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Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links. Take back control of their behavior using these quick and easy solutions to stop German Shepherd biting that actually works. Even better, have a set of toys that are only used when you want to engage in play with your puppy. Hide these toys in a basket or box after your game of play. This makes them extra special. They are under your control and your dog must give them back to you. Special toys are more fun for your pup to bite than you. When in doubt of what special toy your dog likes, choose from this specially-curated list of what toys German Shepherds love for interactive toy ideas to keep your dog entertained. Say OUCH! When your pup bites you, say OUCH firmly. This simple technique catches the attention of many puppies when done correctly and can train a German Shepherd puppy to not bite you. You could also make a YIP sound instead, just like their little brother and sisters would make a yipping noise when playing too rough. If they continue to bite and nip, say OUCH again and then get up immediately and leave the room for a few moments. You may return to play but keep repeating this simple process until they learn to keep their teeth on their toys. This will only encourage them to continue their unwanted behavior. Use Puppy-Safe Partition Gates Only use pet-safe partition gates that are high enough to prevent your German Shepherd from jumping over. If your pup bites you aggressively when you and your family walk past you, then use an exercise pen or this German Shepherd-sized pet safe partition gate to contain them. Only use pet-safe partition gates that are high enough to prevent and discourage your German Shepherd from jumping over to continue to try and bite you. Use the items during busy times in your home to keep your dog calm and out of areas that might increase their excitement and biting and nipping you. Puppies tend to bite and chew when their teeth are coming in. They do this to relieve the pain and help soothe themselves. Freeze a durable large Kong with their favorite treats and kibble and have them on hand for times when your dog is acting out and biting you. Give them a Kong to gnaw on and bring icy relief to their gums. Plus, chewing has been shown to help relax and calm dogs. Redirections are actions that keep your pup from engaging in unwanted behavior by showing them appropriate behavior. For example: When your dog nips you, find their teething toy to bite instead. When your dog jumps on you to bite your hands or ankles, look around for a Kong to give to them to bite on. Squeaky toys like this toy that continues to squeak , even after a puncture, are ideal to distract your dog from your hand to another object. These toys differ from their special toys mentioned above because these redirection toys are ones you leave out for your pup to chew most of the time. So, be sure to have them nearby! Use Daily Leadership Skills How many times a day do you teach your German Shepherd to listen to you and offer them leadership? Use daily interactions as an effective way of teaching your dog about leadership. Have them sit before you take them for a walk or exiting a door. Ignore them altogether. Only offer them interaction and come back to them when they show you calming behaviors. Our dogs love our attention. And German Shepherds crave it! An overfed dog that is under-exercised may display destructive behaviors because of boredom and lack of energy needs being met. Get up off the couch and go outside for a walk and sniff party. Low impact activities and free-running off-leash running are best. Choose from a list of fun and gentle, age-appropriate German Shepherd puppy exercises to keep your pup healthy and better behaved. Stop roughhousing with your dog before it frustrates them. Use appropriate, puppy-safe toys instead of play sessions. This way, your pup can bite the toy instead of your fingers, hands, or arms. You may also stress out your GSD by engaging them rough of play. For your pup to either keep up with the play or stop you from too rough play, they may bite you! From day one, avoid play that involves mouthing or teeth on the skin. Use toys to provide your dog a way they can bite to release their energy… Without nipping you! And this game is great because it teaches your dog a necessary life skill. Practice the game: multiple times a day for 2 to 3 minutes at a time Your pup learns impulse control during the game and this transfers over to their ability to stop themselves from biting you. Read below for the easy-to-follow directions. If your dog gets too worked up and then bites, then teach them this Rev Up and Cool Down game. After a few running steps and before your pup gets too excited, stop running and walk slowly. Keep moving slowly until your dog also slows down. When you see them slow down, take a few more steps calmly and peacefully. Continue with steps one through three. Each time your dog should slow down sooner and quicker. If your puppy knows any of these basic German Shepherd commands , incorporate those commands to make the training more interesting and fun. The link above will also easily explain how to teach over ten commands! The point of the Rev Up and Cool Down game is to teach them to settle and stay calm without nipping and biting you. You need to keep your pup exercised, mentally stimulated, and show them what calming behavior is. Be fair and understanding. A Shepherd is a joy to own when given the direction they desire and the commitment they need. Found this helpful? Share it! She has a Bachelor of Science degree, with Honors, and has been training dogs for over a decade. Related Posts. German Shepherd puppies , like all puppies, go through a teething phase, and their biting behavior can continue until they are around 4 to 6 months old when their adult teeth have fully grown in. But how do you get German Shepherd puppies to stop biting, and when should you seek out more help? We dive into everything that you need to know here. German Shepherds are herding dogs, and as such, they love to go after anything that moves. This could be cats, kids, hands, fingers, or just about anything else. The more they get away with it, the more acceptable the behavior seems in the future. Addressing the problem early and consistently is vital. Just like babies need something to chew on when their new teeth are coming in, your German Shepherd needs something too! First, it stops when they get their adult teeth. Second, if you try to redirect them to something that they can chew on, most German Shepherd puppies are receptive. At this time, they should have all their adult teeth, which means no more teething to worry about. But at least you know the root of the problem and can start implementing the necessary strategies to address it. Instead, get them a few chew toys, bones, and other acceptable things to chew on as they teethe. You can also throw a few of these toys in the fridge or freezer to cool them down, and this will offer even more relief for your pup when they need it! While there are plenty of techniques to try, we recommend redirection and positive reinforcement. The method is simple. If and when they start chewing on the toy or other appropriate object, give them praise. German Shepherds love to please their owners, so this is typically an effective way to train your puppy. Therefore, you should have levels of concern. If they are still chewing and nipping at the 9-month mark, you should seek obedience training or talk to a vet to see what you can do. So, get on it early and often, and stick with it! Because with just a little work and dedication you can get your German Shepherd puppy to stop biting in no time. Check Price on Amazon 4. Use Positive Reinforcement Positive reinforcement means giving something pleasant to your German Shepherd when they perform what you want them to do so that they learn to associate the correct behavior with the reward. The more this is repeated, they will remember and do it more often. The reward is a reinforcing motivation. In the above example of redirecting your GSDs biting to a chew toy, once he accepts the toy and starts to chew or play with it, you then offer lots of enthusiastic verbal praise and reward with a treat. Again, timing is important, and this must be done instantly so that your German Shepherd will recognize or associate his behavior with the correct action. You can give other rewards, but these may be more suited to older pups, adolescent dogs, or adults. Alternatives could be giving them a special toy, playing their favorite game, such as fetch, or taking them on their favorite walk. Always use lots of verbal praise in parallel to the reward you choose. You will, no doubt, soon get to learn where your dog prefers to be pet. Go here for more guidance on where to pet your German Shepherd. This is also useful when your German Shepherd starts to put his mouth around your possessions or furniture, ready to have a good gnaw! Using a time-out can effectively discipline a German Shepherd for biting and other undesirable behaviors. A great way to do this is to grab their collar, push their bum down, and make them sit. The idea is that your German Shepherd will quickly learn to associate that the fun stops when his nipping starts! As always, timing is critical, so your pup learns what he has done wrong at the precise moment. For very young puppies, you should only put them in time-out for a few seconds, between 7 and 10, and no longer than 30 seconds. At the end of the time-out, redirect your pup back to play and use lots of verbal praise or offer a training treat for good onward behavior. You must time the click at the exact moment your pet is doing what you want to reinforce. If you quickly reward your dog with a positive experience such as a treat, he will soon learn to associate the noise of the click with great things. The idea is that you condition your German Shepherd so that when he hears the sound of the clicker, he knows he has done something to please you. In the case of puppy biting, we are simply rewarding the puppy for choosing not to bite. You can achieve this by using the distraction technique described above. When the puppy makes the right choice and starts to bite on his chew toy, he hears the click and gets his treat. Look out for other symptoms such as drooling more than usual, bad breath, loss of appetite, or sneezing. If you are consistent and patient with your methods, you will achieve great results. Be firm but fair, which also helps to strengthen the loving bond between you and your dog. It leads to fear, avoidance, hurt feelings, guilt, stress, anxiety, and lack of trust. Owners should use positive reinforcement methods as much as possible. In another year-long study by the University of Pennsylvania, researchers found that using confrontational or aversive methods to teach aggressive dogs did not work. The dogs continued to be aggressive until the training methods were changed. The same study found that punishing techniques and dominance-based training, such as hitting or kicking, growling, or yelling at your dog, can cause aggression, as stated by Meghan E. An even more recent study in companion dogs suggests that using even mild punishments