trained to respond to these situations appropriately. Everyone gets scared or worried when doing new things or meeting new people, including your German Shepherd. The longer you spend completing an activity and getting used to it, is how you begin to relax when partaking in it. This is exactly what socializing is when introducing your German Shepherd to new animals, people, and settings, preferably from a young age. To do this, you must expose your German Shepherd at a young age to the other previously mentioned things that they are not used to being around. You can begin to socialize your German Shepherd and cat by putting the bowls close to one another. You could also put your puppy on one side of the door and your cat on the other. The first interactions Before you even introduce your puppy to your kitten, it is vital that your German Shepherd can follow the sit, stay, and leave it commands. These three commands are needed so that you will still control the situation when the face-to-face interaction finally happens. The first interaction between your German Shepherd and cat should hopefully be short and maybe even peaceful. Put your pup in a kennel, and once they are on a leash, place the cat in front of him for no more than 10 minutes. If the aggression is still going, then it is recommended you pick up your cat and walk away. Your puppy really enjoys your presence, so they will associate this loss of your company with them not being kind to the cat, which will hopefully alter future encounters. Follow these steps for a couple of weeks daily, and gradually increase the interaction time between them, so it slowly becomes more and more familiar. When each pet can comfortably spend at least a half-hour with one-another, then it is time to repeat the process without a leash on your dog. You must keep a very close eye on your dog in this stage to avoid any injures to your cat. Sign Up We only send quality info with absolutely NO Spam Other helpful tips to strengthen their relationship German Shepherds are one of the most energetic dog breeds and love to run around and just generally go crazy. If your pup gets plenty of exercises, then there is less of a chance of them irritating or possibly harming your cat. If you are adopting, make sure to ask the shelter if your German Shepherd was raised around cats. It is vital to either spray or neuter your German Shepherd before hitting puberty at around six months. German Shepherds respond well to positive reinforcement through things like pats and dog treats due to their intelligence. They need to know when they are doing good. Frequently Asked Questions If you have any remaining questions about German Shepherds and cats in general, feel free to consult below. Can a German Shepherd harm my cat? If you do not follow the steps mentioned above, then yes, a grown German Shepherd could undoubtedly harm your cat as they might see them as a threat. If your pup is well socialized, they will have formed a healthy relationship with your cat, and you will have nothing to worry about. My German Shepherd is now old, and I am thinking of purchasing a cat? Although it is tough to socialize an adult or senior dog, it is still possible. To undergo this, it is recommended that you take your dogs to a school instead of attempting to teach them this at home as it is too risky to put a kitten in the environment of an un-socialized German Shepherd. If the trainer deems your German Shepherd as a lost cause regarding socialization, then it is advised that you do not purchase a cat for the sake of its safety. What to do if my cat is causing the issues and not my German Shepherd? However, if this is the case, you can simply follow the previous steps but replacing your dog with your cat. Your cat might not show it, but they do love your presence! Use these same tactics to get your cat to understand that they must become best friends with your new puppy. I have tried all your steps, and nothing is working. What should I do? It is better to do this sooner rather than later so that your pets are socialized from a young age when it is easiest to learn new skills. The only set-back of this is the price, as this challenging job can often set you back a fair amount of money. Are German Shepherds good with cats? Animals can also sense your energy, so if you stay positive and forward-thinking, so too will your German Shepherd and cat in their first few meetings. Relaxed humans usually mean relaxed animals. You can imagine if you introduce a cat to your large German Shepherd that has never even seen another animal before, it will not be a fun meeting. But if your German Shepherd is well-equipped and has dealt with cats and other animals before then, they are bound to become best friends. It just depends on you and how you follow the previous steps when socializing them. Similarly, if your cat has never seen a dog before, they are bound to be cautious and afraid, which is why you must expose them to all these things from a young age. Finally, for the safety of your cat and dog alike, if your pup has grown too old and can no longer be socialized, it is a wise decision not to purchase a cat. No matter how much you want an adorable furball crawling around your house, it is likely that an unsocialized German Shepherd will react terribly to this and will put your cat in danger. Posted on Last updated: June 5, The battle between cats and dogs is as old as time itself. And German Shepherds and cats are no different. They are very different species, and both view the other as potential prey. But cats and dogs can get along — it is all about how the process of bringing these two species together is managed. The breed can also impact how difficult it or easy it is for cats and dogs to get along. But are German Shepherds good with cats? The short answer is that they can be. More About German Shepherd Dogs Different breeds of cats and dogs have different temperaments or tendencies. Individual temperaments will play a role as well but are more likely to affect how long it takes the two to get on or how well they get on rather than whether they can get on at all. These versatile dogs are intelligent and courageous. They are working dogs and tend to do very well at anything for which they are trained. They are very affectionate family members and good with kids as well as strangers. GSDs are also high-energy and love to play. They need a lot of exercise to stay happy and minimize bad behavior. I have a series of articles on how different dog breeds get along with cats: Can Poodles and Cats Get Along? As working dogs, it is in the genes of a GSD to help herd and keep the flock in line. Indeed, they will nip at the ankles of any lamb who strays from the group. In this way, their behavior can be similar to terrier dogs like Jack