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The socket is where the femoral head fits and also articulates. In unaffected dogs, the femoral head fits tightly into properly formed sockets. In severe cases of hip dysplasia in golden retrievers, there can be partial dislocation and bone spurs present on the rims of the sockets and the femoral heads themselves. So are all golden retrievers likely to get hip dysplasia? This survey has been tracking the prevalence of hip dysplasia since and allows you to examine the severity and frequency of hip abnormalities over time. We do know that golden retrievers are among other large breeds like Great Danes, German Shepherds , and Saint Bernards as being dogs that are primarily affected by hip dysplasia due to their size and breed characteristics. But there are some environmental factors that contribute to the likelihood of a golden retriever with hip dysplasia as well. Excessive, quick growth, too much exercise, the wrong nutrition, and injuries to their joints are all factors that will determine if and how much golden retriever hip dysplasia could affect your pup. Golden Retriever Hip Dysplasia Prevention Tips Your golden retriever is your family, and no one wants to see someone they love in pain. Prevents further breakdown in the joints. Reduce pain and inflammation in their hips. Improve the lubrication of the hip joints. Adding a joint supplement also helps your golden retriever with hip dysplasia to avoid further pain, so even if your golden has already developed this condition, supplements can offer tremendous benefits. But making sure you know how to read a supplement label is important so you can pick the right joint supplement for your beloved pet. Low Strain Exercises via GIPHY That means they love to get outside when possible and are just a little extra prone to excited zoomies around the house. But you have to be careful with your pup — getting the right amount and type of exercise is important if you are looking to prevent golden retriever hip dysplasia. Giving your puppy too much hard exercise like jogging, bike riding, agility, or hiking can further increase their risk of hip dysplasia. Plus, young and clumsy puppies are more prone to injuries, and more injury to the joints may mean an increased likelihood of developing golden retriever hip dysplasia. Instead of sporadic, intense exercise, your pup needs exercise that is: Consistent and low-impact Allows them to stay on a leash Promotes the stretching of hip joints Not sure where to start? Type of Exercise. References 1. Clinical and pathological effects Hip dysplasia HD is a disease of the hip coxofemoral joints. Dysplasia means abnormal development. Both hips are usually affected Brass .It is a complex disease that results from a combination of genes that predispose a dog to developing hip dysplasia interacting with environmental factors that lead to its full development and expression Riser .It is characterized by hip joint instability which, if compounded by environmental factors, then results in secondary osteoarthritis and the clinical signs of hip dysplasia which include pain, lameness and disability Zhang et al .To fully understand hip dysplasia, it is necessary to understand the structure of the hip joint. The hip joint is the joint at the top of the hind leg, where it articulates forms a joint with the pelvis. It is described as a ball and socket joint, as in normal hips the ball-shaped head of the femur the thigh bone fits perfectly into a cup-shaped socket in the pelvis, the acetabulum. The head of the femur femoral head and the acetabulum are normally covered with cartilage which produces a smooth, low friction surface. Within the joint there is also a fine layer of synovial fluid that acts as a lubricant between these cartilaginous surfaces. This thin layer of synovial fluid, along with the round ligament a ligament that runs round the edge of the acetabulum — between the acetabulum and the femur , keeps the two cartilaginous surfaces together by creating a suction-like effect. The ligaments and the joint capsule also help to hold the ball and socket closely together. In newborn puppies, because the bones are soft and not fully ossified turned into bone as they need to grow and develop, they are still deformable if abnormal movements or stresses and strains occur in them. Riser suggests that, in a normal six month old individual, ossification of the bones and soft tissue strength the strength of the surrounding ligaments, joint capsule and muscles have developed enough to prevent hip dysplasia. Hip dysplasia is described as a biomechanical disease. The hips appear normal at birth. However, in affected individuals, the hips develop abnormally due, at first, to joint instability sometimes called joint laxity Riser .This means that the developing femoral head and acetabulum are not held constantly, closely together, and can move into abnormal positions relative to one another. This puts abnormal stresses and strains on the joint. Riser states this is due to the soft tissues, such as ligaments and muscle, not being strong enough to maintain congruity between the articular surfaces of the femoral head and the acetabulum ie the constant contact between the surfaces of the bones is not maintained. Joint laxity the looseness of the joint, allowing abnormal movements of the parts relative to one another can lead on to joint subluxation partial dislocation of the joint on movement that in turn causes flattening of the acetabular cup and femoral head Shell and Harasen .The pathological changes seen due to the joint instability are progressive inflammation and degeneration of the tissues that together form the joint. Brass details the following changes in the joint: The joint capsule can become thickened and the round ligament can become stretched or ruptured leading to additional, excessive movements. The synovial fluid increases in volume and changes in nature, due to inflammation, this pushes the joint surfaces apart. The cartilage on the bone surfaces gets worn away exposing subchondral bone the layer of bone beneath the surface cartilage. Unlike cartilage, bone contains nerve endings and such exposure will commonly cause pain. The rim of the acetabulum becomes damaged and flattened and later new bone starts to grow here as the body tries to stabilize the joint. The femoral head becomes deformed and flattened and also grows abnormal bone called exotoses or osteophytes. This changing of the shape of the joint with new bone growing in abnormal positions, and being lost in others, is called joint remodelling. The signs that are seen with hip dysplasia can vary hugely in their severity, the age at which they first appear and their progression. In mild cases dogs can be free from clinical signs for years; however, for more severely affected individuals, signs of pain can develop whilst they are still immature less than a year old Signs include acute pain, particularly after strenuous exercise or movement. This may show as lameness or reluctance to jump, to go for walks, climb steps or move at all if really severe. The pain may be worse in cold, wet conditions Brass .These signs may start intermittently, but over time can become constant. Muscle wastage is often seen in the hind legs Brass .There appears to be little correlation between the severity of pain shown by the dog and physical abnormalities felt on examination by a vet or revealed on an x-ray Brass ie some dogs can be in severe pain but have few changes on x-rays and vice versa. This is typical of any joint disease. Controlling food intake during growth has been shown to decrease hip dysplasia in Labradors ie by reducing excessive energy intake and therefore excessive weight gain during growth Kealy et al .High calcium intake during growth has been shown to delay maturation of the skeleton and increase the risk of hip dysplasia in Great Danes Hazewinkel .It is thought that controlling the amount and form of exercise during development may also help Corr .Bennett and May suggest excessive exercise during development can lead to hip dysplasia. Treatment for hip dysplasia is complex; many surgical interventions have been developed to prevent signs appearing in young animals with high joint laxity and to treat dogs with severe osteoarthritis. All need specialist surgeons. Various medications to aid pain relief are also available, along with recommendations to reduce the effect of environmental factors. Return to top 2. Intensity of welfare impact Though some dogs may be mildly affected, for many Golden retrievers with hip dysplasia, the impact of the condition is a major and life changing. These animals suffer pain that is severe and debilitating, leading them to be in pain even with small everyday movements such as standing up. Their quality of life is severely affected so that they are unable to enjoy normal canine behaviours such as walking and running. It is not uncommon for dogs to be euthanased due to the pain and disability of arthritis associated with hip dysplasia. Return to top 3. Duration of welfare impact Hip dysplasia is a progressive disease with signs seen from any age. For some dogs pain starts before a year of age. Signs may be intermittent to start with but often progress to be constant. Medical treatment and advice can help control pain and possibly slow progression, though a cure can only be obtained with major surgical intervention in dogs that are considered suitable candidates for such surgery. Return to top 4. Number of animals affected Hip dysplasia is the most common joint problem of large dogs Smith et al .UK VetCompass data for dogs overall showed that 7. In this sample, diagnosis of conditions affecting pelvis eg hip dysplasia did not significantly differ between purebred and crossbred dogs. Figures vary greatly for how frequently Golden retrievers are affected by hip dysplasia, depending on the method by which they have been screened and the database reviewed. The frequency is likely to vary for different populations of the same breed Brass .Sturaro et al. Previous studies in the USA, using the OFA Orthopedic Foundation for Animals database, have given lower figures, but, Paster et al suggested that the OFA population was biased, as it is not compulsory for radiographed dogs to have their x-rays submitted to the OFA scheme so some vets and owners pre-screened them and only sent apparently non-dysplastic ones for consideration and scoring. Earlier studies in Europe and Canada suggested frequencies of hip dysplasia in Golden Retrievers of between .From data on estimates of total dog population in the UK and on the percentage of all micro-chip registered dogs that are golden retrievers Lucy Asher, , personal communication , we estimate that the UK population size of this breed may be around , Return to top 5. Diagnosis For a young dog suspected of hip dysplasia, a diagnosis can be made on the clinical signs shown at home and on examination of the dog, including assessment of joint laxity and joint pain plus evaluation of radiographs x-ray pictures of the hip joints Corr .Assessment of the joint laxity and radiographs may need to be performed by a specialist vet who is used to checking for this condition. For a formal diagnosis, the radiographs are usually submitted to a panel for evaluation. There are three methods of assessing joint laxity. Radiographs and assessment of joint laxity need to be performed under heavy sedation or anaesthesia Corr .Return to top 6. Genetics Hip dysplasia in dogs is a polygenic disease; many genes are thought to play a role in its development. Most of these genes probably have small additive effects quantitative, polygenes and some probably have larger effects Zhang et al .Currently, none of these genes have been identified. Wilson et al .Genes are not solely responsible for whether a dog with the genetic potential for hip dysplasia develops the condition. Environmental factors play an important part. They are discussed in the clinical and pathogenic effects section above. However, there are significant breed predispositions to this condition and the Golden retriever is one of the breeds affected. Return to top 7. How do you know if an animal is a carrier or likely to become affected? There are a number of breeding schemes around the world developed to decrease the incidence of hip dysplasia in dog breeds. These schemes assess potential breeding animals in somewhat different ways. All aim to give breeders and owners a strong indication of which dogs are likely to produce healthy offspring and which should not be bred. However, this is by no means straightforward for hip dysplasia as it is a polygenic condition in which the genetics are poorly understood and which is also affected by environmental factors in a major way. This lack of clarity has produced much debate over the best way to assess potential breeding dogs. A brief summary of the various schemes follows including some current evidence for their benefits. All dogs must be at least 12 months of age. There are nine radiographic features which are scored, including the Norberg angle NA - a measurement for hip laxity taken from the EHR and each dog is given a score out of 53 for each hip total of up to for both. A low score indicates healthy hip joints e. Greyhounds would score 0, as hip dysplasia is not seen in this breed and a higher score indicates worse hip dysplasia. Breeders are recommended to only breed from animals with a score lower than the breed median score e. It is also based on an extended hip radiograph EHR , which is then graded by three independent experts to give an overall grade. All dogs must be over 2 years of age to be assessed. There are seven possible grades for the radiograph: excellent, good, fair, borderline, mild, moderate or severe hip dysplasia. Dogs must be between 1 and 2 years of age and the radiograph is graded by someone appointed by each breed club — they do not have to be an expert. Grades include: A- no signs of hip dysplasia, B — near normal hip joints, C — mild hip dysplasia, D — moderate hip dysplasia, E- severe hip dysplasia. Older dogs can be assessed but the likelihood of more secondary osteoarthritic changes is taken into account. Dogs from 4 months of age can be assessed. It involves the assessment of three different radiographic views of the hip joints called the distraction view, the compression view and the EHR. The radiograph must be taken by a vet who is registered with the scheme and the radiographs are assessed by vets at the PennHIP Analysis Center. Dogs with a DI lower than 0. Dogs with increasing DI values over 0. Dogs are ranked within their breed. Vets from the PennHIP scheme recommend breeding dogs with overall scores and DIs that are better than the breed average, to continue to try to improve the hips in the breed whilst not excessively narrowing the gene pool. If only dogs with normal DI were used ie those below 0. Advocates of the PennHIP method like it because it accurately identifies individuals who have hip laxity - the primary phenotypical abnormality that predisposes dogs to hip dysplasia. The other schemes only look at the EHR and though the NA can be measured from this, the NA has been shown to be an inaccurate method to assess hip laxity Culp et al .Much of what is assessed on the EHRs are secondary arthritic changes, these are not specific to hip dysplasia and are affected by many environmental factors. Recently, researchers from the University of Pennsylvania have confirmed that the Distraction Index DI is a significant risk factor for the development of hip dysplasia. In other words, DI scores give a very good indication of the likelihood of osteoarthritic changes, due to hip dysplasia, developing in the future Smith and others , , , Smith , Runge et al .These and other researchers argue that the other schemes are not as good at detecting animals that have hip dysplasia as the PennHIP method and, despite older schemes existing for over 40 years, little improvement has been seen in hip dysplasia in the general pet population Corley , Kaneene et al , Leppanen et al , Paster et al .In fact, one recent study looking at a database of over 1,, dogs found an increase in the prevalence of hip dysplasia Witsberger et al .However EHR scores were found to have a much higher heritability 0. Heritability studies are difficult to compare between different populations with different environmental influences. To improve the gene pool, phenotypic traits that can be easily detected with strong links to the genotype genetic make-up of animals have to be found. Ideally, any potential pet would have had its hip joints assessed by one of the above schemes prior to purchase, although this is often unhelpful, as most pets are purchased as young puppies. Unfortunately, this does not guarantee all their offspring will be free from hip dysplasia. .Certainly any potential breeding animal should be assessed prior to breeding using an appropriate scheme. Return to top 8. Methods and prospects for elimination of the problem Hip dysplasia is a complex trait which involves multiple unknown genes and environmental factors. Eradication schemes have been running in some countries for decades and still it is commonplace. Thus prospects for its quick elimination are low. In a recent study, Zhang et al suggested that using scores from four hip traits combined to create a breeding value for each animal would help speed up elimination of the condition. They felt that information on the single joint trait EHR eg the OFA scheme gave insufficient information to provide the basis for breeding decisions. The DLS is a measurement made from an x-ray taken in a weight-bearing position to measure the subluxation of the femoral head Farese et al .In this study on two populations of dogs where environmental factors were strictly controlled, heritabilities for all these traits were found to be relatively high eg heritabilities were 0. The researchers suggested these heritabilites were higher than expected due to the controlled environmental conditions. Zhang et al suggested an improved way for selectively breeding out hip dysplasia would be if breeders could be given breeding values derived from the four traits for each potential breeding animal, plus a measurement of the inbreeding of any potential mating e. This way, they suggest, inbreeding can be avoided and only animals with phenotypes strongly indicative of healthy hip joint genes would be bred from. This scheme is a more organised form of others that have suggested using a combination of breeding values determined from pedigree information and phenotype score Ginja et al , Hou et al .As described by Bell , when breeders are prioritising raising dogs that have good hip dysplasia genotypes for future breeding the phenotype has to be used as a marker for the genotype. Although the diagnostic signs can be affected also by environmental factors such as feeding and exercise regimes. It is important that the puppies are raised in a standard and not excessively protective way. Otherwise, dogs that would normally have developed radiographic signs of hip dysplasia will have this masked and their genes will be perpetuated. Future development of genetic tests to help identify some of the hip dysplasia genes, along with more use of pedigree data that includes the health of ancestors and progeny for clinical signs of hip dysplasia and also for other inherited defects of Golden retrievers , may well help to improve methods used to eliminate this condition. Currently we have to continue to rely on choosing phenotypical traits which apparently indicate the presence of healthy genes. Return to top 9. What You Need to Know Know the signs of hip dysplasia and whether or not your dog is prone to the condition so you can treat it early on. By Sarah Mouton Dowdy Sarah Mouton Dowdy writes for both pet parents and veterinary professionals and is passionate about meeting the needs of both to the benefit of all involved—especially the pets. With a master's degree in human health communication, she's particularly interested in the ways in which human and animal health overlap. Sarah's own health has been positively impacted by adopting a dog named Agnes whose tricks include sitting, staying, and stealing pizza from the kitchen counter. Updated on April 15, Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Jenna Stregowski, RVT Jenna is a registered veterinary technician with a range of veterinary experience that includes small animal internal medicine, oncology, neurology, emergency, alternative medicine, and practice management. As the Pet Health and Behavior Editor for Daily Paws, Jenna is living the dream as she combines her veterinary knowledge and passion for animals with her love of writing and education. Learn More Hip dysplasia in dogs is a common developmental condition in large and giant breed dogs. It's caused by a hip deformity that results in joint laxity, or looseness, and can lead to pain, mobility issues, and osteoarthritis. Though the condition is present from a young age, many dogs won't show clinical signs until they're older. However, screening your pet for hip dysplasia early on can give you an opportunity to treat the deformed joint before it causes problems. What is Hip Dysplasia? Canine hip dysplasia occurs when a dog's hip joint doesn't develop as it should. The hip is a ball-and-socket joint, and if the two components don't grow properly and at the same rate, it can result in a very loose, unstable joint. This may not sound like a big deal, but according to the American College of Veterinary Surgeons , hip dysplasia in dogs can cause serious problems. When a dog moves around with a loose hip joint, it can cause permanent damage to the joint's anatomy. If left untreated, dogs may develop osteoarthritis also called degenerative joint disease in the hip because the abnormal movement wears away cartilage and leads to the formation of scar tissue and bone spurs. Dogs can pass the condition to their offspring and large breed dogs are more prone to the disease. Commonly affected breeds include German shepherds , Rottweilers , golden retrievers , Saint Bernards , Labrador retrievers , and Newfoundlands. However, any breed or mixed-breed can develop hip dysplasia, and breed isn't the only risk factor. Puppies with a genetic predisposition for hip dysplasia are more at risk of developing the condition if they're given more food than they need, resulting in faster than normal weight gain and growth. Heavy exercise is another risk factor in puppies. Canine hip dysplasia can affect both young and old dogs, but not always in the same way. The Morris Animal Foundation divides the signs according to age of onset: Juvenile dogs younger than 18 months of age lameness limping in one or both of back legs bunny-like hopping dog holds its back legs together and hops instead of running normally difficulty getting up clicking sound from hips when moving or getting up shifting of weight to front legs unable to exercise for long periods Mature dogs older than 18 months of age history of lameness limping in back legs limping after exercising loss of muscle mass in one or both of back legs difficulty jumping or climbing It's important to note that while dogs can develop clinical signs as puppies, many don't show any outward symptoms until they've lived with the condition for multiple years. How is Hip Dysplasia Diagnosed? Your veterinarian may also use their hands to examine the hip and check for looseness. What is the Treatment for Hip Dysplasia? There are two common surgical options for dogs with hip dysplasia: total hip replacement, which involves implantation of an artificial hip joint, and femoral head ostectomy, in which the head and neck of the femur are removed and scar tissue forms to create a "false joint. Hip dysplasia home treatment is also often recommended for dogs with mild to moderate disease. However, it's important to note that NSAIDs like carprofen can have significant side effects and must be closely monitored. Other potential treatments include cold laser therapy, acupuncture , and physical therapy. Your veterinarian will work with you to determine the best options for you and your pet. Bear in mind that treatments often need to be adjusted over time, so be sure to follow your vet's recommendations for follow-up visits. These radiographs can help you determine how likely it is your dog will have problems in the future and whether you want to consider early surgical intervention. A veterinarian who knows your pet and can examine him in person is in the best position to offer information and advice. Was this page helpful? Hip dysplasia is a degenerative condition, which can affect any dog. Although the causes may vary, the effects are always the same: loss of mobility, increasing pain, impaired gait, and even behavioral and mood changes in your dog including snappishness and depression. Dysplasia is simply the dislocation of a bone from its proper place. Hip dysplasia or displacement is one of the best-known types of dysplasia in dogs. The degenerative process of hip dysplasia is gradual. The onset of symptoms, specifically pain, is also somewhat gradual taking place over the course of years. In simple terms, the two bones of the hip joint shift out of alignment. Perhaps because they are such hand-working structures, the ball and socket joints are prone to disease, and simple mechanical wear and damage over time. The muscles and joints become lax, and the joint capsule, a strong band of connective tissue which circled the bones for added stability, loses its elastic strength. As this happens, the articular working surfaces of the two bones lose contact with each other. The bones slowly separate as the soft tissues around the joint degenerate. The disease may affect one or both right and left hips. With the loss of protective scaffolding between the bone surfaces, the nerves in the bone endings themselves become exposed. When bone touches bone, there is acute pain. In addition, the loss of tensile strength of the supporting tendons, muscle, and cartilage means that other structures in the hip and leg must compensate in terms of weight-bearing and movement. This unnatural compensation may cause fatigue and pain. It may even cause the dog to injure itself—running to catch a Frisbee, or climbing stairs, for instance. What Causes Hip Dysplasia? Experts disagree as to the source of hip dysplasia in dogs. Too much food One theory is that feeding a young, growing dog too many calories early in its development contributes to the disorder. Too much exercise Another theory is that too much exercise, or the wrong kind of exercise, or simply too much high-impact exercise, such as fetching, jumping, and catching a ball or Frisbee on concrete, contributes to hip dysplasia. A factual observation about this condition is that hip dysplasia tends to affect large breeds more so than smaller dogs. This, too, is relative—it is possible for small dogs to become affected by hip dysplasia, too. However, we correctly associate the condition most frequently with big breeds. These breeds do carry a genetic predisposition toward the condition. It is also true that purebreds, especially large dogs, are most likely to become vulnerable to hip dysplasia, therefore calling upon informed and responsible breeding practices. Sometimes our decision-making process is clouded by emotion—guilt, fear, even panic when we see our beloved canine companion suffering. These are also common in dogs, attacking the cartilage, muscles, and membrane linings of cartilage and joints. These may offer your dog safe alternatives: calming inflammation as an immediate solution and helping to rebuild joint integrity as a long-range treatment. These trusted products can slow or even stop the degeneration of the hip joint. In many cases, hip replacement surgery which is the last resort may be prevented altogether. An X-ray examination will be recommended as a first step. If your dog becomes less active, weight gain may become a challenge. Eliminate treats, and if possible, offer your dog low-impact exercises like stretching and swimming. We Can Help. Does your dog have trouble walking, standing, or getting up? There is an excellent chance we can help your dog. This breed of dog is as loyal and as loving as they come. So, in order to ensure that your new, faithful companion lives a long and healthy life, there are some common medical issues Goldens face which you should be aware of. Unfortunately, Goldens, amongst a few other dog breeds, are predisposed towards joint problems a. Should it go untreated, it could severely impact both their overall health and well-being along with the length of their life. That said, if you know the common signs of hip problems and catch it early on, there are steps you can take to manage the issue, mitigate symptoms, or all together treat the problem. Below, we will discuss golden retriever hip problems, the signs, and treatment options at your disposal. The Universities Federation for Animal Welfare had this to say in response: The primary reason for this abnormal development is hip joint laxity if the joint is too loose; leading to the two articulating parts of the joint of the pelvis — the femoral head and the acetabulum which form the ball-and-socket of the joint - moving abnormally relative to one another; the femoral head in subluxation partly dislocating from the acetabulum. This leads to abnormal stresses and strains on the joint and leads to inflammation and degeneration of the joint tissues. According to the American Kennel Club AKC , Golden Retrievers were the third most popular breed in the United States in and have consistently been in the top 10 for the past decade. The total number of Goldens in households is difficult to assess, but approximately 50, are newly registered with the AKC each year. Based on their average lifespan of 10 years, the number of registered Goldens is , This number is estimated to represent less than 10 percent of the total breed population, as many are unregistered. In addition to their friendly, energetic, and likable dispositions, Goldens also are known for something else—hip dysplasia. Less desirable than their personality attributes, hip dysplasia is a complex, multifactorial condition that involves multiple genetic and environmental factors. This includes restricting juvenile animals from repetitive, high-impact activities. Per the statistics collected by the OFA, , radiographs for hip dysplasia have been evaluated since .Of those, the incidence of abnormal hip joints is approximately 20 percent. Again, this estimation is low, as many affected dogs do not have their radiographs submitted through the OFA. It was discovered that she has hip dysplasia through a proactive radiograph taken prior to her first visit to the Rehabilitation Service. Her owners are working closely with Dr. As her primary care veterinarian, Dr. What is hip dysplasia? Per Dr. The first is during skeletal immaturity when canines are between 6 and 14 months of age; these signs are predominantly due to loose hips. The second is when canines reach skeletal maturity 4- and years-old ; these signs are primarily due to osteoarthritis OA. Hip dysplasia diagnosis is made through a pelvic radiograph where veterinarians look at the hip socket acetabulum in relation to the head of the femur to determine if there is a proper fit or if there are any secondary arthritic changes. Once OA is present on a radiograph, dysplastic changes are irreversible and usually continue to progress over time. Kiszka leads Summer as she does figure-eights. Studies have shown that up to 76 percent of dysplastic dogs with osteoarthritic changes on radiographs are able to function and live comfortable, quality lives with conservative management. Conservative management includes exercise modification, physical rehabilitation, and anti-inflammatory and analgesic medications. For the cases in which canines do not respond to this method of management, surgery, such as a total hip replacement or femoral head and neck excision FHNE , may be recommended. Even with a prosthesis total hip replacement in place, or an FHNE, OA may still develop in the opposite hip joint and cause ongoing problems that require constant conservative or surgical management. With appropriate treatment, however, the prognosis for long-term comfort and function is good to excellent. Exercise modifications are typically tailored to avoid activities that cause limping and decrease high-impact type forces. If the dog is overweight, a weight-loss plan would be recommended as excess fat promotes OA. At-home exercises and rehabilitation help maintain muscle tone and strength while stabilizing the joint. The goals of the exercises are to help to maintain range of motion in the joint and prevent compensation, and promote body awareness, sense of proprioception, and core strength to avoid injury. Medical management involves anti-inflammatories, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and chronic pain medications. Additional medications may include injections that protect the joints. Treating the pain and inflammation in hip dysplasia patients is extremely important, as pain limits mobility, joint range of motion, and decreases quality and quantity of life. Kiszka helps Summer practice how to shift her weight on an uneven surface. Summer takes nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and eats egg whites as a protein additive to her food. She starts her day with a 23—minute walk on the underwater-treadmill at 1. This speed and time equates to her walking approximately yards. The water allows Summer to bear only 70—80 percent of her body-weight, which lessens the impact on her hips, while she is walking. The water contact also increases sensation and the moving treadmill belt increases multiple-joint range of motion. After her water exercise, Summer rests before she begins therapeutic exercises. There are seven different exercises prescribed to Summer; based on her strength and mobility, her exercises vary each rehabilitation session. While exercising, she is monitored for signs of fatigue, pain, and poor posture, as the Rehab team pushes her to maximum potential to achieve the greatest therapeutic benefit. After she completes the exercises, she receives a therapeutic laser treatment of her hip and lower back region. The laser has factory presets for her weight, body type, and hair coat length and color. This type of laser therapy has proposed benefits of increased circulation and improved tissue repair with decreased pain and inflammation. How is Summer doing now? Summer walking on the underwater treadmill. Through the relationship among Dr. The early intervention allowed her to maintain mobility and quality of life for both her and her owners. Related Stories.

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Phoenix von Buchmann IGP3 ang a normal hips and elbows dm clear, queen of the house and grandma to all of our showline babies Preserving the breed is at the utmost importance to us so our dogs are bred to uphold German SV standards. We breed to the German SV standard to ensure we have the most stable and healthy dogs for your family. I, Peggy Buchman, grew up with German Shepherd dogs and have loved them my entire life. My daughter started training German Shepherd Puppies and dogs in IGP, service work, and pet training and it has brought back all of my favorite memories of them. What a wonderful experience this has been, breeding and raising German Shepherd puppies. Watching the development of them as they grow with their new families, feedback has been amazing. Many families have come back for a second and third German Shepherd Puppy. We have dogs in sport homes, service homes, and mostly family companion homes where comes our most important focus, temperament! Since we raise our own dogs and keep from our own stock we have a great understanding what is behind your puppy and his or her pedigree. Raising and training our own dogs to the German standard takes a lot of commitment, time, expense, and is never easy. Please scroll down and slide left to scroll through our many Testimonials. We are hands on in all aspects of our German Shepherds. Training and Handling our own dogs for Titling, Showing and Breed Surveys Even down time is exciting with our acreage to take leisurely runs, even going on family travels Up North "I take pride in the German Shepherds I am producing here at von Buchmann German Shepherds" - Peggy Contact Us Today Real Testimonials Mia is such a little love at about 40 pounds now with beautiful markings! She has been easy to train since she is so food motivated. She has a great personality and temperament. We just love her so much and thank you for a great bloodline!! Susan S. He is an amazingly sweet, loving, playful and handsome little guy. Donnie D. Hank is doing great! His color is fantastic and his listening skills are superb!!! He very much enjoys our outings and meeting new people still!! And does very well with it! Simon E. My puppy, which I name Kimber has been nothing short of amazing. She is a very beautiful GSD, healthy, and very willing to learn new things. I have actually train Kimber to be a diabetic alert service dog for myself, which she picked up very well and is happy to work. Peggy was more than willing to help evaluate which puppy of the litter would have the best attitude for my life being around several young children. We interviewed other breeders but you could immediately tell that Peggy truly cared about her dogs and took care to ensure we would get a puppy that was a good fit for us. She answered all of our questions and continued to do so long after the actual adoption. Our dog has been a wonderful addition to our family and our next German Shepherd will be from Von Buchmann! High quality German Shepherds and a breeder who cares, you really can ask for more. Denise B. We purchased our first puppy from Von Buchmann German Shepherds in .Since then, we have been back to get two more puppies. Peggy is a very knowledgeable breeder and her dogs are beautiful and well trained with great temperaments. We are very pleased with Von Buchmann German Shepherds. April R. Besides his physical beauty, he has a protective yet loving temperament, listens and responds to all commands, was well socialized and mannered, and only barks when alerting me to perceived danger. You will not be disappointed. Susan H. We bought our first German Shepherd from this breeder and have been over the moon impressed with how this pup fits perfectly in to our family. Peggy did a great job of recommending the perfect puppy based on drive and temperament for our family with three young boys. Our pup is currently 11mo old and such a joy. Ever the professional, Peggy answered all of my possibly annoying first time dog owner questions with care and grace. She has been a resource for us months after our purchase and I would not hesitate to contact her with questions in the future. I highly recommend this breeder without reservation. Kelli S. Their temperament, physique, coats and general health are outstanding. Jodi H. I give Von Buchmann German Shepherds a 5 star! I have a beautiful 18 month girl from Phoenix. Peggy Buchmann matched the perfect pup with what our family wanted in a Shepherd. Our pup was used to a household environment, family life, and well socialized for her age when we got her. The follow up with Peggy has been amazing. She is quick to answer questions and offer support and suggestions. Peggy takes her breeding seriously and strives for great temperment, good health, and beauty with her pups. Tammy S. Very knowledgeable, caring and responsible breeder that is always responsive to concerns or questions! Our second male from her is now 7mos and is incredible! Mark M. We have had our beautiful Luca with us for nearly 10 years. We will not hesitate to look to Von Buchmann for our next family member. Thank you for such excellence. Kristen R. Our German Shepherd Kennels are located in Southwest Michigan and we offer to ship nationwide, and delivery services. We created this German Shepherd Kennel for the serious German Shepherd enthusiast who is committed to maintaining these world-class pedigrees, and working heritage set forth over a century ago carried on through the Verein Fur Deutche Schaeferhunde Club. Our commitment is only matched by our love for the breed and its extraordinary capabilities. In Germany, Purebred German Shepherd Breeders would be required to show their dogs at the German Sieger Shows to obtain breeding titles, which would continue to improve the breed. VA4 Taifun vom St. DM stands for Degenerative Myelopathy. There has only been a few stud dogs in the history of the breed that have ever produced a vise world sieger and Uran is one of them. Kolenda Kennels is a German Shepherd Breeder that is a personalized kennel and dedicated to improving the breed, located at th Ave Dorr, Michigan , located in Grand Rapids Michigan area. When buying a puppy it is a good ideal to visit the kennel. You should be able to interact with their dogs, especially the mom and dad of the puppy you are considering. This is the only way to check the temperament of their breeding dogs. By visiting the kennel you can inspect the cleanliness of the facility, and how the puppies are being taken care of. You can interact with the puppies and also, check the temperament of the puppies themselves and over all health. By visiting the kennel you will also be able to see the over all looks and structure of the breeding dogs. By doing these things this would help improve the German Shepherd Breed itself. It would make it difficult to breed and sell inferior puppies, which would help keep the breed from deteriorating. When my wife and I decided to make being German Shepherd Dog Breeders our full-time career we decided to put together a German Shepherd Kennel that is dedicated to breeding the best Imported German Shepherds. This way, we could offer this beautiful, outstanding tempered dog to the public. For the complete list please see our breeders info page page. However, the price may be higher depending on the breeder and the pedigree of the dog. It is important to do your research to find a reputable breeder who cares about the welfare of their puppies. When you purchase a German Shepherd puppy, you are making a commitment to care for the dog for its entire lifetime. These dogs can live for up to 14 years, so it is important to be prepared for the financial responsibility that comes with owning a pet. If you are looking for a loyal and intelligent companion, a German Shepherd may be the perfect breed of dog for you. Reputable breeders will screen potential buyers and will only sell their puppies to responsible homes. This can give you valuable insight into the temperament, intelligence, and health of the pup. The breeder should also be willing to offer a guarantee on the health of the puppy. Puppies should be well socialized and should have received their shots and been dewormed. Finding a reputable German Shepherd breeder in Michigan can be challenging, but it is worth it to find a healthy and well-socialized pup. What is The German Shepherd Personality? The German Shepherd personality can vary from dog to dog. However, they are often loyal and intelligent. They can be trained to perform a variety of tasks and are known for their protective nature. These dogs make excellent companions and can be a valuable member of the family. Ask to see the location where the puppies are kept, and ask to visit with them. This is very important. Before purchasing a German Shepherd in Michigan, you should visit the breeder in person. This can give you valuable insight into whether or not they are responsible. It is important to ensure that the dogs are well cared for and that the puppies are healthy. You should also be able to get a feel for whether or not the breeder is trustworthy. The personality traits associated with any dog are in their genetics and in their upbringing which means that if one parent has characteristics that you would like to avoid i. This also means that you should try to meet all of the parents. If there is a temperament problem with a dog, it is always possible for it to be passed on even if the breeder does not believe so. Ask the breeder for references from previous buyers and contact them. Find out if the puppies were healthy if they were well socialized, and if the breeder was helpful and knowledgeable. References will also tell you whether or not the breeder is willing to work with potential buyers and answer questions. Of course, there are caveats — it is possible for a breeder to give false references — but this is rare. How to Find A Reputable German Shepherd Breeder in Michigan: Ask for Photos If a breeder has several litters available at different times, ask if you can see pictures of their dogs while they are still young or even puppies. If they refuse, consider this a red flag and avoid them. The best German Shepherd breeders will want to share this part of their lives with potential clients; after all, these are the dogs that will be part of When looking for a German Shepherd puppy, it is important to visit your Michigan German Shepherd breeder in person. This will allow you to see how the puppies are being raised and ensure that they are healthy Ask Your Michigan German Shepherd Breeder if You Can Meet Past Customers If the breeder is reputable, they will have no problem with you contacting some of their past customers. Ask them about the quality of the puppies, whether or not they were healthy and if the breeder was helpful. References are one of the best ways to determine if a breeder is reputable; unfortunately, not all breeders have good references. Meeting past customers will tell you even more about whether or not your German Shepherd breeder in Michigan is reputable. This way your puppy can get on a preventive program from day one. You should also ask if they use Heartguard and Frontline Plus for fleas and worms. A good breeder will not hesitate to provide you with this information. The best thing about being proactive is that it prevents problems down the road. Even more important than just vaccines is having had all shots current before going home. Some of these diseases are deadly, so ask your breeder to show you the Pedigree for current health testing. How can you avoid getting caught up in such an unfortunate situation? They appear frightened and shy away from human touch. If you do encounter an unethical breeder, please contact the proper authorities. Some unethical dog breeders will no doubt try to sell you a puppy with serious health problems. Also, ask if your new puppy has received his first vaccinations and if so, what brand of vaccine was used. The best way to find a reputable and honest breeder is by word-of-mouth or through referrals from friends, family members, your veterinarian or other dog breeders. You can also check the web pages of national breed clubs for a list of inspected and approved German Shepherd Dog Breeders in Michigan. House-training can be a long process and you will probably need to invest in some training aids, which you can find at your local pet store or online retailer. Training aids such as dog piddle pads, potty bells and indoor grass mats can help speed up the house training process. Potty training takes patience, consistency and lots of love. Here are some basic potty training tips: 1 Take your puppy outside to his bathroom area after eating or waking up from a nap. Make sure you watch him until he has finished the business then praise him for doing it correctly. Try not to play with your dog during this time because it can distract them from their job. Instead, gently place your pup on the newspaper so that he can see what he has done, then praise and encourage him while taking them outside to finish their business. Your puppy or dog will still be able to smell the scent of his own urine and it might entice him to go potty inside again. I love animals and love helping people adopt a pet. It all started when attending Missouri State University and I began volunteering at an animal shelter.