like yelling and leash-jerking can stress dogs out more than dogs taught using reward-based training. This stress causes negative consequences and poorer welfare. Alpha rolling is a controversial and outdated technique that physically puts your dog on his back or side in a submissive position to show that you are dominant or the Alpha. This old-fashioned technique is a form of positive punishment and was often used to house-train pups. Many people will have used this method decades ago without success, but at the time, they believed it was the right thing to do. For a positive punishment to work, the problem is that it has to be administered during or immediately after the act within 2 -3 seconds ; otherwise, the dog will not make the connection. Sometimes puppies naturally get over-excited and overtired. When this happens, instead of using the crate as a punishment, lure him into the crate with a treat offering lots of praise and letting him go down for a nap. If you feel sorry for your German Shepherd after disciplining him, you must never reward him out of guilt. Again, this only confuses your dog. Remember to be firm but fair. While a muzzle can prevent your dog from biting, it is not a solution to the underlying behavior issue. Muzzling your German Shepherd without addressing the root cause of their biting can lead to further behavioral problems and may even make the situation worse. Is it ever too late to discipline a German Shepherd for biting? It is never too late to discipline a German Shepherd for biting, but it may take more time and effort to modify their behavior if the biting has become a habit. Start with identifying the root cause and then take the guidance of an expert to set boundaries and train better to eradicate unwanted behavior. Final Thoughts Puppy biting is natural in all dogs. However, you now know the importance of disciplining your German Shepherd as soon as he starts to exhibit biting, nipping, and chewing behavior and how to do it. This is especially important with the German Shepherd breed as they quickly grow into big strong dogs. That could end in disaster for all concerned. No matter what you are teaching your German Shepherd, try to train him when young; 8 weeks old is a great time to start. Make sure you properly socialize him and give him lots of exercise and training will be much easier. Related Posts You May Like:. Puppies Have you ever reached down to play with a German Shepherd puppy, only to have that adorable little fur-ball pierce your skin with its razor-sharp puppy teeth? When I brought Allie into the family, she was fully in the German Shepherd puppy biting phase — so that first month was tough! Unfortunately, biting is an inevitable phase of puppyhood — it comes with the territory when you decide to be a puppy parent. My goal with this guide is to get you through the biting stage with as few battle scars as possible. Why do German Shepherd Puppies Bite? Up until this time, your puppy was with its littermates, and playtime meant lots of mouthy, nipping fun. Accordingly, this is the only way your GSD knows how to play! A German Shepherd puppy also uses their mouths to explore different things like toys — or hands, ankles, furniture… pretty much anything they can get their mouth around. Your puppy could also be teething, which can increase their mouthy behavior. Just be patient as you work through the German Shepherd puppy biting phase — give your pup time to learn to be gentle when playing or seeking your attention. Nothing is worse than an ankle-biter! I was very lucky not to have this problem with Allie. Why does your German Shepherd puppy target the ankles? Because your GSD is a working dog trying to do its job — herd you around the house like livestock. German Shepherds were originally bred for herding flocks of sheep. Your furry pal may also think heel nipping is just a really fun game. Using a toy as a distraction and keeping your pup active will help nip ankle nipping in the bud! Because she was too busy biting hands! There are lots of reasons why a pup may decide to start biting your hands. For one, good things treats, toys, love, attention come from hands. Also, hands are almost like swinging toys from the perspective of a playful pup — too enticing to pass up! How to Discourage Biting Behavior While the German Shepherd puppy biting phase is a rite of passage, there are some ways you can discourage bad biting behavior without harsh discipline. This is one of the most effective ways to teach your German Shepherd bite inhibition — or how to be gentle with her teeth. Think about when your pup was rolling and playing with their brothers and sisters — if your GSD was too rough, their sibling would let out a yelp. This trick worked great with Allie! Just make sure to be consistent until your pup gets the idea and learns to master the power of her jaws. Puppies will be puppies! Redirect the biting to an appropriate toy. For example, when your fuzzy friend latches onto your ankles, give a little puppy-like yelp, and then whip out a toy and encourage your dog to chew on that instead. Tug-of-war is the perfect game for the puppy biting phase. Socialize your puppy as much as possible. Other dogs are great at teaching your puppy that they playing too rough and biting too hard. Try a deterrent to prevent your dog from chewing or biting. If all else fails, there are lots of products designed to deter your dog from bad biting behavior. How do they work? Well, they taste awful. But if used correctly, they can definitely work. This is still attention — your puppy bites, your puppy gets attention. Otherwise, your pup may see this as a fun new game, kind of like tug-of-war but with your hands or feet as the toy. You want your furball to love playing with you! The goal here is to encourage your German Shepherd to play as much as ever but to play gently. As a pup, Allie thought she should greet everyone by jumping in their face and nipping — kind of like a kiss hello, but with teeth. And as she got bigger, it was harder to control. But trust me, it got old quickly. Be proactive. If I knew someone was coming over, I would put Allie in another room or in her crate. Once our visitor was in the house and the initial excitement had passed, I would let her out. By keeping her from greeting people right when they walked through the door, I could minimize her overzealous behavior. This is a simple command that teaches your dog to stay in her place until you give a release command. This is another way to allow the initial excitement to pass and your German Shepherd to calm down a bit before greeting anyone. Redirect attention to a toy like I talked about earlier. Fold your arms and turn away. Keep turning until your GSD stops jumping, then praise them and use a treat as a reward. What to Do If Biting Becomes Aggressive Although puppy mouthing is normal, there can be cases where biting can signal problems and possibly even aggression. Look for physical differences in your pup. If your puppy is having a moment of aggression, their body may stiffen when snarling, and bites will typically be more painful than during regular play. Also, if your GSD puppy is biting out of fear or frustration, you may need to take action. These types of behavior are not something your pup will just grow out of. While the biting phase will inevitably end, you may find yourself asking the infamous question — when do German Shepherds calm down!? I asked myself and our vet this question more than once! It honestly just depends. Sure, she had her calm moments thanks in part to her training , but she was still very hyper especially in more excitable moments. The type of German Shepherd dog is yet another variable that plays a role in its energy levels. So when do German Shepherds calm down? It really depends on your individual German Shepherd. Final Thoughts Unfortunately, the German Shepherd puppy biting phase is something all GSD puppy owners will go through, but it will pass. Try the tips above to help keep your sanity during this phase. Or any tips to help the rest of us? Please share! Hopefully, we will have the answers to all of your questions in this guide. But, all that cuteness quickly disappears when the biting phase starts. Puppy biting is normal in all breeds, including the German Shepherd. And, luckily, we have some great tips and tricks to minimize the painful biting period. In fact, it could have a number of causes. Here are a few of the most common reasons, in a little more detail. Teething One reason why puppies of all breeds may bite is teething. This stage often starts at around 3 or 4 months of age — only a few weeks after your puppy will arrive at their new home. Luckily, it only takes a few months for your puppy to have their full set of adult teeth. So, biting from teething is not permanent. If your puppy is biting or chewing because of teething, you may notice other symptoms like drooling, irritability, and going off their food. Boredom or Getting Attention Bored puppies may learn that biting gets some fun responses from you! Just like barking can. If your puppy has learnt that they can get some attention from you when they bite, they may do it to alleviate boredom. This can explain why puppies concentrate most of their biting on one family member — the person who gives the most fun response. Natural Play Biting is a natural part of puppy play — as much as some owners might not want to hear it! German Shepherd puppies, just like any other breed, will bite whilst they are playing with you or with other dogs. If this behavior continues into adulthood, the biting can be more problematic. Responding to Rough Play Some people like to play with German Shepherd puppies in quite a rough manner. This can include pushing them, or rolling them over. Behaviors like this can make puppies very excitable, and encourage biting during play. Encourage calm play between your family members or friends and your puppy. Herding Instincts The German Shepherd breed has a history as a herding dog. The creator of the breed, Captain Max von Stephanitz, bred the German Shepherd in an attempt to create the ultimate all-round herding breed. This was all the way back in the late s. Although the history of the breed has changed over time, from herding to working dog, their origins remain the same. Many herding dogs are prone to natural chase instincts. They may chase small children or other animals — particularly those that are making lots of noise. And, these herding behaviors can include nipping at heels. Once again, your behavior can minimize biting from this cause. Exploration Another common explanation for young German Shepherd biting is their natural curiosity. And, they may do this partly with their mouths. What you really want to know is, when will it stop? However, you can minimize the period by making a few easy changes to your behavior when biting occurs. The best ways to stop puppy biting and minimize the biting period are training and prevention. This means training your puppy to be gentle with you and other people, and taking away opportunities for your excited puppy to bite humans. You may need to go as far as to completely separate your GSD puppy from small children and people who insist on rough play with puppies. We know that this can only encourage