Russells , who are bred to chase and catch animals. So when a GSD sees a fluffy cat making quick moves, it will have a strong instinct to chase that creature and nip at its ankles. This is also why some GSDs can become a bit obsessed with a cat and follow them around. However, GSDs can be trained to manage this natural instinct to prey. This can be achieved through socialization. Without socialization, a GSD will only know a small number of people. When it encounters others, it will potentially be scared and uncomfortable. Learning how to deal with new situations helps them to develop belief in themselves — just like humans. Each new socialization experience should make the one after easier. Socializing a German Shepherd dog can take many forms. It can include things like introducing your dog to new sounds, new sights, new objects, and new places. Critically, this should include different people and different animals. Age Do German Shepherds get along with cats? Age has a big role to play in whether German Shepherds are good with cats. The younger both animals are, the more likely they will be able to get along. Kittens and puppies, like humans, are far less set in their ways. There is always the potential for older pets to get along or to mix an older pet with one that is younger, but this is usually an easier process when both pets are younger. If your German Shepherd dog is older, ask the shelter owner or previous owner if it has had any time around cats. And also, ask if they have had any bad experiences with cats, as this could have a major impact on their ability to get along with your cat. Temperament Do German Shepherds like cats? That all depends. How sociable are both animals? How much exposure has each animal had to other animals? However, those animals with more experience in sharing and being around other animals may adjust more quickly. Cats tend to be far more cautious than dogs — but of course, all cats are different. What is your cat like in new situations? Is it quite bold or timid? Prey Drive As a working breed of dog, German Shepherds have a high prey drive. They will have a strong instinct to chase after fluffy objects, particularly if they make sudden moves. A German Shepherd with a higher prey drive will find it more difficult to get along with a cat, and vice versa with a lower prey drive. If the GSD is a bit older, you or its owner will probably have a sense of how strong their prey drive is based on how they react to other animals on walks etc. A GSD that has been spayed or neutered will feel less need to show dominance to a cat. If your dog is neutered or spayed, then German Shepherd and cat friends become more of a possibility. Introducing a German Shepherd With Cats The first step is to feed the two animals in close proximity to each other. However, put your puppy on one side of a closed door and your kitten on the other. Once your puppy is at this stage, try a 5-minute meeting while your puppy is in its kennel. Keep this up for a couple of weeks, and each time gradually increase the amount of time that the animals are together until you reach 30 minutes. The next stage is to do the same with your dog out of the kennel but on a leash. Continue the same process as before until reaching 30 minutes. Then follow the same process with your dog off the leash. If your dog becomes aggressive at any point in this process, remove the cat and yourself from the situation so that your dog learns that type of behavior means it is left on its own. Carve out some space for the cat, such as a spare bedroom. Make sure this space is a safe place for your cat and also contains water, litter, toys, and other things that help a cat feel comfortable. Start with total separation between the two animals. There is no point introducing your German Shepherd to a cat until it has been trained. It needs to be able to stay, and importantly it needs to be able to stay calm when it meets the cat. The first and most important step in a controlled introduction is the swapping of scents. Have one clean cloth for your cat and one for your GSD. Run the cloth on the areas of each animal where there is the most scent. For cats, this is the top of their head, cheeks, and chin. For dogs, this is their armpits and on their sides. They should be left to discover this cloth themselves rather than you giving them the cloth. Watch how each animal reacts to the new scent. Does your cat become nervous? Does your GSD become over-excited? Each day, do scent fresh clothes again and leave them near the animals. Ideally, keep this up until both animals are calm around the scented cloths. Then you are ready to move on to having the animals see each other in a controlled way. Check out my guide to How to Look after a Kitten , 6 Best Kitten Wet Food Options, and 8 Best Kitten Dry Food Options Have your cat inside the house and your dog outside with some type of door with glass on it between them so that they can see each other. Do this daily for about 5 minutes at a time. After a few days, do the same thing but inside the house. If they behave well, give both pets treats. The final stage is interaction with no barriers. However, your GSD should be on a leash. Start off with a very short leash. Then extend the leash as your cat gets more comfortable and if your GSD behaves. Treats should be incorporated here as a reward for good behavior. Remember that your GSD will only chase a cat that is running. So it is important that your cat remains as calm as possible. Take your time to remove the leash completely. Allow your cat to lead the process here — is it comfortable? And make sure you stay in the room the entire time. Puppy School can be a great option for a new GSD that is struggling with its behavior. They are only acting on their instincts. Give your German Shepherd lots of attention. They can get jealous if they see you spending lots of time with the cat and less time with them. Stay positive even if it takes some time to move between the different stages. For different temperaments, the stages can take different amounts of time to complete. If one of the animals starts reacting badly to the other, move back to the previous stage. If you have been trying to introduce the two animals for a considerable length of time without success, consider taking them to a cat or dog trainer. Ensure that each animal has their own space and that it can get away from each other. For dogs, this could be the backyard or a large crate. It is key that both pets are able to leave a stressful situation and go somewhere safe asap. Do respect the animal which has been in the house for the longest. The older pet will have the hardest time adjusting to this new situation. The short answer is yes but. German Shepherd dogs and cats absolutely can get along, but they are not