She graduated from the University of Glasgow in with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years. There are 10 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been viewed , times. Labrador retrievers are an adorable and popular dog breed that can make a great addition to your household. Aside from a physical examination, you can do a professional DNA test on the dog to check its genetic makeup. All rights reserved. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc. Does the fur appear short, and have a thick texture? The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show. Did you know? There are silver labs, but silver is not an acceptable color in the breed standard as this color is believed to have come from a cross with the Weimaraner. However, dogs with this coat color may still be registered with certain kennel clubs. If the dog is a yellow or black lab, check that the puppy has brown eyes. In the case of chocolate labs, check for brown or hazel eyes. Check to see how long its legs are; while a Labrador should have longer legs than a Dachshund, its legs should be shorter than a Husky. Purchase a dog genetics test, which will give you a specialized testing kit. Some DNA tests will look for genetic markers, while cheaper tests focus more on the different breeds. Tip: Try to keep the puppy from sharing food or playing rough with the other dogs, as this might hurt the integrity of the saliva sample. Package the saliva sample according to the instructions given by the company. Seal the envelope or package carefully, so the sample is completely secure while it travels to the lab. Generally, you can find the test results listed by breed, followed by a percentage; however, this might differ, depending on the company. If this is possible, use a cotton swab to collect saliva samples from 1 or both parents. Store these samples carefully, so you can send them to a professional company. Seal the envelope or package carefully to secure the sample, and keep it safe in transit. Go to source Seeing a CH or confirmation champion title on the pedigree certificate means that the dog is close to the ideals in the breed standard and is related to a dog that was able to win over other dogs at a show with at least 15 conformation points. Go to source A dog with this lineage can make a great candidate for showing. If your dog has documented parentage with the American Kennel Club, you can search their database and purchase a certificate that affirms this. You can also register your dog through the American Kennel Club once you have proof of their pedigree. Go to source Fees for pedigrees very depending on the type. Although a playful pup sounds endearing, consider how many games of fetch or tag you want to play each day, and whether you have kids or other dogs who can stand in as playmates for the dog. Built for sport, the Lab is muscular and athletic. They have a short, easy-care coat, friendly demeanor, keen intelligence, and plenty of energy. Devotion to this breed runs deep; Labs are loving, people-oriented dogs who live to serve their families, and owners and fans sometimes liken their Labs to angels. The breed originated on the island of Newfoundland, off the northeastern Atlantic coast of Canada. Originally called the St. Today, most Labs skip the hard labor and spend their days being pampered and loved by their people. However, some Labs still serve as indispensable working dogs. They also excel as a search and rescue dog or as a retriever for hunters, thanks to their athletic build, strong nose, and courageous nature. And Labs have also become the breed to beat at dog sports such as agility and obedience competitions, especially obedience. In fact, owners say their sweet, helpful Lab is likely to greet an intruder and happily show them where the goods are stashed. One role has remained constant: wonderful companion and friend. Labrador Retriever Highlights Friendly and outgoing. Labrador Retrievers are known for their friendly and outgoing personalities. They are good with people of all ages and other animals. Intelligent and trainable. Labrador Retrievers are intelligent dogs that are easy to train. They are often used as working dogs, such as guide dogs, search and rescue dogs, and therapy dogs. Active and playful. Labrador Retrievers are active dogs that need plenty of exercise. They enjoy playing fetch, swimming, and other activities. Loyal and devoted. Labrador Retrievers are loyal and devoted dogs that make great family pets. They are known for their gentle nature and love of children. Grooming needs are minimal. Labrador Retrievers have a short, thick coat that is easy to groom. They only need to be brushed a few times a week and bathed as needed. Overall, the Labrador Retriever is a versatile and popular dog breed that makes a great family pet. They are friendly, intelligent, and trainable, and they have a low grooming requirement. If you are considering getting a Labrador Retriever, be sure to do your research to find a reputable breeder. Labrador Retrievers are wonderful dogs, but they require a lot of time and attention. They are not a good choice for people who are not active or who do not have a lot of time to spend with their pets. Originally called St. Although their heritage is unknown, many believe the St. The second Earl of Malmesbury was one of the first, and had St. The third Earl of Malmesbury was the first person to refer to the dogs as Labradors. In Newfoundland, the breed disappeared because of government restrictions and tax laws. Families were allowed to keep no more than one dog, and owning a female was highly taxed, so girl puppies were culled from litters. In England, however, the breed survived, and the Kennel Club recognized the Labrador Retriever as a distinct breed in .They also top the list in Canada and England. Today, Labs work in drug and explosive detection, search and rescue, therapy, assistance to those with disabilities, and as retrievers for hunters. They also excel in all forms of dog competitions: show, field, agility, and obedience. Labrador Retriever Size Males stand .Females stand .Aside from a winning personality, they have the intelligence and eagerness to please that make them easy to train. Training is definitely necessary because this breed has a lot of energy and exuberance. The working heritage of the Lab means they are active. This breed needs activity, both physical and mental, to keep them happy. There is some variation in the activity level of Labs: some are rowdy, others are more laid back. All thrive on activity. Some dogs show pain and lameness on one or both rear legs, but you may not notice any signs of discomfort in a dog with hip dysplasia. As the dog ages, arthritis can develop. Dogs with hip dysplasia should not be bred. Elbow Dysplasia : This is a heritable condition common to large-breed dogs. This can lead to painful lameness. Your vet may recommend surgery to correct the problem or medication to control the pain. Osteochondrosis Dissecans OCD : This orthopedic condition, caused by improper growth of cartilage in the joints, usually occurs in the elbows, but it has been seen in the shoulders, as well. It causes a painful stiffening of the joint, to the point that the dog is unable to bend his elbow. It can be detected in dogs as early as four to nine months of age. Cataracts : As in humans, canine cataracts are characterized by cloudy spots on the eye lens that can grow over time. Cataracts can usually be surgically removed with good results. Early in the disease, dogs become night-blind. As the disease progresses, they lose their daytime vision, as well. Many dogs adapt to limited or complete vision loss very well, as long as their surroundings remain the same. Epilepsy : Labs can suffer from epilepsy, which causes mild or severe seizures. Seizures may be exhibited by unusual behavior, such as running frantically as if being chased, staggering, or hiding. Seizures are frightening to watch, but the long-term prognosis for dogs with idiopathic epilepsy is generally very good. Puppies are born with TVD, which is a malformation of the tricuspid valve on the right side of the heart. It can be mild or severe; some dogs live with no symptoms, others die. TVD is detected by ultrasound. Research is ongoing to learn how widespread it is in the breed, as well as treatment. Myopathy : Myopathy affects the muscles and nervous system. The first signs are seen early, as young as six weeks and often by seven months of age. A puppy with myopathy is tired, stiff when he walks and trots. He may collapse after exercise. In time, the muscles atrophy and the dog can barely stand or walk. There is no treatment, but rest and keeping the dog warm seems to reduce symptoms. Dogs with myopathy should not be bred because it is considered a heritable disease. Bloat occurs when the stomach is distended with gas or air and then twists. The dog is unable to belch or vomit to rid themselves of the excess air in their stomach, and blood flow to the heart is impeded. Blood pressure drops and the dog goes into shock. Without immediate medical attention, the dog can die. Suspect bloat if your dog has a distended abdomen, is drooling excessively, and retching without throwing up. Theyalso may be restless, depressed, lethargic, and weak with a rapid heart rate. If you notice these symptoms, get your dog to the vet as soon as possible. Acute Moist Dermatitis: Acute moist dermatitis is a skin condition in which the skin red and inflamed. It is caused by a bacterial infection. The more common name of this health concern is hot spots. Treatment includes clipping the hair, bathing in medicated shampoo, and antibiotics. Cold Tail : Cold tail is a benign, though painful condition common to Labs and other retrievers. The dog may bite at the tail. It is thought to be a problem with the muscles between the vertebrae in the tail. Weekly checking and cleaning if necessary helps prevent infection. Labrador Retriever Care The lovable Lab needs to be around their family, and is definitely not a backyard dog. Labs show some variation in their activity levels, but all of them need activity, both physical and mental. Daily minute walks, a romp at the dog park, or a game of fetch, are a few ways to help your Lab burn off energy. However, a puppy should not be taken for too long walks and should play for a few minutes at a time. It is up to you to end play and training sessions. Without training, a rambunctious Lab puppy will soon grow to be a very large, rowdy dog. Luckily, Labs take to training well; in fact, they often excel in obedience competitions. Start with puppy kindergarten , which not only teaches your pup good canine manners, but helps them learn how to be comfortable around other dogs and people. Look for a class that uses positive training methods that reward the dog for getting it right, rather than punishing them for getting it wrong. Normal play on grass is fine, as is puppy agility, with its one-inch jumps. Labrador Retriever Feeding Recommended daily amount: 2.

As a rule the decision for one breed is not easy because often one must take a lot of wishes and point of views into consideration. But if there really exists a kind of love at first sight in a meeting between men and dogs this fact is very important when someone makes a decision to get a French Bulldogs. This breed is one of the strokes of luck in the breeding of dogs. This breed combines shortness, pleasant appearance, power and elegance. The French Bulldog is not a lap dog, its keen behaviour and typical bright intelligence together with its great protective instinct make it an ideal dog for home and family. The French Bulldog is an avid walker and an tireless playmate for the whole family. They love children from the bottom of their hearts. As a companion for older people the French Bulldog shows its whole sensitivity. It feels fine even if long walks are not possible and it is always ready to share joy and sorrows with its owners. The whole appearance of this breed is genuine. Its nice bat-like ears and the short tail are natural and the smooth short hair does not need grooming. An easy dog to care for! Because of its friendly character and its showy appearance the French Bulldog is a remarkable companion, attracting interest everywhere. In its history the fascination for this breed brought the dogs into highest society circles. If the French Bulldog was in the beginning in Paris the dog of the common people, old documents show that soon it was a favourite of kings, artists and rich citizens. Even today the enthusiasm for the Bullys is steadily growing up. Proud friends of this breed, responsible breeders and recognized breed clubs seek to ensure the health and quality of the French Bulldog in many countries. An evidence for the charisma of this breed is the frequent use in advertising. Good products appearing with the image of a French Bulldog seem to attract more buyers. The high demand and the increasing number of puppies are on the first impression a good confirmation for those who love this breed. However, we should not forget that turning a dog into a »fashion statement« damages any breed. Uncontrolled breeding and trading in puppies for quick profits in a short time can destroy everything that makes the French Bulldog so loveable. When purchasing a puppy you should always check critically whether the breeding requirements required of reputable breeders are fulfilled. History Like all other dog breeds the French Bulldog originated by crossing different breeds. An important result of those breeding were lightweight specimen of the English Bulldog which were bred in weight classes differing considerably from the modern type of this breed today. These lightweight dogs mostly were sold to French dog enthusiasts so that a very light variety of Bulldogs developed there. Here Toy Bulldogs appeared with erect ears which became typical for the French Bulldogs later on. In the middle of the nineteenth century the lightweight type of Bulldogs had a lot of enthusiasts in the Paris area. Some of the dogs bred there actually found their way back to England in order to encourage the breeding of Toy Bulldogs. In the first breeding society was founded in Paris. The first breeding records dates from and in the first dog was shown. American dog lovers discovered the new breed in Paris and brought it into the USA. Dog enthusiasts from the upper class were excited and the demand for puppies was so great that puppy buyers were sent to Paris and paid impressive prices for showdogs. We do not know much about the quality of these litters. But it is certain that the buyers took only such specimens as could meet the expectations in America. A lot of pictures were published in dog magazines about these dogs announcements about the imported dogs and price lists were published too. This targeted demand certainly has had its influence on the breeding in France. It is impressive that the American photographs of these imported dogs show that the appearance of the French Bulldog has stayed nearly unchanged in the last years. The colour palette of the coat is nearly the same as in the currant standard. Already at that time there were brindled, pied and fawn dogs. In America and Europe enthusiasts and breeders joined together in special clubs and dedicated themselves to this attractive breed. I am a veterinary assistant. We live in Rockanje, close to Rotterdam, The Netherlands. When Krijn and I where living together for just one week we already knew: We wanted a dog. A French Bulldog to be precise. At the time we already have fallen in love with the breed. We decided to go looking for a dog that needed to be rehomed. On the French Bulldog Forum we found her: Quinta. A beautiful girl that was just 6 years old. It was a bitch with FCI pedigree, but she was bred in a totally different way than we have in mind. Quinta was always outside in a cage. When she had puppies we suspect in every heat she could go inside the house. Looking at her behavior, we could not help but noticing her previous owners were not always nice to her. We were totally in love with her, and thankfully, she was totally in love with us. She learned a lot with us and was taught that people could be trusted and nice. So delightful to see a dog becoming so relaxed en comforted. Quinta developed to be a great dog, and we were addicted! Addicted to the breed. So we decided to take a puppy, Tyke was his name. When we bought Tyke, we did not have any breeding plans. But Tyke grew to be an athletic and healthy French Bulldog. Every now and then we participated in dog shows. Because Tyke exercised a lot in agility we decided to x-ray him. It became clear that he also looked good on the inside! Then everything started. Tyke was asked to be bred. My interest in the breeding world became larger and larger, as did my hunger to knowledge. During my hunt for information it became clearer and clearer to me that the road many breeders have gone was nothing for us. Information was not shared, and often the motives to breed are not in favor of the health of the dogs, or the breed overall. In Memoriam: Quinta Arount that time Quinta got worse. The consequences of her uninterested breeders became more obvious. Quinta was 8 years old and she could not run for an extended period of time. Halfway through our daily long walk she needed help. She could not keep up anymore. Quinta had a bad spine, wich is a big problem within the French Bulldogs. Because of her many litters and maybe collateral calcium insufficiency the condition of her spine was even worsened. On the day of her ninth birthday she lost control over her back legs. With pain killers and excercising she could be with us for a few more weeks. After that she relapsed. We had to euthanise her. I am still very grateful for all that Quinta has given us. She made us fall in love with French Bulldogs. Because of her I have a lot more insight in the abnormalities that occur within the breed. Breeding with wrong motives and to not look out for the best interest of the dog. It is terrible to see your beloved dog like this. I hope no other dog has to feel the pain that she must have felt during her whole life. She has been the biggest motivation in my passion to help the breed get better and healthier. After a while we went for the lookout. We wanted a girl that fitted into our vision in breeding. Bloodlines were searched and all over the world I came in touch with people that know the breed very well. Over a year we searched intensively. And there she was: Bulls of Crown Enchilada , we call her Yara. While she grew up she showed everything that we were searching for! In the meantime I had learnt a lot extra about genetics and health testing, and the abnormalities that occur within the breed. When Yara became 16 months old she underwent a lot of extensive health tests. Wich tests we execute and why is explained on this page. Yara is nowhere near perfect, but a perfect dog still has to be born. Early our home got a wonderful addition in Lucy. We are open about possible abnormalities that our breeding dogs have, and also that of the male we use for breeding. Our kennel is born out of frustration. Frustration about the mysteries that are kept in breeders, about the overall health of the breed and even about the individual dogs. Frustration that one seems to find some abnormalities totally normal. Frustration because often there is no transparency about the diseases that are within the breed, or that they keep their mouth shut on purpose about it. We do not claim to know it all. The only thing we can do is promise that we will try our utmost best to breed healthy French Bulldogs. That is what we aspire. That is what we stand for. About Hawbucks And then we must look for a kennel name that fits our needs. What name do we want dogs bred by us to carry? By all means it had to be something tough and sturdy, because French Bulldogs are no types for an elegant name. They are rude and ignorant. By coincidence the name Hawbuck showed up somewhere. Hawbuck is typical French Bulldog! It is an old American word. An unmannerly lout; a clown. This is totally fitting for a French Bulldog! French Bulldogs are not supposed to have sweet elegant names, because they are nowhere near elegant dogs! For example: they walk your socks off when they see something they want to go to. Often tricky to keep motivated to work together. In every breed discription you will find that French Buldogs are true clowns. And they really are. Not a day goes by that they do not make me smile. So the dogs that are bred by us will carry the name Hawbucks. And we are quite proud of that! What are we doing to improve the health of French Bulldogs? Are you interested in a French Bulldog puppy? Talk to us because we would be happy to advise you on the placement of a puppy or the purchase of your French Bulldog puppy. We can be reached by phone for an appointment, but a visit to the puppy room is an even more interesting experience. Just visit us in the puppy room without obligation, here you can personally get to know your French Bulldog puppy and, above all, try out cuddles. Not sure if you are ready for a puppy? We offer you a lot of information before visiting our Competence Center at. Read the different topics so that you can acquire the knowledge you need before you buy. We are happy to answer your questions by phone. We know from experience how quickly you can fall in love with a puppy. We are there for you, happy to advise you on the character and breed-typical characteristics of the puppy. We would like to give them your puppies but also to exclude rash impulse purchases. Why do we do that? You can find that in our Principles. Our online shop will soon make a purchase possible, but a visit to the puppy parlor is also necessary here. We like the puppies as much as they do, so of course we don't send dogs! Character French bulldogs are playful, intelligent, friendly and cuddly. They feel very comfortable in the company of people, especially those of their owners. He is a brave dog with a slope that is bigger than he actually is. He will not give up in a fight with another dog if he is tackled. The body is very muscular and they have a short tail. The French Bulldog gets along well with other pets. Breed data.