biting. Remove Yourself Calmly If your puppy starts to bite you, during play or any other time, the best solution is to calmly and quietly remove yourself. You can use tools like baby gates to keep your German Shepherd in a puppy-safe room. In fact — your puppy will learn that biting during play or cuddles only results in you leaving, and them ending up on their own! Not only will this help to show your puppy that biting is not an acceptable part of playtime, but it can also help your own sanity to remove yourself from those sharp teeth occasionally. Think About Clothing You should also think about the type of clothing you wear around your puppy. Loose, hanging clothing can be appealing to your puppy, and provide something easy to grip on with their sharp teeth. Wear tight fitting clothing to minimize the number of things your puppy can bite at. Use Distractions If you, or young children in your household, are keen to pet your puppy without being bitten, you should make the most of distractions like treats or toys. You can hold a chew for your puppy to keep their attention and mouth distracted whilst someone pets them! Often, puppy owners only think about biting whilst their puppy is actively gnawing on them. One method is to reward them with treats when you are petting them and they are not biting you. Another is to reward them for calm behavior around the house. This way they learn that acting calmly and letting you touch them without biting will earn them good things! One popular method to stop puppy biting is to squeal, squeak, growl, or make another loud noise. Some people claim that this method replicates natural puppy play and tells your GSD when they are being too rough. For some owners, this may work. If this is the case, making a noise when your puppy bites will act as a reward, and encourage your German Shepherd puppy to bite you even more. This is one reason why puppies biting children is so common. Many children will make lots of noise, especially if a puppy bites them, which can lead to further nipping. This is similar to the method above, if used alone. This is why training has to be done in small stages — first you must teach the puppy what action you want, and then you can give the action a name, or command. Punishment Methods The best methods to stop your puppy from biting involve positive rewards for the behaviors you want. Studies on dog training and behavior have shown that punishment based methods are often associated with an increase of problematic behaviors. Punishing your puppy for biting can lead to distrust and fear from your puppy. The causes of puppy biting that we looked at earlier in this guide apply to all GSD puppies. In fact, they apply to all puppies of any breed. Biting and chewing is a normal puppy behavior, and a normal part of play. As long as you react to this behavior in the right way, it is a period that will pass. The biggest fear for most German Shepherd puppy owners is that their puppy is aggressive when it bites. German Shepherd puppy biting can be accompanied by ferocious growls or snarls. It can even draw blood. So are behaviors like snarling and growling. And, if your puppy is biting hard enough to injure you, they may not have learnt proper bite inhibition yet. This is the process where your puppy learns to be gentle with his teeth on your skin. The positive reward methods we discussed earlier in this guide are the best way to teach your puppy bite inhibition. Remove yourself calmly and quietly whenever your puppy bites. And make sure to reward any calm behavior — including when your puppy lets you pet it without biting. Speak to a Behaviorist If you think your puppy is exhibiting aggressive behaviors, such as guarding their resources, you may want to speak to a behaviorist. They will be able to look at your puppy as an individual case, and analyse their behavior properly. Do Adult German Shepherds Bite? The German Shepherd breed is known for being aggressive in some circumstances — they make popular guard dogs, and are number one candidates for working dog roles in the police and military. Since puppies lack the dexterity that you and I have, they use their mouths to explore the world around them. By understanding the behavior of biting itself, you can begin to see just how normal biting is in German Shepherd puppies. Just because biting is a normal behavior in a puppy does not mean we should tolerate it or promote it. Since biting is a form of communication for German Shepherd puppies, there are many things our puppies could be trying to say! So why do Shepherd pups bite? Puppies often communicate with their siblings through biting and pawing, especially when they are trying to incite a play session. Your pup may gnaw on your hand as if it were a chew toy, especially when you are a moving target. Puppies play and bite their siblings from the moment they are old enough to do so. This is why the behavior is so common, and why our Shepherd pupswill need to learn how to transition to playing with appropriate chewing options. Not only are our hands and feet tempting enough, but even more so when a puppy has a high prey drive. A prey drive is an ingrained need to chase after moving objects, whether it is appropriate or not. A swinging hand as we walk by can be extremely tempting for a growing pup, causing them to jump up and nip. If it seems like your Shepherd puppy is always biting you when you are in motion, it may be due to their high prey drive! They Are Curious As we mentioned above, German Shepherd puppies use their mouth to explore the world around them. Biting can help them examine and understand an object, and our hands and feet can fall into that category as well! If you catch your puppy gnawing on everything around your home, it may be their curiosity getting the best of them! A dog quickly learns what behavior gets a reaction, causing them to do it over and over again. Even if their bites result in a negative reaction from you, it still counts as attention. They Are Teething Similar to teething babies, a German Shepherd puppy experiences teething pain as well. If your Shepherd pup seems to find relief when chewing on objects, they may be biting you due to teething discomfort. They Are Herding You If your German Shepherd puppy is constantly biting at your ankles, they may be displaying some herding behaviors. German Shepherds are ingrained with a need to work, especially in dogs with a working bloodline. If your German Shepherd is always nipping at your feet, running to your side when you are moving, or showing signs of anxiety or frustration when you are moving around your home; it may be herding behavior. So how can you stop this normal puppy behavior? Redirect The Behavior One of the most effective ways to stop your German Shepherd puppy from biting is by redirecting the behavior. An effective distraction is a wonderful way to end the behavior without punishment, and show them how much fun the alternative to biting can be. The next time your Shepherd pup is displaying undesirable nipping, try to pull out their favorite toy. Since this will need to be a toy that your dog enjoys, be sure to offer them the option that they find most exciting. This can be a Kong toy , rope, bone, or any other chewing option that your dog loves. By doing this each time your Shepherd puppy begins to bite you, they will begin to understand that they would much rather play with an acceptable chew option. Having a variety of chew toys can alleviate their need to bite our hands and feet, and offer them the relief they seek in this uncomfortable transition. There are so many toys created for teething puppies, that it should be easy to fill your home with plenty of appropriate options. One of our favorite chew toys is the Kong Teething Binkie. Any attention can validate the behavior, causing them to make it a habit. This shows them that the behavior is unacceptable, and does not involve any harmful negative reinforcement. Our attention is important to a puppy, and they do not want to be ignored. By showing them that biting will only result in us pulling away, they will learn to ditch the undesirable behavior. Interrupt The Behavior Sometimes a Shepherd puppy needs a sharp and sudden sound to pull them out of a bad habit. By giving a quick interrupter cue ouch, yip, eek , you can pull your puppy away from the action and gain their attention. Because of this, it is so important to offer plenty of mental and physical activities throughout your home. For example, if your puppy nips at strangers each time they walk in the door, it may be best to limit their time around the guest and send them to a separate play area. Once they begin to understand that biting is unacceptable, you can refrain from using their separate play area as often. Similar to what we discussed above about being proactive, a separate play area can help them calm down and collect themselves. Once your German Shepherd puppy begins to mature and understand that biting is unacceptable, they should require less time away. Just as there are effective methods in canine training, there are counterproductive actions as well. Do Not Hit Or Yell Since biting is a normal behavior that puppies must learn to grow out of, it is not productive to hit or yell at your puppy when they bite. Doing this can show them from a young age that interaction with you results in something negative, and can hinder your training process. By using other distractions and training methods when they bite, you can turn every bite into a learning experience for your pup! This can seem like a fun game to your pup, and can actually encourage the behavior. Try your best to go limp when they bite you, and pull your attention away from the pup. By doing this, you show them that this behavior does not offer them any extra fun. Extra attention can validate their undesirable behavior, making it challenging to break. Try your best to refrain from reacting to a bite outside of your interrupter cue, and pull your attention away from your furry friend afterward. Biting is a normal behavior in puppies of all kinds. Puppies begin to bite their siblings from the moment they can move, and will continue this behavior until they learn otherwise. A biting German Shepherd puppy is to be expected, and should not result in any discouragement on your part. As long as you are following the tips we mentioned above, your puppy should shy away from this behavior in no time! Biting in puppies is not usually a sign of aggression. Mild biting is usually a form of play, and should be easily corrected. However, there are some rare cases where biting in German Shepherd puppies is a sign of something more. If your pup is displaying any snarling, growling, ears pinned back, stiff posture, or any other signs of canine aggression, your pup may be biting in reaction to fear or pain. If you are unable to make any progress within a month of implementing the tips we discussed above, it may be time to contact a dog trainer. A trainer can not only help your pup refrain from biting, but offer other obedience training as well. Final Thoughts As you can see, biting is a normal behavior for our beloved German Shepherd puppies. Be sure to review the tips we discussed above on proper canine training, and you can banish puppy biting for good!