guaranteed to do so. Much will depend on the temperaments and past experiences of each animal. However, as an owner, there are many things you can do to encourage their relationship. Start by following a set introductory process as above and following our key tips as you move through the different stages. Your pets will be best friends before you know it! That means if you click through on most of the links and end up making a purchase I will receive a small commission. This will not affect the price that you pay. I wanted to make sure that you were aware of this. But, keep in mind that GSDs are intelligent, highly trainable, and incredibly social. Just as with other dogs and any other animal they can share a home with a cat peacefully. German Shepherds can be good with cats, but it depends on your particular German Shepherd. Many German Shepherds can get along fine with a cat with proper socialization and training. Keep in mind that individual dogs could react to their feline counterparts differently. Many German Shepherds share their homes with cats and are actually friendly with one another. But, here are some of the critical factors that might make your German Shepherd more likely to integrate well with cats: 1 Age The younger your GSD is, the more open they will probably be to living with a cat. It also helps if the cat is young so that neither of them is already set in their ways. Growing up together just tends to make things easier. Are they wary of or playful with new animals they encounter? Keep in mind that if they tend to be nervous around other animals, their instinct to protect themselves might drive them to be aggressive. Have they had plenty of exposure to cats before? Your dog could have had plenty of exposure to other animals without incident, but is their personality suited for sharing a home with a cat? Do they insist on always being the center of attention? How do they feel about sharing their space as well as their toys? That means they have an instinct to chase after cats, especially those who make sudden movements and run away very quickly. Generally, a higher prey drive may make it more difficult for your German Shepherd to love a cat. Before you begin, your GSD should have at least gone through basic training and already responds to your verbal cues obediently to make this introduction easier. Then, use the other towel on your cat, paying special attention to the area around the face. Then, place the cat-scented towel near your dog and vise versa. Pay attention to how each of them reacts. Even better, give them a treat or praise them when they sniff the towel in order to develop positive associations with the scent. Step 2: Expose Through Glass Anywhere you have a glass door is a perfect place to do this. Start with 5-minute sessions and increase the length of time in subsequent sessions. This way, they get some contact and can sniff each other while keeping them both safe from any possible aggressive reactions. Keep the leash short and maintain control, then increase the slack little by little as they show positive behaviors. Throughout this process, make sure that you give plenty of praises or treats for actions that you want to reinforce. While you maintain control over your GSD, keep an eye out for your cat and lookout for signs of stress and discomfort. If they walk away, let them and try again another time. Use your judgment to determine how quickly you can go through each of the steps. Observe both animals and proceed as you see fit. Your German Shepherd might instinctively lunge or even growl at the cat when they first meet. Similarly, the cat might hiss and scratch. Stay calm. Your pets will always be able to sense your energy. Sometimes, the best you can hope for is a safe and peaceful co-existence. The short answer is I doubt it. At her very first vet appointment a couple of days after I brought her home at 8 weeks old, we came out of the examining room and there was a lady sitting in the waiting room with a small crate on the floor. My dog went up and sniffed at the crate then jumped back and growled. That was my first clue. Allie also has a very strong prey drive and whenever she sees a cat she wants to pounce and chase and sometimes she growls. However, I know many other German Shepherd owners, whose dogs have a different temperament than my girl, and their dogs do wonderful with cats. I know one person who has 3 German Shepherds and 2 cats and they have no problems. The temperament of the German Shepherd and the temperament of the cat is key to their ability to get along or simply co-exist. This varies on a case by case basis. Final Thoughts German Shepherds can get along with cats, but it all depends on the individual dog and cat. Each situation will be different. Apart from the right temperament and proper socialization, it takes a good introduction for cats and dogs to be friendly with one another.

Your browser does not support the audio tag. Description The Boxer's body is compact and powerful. The head is in proportion with the body. The muzzle is short and blunt with a distinct stop. The nose is large and black with very open nostrils. The jaw has an under bite. The eyes are dark brown. The ears are set high, either cropped or kept natural. When cropped they are trained to stand up on the head, tapering to a point. When left natural the ears are thin, falling forward, lying close to the head. The neck should be round, strong and muscular, without a dewlap. The muscular front legs are straight and parallel when viewed from the front. The back legs are well muscled. The tail is set high and usually docked. The AKC severely penalizes a natural tail, while most of Europe has outlawed this practice. Dewclaws are usually removed. The short, smooth, close-fitting coat comes in fawn, brindle, tan, mahogany and black often with white markings. Boxers also come in a white coat that cannot be registered with some clubs. Temperament The Boxer is happy, high-spirited, playful, curious and energetic. Highly intelligent, eager and quick to learn, the Boxer is a good dog for competitive obedience. It is constantly on the move and bonds very closely with the family. Loyal and affectionate, Boxers are known for the way they get along so well with children. A well brought-up and properly socialized Boxer will also get along with his own kind and other household pets such as cats. Animals such as rodents , ducks , chickens and other farm birds may be too tempting, however, they can be taught to "leave it" but it is still not recommended they be left alone with them. It has been said that the name Boxer came from the way the Boxer likes to use his front paws for just about everything. If you have ever watched a Boxer go about his business you may have noticed the way he paws at his toys, food bowl