A Shepherd Pei usually has a short coat with a distinct amount of skin folds on the head and shoulders. This hybrid is confident, brave, intelligent, curious, and loyal. A German Shepherd Shar-Pei mix makes a very good household companion. A Shepherd Pei is highly curious and intelligent; thus, it may be difficult for first-time owners of this hybrid to tame this breed. However, sufficient training and mental stimulation can keep a Shepherd Pei occupied. The personality, physical characteristics, social behavior, and temperament of a German Shepherd Shar-Pei mix may vary a lot. However, it can be expected that a Shepherd Pei will be a source of great joy for everyone. It is believed, though, that the idea of crossing these two canines emerged from the demand for designer dogs. German Shepherd dogs were particularly bred as working dogs in Germany in the late 19th century. They were excellent shepherding dogs, gathering and guarding livestock. Today, they are also well known for their service to perform K9 functions due to their natural abilities that fit the role. Shar-Peis , on the other hand, have been in existence in China since BC, making them an ancient Chinese dog breed. They came close to extinction in the s but were eventually revived and recognized by the AKC in .Today, the hybrid of these two, the Shepherd Pei, is getting more attention, and more breeders are beginning to show interest in this unique canine hybrid because of its appealing looks and lovable personality. The stance is strong, athletic, and sturdy. German Shepherd dogs have double-coated fur, while Shar-Peis have short and smooth fur. These distinct differences in the coating can result in an unpredictable coating in their cross. Most Shepherd Peis take on the short and smooth coat of the Shar-Pei. In terms of color, Shar-Peis have 18 standard colors , while German Shepherds have around .As a result, Shepherd Peis have a wide variety of coat variants. The eyes of a Shar-Pei and German Shepherd mix may also vary based on the eye colors of the parents. Shar-Peis have small, almond-shaped, brown eyes, while German Shepherd dogs commonly have brown eyes. While the skin folds will not be very dominant in the face, Shepherd Peis may have folds on their shoulders and heads. As a result, the average height of a Shepherd Pei ranges from 18 to 26 inches, and its weight can be anywhere between 45 and 60 pounds. A Shepherd Pei adapts a strong and powerful physique from its parents. As with many other physical traits of a Shepherd Pei hybrid, it is difficult to predict the actual size and weight of the dog. Even puppies within the same litter may differ based on which parent they take after. Additionally, this hybrid is smart, confident, alert, resilient, very energetic, highly inquisitive, and brave, especially if it takes after its German Shepherd parent. However, it may also be cautious towards strangers in this case. Given some notable differences in the traits of a German Shepherd and Shar-Pei, expect the Shepherd Pei mix offspring to exhibit the right balance of the traits and qualities of the parents. Hence, it is best to know some of these issues early on. Below are some of the common health issues that are common in Shepherd Peis: Hip and Elbow Dysplasia: Hip and elbow dysplasia are conditions where the elbow and hip joints and bones do not fit perfectly, resulting in pain, lameness, and osteoarthritis in dogs. Dysplasia is a hereditary health issue that is much more common among larger breeds like the German Shar-Pei. In this condition, gas in the stomach causes it to twist, blocking both the entry and exit ways of the organ. Urgent surgery is needed to correct this condition. Due to these health vulnerabilities exhibited by German Shepherd Shar-Pei mixes, it is best to have scheduled visits to your local vet to prevent these from developing. Further, it is best to get pet insurance coverage for your dog, as it may come in handy in the event of a medical emergency. Further, grooming, training, and exercise are also critical considerations that owners of a German Shepherd Shar-Pei mix should be aware of. Food and Diet Large dog breeds have unique metabolic requirements for them to maintain their healthy state for their size. A Shepherd Pei must be given food with a high protein concentration, followed by fats and fiber. There are commercially available dry and wet dog foods formulated for large dog breeds, but owners are advised to check the ingredients to make sure they are complete and balanced. Home-made meals using fresh ingredients such as lean meat and small portions of animal organs, vegetables, and select herbs are also recommended. This is best done with the help of a pet nutritionist or a veterinarian. Cleaning and Grooming Owners of a Shepherd Pei mix should first consider the type of coat of their dog. However, expect a Shepherd Pei mix to shed heavily at least once or twice a year. During this period, more frequent brushing may be necessary to keep the coat managed. Further, Occasional baths must be given to rid the dog of dust, pollen, and other irritants that can cause skin allergies. Nails must be trimmed as needed, too, to prevent injuries or nails from separating from the quick. Also, observe for possible irritation on the skin surrounding the toes. Owners must always check for possible signs of skin irritation as both German Shepherds and Shar-Peis are genetically prone to skin allergies. The face of a Shepherd Pei mix must likewise be cleaned regularly, focusing on the folds of the skin to avoid the accumulation of dirt and small particles between the folds. The ears of a Shepherd Pei mix must also be cleaned regularly with a mild cleanser. Training and Exercise A Shepherd Pei mix must be given sufficient physical activity. German Shepherds are inherently active dogs. Similarly, Shar-Peis are curious and playful. Hence, keeping Shepherd Peis active is vital for its well-being. Daily exercise helps prevent Shepherd Peis from getting bored and stressed. This will provide them with the necessary mental stimulation while also keeping them preoccupied. Obedience training is highly recommended to be included in the daily exercise and activity of a Shepherd Pei. This must begin while a Shepherd Pei is still young to prevent it from being stubborn as they grow. A Shepherd Pei is a good outdoor adventure companion too. Going on a nature tour can provide the opportunity for this dog to get acquainted with a variety of environmental conditions. As with other dogs, the pricing for these dogs may be influenced by the pedigree of the parent dogs, location, and reputation of the breeder. Apart from the cost of the puppy, there are also recurring costs that owners need to allocate. The table below summarizes the initial expenses associated with owning a German Shar-Pei mix: Type of Expense. Be wary of significantly low prices, as this usually indicates a puppy mill or backyard breeder. We recommend asking around for local breeders that can prove their experience and credibility, including being able to see the facilities and records of the dogs being bred. The bear coat is the coarsest and shortest coat, which can surprisingly cause hives due to its sandy texture. The brush coat is longer and softer than the horse coat, while the bear coat is the longest and fluffiest. Although not proven as a fact, there is a theory about their coats: some believe that the shorter the coat, the more dominant the temperament. In , a German Shepherd named Buddy was officially recognized as a service dog for the blind. Buddy was trained at a school in Switzerland. The service dog training school become so successful that another one was opened in the United States, still training blind service dogs to this day. Some German Shar-Pei dogs are suspicious of strangers, so introducing them to people while young is important. They require a dog owner who either has dealt with big dogs in the past or has experience with Chinese Shar-Pei dogs. The best way to get an idea is to look at the German Shepherd and the Chinese Shar-Pei temperaments: German Shepherd comes from herding and guarding backgrounds, mentally sharp dogs with a working dog temperament. They are obedient dogs that enjoy work and training but will only follow a handler that is relaxed and confident. GSDs can be animal aggressive and same-sex dog aggressive, depending on the bloodlines and socialization. Requiring hours of exercise, German Shepherds can be great dogs for active families that have lots of space in the home. Chinese Shar-Pei dogs prefer the company of their families, bonding closely with them and being affectionate with them. Sometimes a challenge to train, Chinese Shar-Pei are quick to shut down if pushed too far. Are These Dogs Good for Families? While they can be playful and enjoy some rough-housing, Shar-Pei dogs like to have their quiet time and may get moody with rambunctious children. Also, younger children may not understand how to be gentle, which could lead to a German Shar-Pei snarling or even snapping if pushed too far. On the flip side, German Shar-Pei dogs are protective of their families and will usually watch over the household. They may be protective of the children if unfamiliar people and children are around, especially in larger crowds. German Shar-Pei dogs may not be the best choice for your household if you plan on having lots of social gatherings in your house, but it depends on the individual dog in the end. Shar-Pei dogs were once pit-fighting dogs, while German Shepherds are herding dogs that tend to have animal aggressive tendencies. Also, German Shepherds have high prey drives, so smaller pets could be a possible trigger. These canines come from two very dominant and vigilant dog breeds. That means they are ready to serve and protect you at all times. Both GSDs and Pei puppies are extremely cautious, which is why they were initially used as guard dogs. Other than that, these canines are respectable working dogs and service dogs, as they perform various tasks without a problem. The chances that this mix will have the same characteristics are pretty high. In fact, canines with most of the GSD bloodline will be pretty good athletes, perfect for sporting families. GSDs are known to be among the healthiest dog breeds in the world, which is a plus if you intend to buy their offspring. It is highly likely that this designer dog will reach up to 14 years of life if properly maintained. Both of these purebred canines belong to the medium to large dog breeds club. This Chinese Shar-Pei Mix is highly likely to join the same club, which is why you need to take into consideration its daily feeding habits. Both of the parents are prone to hip dysplasia and bloat — health conditions related to big dogs. Other than that, these purebred dogs require early socialization and obedience training, as they are naturally reserved towards strangers. If you have big crowds of people coming over to your house on a daily basis — early training is something I would highly recommend when it comes to this mix breed, too. Still, both GSDs and Shar Pei canines make excellent human companions, as they are easily attached to their owners. Still, where you buy your future puppy is one of the most important things. Reputable Shar Pei and German Shepherd breeders will make sure you get a socialized and well-behaved puppy from the start. This is one of the most popular dog breeds in the world, as GSDs are highly represented in the United States, and in other parts of the world, too. Both long-haired and short-haired GSDs are long-term members of the American Kennel Club, as they were accepted in .This gorgeous, large dog stands up to 26 inches in height. GS male puppies weigh between 65 and 90 pounds, while females can reach up to 70 pounds in their adult age. Even though this canine belongs to the club of the healthiest dog breeds in the world, GS dogs live between seven and ten years. Black and cream is their most popular coat color, but the breed standard also recognizes black, blue, black and tan, black and silver, gray, sable, liver, and white as common GS colors, too. These canines serve as family dogs, but they are also widely used as watchdogs, law-enforcement dogs, military dogs, working dogs, and livestock guardians. They are characterized by exquisite intelligence, which is why GS puppies are perfect for find-and-rescue purposes, as well as for AKC contests. GS puppies are beautiful dogs that enjoy long walks, but they also prefer high-intensity training. Sixty to ninety minutes of exercise during the day is a must if you are a proud GS owner. These canines are natural athletes, which means they need to have some time outside the house. You need to be careful about the GS feeding chart, as these canines, just like Pitbulls, Labradors, Poodles, Golden Retrievers, Malinois, and other large dogs, can suffer from bloat. Shar Pei Even though these purebred canines are much less represented among dog owners all over the world, Shar Pei puppies are probably one of the oldest dog breeds in the world. They originally came from the Han dynasty in China, where they served as guard dogs. However, the breed was also used as a fighting dog and a herding dog throughout history. Even though this is a serene dog, all Shar Pei and Shar Pei mixes will do anything to protect their home. Despite the fact that these canines are maybe not as athletic as German Shepherd dogs, they are still very strong and bulky. These gorgeous dogs were accepted by the AKC in .Their height revolves around 18 and 20 inches, while their weight is somewhere between 45 and 60 pounds. Thirty to sixty minutes of moderate exercise during the day is enough if you own this canine. These dogs with bear coats and wrinkled faces enjoy an indoor life, which is why you can find them joyfully lying on the couch for a good part of the day. They resemble Chow-Chow puppies in their physical appearance, but their coat is significantly shorter. Shar Pei canines come in various colors. The most popular coat colors of this dog breed are black, brown, cream, blue, black sable, isabella dilute, and lilac dilute. Their long, wide muzzle resembles those of hippopotamuses. Even though this is a cute dog at first, it still requires early obedience and socialization training. This canine is not actually recommended to first-time dog owners, as it can be stubborn and mischievous at times. When Did This Crossbreed Appear? In fact, this hybrid dog is not as popular as other German Shepherd mixes , which is why its history is pretty vague. Many dog experts claim that this dog comes mostly in the F1 variant, which is why it is almost impossible to predict the character of the future puppy. Still, we can presume the characteristics of this canine by looking into the overall character of its two dog parents. Generally, this dog has been designed for family purposes, but the dog can be used as an excellent guardian, too. Furthermore, both of its parents are extremely intelligent dogs, even though the Chinese canine can be stubborn at times. On the other hand, we can expect this mixed breed to be slightly less active, as these canines need moderate activity during the day. No more than sixty minutes of exercise is required on a daily basis, which is perfect for families that live a moderately active life. Generally, these dogs resemble a GSD with a wrinkled face. They have long, straight ears and medium-long coats, but some mixes can have triangular ears and a very short coat, too. They stand anywhere between 18 and 26 mixes, which places them among medium to large dog breeds. This canine requires a carefully designed feeding chart, as both of their dog parents have a tendency to gain weight easily. If we look into the German Shepherd feeding chart, we can see that these canines require foods with proper representation of protein, healthy fats, and green vegetables. The same goes for the Shar Pei German Shepherd mix. Obese German Shar-Peis are unhappy canines, as they cannot perform regular activities properly. Furthermore, obesity can be a trigger for major diseases, such as heart disease. These mixed canines usually have a long, black, or brown muzzle and hazel or dark brown eyes. Their snout is somewhat thicker than in GS puppies, which gives them a sharp look. However, their faces are not as wrinkled as those of their purebred parents. Still, these canines are most likely to have broad noses and a sturdy body physique. Size Many Shepherd Pei Mix puppies share the Shar Pei growth chart , which means they are 18 to 20 inches tall and 40 to 60 pounds heavy. However, some pooches reach up to 26 inches in height, while their weight can reach up to 80 pounds. Still, these canines are not as athletic as their GS parents, as they have a thicker body physique and shorter legs. That is why you should not overwhelm your puppy with high-intensity training and long-interval exercises. These hybrid dogs are prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, and they require moderate activity during the day. On the other hand, their size needs to be monitored on a daily basis. These canines require high-quality foods and a medium protein intake. Furthermore, try giving them healthy snacks during obedience training. These canines are prone to heat stroke, as they have short, broad noses. Due to that, they need high amounts of water, especially in the summer. Still, this is a powerful and extremely strong dog that has a muscular body physique. When it comes to coat colors, this pooch inherits the color patterns of both parents. Still, the most popular colors of this puppy are tan, sable, black, cream, blue, and bi-color. They have a smooth coat, which means brushing them once, or twice a week will be sufficient. This is not a hypoallergenic dog, so if you or your family members suffer from dog allergies, the recommendation is to look for a dog with a hypoallergenic coat. Using the best-smelling dog shampoos for all coat types in baths is generally a good choice. Still, you may want to consult your veterinarian about the possible allergies your dog might have. Skin problems are not that rare in this breed. Since this is not a high-maintenance dog breed when it comes to grooming, a monthly bath will be more than enough. A bear coat in this puppy will make your life easier, as these canines are low to moderate shedders. Getting your puppy used to one sleeping place will save you from hours of cleaning. Both of its parents have independent and strong characters, which is why you need to socialize your puppy during the puppyhood stage. Obedience training would be a good option, too. Using interactive dog toys and healthy snacks as positive reinforcement tools are excellent ways to mentally stimulate your puppy. These canines can be stubborn and mischievous at times, which is why dog training plays a crucial part in their upbringing. Still, the breed is recommended for families with older children. Furthermore, using dog training collars , dog harnesses, or a leash for outside activities are good choices. Since this is a guard dog, it may not get along with other dogs well. Housing One thing is for sure — the GSD parent is certainly one of the greatest family dog breeds in the world. This trait is related to the Shar Pei German Shepherd Mix, too, which means this hybrid puppy will excellently fit into your loving home. Even though these canines can be mischievous at times, just like Huskies, Husky mixes, or Chihuahuas — they can also be well-mannered and obedient dogs once they undergo the training process. German Shepherd puppies are known to be one of the best dogs when it comes to training, as they are intelligent and task-oriented. Luckily, the same goes for this mix. Socialization and obedience training will help you adapt this canine to your home faster. Moderate activity will make them burn out their energy, and they will gladly sneak into your bed or onto the couch for a cuddle. Still, properly socialized and obedience-trained puppies have proven to be respectable family dogs. In fact, their GS parent has made them highly trainable, as their purebred parents are known to be one of the best trained dogs in the world. German shepherds are good with cats , birds, hamsters, or other house pets once they are properly socialized. The same can be taught to their offspring, but the general recommendation is to keep them away from small