My classic German shepherd puppies are the perfect addition to any home that is looking to add another family member. Let me provide your family with a member of mine. I go above and beyond AKC breeding guidelines to ensure that I produce the highest quality German shepherd puppies and do my part to eliminate genetic defects and behavioral problems. Being one of the most sought after breeds in the United States, German shepherd breeding has attracted many amateurs and puppy mills that try to make breeding a business with no pride. If you are looking for a quality, loyal, faithful and hand raised German shepherd that will make a lifetime of memories with you. My German shepherds will love you unconditionally, always loyal and never talk back. German shepherds are one of the most versatile dogs and can adapt to almost any household scenario. They are the most loyal, loving, faithful, protective, gentle natured dogs that strive to please their masters and fit seamless into their household role. No matter what trait you are looking for in a dog, you can rest assured that my German shepherd puppies have it. I pride myself on producing show quality puppies that also make for the ultimate pet. Let me grace your home with a German shepherd puppy that will steal your heart and complete your family unit. You will find no better than one of my family raised German Shepherds. If you live in the Northern California area, call for info on our upcoming litters! Male deposit 1- ES Female deposit 1-CM Male deposit 2- Female deposit 2-VP Male deposit 3- Female deposit 3- Male deposit 4- Female deposit 4- If you would like to know litters coming later than this please give us a call Before you place a deposit, Please download or print our guarantee and contract. Fill it out and return to us either by texting it, scanning and emailing or through regular mail. Remember that regular mail is slower and cause you to not get the spot you want if I get other deposits and contracts before yours. Once I receive your signed contract and your deposit, I will sign one and send one back. New-contract-June 15 We distribute the best dry food available for dogs and cats! Most people want to feed the best and LA is just that! Or if you will be taking home a puppy soon, make sure you buy a puppy start pack. The start up pack is on the same page as the food. Performance shows what the dog IS. If you wanted to ship your puppy, you would need to first come to our kennels and then ship the puppy out yourself. Or you can use a ground transportation company. By placing a deposit on a litter not yet born, please keep this in mind and be willing to move your deposit onto another litter at a later date. This allows us to offer puppies to pet homes at a more affordable price. You will still get AKC papers except they will say limited. If you bred a dog that was registered limited, then you would not be able to register the offspring. This limit however, can be lifted by the breeder. That said, while it can be done, I strongly urge anyone who lives in an apartment to think carefully about how much time and work it can be to keep a large, working dog in an apartment. I will not sell a puppy to anyone who lives in an apartment and leaves the dog home alone all day. At least one person needs to be home during the day. The dog needs to be taken outside to play at least once a day and taken for potty breaks many times EVERY day. Also, please check with your apartments rules on German Shepherds; some complexes do not allow them. New strains of the Parvo Virus are abundant and it is my job to keep puppies safe. I use a high titer Parvo Vaccine at 4 weeks but this may not protect all puppies. So please understand as much as you would like to visit with your puppies as they grow I can no longer allow this until they are 7 weeks. I will send out emails with pictures or videos weekly. No outside dogs are allowed at anytime. Thank you for understanding how important it is for me to keep the puppies safe. If you do visit other breeders, please do so on a different day that you visit. Von Ward Kennels will take back any puppy at any time in their lives if their owners can no longer care for them. Please never take a Von Wards dog to a shelter if you can no longer keep them. While most of our dogs are larger than the standard, we do have a couple of breeding females that are within standard. Located in beautiful Southern California, we strive to breed superior quality family dogs that will not only make great companions and protectors for your family but that also represent the German Shepherd breed well with the exceptional temperament the breed is known and loved for worldwide. We breed only top German V and VA bloodlines that possess superior health and temperament through generations of hip and elbow certified and temperament tested dogs. Additionally all of our dogs are tested for Degenerative Myelopathy to be sure we are producing puppies safe from this disease. Additionally all of our dogs are DNA tested Clear for the MDR1 gene that can cause mild to severe reactions to a variety of medications. Please visit our testimonials page to read review from many of our clients through the years. Also be sure to visit our Dogs For Sale page to see retired females and males we currently have available to the right homes. Check back often as we are always updating photos of our available puppies. With keeping a small number of dogs we have time to give plenty of love and individual attention to them and the puppies when we have them. Our dogs are not kept in kennels, they live with us as part of our family, with room to roam outside on our one acre property and a warm spot inside to sleep. All puppies are raised inside our home in a clean and healthy environment. All whelpings are supervised by us and assisted as needed to ensure the best start and to protect the health of the mother and her puppies. All puppies are well socialized with small children, cats and our other dogs. Temperament is very important to us, our breeding dogs have wonderful temperaments that they pass on to their puppies. Puppies are temperament tested so that we can help you to find the perfect fit for your family and your needs. We actively show our dogs on the local, national and international level thereby striving to breed dogs of quality bloodlines and structure that adhere to the German SV standard for the German Shepherd dog. We make every effort to continue to learn and to improve our bloodlines by importing dogs of superior quality with top German VA bloodlines to bring you the highest and best quality puppy for you and your family to enjoy. Our hope as breeders is that we can provide the best quality German Shepherd puppy with an outstanding temperament that will in turn make a lasting impression on you and your family like they have in ours. I have so many customers that have been lifelong fans of the German Shepherd, that have grown up with German Shepherds and long for that companionship again with the dog of their childhood. I look forward to providing the dog of your dreams to you and your family! Call today to begin your future with a great German Shepherd Dog of your own. Call or email for an appointment to visit us and to meet our dogs and puppies.