and you for that matter, in a very playful cat-like way. While participating the sport of Schutzhund, Boxers are known to jump up and use their front paws as if they are boxing. They are very clownish and playful. The Boxer's nature is to protect you, your family, and your home. Known visitors will be welcomed. They are always keen to work and play. Boxers need lots of human leadership. Teach the Boxer not to be boisterous and especially not to jump up at people. This breed is noted for courage and makes a great guard dogs. Boxers have a wide use in military and police work. An excellent watchdog, the Boxer will restrain an intruder in the same way a Bulldog does. They are extremely athletic, sometimes even in their old age. This dog needs to go on a daily pack walk. Daily mental and physical exercise is paramount. Without it, the Boxer will become high strung. This breed requires a dominant owner. Training should start young and be firm and consistent. The objective in training this dog is to achieve pack leader status. It is a natural instinct for a dog to have an order in its pack. When we humans live with dogs , we become their pack. The entire pack cooperates under a single leader; lines are clearly defined. You and all other humans MUST be higher up in the order than the dog. That is the only way your relationship can be a success. Meek Boxer owners will find their dogs to become stubborn. If they do not take you seriously they will be sneaky, demanding, boisterous and hard to control. Teach the Boxer dominating another dog is not acceptable. Any signs of dominance need to be immediately corrected by the owners in a calm, but firm, confident way. Height, Weight Height: Males 22 - 25 inches 56 - 63 cm Females 21 - 24 inches 53 - 61 cm Weight: Males 60 - 70 pounds 27 - 32 kg Females 53 - 65 pounds 24 - 29 kg Health Problems Some major concerns are cardiomyopathy and other heart problems, sub-aortic stenosis and thyroid. Can be prone to skin and other allergies. Sometimes prone to epilepsy. From age eight on they are more likely to get tumors than other breeds. Prone to cancer. Boxers are highly prone to mast cell tumors. Prone to arthritis , hip dysplasia, back and knee issues. These dogs may drool and snore. May have excessive flatulence, especially when fed something other than their own dog food. Some white Boxers are prone to deafness. Living Conditions Boxers will do okay in an apartment if sufficiently exercised. They are fairly active indoors and do best with at least an average-sized yard. Boxers are temperature sensitive, getting easily overheated and chilling very quickly. Exercise An active, athletic breed, Boxers need daily work or exercise, as well as a long brisk, daily walk. They also enjoy fetching a ball or other sessions of play. Life Expectancy. By: Author As an Amazon Associate, we may receive a small commission from qualifying purchases but at no extra cost to you. Learn more. Muscular, stocky, and powerful, the boxer is a breathtaking dog. Her broad deep chest, compact and arched toes, and a regal distinctly shaped head make her a beauty to behold. Character wise, the breed also excels in more ways than one. She is intelligent, playful, and very energetic. Whether you are looking for an exercise companion or just an affectionate pet to own, the boxer will exceed your expectations. Perhaps your boxer friend fell pregnant without your knowledge. Maybe you are curious about breeding the boxer for one reason or the other. Either way, arming yourself with the right information on what happens during the reproduction of boxers is key. In this guide, I will be answering a frequently asked question among Boxer enthusiasts: how many puppies is a boxer likely to have in her first litter? In , a Bakersfield Boxer dog named Sasha made headlines when she gave birth to a whopping 14 full-bred puppies. She almost broke the world record which was fifteen at the time. Two more puppies and Sasha would have topped the list. We rushed to the dog house. First came one puppy. Then another and another until the fourteenth one! All the puppies except one from the litter lived. The pet parents maintained that they would give away 12 of the puppies while retaining only one for themselves. This is more or less the standard for medium-large-sized dogs. However, first-time boxer mothers seem to get more puppies. We checked several social media and meetup groups to find out the experience of boxer owners on this. Most of them claim that their boxer dogs got more than ten puppies for their first litter. A good number recorded puppies. Clearly, this one was not picked up by the news outlets. She would have been named the record breaker! Only a handful of the parents stated that their dogs got less than 10 puppies for their first litter. Still, getting less than 10 puppies is a possibility as well. Keep in mind that the average litter size for the breed is puppies. Different puppies give birth to different litter sizes. The size of the litter is dependent on many things including the weather conditions, health of the mother dog, and her food intake. Boxers reach the proestrus age from 6 months to 1 year. If you are planning to breed, watch out for this timeline. However, your doggie is pretty much an adolescent at this point. It will not be until 2 years of age that she will be referred to as an adult. Sadly yes. The study was conducted to find out the frequency of dystocia in the boxer breed among measuring other reproductive parameters in the breed. Dystocia refers to the inability or difficulty in passing a fetus via the birth canal without being assisted. It encompasses a variety of issues ranging from slow dilation of the cervix to an abnormal drop of the fetus during labor. After doing the experiment, the researchers concluded that the boxer is at a high risk for whelping problems. As a result, a large chunk of the members of the breed need emergency C-sections in their whelpings. From the study, cases of dystocia increase with age of the dog from four years of age. For boxers, the cases are mainly caused by fetal malpresentation and uterine inertia. Like other dogs, not all boxer puppies survive in the first litter in all situations. Many of the boxer owners who answered the question of how many puppies do boxers reproduce in their first litter confirmed this. Others claimed two died. The same goes for Sasha whose puppy died leaving 13 behind. A few of the pet parents said that all the puppies from the large litter made it. Nevertheless, expect to die. If you are lucky, all will live to be adults. It boils down to the care given to the pups, genetics, among other factors. Parting Thoughts A boxer dog has a happy and jolly temperament. Any opportunity to add more puppies to your family is exciting for this reason. It gives