animals. Their hunting instinct dates back to ancient times, as their parents — Chinese Shar Peis, have been used for fighting and hunting. This is due to their history of being guard dogs. These canines are fearless, which is why they are excellent when it comes to home or livestock protection. In fact, the intuition, high intelligence, and high-sense of smell of GS puppies are why they are used to this day in the police and military. Quality breeders will always make sure you get a well-mannered and socialized dog. Still, if you are a first-time dog owner, it would be good to look for professional help from certified dog trainers. These canines can be overwhelming in training, as they require firm leadership and a lot of commitment. Sometimes novice owners fail to implement these things, and their canines become stubborn, mischievous, and aggressive at times. However, early socialized and obedience-trained Shepherd Peis will be excellent family dogs with a very low percentage of aggression. Still, this canine, just like any other large dog, is prone to bloat and hip and elbow dysplasia. Some dogs can suffer from heart problems, too. However, the last one mostly depends on lifestyle and feeding habits. Regular vet exams are a must for any dog breed. Aside from that, if you notice that your dog is acting weird all of a sudden or that it is displaying unusual symptoms, you should pay your veterinarian a visit. Hip And Elbow Dysplasia These two separate health problems are basically related to large dog breeds, and both of them are inherited. Hip dysplasia in dogs represents a loosening of the hip joint, while the latter represents an abnormality in the elbow joint. Canines that suffer from these hereditary issues need to be subjected to treatment as soon as possible, as untreated dysplasia can lead to further abnormalities or injuries. Both of these problems are noticeable from a young age, which is why you need to pay attention to the quality of a breeder. Reputable breeders will test their puppies for hip and elbow dysplasia without exception. Most of the time, surgery is the best solution for puppies that suffer from hip and elbow dysplasia. Bloat Bloating is a pretty dangerous condition in dogs, as untreated bloat can have deadly repercussions. This condition represents a gastric torsion, which is a result of improper feeding and low-quality foods. Dogs that suffer from this condition face severe stomach aches, lack of movement, loss of appetite, lethargy, and a bloated stomach. The recommendation that I can give to all dog owners is to avoid poor-quality food and table scraps. Furthermore, you should give your puppy its meals timely and in smaller portions. Never feed your dog less than two hours before bed time. Unprocessed foods can cause bloat, too. In some cases, elevated bowls prevent bloat from happening. Instead, try using high-quality food brands or homemade raw food that contains healthy ingredients in order to keep your puppy healthy. Heart issues are generally a result of a poorly-planned feeding chart and a bad lifestyle. You need to give your Shar Pei German Shepherd Mix the proper amount of exercise during the day, as well as a well-planned feeding chart. Obese puppies are more prone to heart diseases than puppies with a normal weight. Heart issues have a plethora of symptoms, among which the most popular are: lethargy, lack of energy, breathing heavily, fainting, and weakness. If you notice any of these symptoms in your dog, visit a vet as soon as possible. Untreated heart problems can have fatal consequences in no time. FAQs Photo from: aanyapei 1. Even though both of these dogs are natural guardians and watchdogs, there are several differences between them. For starters, GS puppies are known to be large dogs, while Shar Peis are placed among medium to large dog breeds. GSDs are generally more athletic, they have better stamina, and they are better trained than their counterparts. In fact, GS puppies are known to be among the easiest dogs to potty train , which is not the case with Shar Peis. On the other hand, both of these dogs are highly intelligent and adaptable to family life. In fact, GS puppies love task-oriented activities, and they will do anything to please their owners. Furthermore, GSDs are better with small kids and other house pets. However, both of these dogs require early obedience and socialization training in order to remain calm and friendly. The fact that this rare breed is such a good family dog makes the Shar Pei cost high. These canines are decent family dogs, and they are easily attached to their owners. Properly trained and socialized Shar Peis will be excellent life companions for moderately active families. Still, these canines need a lot of work and commitment from an early age, as they can be aggressive and suspicious towards strangers. Hopefully, by reading this article, you found elementary information on this rare dog and all pros and cons of having one in your home. Its uniqueness is what makes this dog so special, though. However, the fact that this is a rare dog breed makes the quest more difficult, as there are not many reputable Shepherd Pei breeders. This hybrid breed has all the characteristics of both parents and comes with an amazing personality. For example, they are very friendly dogs who get along well with kids and other pets in the household. They also love to cuddle up on the couch so they make excellent lap dogs! The result of this cross is a medium-sized dog with many traits of both parents. The German Shepherd Shar Pei mix has a lot of energy, so they need plenty of exercise to burn that off. They are very loyal and protective of their family, which makes them perfect watchdogs and guard dogs. These hybrids can vary widely in appearance from their ancestors, but they all tend to have some common characteristics. The first of these is size: most hybrids are medium-sized dogs, usually somewhere between 35 and 65 pounds in weight and 18 to 25 inches tall at the shoulders with males being larger than females. The GSDXSPei also tends to have longer legs than its parents, although this varies widely depending on how much each parent contributed genetically. Another thing you might notice about this breed is its coat type—the German Shepherds typically have short coats while the Shar Peis typically have long ones; when they meet each other during mating season, it leads them both towards having coats somewhere in between! The offspring will get either long or short fur based on which parent's genes win out during development; if both parents' genes contribute equally then you'll get an intermediate length of fur called "medium. This lifespan is longer than that of a purebred German Shepherd, which has an average lifespan of years. That's right—the mix is healthier and lives longer than its own parent! The average height and weight for this dog is 24 to 28 inches tall and 50 to 80 pounds. The coat is smooth and short, with a soft texture. The coat is usually black, brown or white—keeping in line with the parent breeds' coats. While some may resemble their parents more closely than others, most have characteristics from both breeds that make them an attractive mix of two popular dogs. The German Shepherd Shar Pei Mix dog is a very active breed, so if you plan on owning one make sure you have the time to spend with your dog. Although they are incredibly loyal dogs and can be protective, they are not good guard dogs because they love all humans including strangers. They're intelligent dogs with a strong desire to please their owners, making them great family pets. However, they can be territorial and if you have other pets in the house you'll need to supervise them closely until they get used to each other. These dogs enjoy playing games of tug-of-war with you too! The German Shepherd Shar Pei mix is an energetic breed that needs lots of love from its owner! This figure will vary depending on where you live and what breeders are charging in your area. These dogs are incredibly intelligent and alert, making them ideal family pets. In general, German shepherd shar-pei mixes are not good for families with small children. A high-quality dog food with no corn or wheat should be the first choice of nutrition for this breed. They must also have exercise regularly to maintain a healthy weight, which can be attained by taking them on walks or hikes daily. As far as treats go, it's best to keep them limited if not completely absent from your dog's diet. This is because too many treats can lead to weight gain in dogs who are already prone towards obesity and other health issues related to being overweight. Table scraps should also be avoided at all costs because they often contain unhealthy preservatives and processed ingredients that provide little nutritional value for your German Shepherd Shar Pei Mix's overall health and wellness over time Care If you plan to adopt a German Shepherd Shar Pei Mix, be prepared to spend some time grooming your dog. If you don't have time for grooming your dog, then this is not the right breed for you. You will also need to train your German Shepherd Shar Pei Mix puppy to learn good behavior from an early age. This will help ensure that they grow into well-behaved adults who are not aggressive or destructive towards other pets or people in their home environment. The German Shepherd Shar Pei Mix should have sufficient exercise each day but does not require excessive amounts of physical activity like running long distances at high speeds through open fields or woods because these activities may cause serious injuries due to their large size upwards of 60 pounds. Instead try walking them around neighborhood streets while chatting with neighbors about upcoming events in town. If your dog is not getting enough exercise, he or she will be more likely to get into trouble and develop behavior problems. You should take your dog for a long walk every day. But if you can't do this, you should at least give your pet plenty of opportunities to play in a large yard that allows him or her to run free. Exercise also helps keep your German Shepherd Shar Pei Mix healthy by strengthening muscles and bones and lowering levels of stress hormones like cortisol by increasing levels of endorphins and other "feel good" chemicals. Training shouldn't be too difficult with this mix because they are very smart and eager to please their owners. If you want your GSPP to listen better, try using positive reinforcement when rewarding them for good behaviors instead of giving out treats all the time like some people do with their dogs this can make them food-dependent. Another great way to get your GSPP excited about learning new things is by incorporating playtime into their daily schedule! A way we've done this in our home is by having our pup chase toys around the house or yard while playing fetch with us after dinner a few times per week. Playing with toys also helps stimulate their mind which helps keep them occupied while we're doing dishes or cleaning floors etc.The average shedder, it sheds its coat in spring and fall and requires regular brushing to keep it neat. A dog has two coats: the top coat the one you see and an undercoat that helps insulate them when they're cold. Brushing twice a week will remove dead hair from your Shar Pei German Shepherd's coat as well as dirt, dust and other debris that can irritate their skin if left on too long. If your dog is particularly dirty or has gotten into something they shouldn't have, bathe them with mild dog shampoo instead of just hose water or soap because these products contain chemicals that could harm your pet's skin over time if used regularly on your Shar Pei German Shepherd mix--and no one wants a sad puppy! When drying off after bathing your Shar Pei German Shepherd mix make sure not dry them too hard with towels because this could cause damage - instead consider using blow dryers which should be set at low heat settings so as not burn those sensitive ears which happen often! Bathing is a great way to keep your pet clean and remove these things from their skin and fur. You should bathe your pup every weeks if it doesn't get dirty often, or if they're not around other dogs or people who are sick very often. You should use mild shampoo when bathing them so as not to dry out their skin too much. You can also rinse the shampoo out of their fur with cool water before putting them in an outdoor bathtub or taking them outside to rinse off further so they don't get cold during this time. This mix is also called a Shar Pei Shep Mix, which would be more accurate if you were to say it out loud. These dogs are often mixed with other breeds to produce different variations of their personality. A lot of people find them to be interesting and have been known to have conversations about how they would like their own German Shepherd Shar Pei mix puppy one day. The good news is that these dogs make excellent companions for families with kids and other pets because they're loyal and protective but also calm enough not to overwhelm younger children or get too excited around smaller dogs or cats. German Shepherd Shar Pei Mix are good with other pets like dogs and cats. If you have another pet in the house, then it's best to introduce them slowly by keeping them separate for a few weeks until they get used to each other. If your German Shepherd Shar Pei Mix dog is a puppy, then he should be supervised around older pets so that he doesn't accidentally hurt them or vice versa. As long as he has been properly trained and socialized and can be kept on a leash when playing outside, it shouldn't be an issue if you have another family member who has multiple pets in their home as long as they're not aggressive. They're also not known to be a barker, though they can be vocal when they feel the need. German Shepherd Shar Pei Mix are not aggressive dogs. You may have heard that Pomsky dogs are high maintenance. The German Shepherd Shar Pei mix is not a particularly heavy shedder, but they will still shed. They do not shed as much as their purebred counterparts—the German Shepherd or the Shar Pei—but they will still leave some stray hairs around your house. This dog is a quick learner and can easily learn tricks, commands and even the most complex tricks. However, the German Shepherd Shar Pei Mix needs an owner with strong leadership skills and a calm demeanor. He does not respond well to harsh discipline or punishment, so an understanding approach is recommended when training this dog. The German Shepherd Shar Pei Mix has high energy levels which makes them excellent at keeping up with your lifestyle but also requires regular exercise every day for at least 30 minutes or longer if possible. You should also be prepared to spend time playing fetch with this breed as it will keep them from getting bored during quiet times at home such as after work hours or while living in apartments where they don't have yards available where they can run around freely without risking getting lost outdoors which could happen since many dogs tend to wander off without anyone noticing. German Shepherd Shar Pei Mix are good walking dogs, although they do need to be trained to walk on a leash. They aren't super high energy, but they're not shy or aggressive either. They're not hyperactive like some breeds, so they'll be fine with long walks in the park or around the neighborhood. German Shepherd Shar Pei Mix are water dogs and love to swim. They enjoy the water and are strong swimmers, but they don't need much of a reason to get in it. These dogs like to swim in lakes and rivers, but can also be found swimming in their owners' pools on hot summer days. They can also swim long distances; some might even be able to swim across bodies of water if needed! They are very loyal to their owners and will always want to be close to them. At first, they can be a little shy but once they get to know you, they will love nothing more than cuddling up on the sofa or by your feet under the table while you eat. German Shepherd Shar Pei Mix dogs are very loyal to their family and will do anything for them. They are affectionate and loving, which makes them great companions for kids or adults. The German shepherd shar pei mix is an alert dog that will alert you if there is something wrong in your home. They make excellent watchdogs since they are protective of their family and property. These dogs will bark at strangers or anyone who approaches the home when they do not recognize them as a friend or member of the family. These dogs are independent, but they like to be around people so that they can spend time with everyone in the household at once instead of having someone come home alone while everyone else is gone during the day! German Shepherd Shar Pei Mix are good house dogs. They are not aggressive and can be trained to be good walking dogs, swimming dogs and cuddling dogs. If you have small children in your family, then German Shepherd Shar Pei Mix is a great option for you. The answer is no. Just because a dog is hypoallergenic doesn't mean they shed less, or that they'll cause fewer allergies and skin problems in their owners. In fact, many people with allergies to dogs may actually be allergic to the dander dead skin of all breeds of dog, regardless of whether or not they're considered hypoallergenic or non-shedding. The term "hypoallergenic" isn't even regulated by any governing body; it's just a marketing term that can be used on any dog breed by anyone who wishes to use it. So please don't consider yourself safe from allergies just because you've found yourself a "hypoallergenic" dog! These dogs are loyal, affectionate, and protective of their human families. They can be stubborn at times but also very friendly and eager to please you. The best thing about them is that they have the intelligence level of both breeds so they are easy to train if you can establish yourself as the pack leader early on in life which will come naturally since this breed was bred with humans in mind. Leave a comment. Sheppei Description The Shepherd Pei is not a purebred dog. The best way to determine the temperament of a mixed breed is to look up all breeds in the cross and know you can get any combination of any of the characteristics found in either breed. It is very common for breeders to breed multi-generation crosses. He does do as he's told when you tell him. He loves to run, play with other dogs and needs lots of exercise. As a puppy he was too excited and wouldn't stay still for longer than 5 minutes, but he has calmed down now. Not completely as he is still excited. He gets on very well with my cats but sometimes he likes to chase them. He had a lot of wrinkles when he was a pup but has lost a lot of them now though he still has them on his forehead. He has the loose skin of a Shar Pei and the horse coat hair. He moults all year round and the hairs are very fine so he needs constant grooming. He is very strong and has the blue tongue of a Shar Pei. He has a very delicate stomach and can only eat hypoallergenic foods. He can not eat real bones and must eat Rawhide. The only health problems he has are recurring ear mites. He does not like water but will be bathed when he is told to. However, they do retain the Shar Pei characteristics of broad shoulders that give them a somewhat bulldoggish stance, and slight wrinkles on the forehead and rear haunches. Also, our hybrids are all super-shorthairs a bit shorter than typical shorthaired dogs , and the Shepherd hybrids both retained the classic double-coat of fur undercoat and overcoat. They appear to shed at irregular intervals, although all shed in the spring, and the undercoat comes out in big clumps over a period of about 2 weeks. This includes some unwanted territorial aggressiveness, a hatred of cats, and for our Shepherd hybrids it unfortunately also led to a long-term vendetta with the mailman. Like Shar Pei's, they typically sleep when the family is out of the house, and while all of them received regular daily walks exceeding 1 mile, none of them pressed to go outdoors other than for potty breaks. They're also all distinguished by being very intuitive, and very responsive to intuitive gestures and emotive responses—far more so than typical purebred Shepherds or Labs. One of our hybrids growls if disturbed while sleeping at night, but the other two simply groan and go back to sleep.