For the complete list please see our Boxer Breeders page. Prices for boxers will vary depending on the breeder and their requirements, such as how many generations of registered the dog is and whether or not it has been microchipped. It is important to remember that you should never buy a puppy from someone who is unwilling to show you where the parents of this puppy live and spend most of their time. The price for a boxer puppy can greatly depend on whether or not he is purebred. Some breeders will sell non-purebred dogs at less than half the cost of a full-bred one even though they may be just as healthy and well-behaved. The more generations away from being purebred Make sure you do not pay for the puppy in full at the time of purchase, most breeders will ask for half down payment and half due when picking up the pup. Make sure you write up a contract that includes all details about after-care of the dog as well as any guarantees that might come with it. Make sure there are no hidden fees or anything added on to make them seem cheaper than they actually are. Always ask for references and be sure to check them with your state or local Boxer Club. You should be able to find Boxer Breeders in Oregon online with a little bit of research. First, you will want to check our list of reputable breeders above. Tell them that you are looking for reputable Boxer Breeders within Oregon, they may have someone that they can recommend that would be perfect for your needs. In this day and age, a Google search can easily pool potential breeders in your area. Visit Your Oregon Boxer Breeder in Person When you finally do decide on a breeder to visit, be sure to take any other dogs with you. It is important to see their home and environment. The living conditions should allow for the dogs to come and go as they please and have plenty of room both inside and outside to play and sleep comfortably. The parents should look healthy and happy, not abandoned or abused in any way. If there are many other Boxers at their home that seem unhealthy or unkempt then beware as this could mean that those puppies may inherit those same traits. In Oregon, Boxer Dogs must have a current rabies vaccine when sold. Puppies 3 months or younger must be spayed or neutered before leaving their breeder. You will need to provide proper documentation to the seller if you choose not to fix your Boxer prior to purchase. If the breeder is not willing to provide this information to you, it may be a sign of something wrong with them or their breeding practices. Most Breeders will be more than happy to give you referrals as long as they know that whoever they recommend is also reputable. Before purchasing a puppy ask for references and contact them. Getting an idea of how well the breeder takes care of his or her animals as well as some customer testimonials can help make sure that the breeder is reputable and caring towards their animals. References will also be able to tell you how it was dealing with that breeder and if they were knowledgeable about the breed. If it was a good experience, they will most likely be more than happy to tell you all of the benefits of working with that breeder. Be sure to check out our list of recommended Boxer Breeders in Oregon above to see who might have what you are looking for. This will help you get a good idea of what you can expect from your dog. The breeder should be able to tell you about their temperament and how they have turned out over the years. If the past customers love their dogs then it is likely that you will too. Meeting past customers will also let you know what it was like doing business with this breeder. If the customers had a bad experience then you should steer clear of that breeder. Breeders who are concerned about their reputation will be happy to give references and introductions to previous customers. This shows that they care about what you think of them and they want your business. References for past sales can also tell you about whether or not the puppies were healthy before they were sold to new homes. A good breeder is one who takes care of his or her dogs, both medically and mentally. Finding a breeder who has a veterinarian is always a good option. This shows that they care about the health of their dogs and also for potential new owners. If you are buying a dog from someone, you want to make sure they have a vet in case something goes wrong with the dog after purchase. A breeder who cares enough to go through expensive vaccinations and checkups before selling their puppy will do the same throughout life with their dogs. You will be less likely to have trouble when bringing home your new pet if your kennel keeps them up to date on vaccines and yearly checkups at least. A good breeder is one who knows their dogs and continues to support them throughout life. They will be there for you if you ever need help with your dog, no matter how old the puppy is at the time. You may not need anything right now but when an issue arises it can be very beneficial to have a breeder nearby. A good breeder will also provide training advice for puppies, as well as any other information needed about living with a Boxer. Look out for The Signs of An Unethical Boxer Dog Breeder in Oregon If you are looking for an ethical breeder then you should watch out for the warning signs of the opposite. A good breeder gets their dogs vaccinated, fixed, and checked up on before selling them to new families. More than 2 to 3 Puppies at a Time: If you see more than three puppies in the same picture then something might be wrong with that picture or it might have been photoshopped too many times. Nobody should be breeding that many puppies at one time. There are way too many to care for them all. Multiple litters: There should never be more than one litter at a time unless the first has not sold yet. A breeder who does this is taking away homes from other dogs waiting to be adopted. Quantity over Quality: A good breeder will only breed the best Boxer specimens available. They do not care about assembling as many dogs as possible, even if they are subpar specimens. Some unethical breeders will not tell you about the health problems their dogs have. They will bring in healthy puppies and pass them off to new families with false information. The more information an owner has, the better he or she can plan for that kind of lifelong commitment. Everything should be ready for them when they come home with you on their big day. Before bringing any new dog into the house there are items you must take out of the way like dangerous plants or things that could hurt them if chewed on or broken. You need to make sure there is enough space in your home for a puppy or else you may end up with problems later on. Some breeds are harder to train so you may need to put in a little more effort if your breeder did not take that step for you. Take them outside often and play with them in the yard every day. Talk to them when they do something good in the correct spot to make sure they understand what you expect of them. However, one thing to remember is never ever to use negative reinforcement because this only makes the problem worse. It can lead to mental problems later down the road which are much harder to fix than a simple potty training issue. Do not Punish your Boxer Puppy for Accidents- Always take your dog outside before they have the chance to make mistakes inside. Remember, patience is key when potty training your Boxer Puppy. 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. Boxer puppies for sale Roseburg, Oregon Boxer puppies for sale Roseburg, Oregon Introduction of the Boxer The Boxer dog breed originated in Germany and has been around since the late 19th century. His main purpose is for hunting large game. But this dog breed was also useful in guarding and driving livestock. It is said that he got his name due to using his front paws for just about anything. Boxer dogs look intimidating with their stern-looking faces and powerful bodies. But they are actually very loving family dogs that get along with children and other animals. They love being with their families, and being separated from them can lead them to develop separation anxiety. Since this working dog is highly intelligent but stubborn in nature, he is better suited for experienced owners. The average lifespan of the breed is 9—10 years. Look for a boxer puppies for sale Roseburg Oregon? Here is a brief background of this protective dog with a good sense of humour. History of the Boxer The Boxer dog breed is a descendant of the now-extinct Bullenbeisser a fighting dog with Mastiff ancestry and the Old English Bulldog. He was developed in Germany in the 19th century as hunters of deer, wild boar, and bear. Later on, he was used to guard and drive cattle. The man responsible for the creation of the Boxer breed was Georg Alt, who was from Munich. He crossed a brindle-coloured female Bullenbeisser named Flora with a local dog of unknown breed. In , the first German Boxer dog named Flocki joined a dog show in Munich. After winning the dog show, he was the first-ever Boxer dog to be listed down in the German Studbook. Modern Boxer dogs were believed to be the descendants of Flocki. Boxer puppies for sale in Roseburg OR The Boxer dog breed slowly gained popularity throughout Europe in the late s. He was then imported to the United States in and was accepted by the American Kennel Club the following year. The American Boxer Club was established in .In both world wars, various military tasks were given to Boxer dogs including guard dogs, attack dogs, and messenger dogs. The British Boxer Dog Club was then formed in .The Boxer breed was recognised by the Kennel Club shortly thereafter and classified under the Working Group. Versatile and hard-working, these dogs are capable of carrying out different canine work. Boxers are good choices for protection dogs, police dogs, service dogs, and guide dogs for the blind. Temperament and Intelligence of the Boxer puppies Roseburg for sale Extremely patient and gentle, the Boxer breed is good with children. But he is recommended for families with older children as he may accidentally knock over toddlers. Befriending other pets is possible if the Boxer dog is properly socialised at a young age. It will keep him from viewing small animals as prey and reduce his tendency to dominate same-sex dogs. Is a Boxer a good family dog? Yes, the Boxer breed is a good family dog. He may look noble and intimidating, but he is actually considered the Joker of the Dog World. Boxer dogs are playful and fun-loving. They love to be part of family activities and be the centre of attention. Are Boxer dogs dangerous? Boxer dogs may be tough-looking, but they are not generally aggressive. But they will stand guard and defend their families if necessary. Boxer dogs are initially wary of strangers, but they eventually warm up to them if no danger is detected. Their protective and loyal nature makes them good guard dogs as well as watchdogs. Are Boxers easy to train? Yes, Boxer dogs are easy to train if you are already experienced