you and your family extra members to have fun and play with. If your boxer dog is pregnant for the first time, you must have a lot of questions in your mind. One of them is how many puppies to expect. Hopefully, this guide has sufficiently answered the question for you. Here are more articles about pregnancy and whelping you may want to check:. Rating: Not yet rated Rate this answer: We can't decide whether to breed our 10 month old puppy! Your answer will be published for anyone to see and rate. Your answer will not be displayed immediately. If you'd like to get expert points and benefit from positive ratings, please create a new account or login into an existing account below. Your name or nickname: If you'd like to create a new account or access your existing account, put in your password here: Your answer: Check spelling FAQS. ORG reserves the right to edit your answer as to improve its clarity. By submitting your answer you authorize FAQS. You agree to hold harmless and indemnify FAQS. ORG against any claims, costs, or damages resulting from publishing your answer. ORG makes no guarantees as to the accuracy of the posts. Each post is the personal opinion of the poster. These posts are not intended to substitute for medical, tax, legal, investment, accounting, or other professional advice. ORG does not endorse any opinion or any product or service mentioned mentioned in these posts. How many puppies can a Boxer dog have? October 8, by John Before purchasing the Boxer Breed, one must always make sure they have complete knowledge what they are getting into and how to take proper care. For both the genders, Males and Females the bodies have different needs and hence different ways how to deal with the biological systems. If you intent to Purchase a female Boxer dog , one has to keep in mind that later it might or might produce puppies and that is an important factor. Boxer dogs have a Happy and jolly personality and an addition of Puppies is an opportunity for any family to have fun and play with many little boxer puppies. Boxer Labor Signs Once your female boxer dog starts to expect, let her find a whelping space where it can rest during the entire period. Keep her away from any noisy distractions and add nutritional value to her food. In the course of time, the key Boxer labor signs include restless behavior, sweating, panting, and avoiding interaction and loss of appetite. Try not to over feed the female boxer time. Leave decent duration after every meal so the dog can get enough time for digestion and must feel comfortable. A female boxer dog refuses to have the last meal before she gives birth. Help the dog by making a calm and peaceful bedding nest where the mother and the puppies can bond and feel safe. How Many Litters can a boxer dog have? There is no fixed number of an exact amount of litters that a boxer dog can reproduce. An optimal temperature is required for the new puppies to survive. The size of the litter also depends on the weather conditions. It varies in summers and winters. The right food intake, weather, age is an important factor to know How many litters can a boxer dog have. Older female boxer dogs tend to have lesser litters and might not conceive in the later stages. How many Puppies do Boxers have in their first litter? A boxer dog has from 8 to 11 puppies in their first litter depending on how well they are feeding them and how healthy they are. This litter of puppies takes almost two to three years to mature properly. How long does it take for Boxers to have puppies? Female boxers gestate for around 60 days and are in the expecting period for varying number of days. It can be 75 days. Keep a proper check with the vet to notice any Boxer labor signs. When the time for giving birth nears, it drops to 97 or 98 degrees. This is the time when they need to be looked after critically. Enjoy the time when your Boxer dog is expecting and let it be a time to celebrate as the puppies are born and add the Joy factor to another happier scale in your lives. Boxers shed alot when they are expecitng. So we have got a fresh article on best mop for dog hair. Visit this link to find a best one for your boxer.

Goldendoodle Puppies for Sale in Athens GA Goldendoodle puppies are an increasingly popular choice for families due to their friendly personalities and low-shedding coats. These adorable pups inherit the best traits from their Golden Retriever and Poodle parents, resulting in a cuddly, outgoing, and highly intelligent companion. Goldendoodles are also known for their obedience, athleticism, and eagerness to please, making them relatively easy to train. Our next litter of goldendoodle puppies for sale is right around the corner! Mini Goldendoodle Puppies for Sale in Athens GA Mini Goldendoodle puppies are like a smaller, more compact version of the standard Goldendoodle, bringing all the same wonderful qualities into a smaller package. These healthy puppies boast friendly temperaments similar to those of Golden Retrievers, making a Goldendoodle a fantastic addition to any family. The distinction between F1 and F1b Mini Goldendoodle puppies lies in their parentage of poodle. Every breed back with a F1b allows for less shedding. Labradoodles are: loving, smart, loyal, friendly, sociable, and intelligent. These qualities make them ideal for service work. With an average weight of 50 to 75 pounds and a lifespan of 10 to 14 years, these pups are well-suited for families and individuals alike. Labradoodles are known for their exuberant energy, love and playfulness, making them perfect companions for children and those with active lifestyles. Their adaptable nature allows them to thrive in various living situations, making them excellent additions to any home. Bernedoodle Puppies for Sale in Athens GA Bernedoodle puppies are an enchanting blend of Bernese Mountain Dog and Poodle, resulting in a loyal and affectionate pet with a beautiful hypoallergenic, low-shedding coat. These dogs are friendly and outgoing, as well as intelligent and eager to please, making them highly trainable. Bernedoodles come in a wide range of colors, such as black, white, brown, and red. They can also vary in size depending on the size of their parent breeds. To maintain optimal coat health, regular brushing and occasional trimming are recommended for Bernedoodles. Additionally, these dogs require regular exercise, such as long walks, hikes, and playtime, to ensure their well-being. Sheepadoodle Puppies for Sale in Athens GA Homestead Designer Doodles is proud to introduce the adorable and charming Sheepadoodle puppies to their collection of designer breeds. These delightful pups are a cross between a Standard Poodle and an Old English Sheepdog, resulting in a lovable combination of intelligence, playfulness, and affection. With their