How Old Is My Dog? But having this information is essential to providing optimal care. The best way to determine the age of a puppy is by looking at their teeth. Are there cracked, loose, or painful teeth? Is there loss of cognitive function? All these areas help me determine approximate age of my senior patients. DiGangi says the signs of aging in adult dogs vary quite a bit based on breed, lifestyle, and medical history. They also vary based on size. Smaller breeds like Chihuahuas and Terriers tend to live longer, while giant breeds like Great Danes and Irish Wolfhounds tend to have the shortest lifespans, explains Bouloy. Look for Signs of Graying Many dogs get gray hair as they age just like we do , says Dr. Graying, primarily on the muzzle, suggests the dog is a mature adult, but it does not provide a closer estimate of age than that. Other dog breeds, like Whippets, Italian Greyhounds, and Poodles, can also be inherently gray in color regardless of age. Temperament can play a role as well. In a recent study published in Applied Animal Behaviour Science , a team of researchers studied dogs ages 1 to 4 to determine how anxiety impacts premature graying. They found that anxiety and impulsivity—based on indicators like destructiveness when alone and hyperactivity after exercising—were strong predictors of muzzle grayness. Known as lenticular sclerosis , this benign condition typically appears when the dog is about years of age. Lund says it can be a huge help in estimating ages for middle-aged and senior dogs. He says that most often, teenage dogs start showing signs of incomplete cataracts that typically progresses to complete cataracts. But not all dogs with cataracts are older. Lund says some breeds—including Boston Terriers, French Bulldogs, and Staffordshire Bull Terriers —are predisposed to juvenile cataract formation at a very young age, before they are 2 years old. Cataracts can also develop because of disease e. In humans, the adult teeth begin to emerge in late childhood and early adolescence. In dogs, this occurs in the first six months of life. After that, using teeth to estimate age is tricky, she says. The rates at which these changes occur vary widely by dog face shape, breed background, diet, and the dental care that is provided. Lund says some young dogs can have tartar and plaque buildup on their teeth fairly early in life. As many dogs age, their activity levels begin to decline. Weight gain is typical at middle age, but with increased senior years, they tend to lose weight and develop decreased muscle tone, Lund adds. Part of this is because dogs in their advanced years are more likely to become less active, more likely to nap, and experience a slower metabolism. Like many large breeds, a German Shepherd dog is not considered fully grown until they are about 18 months old. Female German Shepherds continue to fill out until they are around two years old, while the male German Shepherd growth rate continues until they reach two and a half years of age. Males are larger and require more time to fill out their chest and abdomen. As you can see by the German Shepherd weight chart, these dogs can continue to grow until they are three years old, but the majority of growth occurs within 24 months. If your GSD is older than 36 months and continues to put on weight, contact your veterinarian to ensure weight gain does not lead to obesity. How big should a 6-month-old German Shepherd be? A six-month-old German Shepherd puppy will be quite large, as many German Shepherds undergo massive growth spurts between two and five months old. By six months, a male German Shepherd will weigh 53 pounds on average, whereas a female will weigh about 46 pounds. How much bigger will my German Shepherd get? There are a few ways to gauge how much bigger a German Shepherd will get. First, check your puppy's age. If your GSD is younger than two years old, they definitely have room to keep growing! Another way to tell if your pup still has a lot of growing to do is their paw size. Do their paws look large compared to their legs and body? This is a classic adolescent feature of a dog and means your pup is likely still growing! Most of the time, a dog will not grow bigger than its larger parents. What is the size of a full-grown German shepherd? An adult male German Shepherd is typically 24 to 26 inches tall, while adult female German Shepherds are 22 to 24 inches tall, according to the American Kennel Club German Shepherd Standard. The estimated full-size varies significantly between sexes. In terms of weight, an adult male German Shepherd weighs anywhere from 75 to 90 pounds. A female German Shepherd weighs notably less at 55 to 70 pounds. Please keep in mind that these numbers are only estimates to give you an idea of how much bigger a German Shepherd puppy may get. Some dogs will be both smaller and larger than these weight ranges when fully grown due to a variety of genetic and environmental factors. Learn all about your puppy's physical characteristics, breed history, personality traits, and more in our comprehensive guide. Preventive care is key in helping your German Shepherd live a healthy and long life. Helping your dog maintain an optimal weight is one of the best things you can do for their health. Taking your German Shepherd to regular veterinary appointments is one of the best things you can do to ensure that they are healthy and feeling their best. Compare German Shepherd health insurance plans before they get sick or injured. They are also more susceptible to gastrointestinal tract and hip issues. A veterinarian should regularly assess your pet for these health problems and run tests for anything they may be more prone to due to their breed. Treatment for many conditions, including bloat and GI issues, can cost thousands of dollars. Dog insurance is a wise investment that can give you peace of mind by covering pet emergency expenses. Wellness plans are also available to help cover the cost of vaccinations, vet exams, microchips, and more. Some people can predict the future. For everyone else, there's pet insurance. Use Pawlicy Advisor to easily compare plans from top providers so you can find a great deal with great coverage. Get Peace of Mind Today Do you want to find the best pet insurance? Let's analyze your pet's breed, age, and location to find the right coverage and the best savings. Analyze My Pet About Pawlicy Advisor The pet insurance marketplace endorsed by veterinarians, at Pawlicy Advisor we make buying the best pet insurance easier. Puppies up to two weeks old are tiny in size. The puppies do not move around very much and stay close to their mother. They mainly only root, feed from the mother, and sleep. Puppies open their eyes when they are around two to three weeks old. They start walking and adventuring out of the whelping box during this time. They appear to become more aware of their surroundings and they begin to explore on their own. This is characteristic of puppies up to around five to six weeks old. Puppies generally get their food from their mother until between five to seven weeks old. Puppies who are transitioning to eating solid foods and who are becoming independent of their mother are probably around six to eight weeks old. As the puppy grows, they start becoming more active. By eight weeks old, the puppy is acting how people typically expect a puppy to act. Because their teeth are coming in, they begin chewing on things. They also begin playing in an energetic manner and exploring everything around them. They will also spend a lot of time sleeping in between playing and chewing. Puppies have a growth spurt between eight and sixteen weeks of age, and then they continue visibly growing over the next several months. As they age, puppies will lose their puppy coats and gain their adult coat. Puppy coats are very soft, while adult coats are denser and thicker. Puppies who are between six to twelve months old will start testing their boundaries. They get an increase in energy and are distracted easily by everything. They may start chewing more things around the house, and they love to explore and may wander off. Most puppies will have reached their full size by the time they are between eight and twelve months old. Larger breeds will continue growing for up to two years. A dog under two years is still considered an adolescent. They have some puppy-like qualities, like chewing and energy, but they may have calmed some. Unspayed female dogs typically have their first heat at months old. You also might notice that her vulva is swollen, or producing blood-tinged or straw-colored vaginal discharge. If you are unable to figure out how old the puppy is based on the teeth or developmental stage, you can take them to the vet. The vet will be able to look at the size and breed, along with the teeth, and give you a fairly accurate estimated age. Whenever you first get a puppy, you should take them to the vet to get a checkup. The vet can tell you their age during your first visit. You may have been given an age or age range for your pet, but still wonder if that estimation is accurate. How Old is My Dog? Check their teeth. By six months, the baby teeth should be gone. Beyond that, though, without knowing the birthdate, it can be difficult to use teeth as the defining factor. Observe their eyes. However, these changes are not present in every older animal and there is not a specific age at which you can expect to see these changes. Cataracts, for example, can develop in young dogs due to congenital disease, ocular trauma or other metabolic diseases like diabetes. Look for grey hair. Typically, greying of the muzzle starts around the age of five, but some dogs may go grey as early as two-years-old. Consider the breed. Look for signs of arthritis. If your dog seems to be experiencing joint pain or stiffness he may have arthritis. Have a vet complete a blood profile. Senior dogs may be more susceptible to issues or diseases that would show in the blood test, while a younger dog, would most likely not have irregularities. What are these milestones, and when can you expect them to meet them? We break it all down here, so you know exactly what to expect each step of the way. When you adopt a German Shepherd puppy, it can seem like they just keep growing. A fully grown German Shepherd will stand between 22 and 24 inches tall and weigh anywhere between 50 and 90 pounds. This manifests itself in many ways, but the most notable factor is their energy level. Puppies tend to have far more energy and be a little clumsier than fully mature dogs. German Shepherds leave their first puppy stage at around the 6-month mark, when they reach adolescence. When a dog reaches sexual maturity varies drastically depending on their sex. Male dogs tend to reach sexual maturity anywhere from 6 to 9 months, while female dogs tend to wait until adulthood. If you want to neuter a dog, you have a much smaller window to prevent puppies than with females. Their adult teeth are much larger and less sharp than their puppy teeth. Image Credit: aleksandra85foto, Pixabay Final Thoughts With so many age ranges that your German Shepherd can mature in various ways, it can be hard to keep track of everything. Related German Shepherd Reads:. Learn more » Puppies change so drastically, even in the first few weeks of life. Sometimes, it can be hard to pinpoint just how old a puppy is. After all, you have to figure out how much to feed them, what kind of chews they need, and how big you can expect them to get. So, are there some physical clues to help you figure it out? You should be able to ballpark it using a combination of physical and mental traits. During the first several weeks of life, your pup will gradually develop their sight. Vision is blurry at best once they open their eyes and it takes some time to adjust to this big world. Their vision will improve by the day until they fully develop at 8 weeks. While their retinas work slightly differently than humans do, they can still differentiate some colors. If you want to entice your puppy, note that they see blue, violet, and yellow best. This slim spectrum is called dichromatic vision and exists in all dogs, regardless of age. But can we narrow it down even more? Image Credit: , Pixabay 2. Puppy Age By Teeth Puppies are born without teeth, but they soon develop a mouthful of needle-sharp points. If you see that your puppy has no teeth, they are likely under 3 weeks old and need their mother around the clock. Their baby teeth start erupting at around 3 weeks and finish up by 6 weeks. Your puppy loses their baby teeth between 12 weeks to 6 months. You might find a little tooth here and there when they start to lose them, or you might not see them at all. Your puppy might show signs of pain or discomfort during this time called teething. You can buy teething toys to ease pain and channel energy. Offering toys with interesting textures can help keep their attention rather than gnawing on shoes. After 6 months, even when a pup has all of their adult teeth, they will still chew if they feel the urge. So, make sure they learn good habits early on. Many times, with mixed breeds, it can be hard to pin down. For instance, if the mother is significantly smaller or larger than the father, it can create a lot of size possibilities in the litter. You might have a few pups that are toward one end of the spectrum or another. However, if you have a purebred dog, there are diagrams and charts designed to show you where they should be with growth. Image Credit: Boryana Manzurova, Shutterstock 4. Check Overall Body Structure As puppies age, their overall structure changes. They go from a pudgy, bellied, clumsy ball of fluff to an older, more mature-looking dog. Even their fur changes texture as they age. Puppies are usually born with fluffy, often dense coats. When they reach 6 months, they should lose their puppy coat completely. It will be replaced with sleeker adult hair that usually sheds more. You might notice their coat color changes a little bit as the transition happens, too. If you compare early on pictures of any puppy to their adolescent phase, you can see contrast differences in fur coloring. As they get older, you might notice their muscle tone, too. However, you might notice that between 6 and 12 months, muscles are much more defined in the legs than ever before. Your pup is growing into that lean teenager stage. If you have a dog who should have pointy ears, they can take their sweet time developing. You may have adopted a German Shepherd , only to wonder when those ears are going to perk up. How Does Your Puppy Act? Puppies are born barely crawling. By 4 weeks, your pups should be walking on their own. They might be a little clumsy on their feet, but they usually are pretty sturdy by the week mark. You might notice a really huge personality shift between 4 and 8 months. There are a lot of physical and mental changes happening at this time. Manners are crucial to this time frame—you want a well-behaved dog because of consistent training. Puppies are capable of learning as soon as they come home at 8 weeks. The more you work with your puppy, the smoother the teenage stage will probably be. Every dog has a different personality that can influence their behavior—no matter how old they are. Did you see either parent? Do you know if you have a toy, small, medium, large, or extra-large breed? The type of dog you have says a lot about what to expect as they get bigger. Once again, mixed breeds can be tricky, especially if parents differ a lot in size. Even puppies in the same litter may be all different sizes in comparison as they grow—but are all the same age. When you take your new puppy in for their first check-up, they can validate or tell you just how old they estimate the pooch to be. When your vet examines your puppy, they will look them all over to see how developed they are. Many breeders could potentially give you a 6-week-old puppy and tell you that they are 8 weeks. Since they might not get the proper nutrition or know how to chew food well, it can be a time-sensitive matter. If you just happened to get a rescue pup, finding out their age might be a really important thing, especially since you want to celebrate milestones. No matter your reasoning, veterinarians and animal experts devote their life to pet care—they can definitely help you out. They do not develop these important senses until after birth. They can barely move and rely fully on their mother. Between 14 and 21 days, their eyes open up and their vision slowly starts to come. Puppies start hearing shortly after that with hearing coming into full force by 8 weeks. By 3 months, your puppy should start to get the hang of small concepts, like potty time. This is all very new to them! During the first 3 months, puppies will need core vaccines to protect them from potentially fatal diseases like parvovirus , distemper, and rabies. Your vet will probably recommend getting your puppy microchipped at this point. They go from adorable, small puppies to a terror—this is usually the most playful stage. By 6 months, your puppy will be close to their adult size. They might pack on muscle and weight throughout the next 6 months, but the bulk of the growth will be finished by the end of the sixth month. Potty training and basic commands should be coming into full swing. Your dog should know their name, simple obedience, and the concept of potty training. You can get your pup in for a check-up at their vet for their 6-month appointment. This is also a good time to schedule or discuss options to spay or neuter as they come into sexual maturity at this point. If you have a larger breed, some vets may suggest waiting on this procedure until they are finished growing. We all know how difficult human children are during this point, so expect nothing less from your dog. They might test their boundaries, chew up your belongings, master escaping enclosures, and do lots of other pain-in-the-butt things. If you have older dogs, you may see the pup getting put in its place a lot. Especially bigger breeds who might not realize just how large they are. They might take a little longer to mature mentally, but their bodies are just about there. You might notice a huge difference in growing speeds. Most pups have finally grown into their feet, so they are less clumsy. But man oh man, are they probably naughty. This age group really gives you a run from your money. You just have to get over that hump. Remember to have patience and understanding that your pup is just a growing guy or gal. They might fill out a bit, but usually, their bone structure and organs are as they will be. They will still have an abundance of energy. Even though it can be quite challenging, it will be worth it. If you work with your dog properly, they will have awesome temperaments and able bodies. You can check at home with a few of these tips, but if you want the highest level of accuracy—ask a vet. When you take your puppy in for their routine core vaccines and check-ups, your vet can pinpoint exactly how old they think your dog is. You want to know—after all, your puppy deserves to have a birthday celebration every year, too! Featured image credit: Happy monkey, Shutterstock Contents. Let us estimate how large your German Shepherd will be as an adult by inputting their age and weight into the calculator below. German Shepherds are considered a medium-to-large-sized breed. This means they often fall around the line that separates medium-sized dogs from large-sized dogs. The AKC wants males stand at inches and weigh pounds, making them considerably larger than females in some cases. Females stand at inches and weigh around pounds. As you can see, this is a huge range. There is a significant difference between a pound dog and an pound dog. Therefore, how big your particular dog might get depends largely on their genetics. You can often get somewhat of an idea by looking at both of their parents. Typically, if the parents are smaller, their puppies will be as well and visa versa. What does a 4-month German Shepherd weigh? Usually, 4-month-old