in handling the breed. They are intelligent but tend to be independent and stubborn. Due to this, they are not suited for first-time owners. Boxer dogs respond better to people that are firm and consistent. However, firm does not mean harsh. Instead of strict training methods, positive reinforcements are more effective in teaching this breed basic dog manners and tricks. Boxer Breed Highlights The Boxer dog breed is a loving, loyal, and protective companion. Boxer dogs are comical companions despite their intimidating appearance. The Boxer breed has low-maintenance grooming needs. As an energetic working dog, he has high exercise needs. Boxer dogs tend to be destructive when they are left alone or unable to let off steam. Are there miniature boxers? Yes, but they are rare. Miniature boxers are either a product of mating purebred runts or cross-breeding small dogs that have similar characteristics to boxers, such as Boston terriers, pugs, rat terriers, and fox terriers. While some of these minis may closely resemble their larger counterparts, they may not act similarly. Are boxers hypoallergenic? Unfortunately, boxers are not hypoallergenic. What problems do Boxers have? Boxer dogs are brachycephalic, which means they have flat faces. This trait narrows their airway and causes breathing problems. As a result, Boxers should not be out in the sun for a long time as it can lead to heatstroke. Overexercising them must be avoided too to avoid triggering breathing difficulties. How long do Boxer dogs live? The Boxer dog breed has a short lifespan compared to other dogs. He can only live up to 9—10 years, and this is due to the prevalence of health issues in the breed. When buying a Boxer puppy, look for a reputable breeder whose breeding stock and litters are health-screened. This will help you determine how likely is your chosen Boxer puppy going to develop certain health conditions. We will not send you unnecessary notices in the future. My name is Tetyana and I am glad to welcome you on the site of the breed nursery. Questions about Boxer puppies for sale in Portland OR? We have answers. How much are Boxer puppies for sale in Portland OR? A whole range of factors can affect the price of a puppy, from coat and eye color such as white Boxer puppies, brindle Boxer puppies, or black Boxer puppies , their coat type, their size, their pedigree, and more. Am I limited to choosing only local Boxer puppies? Not at all! One of the big benefits of working with Uptown puppies is that the businesses and Boxer breeders Portland we list can transport Boxer puppies for sale in Portland to you. How do you go about screen breeders? Our standards are very strict, put in place to make absolutely sure that no puppy mills of backyard breeders get into our network. Those standards are laid out in our Breeder Pledge, covering every aspect of animal care and breeding. That includes ethics, legal compliance, knowledge, cleanliness, and much more. What makes Uptown Puppies different? When you look for a Boxer Portland puppy online, the results that show up first are usually those breeders and businesses that have spent the most money on marketing. At Uptown Puppies, we carefully vet and review every business that applies to work with us, and we only admit the best of the best. What is a puppy mill like? What about backyard breeders? Like puppy mills, backyard breeders just want to make a quick buck. They are usually run by amateurs who care little for the health and welfare of their Boxer puppies in Portland. A Portland Boxer for sale bought from a backyard breeder is likely to suffer from fleas and parasites, have underlying health problems, and is sadly likely to have a much reduced lifespan. Are there any Portland Boxers for sale available right now for me to buy? You and your family may have your heart set on a particular type of puppy - already picturing the exact breed, color, size, gender, etc. Where do Boxer dogs come from? Boxers were first bred in the late s from a mix of dogs, including the Bulldog and the German Bullenbeisser. They were imported to the USA around , and quickly became popular due to their strength, loyalty, intelligence and affectionate personality. What can I expect from the average Boxer puppy? Boxers for sale Portland are known for being mischievous, goofy, and affectionate - they just love to give their owners slobbery kisses! But despite being friendly pooches, they also make excellent guard dogs. What common health problems do I need to look out for with Boxers? For the most part, Boxers are a very healthy breed of dog. Remember, a Boxer puppy bought from one of the breeders in our network is likely to have fewer health problems that a dog bought from a puppy mill or backyard breeder.

Merles are primarily known for their unique markings, a genetic expression of the M-locus or Merle gene which causes random skin pigmentation and lightens their eye color. They come in a variety of colors and range in spectrums of white, grey and black, white and beige, dark brown, beige and white and mixes of greys and Beiges together. The lilac genetics are expressed in the flash of red in there light blue colored eyes and a combination of chocolate and blue base color in their coats. Black, tan and fawn make up the black Merle and they often have brown eyes or blue eyes. On occasion, a combination of both will express itself where you will see one brown eye and one blue eye or a streak of one color inside the other. Genetically they come from the black Merle whose color base has been diluted to create a blue hue. Health of Merle Bulldogs French Bulldogs like all other breeds have certain health risks. For a golden retriever it is hip displasia. For a french bulldog it is a vulnerable back that encourages good practices for their owners to have stairs in place always at sites where dogs should not be jumping from such as a high bed or couch. It has been rumored that Merle french bulldogs are less healthy than standard french bulldogs. This would only be true if poor breeding practices are exercised. That would be breeding one Merle dog to another. Common problems include blindness and deafness as well as chronic allergies, immune disorders, heart murmurs and hip dysplasia. A responsible breeder will tell you about this. Additionally to encourage better health throughout a dogs life Feeding your dog a raw diet and giving them NuVet supplements are required by our standards. In general a raw diet has been proven to lengthen life span. Also not spaying and neutering before the age of six and preserving hormones will encourage longer life. Merle is not a color, its a pattern. There are some patterns recreated by breeders that have become popular and also despised upon by other breeders. Merle French bulldogs are such dogs whose pattern has become very popular due to its rarity and the diversity of patterns. The gene alters the color of the dogs and creates patterns over patterns and this creates mottled patches in the colors of the litter. Also, the gene modifies the color of the eyes nose and the paw pads. Blue eyes are common in these dogs and also an odd colored set of eyes can also be present. No Merle dog will be the same as the patterns will always differ along with the color. There are three types of genes that the dog can carry. Breeders take advantage of the availability of French Bulldogs in up to 20 twenty different colors. They then create a rare, low maintenance dog. Merle is one of the most expensive colors of French bulldogs out there and one of the rarest. Merle French bulldogs are not pure breeds. The color is a mix of other patterns mixed together by careful selection and breeding. If the breeder messes up on the color combination, the puppies can come out unhealthy and weak with birth defects. No French bulldog has the merle gene and therefore, Merle French bulldogs are not purebred. Many dog breeds have this gene, however, Chihuahuas are used to introduce this gene in the French bulldog family. Some breeders can also crossbreed the puppies to create a purebred Merle French bulldog. The pattern depends on the gene dilution as there are variations in the pattern of these dogs. Blue, black, lavender are some of the colors which are diluted with the merle gene. These dogs are very rare and are sought out for all over the world. Color variations Blue merle French Bulldog Blue merle French Bulldogs are one of our most sought-after puppies of all the colors. They got their name after the blue patches on their light-colored coat, which are essentially grey with a bluish shine in the light. The shade of the grey parts may vary from very light to almost black, while their base color also ranges from a yellowish cream color to light grey. Lilac merle French Bulldog Lilac merle French Bulldogs are often mistaken for blue merle Frenchies, but they are much more unique and harder to come by. Lilac merle Frenchies have very light, almost ashy or silver colored patches on their light coat. To produce this rare and beautiful color, the parents have to carry the blue, chocolate and merle gene. Lilac merle French Bulldogs usually have light-colored eyes which are glowing red. Chocolate merle French Bulldog Chocolate merle French Bulldogs have dark brown mottled patches all over their light-colored bodies. Choco merle pups also have unique genetics so they are quite rare and hard to come by. Similarly to lilac Frenchies, they are the combination of blue and chocolate but their grey shade is more of a champagne color. Breeders have managed to mix in the merle gene as well producing the Isabella merle French Bulldog, but these dogs are extremely rare. Black merle French Bulldog Black merle French Bulldogs have black mottled patches often covering most of their bodies. Their base coat is also slightly darker than in other merle Frenchies, ranging from light grey to light brown. Fawn merle French Bulldog There are a number of different variations of fawn merle French Bulldogs, like blue fawn merle, lilac fawn merle or chocolate fawn merle. The dark patches these Frenchies have are less distinct looking than in other merles, as they are only a bit darker than their light fawn base color. One of these rare traits is their sparkling blue eyes. Since the merle gene affects the skin pigment as well, when a merle patch crosses the eye area the Frenchie will have bright forever blue eyes. Sometimes only one of the eyes will remain blue, which is a phenomenon called heterochromia. Because of how dominant the merle gene is, merle Frenchies should only be bred to a dog with a solid coat color. They are insanely affectionate making them the perfect companion dogs, they just want to spend every minute of their time with their owners. They are extremely friendly with kids and other animals too; they love basically anyone they meet! Thanks to their easy-going nature, a Merle Frenchie will adapt to your lifestyle very quickly no matter where you live. As you might expect, colors that are considered common for the breed have the lowest prices, while colors which are more unique and harder to produce are more