fluffy coats, endearing eyes, and expressive faces, Sheepadoodles are sure to capture the hearts of dog lovers everywhere. These puppies possess a hypoallergenic and non-shedding coat, making them an excellent choice for individuals with allergies. Homestead Designer Doodles takes pride in raising these delightful pups in a loving and nurturing environment, ensuring that each puppy is well-socialized and ready to become a cherished member of your family. Adding Sugar to our family has been a blessing. She came to us crate trained and almost potty trained and she is the most social and lovable dog. Wherever we go, everyone loves her! Thank you so much for our sweet Sugar baby! Meg is kind and caring. She does genetic testing to make sure that healthiest puppies are entering the world. Kirby, our 34 lb mini golden doodle, is healthy, sweet, smart and athletic. I highly recommend Homestead Designer Doodles to anyone looking for their next furry friend. Highly Recommend. This was our first puppy, and they were patient and kind, spending a lot of time ensuring the right fit for our family. They treat their puppies like one of the family. They are well cared for, loved, and partly trained before they even release them! I highly recommend them!! I recommend her to everyone I know who wants a pup and I plan on getting all my future pups from her! We were more than impressed with her and the entire experience. It is very obvious her dogs are well taken care of and shown lots of love! We would definitely recommend Homestead Designer Doodles to anyone searching for their own precious pup!!! She was extremely responsive and kept us updated every step of the way. When our puppy arrived he was healthy, well-behaved, and basically housebroken. What more could you ask for?! The dogs are wonderful additions to our family and Meg is so easy to work with. He has added so much to our lives…he is such a loving dog! And loves playing with other dogs! Meg does an amazing job training the puppies before they come home! Especially with potty training!! We specialize in the following breeds: Goldendoodles. We raise high-quality Mini Labradoodles as well as a few other breeds. We also have partnered up with several other reputable breeders that raise mini labradoodle pups that meet our strict genetic criteria and testing. So we usually have a good selection of very high-quality puppies. View Our Available Puppies! F1B Mini Labradoodle Puppies are a second-generation cross or hybrid. The father is a Mini Poodle and the mother is an F1 Labradoodle. The F1B Minature Labradoodles usually have soft hair that is usually wavy or curly. Thes puppies are considered semi-hypoallergenic since they shed minimally. These puppies can be a good fit if a person that has mild pet allergies. Once F1B Mini Labradoodles reach 6 months old they require to be groomed once every 8 weeks or so to keep their fur healthy and to stop matting. Adult F1B Mini labradoodle dogs range in size from 14 inches in height and pounds in weight. The average life span is typically years of age. The F1BB puppies usually have curlier coats and will be totally hypoallergenic. Once the F1BB pup is 6 months they will need regular grooming every 6 to 8 weeks. F1BB Puppies are usually slightly smaller than F1B puppies and range from 12 inches in height and pounds in weight. Mini Labradoodles are known for their intelligence and the ability to be trained very easily. They make amazing family pets and love to participate in family activities like swimming, hiking, camping or just playing tag in the yard. This breed is also a good choice for people who live in apartments as long as they get at least minutes of exercise a day. So if you live near Athens Georgia and are looking for a healthy and beautiful Mini Labradoodle puppy that can be delivered to you then check out our available pups now by Clicking Here. Below are some Mini Labradoodle pups that have been adopted.

Legacy pugs offer high-quality pug puppies that are extremely socialized and spoiled to families all over the east coast. Most of our clients reside in North Carolina and South Carolina. Our pugs, with their comical face and deep wrinkles, will make you smile. If you are looking for a pug in North Carolina or South Carolina call or text us at .Legacy Pugs in South Carolina raises our dogs in a healthy, family environment. Legacy pug puppies in North Carolina and South Carolina are typically fawn with black masks. Occasionally, we will produce a solid black puppy. Legacy Pugs is not just my chosen career path but my passion. When you get a dog from us, you are not just getting any dog; you are getting a superior pug puppy with a spirited personality and all the traits that the world loves about pugs. You are not purchasing a dog, you are gaining a family member who will be there through thick and thin, love you unconditionally, and yes probably make you laugh a time or two with their adorable snorts. Our customers from North and South Carolina find our Pugs outstanding pets because of their adorable, goofy personalities. No matter what your lifestyle may be, these little guys will be up for any new adventure. Bred to be your best friend, their favorite place is right by your side. Though they breed for show, their Pugs are first and foremost members of their family, and they are all reared in their home. For almost 30 years, Mianda Pugs has been displaying and breeding pugs. It all began with two champion paragon and Wejwood bloodlines. After 10 weeks, the puppies are placed in their new homes. Some puppies require more time to wean themselves from their moms and learn to live alone. They feature a play area with a variety of toys to choose from. After three weeks, the puppies are sent home to be exposed to humans. This is when potty training begins. Puppies are examined by a veterinarian at six and eight weeks of age. Before the puppies are sent to their new owners, they undergo a thorough inspection. The parents of the dog were also examined for genetic abnormalities. At two, four, six, and eight weeks, puppies are dewormed. The pups are given to the new owner along with a starter kit to assist them with necessities for the following several days. A health card, a vet check card, immunization records, and a contract are included with every puppy. For additional information, fill out the contact form on the website. Final Words Looking for the perfect Pug breed will never be that hustle. Hence, we believe we were able to help you in finding the top pug breeders in North Carolina. If you want to learn more about each of them, you may reach out to them by phone, website, or social media. We wish you success in your search for the perfect pug for your family. Our staff are avid fans and dedicated owners of Pugs. We hope to answer all