German Shepherds weigh about pounds if they are males and pounds if they are females. Once they are born, genetics tend to take over. At 4-months-old, the puppies have been growing according to genetics for long enough for you to guess what their adult size might be. A dog that is small at this age is likely to remain small. They are simply focusing on growing larger at this point. They should have all their puppy teeth and decent motor skills. How big is a 6-month-old German Shepherd? Puppies undergo massive growth spurts before five months. By the time they reach six months, their growth has slowed down considerably. The average male will weigh about 53 pounds, while females weigh 46 pounds. They have not reached their full adult weight yet, but they are very close. Because their growth has slowed down so much, though, they will continue to grow for a long time to come. This is normal. It is also normal if your dog retains their somewhat skinny appearance for a few more months to come. When is a German Shepherd fully grown? Female German Shepherds often stop growing at around two years. Males may continue to grow for another six months or so. The exact time that each dog stops growing depends on genetics and their diet. This can make them grow too fast, which can mess up their joints and cause other health problems. In fact, hip dysplasia is much more likely in dogs that were improperly fed as puppies. Instead, we recommend patience. Dogs may not grow evenly. Many may reach their full height before gaining much of their muscle mass and fat. Dogs are a lot like children in this way. They grow at their own pace. While these dogs reach sexual maturity before they are fully grown, it is generally not recommended to breed them until they have reached their full size. Otherwise, it can stunt their growth and potentially cause health problems for the mother and the puppies. Do German Shepherds Grow Fast? Generally, German Shepherds grow rather fast in their first six months of life. They will double their weight many times in this period and undergo many growth spurts. However, after five to six months, it will begin to slow down substantially. While they will almost reach their full size at about six months, it will take them until they are about two to finally gain those last few dozen pounds. Why is my German Shepherd so small? German Shepherds all grow in a unique fashion, similarly to people. For this reason, a German Shepherd may not seem to be growing much at all, only to hit a growth spurt. Your dog may seem small compared to other German Shepherds while still being in the normal range. This increases their risk for many health problems, including hip dysplasia. The dog needs to grow at their natural rate. A dog can simply be smaller than normal but completely healthy. Some German Shepherds have been crossed with other kinds of shepherd — these dogs are likely to not grow at the same rate as their pure-bred peers, too. Do not make the mistake and keep your German Shepherd outside most of the time. These dogs get highly attached to their humans and want to spend time with them! If your dog lives outside and is experiencing stunted growth, he may be refusing food due to loneliness. Make sure to take him to a vet — and in addition, let him spend time inside with you! Unleash the real potential of your companion! We will email you daily with training tips, ideas and videos. 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Your puppy will be born and raised in our busy household. Our passion is to produce wonderful family pets with gentle loving temperaments that will bring a lifetime of happiness. We are extremely proud that the foundation of our lines have been trained as canine partner dogs and many of our puppies are therapy dogs and visit schools regularly. We have been breeding for a number of years and over these years we have seen many clubs come and go and we have been a member of some of them. We breed authentic Australian Labradoodles with lines that have been verified. We are content to follow our own path with strong ethics. We have an excellent reputation and we adopt the highest standards so you can be assured your puppy is an authentic Australian Labradoodle with bloodlines and health testing that has been verified. We follow a socialisation programme and temperament test all of our puppies before puppy pick day so we can help you make your choice. Temperament and health is always our first priority. We purchased our first Australian Labradoodle in and have been hooked ever since. Our dogs are our much loved family pets or live with their guardian families. Please contact us via email for more information. Access to our private puppy family area. A WhatsApp group for your litter. Both parents have been fully health tested with certificates available to view. Been bred in our family home by a 5 star council licensed breeder. Temperament tested and advice provided at puppy viewing. Call us today on Health Guaranteed All our puppies leave us with a full vet health check and a 2 year genetic health guarantee. Health Tested All our breeding Australian Labradoodles are fully health tested. We give our puppies the best start by following a tried and tested programme. Ethical Breeding We have the highest welfare standards which is why we hold a 5 star council licence. We believe every dog deserves a good life and this starts with the breeder. What our customers say.We travelled far to find her, and her knowledge, expertise and love for all things ALD is exceptional. After only a few days, Willow is already a huge part of our lives and so we are very glad that we chose Judy and RIpley's. Our dogs are very much our family pets. We are not a kennel, all our Australian Labradoodles have wonderful fulfilling lives either with us or our guardian families. Our dogs are for life and not just for breeding. The health and temperament of Australian Labradoodles is our number one priority, of course we breed exceptionally lovely puppies but our puppies health and temperament will always be our first priority. The Australian Labradoodle breed originated in Australia in the 's. The focus has always been on temperament, coat and quality through good health testing and planned matings. Our Australian Labradoodles are multigenerational, meaning both parents are Australian Labradoodles. Australian Labradoodles are very people focussed, they have a strong desire to please. Australian Labradoodles come in 3 sizes, miniature, medium and standard. Within my breeding programme I concentrate on miniature and mediums. Our Australian Labradoodles are extremely clever, sociable , comical and joyful. They are energetic when free and quiet in the home. We test their hips, elbows, eyes and genetics. When you purchase a Ripley's Australian Labradoodle you can be assured we have tested everything possible. We provide a 2 year health guarantee but we ask that our puppy families not give ingestible flea and worming treatments. We have both been animal lovers since we were children. There is no animal we don't love. All life, whatever you are, is precious! We both were brought up spending school holidays volunteering with our mums at a pony rescue and cats protection league. Animal Welfare is extremely important to both of us and we raise every puppy with the love and care they deserve. We are very lucky to have 3, soon to be 4, healthy children that also play a huge part in raising our dogs and puppies. You will see our children regularly on the puppy cam, playing and even cleaning out the puppies. Alex is chief puppy cleaner and gets very upset if anyone tries to help him as he likes the puppy area to be just perfect. Teaching children compassion and love is very important and we do feel very lucky that we can do that for our children with the love and care we put into our puppies. Being around animals and being able to work with them everyday is not only a passion but a childhood dream. We have worked with dogs for the last 16 years and have a very successful doodle dog grooming salon. This is where our love for Australian labradoodles was born. Out of all the dogs we groom, pedigree and cross breeds in our busy salon, we have never come across a breed of dog that is as wonderful as an Australian labradoodle. Australian labradoodles are born to be a companion, and a dog the whole family can enjoy. Having been brought up in a family that had rescue dogs, rescue cats and rescue chickens, its very important to us that our puppies and dogs are raised to the highest welfare standards, and we will campaign and help other breeders willing to work to the same high standards we have here at Willows Australian Labradoodles. Not every Australian Labradoodle is created equally, so we can't stress enough the importance of buying from a breeder that is doing all the health testing not just one test and then claiming that they are health tested and raised the puppies in a family home. As each person and family plays such an important part of having the highest welfare and the best quality dogs possible. Willows Australian labradoodles East Sussex - Fully License Breeder The proof is in the Puppies A good way of explaining how a good breeder feels is to compare ourselves to a baker. We are making the best possible cake we can! We grow our own organic ingredients, weigh out each ingredient, perfect the perfect mix and put it all together from our years of experience. Then we lovingly place it into the oven and set a timer. Website: Bri Em Doodles 3. Oakham Doodles Oakham Doodles is a small breeder of Australian Labradoodles that has over 30 years of experience in working with dogs. They have been involved in obedience training, rescue work and do therapy work as well. Oakham Doodles also offers lifetime support to owners who choose their pups for seizure alert or service dog roles. The family then gets lifelong support whenever required. For Lorraine, being Puppy Culture ambassador is more than just a job. For the past several years she has focused on puppy development and early neurological stimulation in all her puppies to ensure they are healthy throughout their lives. They are dedicated to breeding Australian Labradoodles with excellent temperaments and producing happy, healthy puppies. Their mission is centered around careful selection for genetic strength and sound temperament in order to provide you with the perfect puppy that will fit into your family life. They take great pride and care for their pups, ensuring that each one is healthy and well-rounded before being put up to be adopted by a family. Alex is passionate about animals and her dogs. Alex now lives in a rural part of Hertfordshire, enjoying long walks in the nearby fields and woodlands with her Labradoodles. Vanilla Grove Labradoodles breed genuine authentic Australian Labradoodles from the best lines. Each dog is extensively health tested and fed with high quality grain free food and also home cooked food. As part of the life-time support that comes with each puppy, Alex remains in touch with many families and organizes regular meet-ups and group walks in the countryside. Vanilla Grove Labradoodles are proud of all the healthy friendly puppies they are breeding, bringing so much joy to their new owners. Owner: Alexandra Tresman. Our dogs are our much loved pets and live in our family home on our small holding in East Yorkshire with us. We have 9 acres with an acre of lake which they share with our goats, sheep, cats and chickens. Our puppies are born and brought up in our home with us, we make sure they are handled lots by our children, family and friends and are exposed to all the sights and sounds of a lively, loving family environment so when they leave for their forever homes, they are developing into sociable, well rounded, confident little dogs. At Lakeside Labradoodles, all our puppies leave at 8 weeks old after their first vaccination and full vet health check. Our vet has one of our puppies which is testament to us and all the time and love we put into our dogs. We are proud to be council licenced and follow the 5 star rating system that the government has set out in the new Animal Welfare Regulations brought out in .New posts will not be retrieved for at least 5 minutes. There may be an issue with the Instagram access token that you are using. Your server might also be unable to connect to Instagram at this time. Click here to troubleshoot. Tilly is probably the nicest temperament dog we've had. Such a perfect dog. Nellie is our first dog and she is beautiful. She is such a character and we wouldn't be without her. Lottie has bundles of energy lots of character and is the kindest most loving dog and is amazing with our children. She is the best and we wouldn't be without her she's amazing xx. Site by Weborchard.

Some Phantom Bernedoodles are born looking pure black. If you look under the tail and they have brown markings that is a good indicator that the puppy will eventually have phantom markings. With most of our phantoms their color comes in more with age. You can see great examples of some of our past phantom bernedoodle puppies below. How can I get a phantom Bernedoodle What is a phantom bernedoodle? Phantom coloring is a dog that has one main color, and then has 'tips' of another color. If you can picture the coloring of a Rottweiler, or a Doberman, this is the same color scheme. Phantom can occur with any color, A Silver Phantom with White points, A Chocolate phantom with Cream points, A black phantom with tan points, etc etc phantom Bernedoodles have a base coat of black or brown with brown on all four legs, chest, checks, and eyebrows. Some of the dogs in pictures are technically a phantom tricolor but to give you an idea of what a phantom bernedoodle looks like I think it is appropriate to share the pictures. A true phantom bernedoodle is only black and brown. When a bernedoodle has Black, rust, and minimal white we call that a phantom tricolor. Phantom Bernedoodle Puppies Phantom Bernedoodle Adults If you are interested in getting a phantom bernedoodle you will need to fill out our puppy application here. We usually have 1 or 2 phantom bernedoodles in our litters. Our poodle girl Reeece always has phantoms in her litters. Our phantom mini bernedoodles will be out of our mini Sires Milo and Marshall. Phantom Bernedoodles Phantom Bernedoodle adults are usually black and tan, silver and cream, cream and silver, or black and cream. Phantom Bernedoodles are stunning! You can see great examples of some of our past phantom bernedoodle adults below. Utah Bernedoodles. Bernedoodles are large teddy bears that have love enough to go around. They make fantastic pets for the first time dog owner or the experienced novice. Your Bernedoodle will bring nothing but joy and happiness to your family. But did you know that Bernedoodles come in more than one color? One of the most unique colorings for Bernedoodles is the phantom markings. The striking color contrasts make your puppy look adorable and absolutely irresistible. But what are the facts about the Phantom Bernedoodle, and how are they different? What Is A Phantom Bernedoodle? A real phantom Bernedoodle has a solid color all over the body and a different color on the nose, chest, and legs. But even with this description, you can get endless possibilities of color combinations. That is why most breeders take it a step further to label precisely what type of phantom they have. Below we have the top phantom colors. Phantom Bernedoodle The most common and wildly recognized coloring is an all-black body with brown markings. There are other color combinations as well. You can get cream and silver or black and cream as well. You can get the standard phantom in just about any generation possible. And not to overwhelm you with too many options, they also come in every size. Phantom Tricolor Bernedoodle Like the regular phantom, the tricolor has a solid black body and brown nose and legs. But what makes the phantom tricolor Bernedoodle also has white on their chest. The white might be very slight, or it might make their chest completely white. You can also get the tricolor Bernedoodle in any generation and size that you want. The phantom tricolor is the most popular of all the Bernedoodles. If you look up other Bernedoodles online, they are almost always a phantom tricolor. Some people even mislabel the tricolor as a real phantom because of their similarities. But as loved as they are, they are the hardest to produce. Sable Phantom Bernedoodle Sable phantoms have a striking appearance. A sable is any dog that has a solid colored coat with black tips to the hairs. You can get them in F1B or F2 and higher. They are also available in any size you want. You might find a little trouble getting a sable, but the waiting lists are much shorter than tricolors. A merle has such an unmistakable coloring that wins the hearts of everyone. Your merle phantom will have the merle markings all over the body and white noses, legs, and chest. The merle phantom is most commonly an F1B generation, but you can also get them in multigenerational puppies. And just like the others, you can get them in three sizes. Chocolate Phantom Bernedoodle With a rich dark brown body and tan markings, a chocolate phantom Bernedoodle is so beautiful. Unlike the other phantoms on this list, you can not get a chocolate coloring without being multigenerational. So the rich deep color only comes from the Poodle side. But in any case, you can still get them in standard or mini sizes. A parti colored dog is usually all white with patches of color all over them. And all of the patches are not uniform across the body. A Phantom can sometimes come in lighter colors that resemble a parti, but the difference is uniform. All of the markings look the same on each puppy from a phantom litter. Another one of the facts, what is a phantom Bernedoodle mixed with? Are they all half Bernese Mountain Dog and Poodle? While most breeders can get these phantom colorings by using either F1 or F1B generations, some get more unique colors from interbreeding. The phantom coloring is actually a relatively new standard for Bernedoodles. They were first discovered and standardized in .These are called an Australian Bernedoodle. Getting one of these Bernedoodles are still considered a Doodle. But there are some things that you should consider before settling on one. They are not the most hypoallergenic of all the Doodles. It will shed a great deal and likely have a loose wavy coat. That being said, a Bernedoodle mixed with an Australian Labradoodle will still have a fantastic temperament. Since they are mostly Bernese Mountain Dog, they will retain more of these qualities than a Poodle or Lab. If any of these traits will be an issue for you, talk to your breeder about concerns. Asking them how they breed their phantoms will give you a better idea of what to expect. They will be happy to answer all of your questions about how this mix will differ for you. Do Phantoms Have Different Care? A Bernedoodle is a Bernedoodle. Here is a quick overview of what to expect. They are quick to train and love to please their owners. You will get them trained in no time at all. And as far as exercise, your Bernedoodle will need an hour-long walk daily with some playtime in between. Both of these will be hypoallergenic with minimal shedding. That means you will need to spend time every day brushing and detangling your Doodle. It also means that they will need regular hair cuts every weeks. Size Next one of the facts to be considered about the phantom Bernedoodle, is size. When full grown, it should be the same as any other color mutations. There are two sizes of Bernedoodle, the mini and standard. Standard Bernedoodles get as large as pounds. But the mini only gets pounds. The only exception to these standards is multigenerational Bernedoodles. Breeders might be trying to breed for a specific size, but it is not guaranteed. Since there are just too many factors at play, sometimes the phantom mini Bernedoodle can be a little larger than expected. Health Conditions No matter