expensive as well. When it comes to Merle French Bulldogs, they are already in a higher price range, but depending on the color variation their prices may further vary a lot. Permanent blue eyes also push the prices up a bit: we charge USD per blue eye. About me. Merle and tan French Bulldogs are probably one of the most distinct looking dogs in the Frenchie world! Their amazing coat has two of the rarest French Bulldog patterns, the merle and the tan. Their merle patches can make them even more unique ranging from black to blue and lilac in color. Merle and tan Frenchies often have sparkling blue eyes, which is a rare characteristic of the breed. We will have available merle and tan French Bulldog puppies for sale soon, contact us for more info about our upcoming litters! A Merle and Tan French Bulldog has a light base coat with darker mottled patches all around their bodies, which can be of various colors like black, blue or even lilac. What sets them apart from regular merle Frenchies is the light fawn markings on their paws, chest, bottom, cheek and eyebrows. To produce this amazing and rare coat in French Bulldogs the parents need to carry both the merle and the tan genes. Since the merle gene affects the skin pigment as well, when a merle patch crosses the eye area the Frenchie will have bright forever blue eyes. Sometimes only one of the eyes will remain blue, which is a phenomenon called heterochromia. Three good reasons: 1. They are little clowns who always do something silly to make you smile. Sweet, cuddly, playful, fun, cute… the list could go on. They are impossible not to love! Frenchies are the best companions who get along with everyone Frenchies are very sociable who get along with all family members from children to grandparents, from other dogs to cats. They are insanely affectionate and become very attached to their owners. They would spend every minute of their time with their parents if they could! They are perfectly happy lying on the sofa all day and require little exercise during the day. All that makes them ideal companions for those who live in an apartment. Depending on the color variation their prices may vary a lot, for example black merle and tan Frenchies are valued less than lilac merle and tan Frenchies. Permanent blue eyes also push the prices up a bit: we charge USD per blue eye. Make sure to do your research and get your merle and tan Frenchie from a reputable breeder, and you will have a happy and healthy furry family member for at least a decade. Merle and Tan French Bulldogs are one of the rarest and most unique dogs in the Frenchie world. To produce this amazing pattern, the parents have to carry the tan and the merle gene as well. You should always get your merle and tan French Bulldog from a reputable breeder to make sure you have a healthy and happy pet for at least a decade. Once you do your research and select a trusted breeder, you will most likely need to get on a waitlist to secure a merle and tan Frenchie. Why choose TomKings Kennel? For the past more than ten years, we at TomKings have been working hard to breed the healthiest and most beautiful French Bulldogs on the planet and to find them the most loving homes all around the globe. As reputable and ethical French Bulldog breeders, we set very high health, genetic and wellbeing standards to make sure that all our Frenchies become happy, healthy and well-adjusted family members. Apart from being extremely selective about the health and look of the Frenchie parents, we make sure that the puppies receive the utmost love, care and attention. Instead of kennels or crates, we raise them in vast, green gardens with plenty of space to roam around and we let them sleep and rest in large family houses where our dogs can socialize with humans of any age. We believe that well-balanced puppies come from well- balanced family backgrounds.

The fact that German Shepherds are pretty common dogs has made their price pretty affordable for everyone. Somewhere in between is just fine. The cost of a German Shepherd is pretty normal. Show-quality dogs and imports always go for a higher price. But, what makes people wish to own a German Shepherd? First of all, it has to be their loyalty. German Shepherds are extremely loyal, and they will easily create a bond with a specific family member. Right in the middle of the reasons why you should own a GSD is their intelligence. This means that German Shepherds will master their training lessons easily. Something you should not worry about German Shepherds is their adaptability. Well, as long as they get their daily dose of exercise. Lastly, I want to point out that German Shepherds are dogs that are perfectly suitable for living with kids. No, your average GSD is not aggressive. These dogs are pretty playful and want their daily dose of games and exercise. Along with their high activity, German Shepherds are one of those working dog breeds with a strong prey drive and a tendency for herding and nipping. If your GSD exhibits such behavior, you must pay special attention to its training and overall socialization. Man, they can shed a lot! The shedding gets worse during spring and fall when GSDs change their double coat and get ready for the upcoming seasons. I mentioned that German Shepherds are playful pooches. Chances are, he will move things just to make you play along. We pride ourselves on providing you with only the highest top Quality German Shepherd Puppies for sale. Our love and care goes into each and every German Shepherd Puppy that we help raise and bring into this world. It is our goal to provide you with a perfect companion from one of our litters. We strive to be the top German Shepherd Breeder in the country with our extremely high quality dogs, assuring you of a spectacularly beautiful and loving German Shepherd Puppy. While we raise spectacular show and breeding puppies, most of our puppies sold are for family pets and personal protection. They are wonderful, loving and gentle family pets, which is our largest market: People that want the Finest Purebred German Shepherd Dogs with spectacular pedigrees for their Family. We are one of very few German Shepherd Breeders in the country who have adopted and practice the proven early puppy neural and social development program that encourages high aptitude puppies. Every one of our puppies gets loving socialization daily from birth and advanced development stimulation. As they grow, they are in the house with us with constant socialization, they visit childcare centers, schools, and nursing homes for further socialization and community service. We have acreage on a beautiful lake front setting where our dogs are free to run and enjoy life. Visit any other kennel and then come visit us. The happiness and loving nature of our dogs speaks for itself. We genetically select the sire and dam of each litter for the best possible litter. While we have spectacularly well pedigreed males, we often search around the country for a German Shepherd male with the pedigree that will best serve our litter with a particular female. Exercise Grooming In the 19th century, Shepherds bred all kinds of dogs mainly to herd and guard flocks. Thus, the dogs needed to display a high level of intelligence, extra normal strength, resilience, courage and bravery, a keen sense of smell, and trainability qualities, etc. These mongrel combinations provided dog breeds that could efficiently guard and herd flocks but differed in appearance and ability, from one locality to another. German Shepherd dogs are well known to be highly inquisitive which makes them excellent for rescue mission training. The German Shepherd has a noble character and shows very high levels of loyalty to its owners. The dog is also described as extremely territorial and has displayed characteristics of overprotectiveness in some cases. The German shepherd can survive in all types of environment; their thick furriness makes them better prepared for cold climates. German Shepherds are considered extremely playful and active. These breeds spend half of their daily routine with activities. The German Shepherd is popularly known as an athletic natured dog and requires a good dose of daily exercise to keep up muscle tone, build and development. If improperly exercised the German Shepherd has been known to become frustrated and exhibit undesirable behaviors. The German Shepherd requires an occasional brushing, as this helps with removing loose hair from its fur. The German Shepherd sheds fur once or twice a year and in this time the breed requires a lot of soft brushing. This can be done using a soft to medium bristle brush. The German Shepherd occasionally requires that its nails are trimmed off when they grow too long, however, some breeds instinctually file their nails against any hard surface that can be fine. Excessive nail growth can cause much pain and even lead to structural concerns. In choosing a German Shepherd breed you must ask yourself what it is you want in a dog and what kind of person are you? Our German Shepherd puppies for sale come from either USDA licensed commercial breeders or hobby breeders with no more than 5 breeding mothers. We only purchase puppies from the very best sources, and we stand behind every puppy we sell. Healthy German Shepherds live for as long as between nine to thirteen years, however, some german shepherd has lived much longer than Thirteen years. How fast can German Shepherds run? An adult German Shepherd can run approximately 30miles per hour. Originally the German Shepherd was bred for guarding and herding of flocks. The German Shepherd dog is highly intelligent and a fairly quick learner and that is why Police and Military institutions use them in operations. How do I care for a German Shepherd dog? The German Shepherd sheds lightly all through the year so be sure to brush it at least twice weekly. Bathe it after each shedding season. Brush its teeth at least once a month. Feed with healthy meals. Routine exercise of at least 45 minutes each day is crucial to the existence of a German Shepherd. Do they shed a lot? Yes, German Shepherds sheds heavily all year round and blows the thick, dense fur under its harsh topcoat twice a year. Are German Shepherds good with kids? German Shepherds are good with kids, however, they can become very protective because of this adult supervisor is highly recommended. At what age are German Shepherds fully grown? In moderation German Shepherds, reach full maturity between months i. There have been known cases of some Eastern European lines taking up to 3years i. Why do German shepherd ears stand up? During the early puppy age weeks German shepherds have floppy ears but this usually becomes pointed ears, standing up due to the cartilage in the ear becoming hard and strong thereby making the ears stand permanently. Are male or female German shepherd more affectionate? The female may also be less tolerable than the male when it comes to playing with children. Are you interested in purchasing a German Shepherd? Fill out the below form and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.