the questions you have about Pugs. Just read and enjoy. Feel free to share if you find it valuable to others! Best regards, Carolina Pugs Welcome to Carolina Pugs! Our intentions are pretty straight forward. We offer Pug puppies for sale across the East Coast with a special emphasis inside our region, the Carolina's. North and South Carolina is home to the majority of clientele who purchase our Pug puppies. However, we will sell to anyone looking for a phenomenal Pug. Only producing a few litters annually, our Pug puppies have some of the most sought after markings and personality. Also, most pedigrees within our Pug family have a proven track record of up to 75 years of show quality. Great health is important and is certainly throughout their ancestry. Our Pug puppies are sold to interested families who have a passion for the breed. We do not give or sell breeding rights to anyone who purchases a Carolina Pug. This money is to hold your new Carolina Pug puppy until 8 - 10 weeks of age. We do not let our Pug pups leave before the eight week period for good reason. It ensures the pups are given enough time to learn stability and self reliance. Also, the possibility of emotional distress increases when being away too early from litter-mates. We try to give you the greatest possible experience when buying a Pug puppy from Carolina Pugs. We accept deposits to reserve a puppy after the litter is born. At pickup the remaining balance is due. Our pups colors can vary depending on genetics, but are typically fawn with black masks. Sometimes we do have silver fawns, blacks, and apricots as well. It's important we only sell our pups to people that can provide a loving environment. Carolina Pug's main objective is to help families find a top notch Pug. Quality Pug Puppies are hard to find. It's why we became Pug breeders in the first place. First and foremost; We absolutely love Pugs! There's not a breed in the world that comes close. They are little, wrinkly, comical, snorting, loyal, short faced balls of energy with a touch of laziness. Pug puppies are somewhat hard to find of good quality. We offer exactly that to anybody who wants some of the better bloodlines and genes a Pug can naturally possess. Our Pug puppies for sale started as a hobby. A small wish for my first Pug is where it began. We feel fortunate to be able to help others fulfill that same wish! We are highly against puppy mills or people that breed too close of lines; as that can present health risks. We are natives of Charleston, South Carolina. Coming from somewhat of a city life style, we know a small breed dog can be a better option. Pugs are small yet somewhat energetic. They "love to eat", but feeding them is financially manageable. Just don't give them too much, they would most definitely overindulge! Pugs are great around children! We have two boys and they are good with them and with friends, neighbors and other animals. Pugs have a keen sense of what makes you happy and are constantly trying to get you to laugh. They also love to be congratulated with treats. Pugs are a breed that enjoys being the center of attention, but also know when it's time to be lazy. Generally Pugs are a healthy breed. When they come from a trusted background of quality, good demeanor and traceable genetics you can't go wrong. Sometimes Pugs are loving, charming and mischievous all at the same time! Our family fell in love with the breed immediately after we bought our first Pug years ago. Owning your first Pug truly is a special feeling we would like to share with you too!

They are also very high energy. Labs are intelligent and well-tempered for becoming service dogs. You may have seen a Lab working as a guide dog or alongside a police officer. Labradors come in three distinct colors: black, yellow, and chocolate. There is no real difference between these sub-breeds aside from color. However, chocolate Labs and yellow Labs do tend to be favored as show dogs, while a black Lab is more likely to be raised as a hunting dog than a chocolate or yellow one. Labrador Retrievers are famous for being friendly and companionable to both humans and other dogs. This makes the Labrador an ideal breed to keep as a family dog. There are factors, however, which need to be considered before choosing a Labrador puppy. Bringing home a beautiful black Lab puppy? Check out hundreds of great black dog names here! The amount of maternal care a pup receives prior to adoption influences the adult temperament of your Labrador. A responsible breeder will not remove your puppy from its mother before it is ready. In the study, Labs belonging to extroverted owners had better social skills than those belonging to introverted owners. You may also look through your local classifieds for unregistered litters, although we do not recommend it. Even though Labradors are a generally healthy breed, it is important that both parents get screened for any health issues prior to breeding. Adopting from unregistered litters will also significantly increase your chances of encountering a puppy mill. No matter where you adopt from, it is essential that you meet both parents and access a history of good health for each parent before adopting a puppy from the facility. In other parts of the world, use the puppy search tool on the website of your regional kennel club or equivalent authority. You may also ask a local veterinarian for a reference to a quality breeder. Another option is to keep an eye out for someone with a purebred Labrador and request information on where they adopted from. Registered breeders use only top-of-the-line animals as parents. Puppies from responsible and registered breeders are given the appropriate amount of maternal care and not released to a new home until they are physically and mentally mature enough to do so. This lays the foundation for an affectionate and even temperament in adulthood. The cons of adopting from a breeder are higher costs and often longer wait times. Responsible breeders require a pre-adoption home check to ensure that their puppies are appropriately homed. You may also need to travel some distance to find the right breeder. Registered breeders usually breed a maximum of only twice per year. This maintains parental health and allows sufficient time for the puppies to progress. These breeders often have waitlists for upcoming litters before they are born, sometimes before the parents are even bred. While these practices maintain value, they also mean the puppies will cost a little more and take longer to bring home. Private Ads Private ads for puppies can be found in online classifieds or in your local newspaper. You may also spot them on the bulletin boards of various local businesses. The benefits of sourcing a puppy from a private ad is that the breeder is likely be located