what color your Bernedoodle is, they are all prone to the same health conditions. Some old myths revolve around the fact that hair color has some indicator of medical conditions a dog will have. Is There A Cost Difference? Phantoms can be a little rare sometimes, which translates into a higher cost. Cost is another one of the facts that may be considered when purchasing a phantom Bernedoodle. The more rare the phantom morph, the higher the price. You might be waiting for months for a litter to be born with phantom markings. And even if a few are born, you might not be at the top of the picklist. In the end, the wait is worth it for a striking puppy that grows into a handsome dog. As you can see, different color Bernedoodles are all the same. But if time and money are an issue, there might be some advantages of getting one color over the other. If you want a Bernedoodle as soon as possible, getting a solid colored puppy would cut your wait time to just a few months. There is also money to consider. They might not look exactly like you pictured, but they will still love you with the same Bernedoodle passion. Conclusion So what there are a few of my facts about the Phantom Bernedoodle,? An adorable, photogenic, and stunning looking puppy. Not a ghost Bernedoodle, contrary to what you might first think. Below is a Pinterest friendly photo…. Sharing is caring! Phantom Bernedoodle Training Phantom Bernedoodles are a great breed of dog for families. They are loyal and affectionate, and they get along well with children. Phantom Bernedoodles are also good with other dogs and pets. However, in order to ensure that your Phantom Bernedoodle behaves appropriately in your home, it is important to provide proper training. Here are five tips for training your Phantom Bernedoodle. Start early: Phantom Bernedoodles should be started on their training as soon as possible. The younger they start learning, the easier it will be for them to learn appropriate behaviors. Be consistent: Consistency is key when training a Phantom Bernedoodle. Use positive reinforcement: When your Phantom Bernedoodle does something correctly, reward them with praise or a treat. This will help them learn that good behavior is rewarded and will encourage them to continue behaving appropriately. Be patient: Training a Phantom Bernedoodle can take time and patience. A certified trainer can provide you with the guidance and support you need to successfully train your dog. Training tools There are a number of different dog training tools available on the market, and each one has its own benefits. Here are five of the most popular training tools for Phantom Bernedoodles. Dog treats: Dog treats are a great way to reward your dog for good behavior. They can be used to reinforce commands and help your dog learn new tricks. Clicker: A clicker is a small device that makes a clicking noise when you press it. It can be used to signal to your dog that they have done something correctly and should be rewarded. Leash: A leash is essential for training your Phantom Bernedoodle, as it allows you to keep them under control while teaching them new commands. With proper training, your Phantom Bernedoodle will make an excellent guard dog. Training your Phantom Bernedoodle to be a service dog A service dog is a dog that has been specifically trained to assist people with disabilities. They can help with a wide variety of tasks, including opening doors, fetching items, and providing emotional support. First, service dogs must be able to perform specific tasks that will help their owner manage their disability. Second, they must be well-trained and obedient. Finally, they must be comfortable working in public places and around strangers. Start by teaching them basic obedience commands such as sit, stay, come, and down. This will ensure that your Phantom Bernedoodle is well-behaved and easy to control when out in public. Next, begin training them on specific tasks that will help you manage your disability. This may include things like retrieving objects for you or helping you get up from the floor. With proper training, your Phantom Bernedoodle can make an excellent service dog. Phantom Bernedoodles have a soft, curly coat that will require regular grooming. They should be brushed at least once a week, and more often if they are shedding. These dogs should also be bathed as needed, but no more than once a month. What health problems do Phantom Bernedoodles have? Phantom Bernedoodles are generally healthy dogs, but like all breeds, they are susceptible to certain health conditions. This breed may also be at risk for more common health problems, such as allergies and ear infections. Do Phantom Bernedoodles shed? Phantom Bernedoodles do not shed very much. They are considered to be a hypoallergenic breed, which means they are unlikely to cause an allergic reaction in people who are allergic to dogs. Where to Find Phantom Bernedoodle Puppies This is a popular Bernedoodle coloring, so they are not always easy to find. The best place to look for Phantom Bernedoodle puppies for sale is online. There are many reputable breeders who sell Phantom Bernedoodle puppies online. When looking for Phantom Bernedoodle puppies for sale, make sure to do your research and only buy from a reputable breeder. Phantom Bernedoodles are a relatively new breed, so there are not always a lot of them available. However, with a little patience, you should be able to find the perfect Phantom Bernedoodle puppy for your family. How much do Phantom Bernedoodle puppies cost? When looking for a new puppy, one of the most important things to consider is the price. Some breeders charge a flat fee for each puppy, while others charge by the size or color of the dog. Some breeders also include extras like registration papers, shots, and vet checkups in the price of the puppy. The cost of Phantom Bernedoodle puppies varies depending on the breeder. However, most Phantom Bernedoodles fall somewhere in between these two prices. So what should you consider when pricing a Phantom Bernedoodle? Here are a few things to keep in mind: The cost of raising a Phantom Bernedoodle from birth to adulthood can be several thousand dollars. Phantom Bernedoodles are a popular breed and may be difficult to find if you wait too long. Breeders often include extras like registration papers, shots, and vet checkups in the price of their puppies. The cost of Phantom Bernedoodle puppies varies depending on the breeder, so be sure to do your research before buying. The Phantom Bernedoodle is a relatively new breed, and the AKC has not yet recognized them as their own breed. Phantom Bernedoodles are currently registered as Bernese Mountain Dogs. The AKC typically takes several years to recognize new breeds. So, it is possible that Phantom Bernedoodles will eventually be recognized as their own breed. However, there is no guarantee that this will happen. Do Phantom Bernedoodles make good service dogs? Phantom Bernedoodles can make great service dogs. They are intelligent, loyal, and trainable. Phantom Bernedoodles also have a calm and gentle demeanor, which makes them well-suited for service work. Service dogs must undergo extensive training and socialization before they can be placed with a handler. Do Phantom Bernedoodles make good show dogs? Yes, Phantom Bernedoodles can make good show dogs. They are a relatively new breed, so they are not yet recognized by the AKC. However, Phantom Bernedoodles can be shown in other dog shows, such as obedience and agility. To be successful in the show ring, Phantom Bernedoodles must be well-trained and well-groomed. They also need to have a calm and gentle demeanor. Final Thoughts: Phantom Bernedoodle So, if you are looking for a loyal and friendly dog that will be by your side through thick and thin, the phantom Bernedoodle may be perfect for you. They make great family dogs and get along well with other pets. With their easygoing temperament, these pups are perfect for any home. Have you ever considered getting a Bernedoodle? If so, keep in mind that there are different types of Bernedoodles- the phantom being one of them. Be sure to do your research to find the right pup for your unique lifestyle. Thanks for reading! Are phantom Bernedoodles good pets? What is a Phantom Bernedoodle? The Phantom Bernedoodle is a designer dog which combines the intelligence of the Poodle with the calm, easy-going nature of the Bernese Mountain dog. But no two Bernedoodles are the same, and a puppy can inherit traits and characteristics from one or both parents making the outcome unpredictable. Where does the Phantom Bernedoodle Come from? The Bernedoodle is a relatively new breed which came about in in Canada and is considered one of the best Doodles around! However, the parent breeds, the Poodle and Bernese Mountain dog have a long, rich history as working dogs. To understand this mixed breed better, we must look at its heritage. The Standard Poodle originates from Germany and is intelligent, fun, and easy to train. Their excellent temperament and non-shedding coat are some of the main reasons they are used so often for crossbreeding. The Poodle comes from a long line of hard-working animals bred to retrieve game from the water and have excellent swimming skills. As well as standard, Poodles come in miniature and toy sizes. The Bernese Mountain dog hails from Switzerland and is a highly versatile working dog developed to pull carts, herd cattle, guard farms, and be a loyal companion. They are good-natured dogs who show unconditional love and loyalty to their owners. Phantom Bernedoodle Appearance The appearance of a Phantom Bernedoodle is challenging to predict as the outcome can vary dramatically depending on which parent their genes tend to favor. The phantom coloring is where the dog has one main color with light tips of another color. Bernese Mountain dogs sport black, tan and white coats, whereas Poodles come in a much wider range of solid coat colors. Most Bernedoodles have a wavy, low shedding coat, but those with a curly coat like the Poodle will not shed. Although this mixed breed can have straight hair like the Bernese Mountain dog, it is rare. Phantom Bernedoodle Size You can find the Phantom Bernedoodle in three different sizes: standard, miniature and toy. The standard size ranges from 23 to 29 inches in height, weighing 70 to 90 pounds, while a mini Phantom Bernedoodle can vary from 18 to 22 inches high and weighs 25 to 49 pounds. Finally, the Toy or Tiny Phantom Bernedoodle measures 12 to 17 inches tall and weighs between 10 to 24 pounds. In this case, the Bernese Mountain dog is always the mother as too many problems would occur in labour with a Poodle mother. Grooming A Phantom Bernedoodle Most Phantom Bernedoodles have a curly or wavy low shedding coat that requires frequent brushing to prevent painful matting. Remember, though, that dogs with curly coats need regular haircuts by a professional groomer. A Phantom Bernedoodle with a straight coat is less maintenance but will shed all year round, so it is unsuitable for those with allergies. These dogs come with a sense of humour, and their hilarious antics will always put a smile on your face! This playful mixed breed is friendly and affectionate, patient with children, and devoted to its family. However, the downside is that they hate being left alone and can become anxious and destructive if they are on their own for long periods. The Phantom Bernese is an intelligent dog, but despite their steady and calm temperaments, they show a stubborn side in training and prefer to do things their way. Training and Exercise Despite the parent breeds having a working background, the Phantom Bernese has moderate exercise requirements needing approximately 30 to 60 minutes daily to keep them happy and healthy. However, much depends on their size, age, and personality. When it comes to training, the Phantom Bernadoodle always wants to be with its owner, so you need to train them to your schedule and lifestyle. Although they inherit the intelligence of the Poodle, they can also inherit the stubbornness of the Bernese Mountain dog, which can make training challenging. If you start their training and socialization early, you will find that much of their stubbornness goes away. Always use positive reinforcement to encourage them to have good behavior and social skills. Potential Health Issues The Bernese Mountain dog has a few health problems, like cancer, and is short-lived, living an expected lifespan of only seven years which is one of the main reasons they crossbred them with the healthy, long-living Poodle. The Phantom Bernedoodle is prone to health issues and conditions such as: hip dysplasia. They are also called Brown Phantom Bernedoodles. While by definition Phantom Bernedoodles have a two-toned coat, the merle patches are considered to be one color with the solid patches as the other. Sable Phantom Bernedoodle Sable Phantom Bernedoodles mainly have hairs that black-tipped with roots in a lighter color. The sable hairs cover most of their body and they have tan patches on their chin, throat, chest, legs, beneath their tail, above their eyes and on the sides of their muzzle. Unfurnished Phantom Bernedoodle Unfurnished Phantom Bernedoodles have the phantom pattern but do not have longer hair on their face like the typical Bernedoodle. Unfurnished Bernedoodles are not as popular as Furnished Bernedoodles the typical Bernedoodle as they are not as fluffy and look more like a Bernese Mountain Dog than a Poodle. It is the smallest version of the Phantom Bernedoodle. They are also referred to as Micro-Mini Phantom Bernedoodles. A fully grown Tiny Phantom Bernedoodle gets to 12 to 17 inches .A Tiny Phantom Bernedoodle reaches its full size between 8 and 10 months. They are the second smallest version of the Bernedoodle. A fully grown Mini Phantom Bernedoodle gets to 18 to 22 inches .They reach their full size between 10 and 12 months of age. They are usually a second generation F2 Bernedoodle which is the result of breeding 2 first generation standard size Bernedoodles that are on the smaller side together. They can also be bred first generation F1 by breeding a standard Poodle with a Bernese Mountain Dog that are both on the smaller side. A Medium Phantom Bernedoodle has a height range of 20 to 26 inches .They are fully grown between 11 and 14 months of age. A full size Phantom Bernedoodle is 23 to 29 inches .They reach their full adult size between 1 year 6 months and 2 years old. Check out the adorable Bernedoodle puppies that are currently available here! PuppySpot is a dog adoption website that connects breeders with prospective pet owners. They have a zero tolerance policy for puppy mills which is why they screen every breeder annually! They have placed over , puppies in homes and offer various trusted, USDA-certified transportation options to deliver your puppy to your home safely! Phantom Bernedoodle Names.

Sasha is a very sweet and easy going year old Bichon mix; she is about 11 pounds. She loves all people and dogs and enamors everyone she meets. She walks well on leash, sleeps through the night in her crate, and does relatively well with her alone time. Unfortunately Sasha was most likely hit by a car at some point and her spine is broken in her lower back. Her foster assists her to empty her bladder times per day easy to do, and a potential adopter could be taught to do it. If she is assisted to empty her bladder, her diaper stays dry and her fur stays clean. Due to her condition, Sasha is prone to UTIs, but helping her to empty her bladder regularly decreases this potential. Sasha will need to live with someone who is home most of the time. Grateful Dogs Rescue incurs substantial veterinary and other expenses in rescuing our dogs. In order to recoup some of these costs, we request a tax-deductible donation for each adoption. One of our volunteers will get back to you. Adoptions are local, confined to the SF Bay Area. We will consider applicants outside the 9-county San Francisco Bay Area for Sasha, as long as applicant is able to travel to Oakland for meet and greet, and pick up. September 14, , pm. Beneath the curly, hypoallergenic coat is an elegant athlete and companion for all reasons and seasons. All three varieties have the same build and proportions. At dog shows, Poodles are usually seen in the elaborate Continental Clip. Most poodle owners prefer the simpler Sporting Clip, in which the coat is shorn to follow the outline of the squarely built, smoothly muscled body. All Poodles can be trained with great success, as they are highly trainable and very intelligent. They do have a weaker bone structure than some other small breeds, but are still a tough little dog. They make wonderful pets because they love people so much! A distinct breed with the right mental stimulation can properly interact and is loved by young children. Their short coats look like velvet against your hand when you stroke them. There are many new colors coming out with advances in breeding and DNA technology. Some breeders will only breed traditional colors, whereas we breed for more specialty and exotic colors. Our main stock is health tested and cleared and the pups make excellent pets. There are quite a few champions in the pedigrees and they're laid back compared to some bloodlines. The Standard Poodle began its development as a retrieving water dog more than years ago. With a crisp, curly coat as protection against the elements, superlative swimming ability, and off-the-charts intelligence, the Poodle was, and still is, a magnificent retriever. Hunters wanted their dogs to have free range of movement in the water, but they also wished to protect vital areas of the anatomy from the cold. They shaved the legs, neck, and tail but left the chest, hips, and leg joints coated. The rounded tufts on the legs, hips, and tail tip are called pompons. Note the spelling: Cheerleaders have pom-poms; Poodles have pompons. Elegant Poodles of the Standard and Miniature varieties found favor among the nobles of France and, eventually, all of Europe. An excellent nose brought the Poodle additional work as a truffle hunter. The Standard was bred down to the Miniature. The Toy was first bred in America, in the early 20th century, as a city-dwelling companion dog. Well-bred specimens of each variety are exact replicas of each other and are bred to the same standard. After a puppy is reserved its is our goal to make the update within minutes with few exceptions outside holidays and unforeseen events. You can be confident the available puppies and their pictures shown are accurate and up to date. Easiest Dog to Take Care of: Top 10 Breeds for a Happy Home Do you ever dream about having a furry best friend who loves to play fetch, gives the warmest cuddles, and greets you with the happiest tail wags every time you come home? A friend who is not just any dog, but the easiest dog to take care of? We know, it sounds like a dream come true, right? But we also understand that bringing a new puppy home is a big step. It's like adding a new member to your family, a little brother or sister.Top 30 Smartest Dog Breeds In The World If you're a dog lover, you've probably heard the age-old debate: which dog breeds are the smartest? While all dogs have their own unique intelligence and personality, some breeds have proven to be consistently brilliant over time. In this guide, we'll explore the top 30 smartest dog breeds ranked, from problem-solving whizzes to trainable and intuitive pups. We've done our research to provide you with an updated and informative.These pooches are joyful, lively, eager to please dogs. They are adventurous, kind, family-oriented pups who love hiking, swimming, canine games, sports and any, and all, family activities. These puppies are merry and bouncy little marshmallows. They are cuddly and sweet pups who love running around, playing, making friends and are very enthusiastic learners. The breed is divided into 3 recognized categories: Toy Poodle; Mini; Standard. Although they differ in size, one thing is for sure: they are glamorous companion pets.