nearby, and the puppies will be available relatively quickly, if not immediately. The cons of taking this route is that you do not have pedigree parents to your puppy, and the risk of health complications down the road is much higher. Puppy farms will often advertise through private ads. For these reasons, we do not recommend sourcing a puppy through a private ad. Pet Shops We do not endorse purchasing puppies from pet shops, because the credentials of both parents and breeder cannot be provided. Parents of pet shop puppies may have been overbred, mistreated, or in less than optimal health. It is impossible to know without verified records. The puppies themselves could have experienced conditions and trauma that will negatively impact their behavior in adulthood, such as being separated from their mothers too soon or physical abuse. Avoiding Puppy Farms Puppy farms are unregistered breeding establishments that mass produce puppies in order to generate the highest amount of revenue. These farms, or mills, severely mistreat their animals and often produce puppies with little socialization skills and significantly increased health risks. To steer clear of these facilities, avoid pet stores, which often source stock from puppy farms because of the low cost. Also avoid any online advertisements for puppies at a low cost. If you do source a puppy from an online ad, call the breeder in advance and ask questions about the puppies, parents, and establishment to screen for any inconsistencies with industry standards. When you visit the breeder, if it comes to that, ask to have a look around and meet both parents in person. Is the space open? Do the parents look healthy? How many other dogs and puppies are there on the premises? Health Tests While Labs are generally healthy overall, it is important to confirm the parental health prior to breeding. If the breeder cannot show you certificates of health for both parents, adopting a puppy from those parents poses a risk for complications later on. The American Kennel Club recommends Labrador Retrievers get screened for: any hip and elbow defects that could indicate dysplasia heart disorders out of ordinary muscle weakness degenerative eye conditions. Make sure that the breeder can demonstrate certified health in each of these areas for each parent. The initial cost of requiring this level of screening for your puppy may be higher, but it will save you on veterinary bills down the road. Choosing Your Puppy Labrador Retrievers are friendly by nature and tend to get along well with other dogs. This breed very rarely shows aggression and must be provoked to do so. When it comes to children and other pets, a Labrador puppy would be a valuable family addition. Labs are companionable and socialize well. The Labrador Retriever is a high-energy breed and will need enough time and space each day to receive sufficient exercise. These exercise needs will continue to grow as your puppy matures. A Labrador is not designed to be an inside-only dog. This breed needs lots of activity to stay mentally and physically fit. Consider that your fully grown Lab will be between .We recommend that you take your Lab out for daily outdoor activities such as swimming and fetch. A Labrador that does not receive enough exercise time may rebel by engaging in destructive behaviors within the household. However, remember that the best-quality Labradors come from responsible breeders that produce only one or two litters per year. These breeders often have waiting lists due to high quality puppies and infrequent production. If you want the best which you should! Labradors are wonderful family dogs with lots of love for humans and other dogs. They are one of the lowest risk for health complications when properly screened, making them ideal as a long-term energy-filled companion. Considerations before jumping into the adoption of a Labrador puppy are how big your puppy will be when it reaches adulthood and the daily rigorous outdoor exercise it will require to keep it in peak physical and mental condition. Read more about Labradors here in our guide to Labrador lifespan! References and Resources Bray, E. University of Pennsylvania .Graham, L. Temperament and Personality in Working Dogs. CRC Press .Kuroshima, H. Kyoto University .Vocality level 4 in 5 Disclaimer: While the characteristics mentioned here may frequently represent this breed, dogs are individuals whose personalities and appearances will vary. Please consult the adoption organization for details on a specific pet. Temperament Few breeds so richly deserve their popularity as does the Labrador Retriever. When trained, the breed is obedient and amiable and tolerates the antics of children, other dogs, and other pets. The Lab is a calm house dog, playful yard dog, and intense field dog, all on the same day. Labs are eager to please, enjoys learning, and excel in obedience. It is a powerful breed that loves to swim and retrieve. Labradors need daily physical and mental challenges to keep occupied. A bored Lab can get into trouble! Upkeep Labradors are active and sociable dogs. They need daily exercise, preferably in the form of retrieving and swimming. Owners with swimming pools either must fence them out or be prepared to share the pool with dogs. The Lab coat sheds water easily. Weekly brushing is needed to remove dead hair. Health Major concerns: CHD, elbow dysplasia, OCD, obesity, patellar luxation Minor concerns: cataract, CPRA, hot spots, retinal dysplasia, hypothyroidism Occasionally seen: diabetes, entropion, distichiasis, tricuspid valve dysplasia, centronuclear myopathy, exercise-induced collapse Suggested tests: hip, elbow, eye, exercise-induced collapse DNA , centronuclear myopathy , knee Life span: 10—12 years History The original Labradors were all-purpose water dogs originating in Newfoundland, not Labrador. Not only did the breed not originate in Labrador, but it also was not originally called the Labrador Retriever. These dogs—medium-sized black dogs with close hair—not only retrieved game but also retrieved fish, pulled small fishing boats through icy water and helped the fisherman in any task involving swimming. Eventually, the breed died out in Newfoundland in large part because of a heavy dog tax. However, a core of Labradors had been taken to England in the early s, and it is from these dogs, along with crosses to other retrievers, that the breed continued. It was also in England that the breed earned its reputation as an extraordinary retriever of upland game. Initially, black labs were favored over yellow or chocolate colors. By the early s, the other colors had become more accepted. The popularity of this breed has grown steadily until the Labrador Retriever became the most popular breed in America in and remains so today. Related Content.