By Carolyn E. My husband, two boys and I are the proud owners of two Goldendoodles, one named Fenway love those Red Sox and the other named Eli. As I write this letter they are almost eleven months old. For anyone wanted two puppies at once, I would advise you to really think about it. If we were to do this all over again, I think we would wait until one puppy was six to eight months old before getting the second puppy. Though we have adjusted and are still adjusting our dogs are so completely different that everyday is a new learning experience. Our breeder, Linda Rogers, had strongly suggested that we wait and take puppies one at a time and it was only after much convincing on my part that she agreed to allow this, after I convinced her we could handle it! It is Steve and Linda's Timshell Farm policy to take one puppy at a time, train and raise it, then add a second puppy later. On our first night home we gave both puppies baths, let them explore took them to the bathroom several times and off to sleep they went. We never heard a sound for the entire night. They slept together, but separate, in the same crate with a divider. They each had their own comfort pup which smelled like their mom. To this day, there has never been an accident in their crate. Aaron, our older son, took them out separately several times. Both boys were very good about never letting them out of their sight. We learned early on that if there was an accident in the house there was no one to blame but ourselves because we weren't paying attention. My husband came home at lunchtime everyday to take them to the bathroom and feed them and let them run around. Very controllable. They attended dog school to learn their manners and everyone loved them. Then they got to be about six months old and the world changed! I think Fenway turned into a rebellious teenager and thought the world was his oyster! The four humans in the family just look at each other and shake their heads! He learned to jump on everything and everyone. Very cute when you're a little puppy, not so cute when you can knock people over. Eli has never jumped! Possibly because he's so much bigger and heavier than Fenway! Thought that would help with the energy levels and also reinforce the dog training they learned and forgot overnight. It did!! Once the weather got nicer and they were able to just go outside and run they became much much calmer. Fenway is still a wild man outside while Eli runs for a bit and then lays down. The boys taught Fenway to catch a tennis ball though he refuses to give it back! If left unattended their diets consist of socks, shoes, paper, pillows, comfort pups and as of yesterday Aidan's brand new Red Sox hat!! In closing finally we are all in agreement that Fenway and Eli are keepers! We love them to death as does everyone else in the neigborhood. Cars still stop and ask "what are they". They were and are still a lot of work. We have a bathroom, feeding system that seems to have been working for the last several months. We just bought a second crate so they each have their own space to sprawl out and sleep! They even know their own crates! So I guess the only thing I would do differently is get the second after having a chance to work with the first one, one on one. Training is very difficult with two because you separate them to train and the other one is barking and distracting so nothing is really being learned! Thanks again Linda, The Differences Between Goldendoodle Generations? Not all Goldendoodles are the same! While most have the cuddly, teddy bear, fluffy Doodle look, their genetics can vary greatly depending on their generation and what parents they have. So, what is a multigenerational goldendoodle? There can be significant differences between what breeders refer to as F1, F1B, F2, and multigenerational called multigens Goldendoodles. Knowing the distinction between the 4 types of Goldendoodles within this breed can help choose the breeder and desired traits you hope to find in your new Goldendoodle. What is GANA? This organization sets the standards and affirms that these generations are acceptable and contribute to the diversity of the Goldendoodle gene pool. The grading scheme definitions of each generation per the Goldendoodle Association of North America can be found here. Before diving into their differences, what does F mean? The number following the F signifies the generation of the Goldendoodle. For example, a first-generation Goldendoodle is bred from two non-Goldendoodle parents a Golden Retriever and a Poodle while a second-generation Goldendoodle is bred from two F1 Goldendoodle parents. Knowing these distinctions helps identify what traits can be expected in Goldendoodle litters. What are Goldendoodle Furnishings? A key element to discuss is the role that furnishing genes play in the looks and shedding factor of the different generations of Goldendoodles. The Golden Retriever carries zero furnishing genes and the Poodle carries two furnishing genes. Furnishing genes are responsible for the presence of hair that continues to grow in length most noticeable on the face and muzzle. Golden Retrievers have short, smooth hair on their face due to their lack of furnishing genes. Poodles, unless shaven, will have long hair covering the face and muzzle as a result of carrying two furnishing genes. Because furnishing genes are dominant, it takes just one copy of this gene to present in long hair on the face. However, two furnishing genes are necessary to facilitate a non-shedding coat. The curl genes involved in each generation will dictate the type of coat each puppy inherits. Golden Retrievers carry zero curl genes whereas Poodles carry two curl genes. All F1s will inherit a total of one copy of the curl gene allowing their coats to be wavy in general. For those puppies who inherit no curl genes, their coats will be straight to slightly wavy. More information and photos showing the different coat types can be found here. Perhaps a decade ago, testing for the number of furnishings and curl genes became accessible to breeders. Until that point, the only way to know if a breeder was producing high-shedding or flat-coated Goldendoodles was via trial and error. We now know that the curl and furnishing genes are unrelated and that the curl genes have no impact on the shedding factor. They are known for their friendliness, being the perfect family pet, and being great for first-time dog owners. They were bred with this very purpose in mind. Of course, their precious appearance helps too! The coats are typically wavy due to inheriting one curl gene from the Poodle and no curl genes from the Golden Retriever. F1 Goldendoodles benefit from hybrid vigor making them healthier than their purebred parents. F1 Goldendoodles have proven to have better longevity than their pure breed ancestors. This hybrid vigor comes from crossing two unrelated dog breeds. F1 Goldendoodles cannot be guaranteed to be non-shedding. F1 Goldendoodles can also come in smaller sizes. This allows smaller genes to affect the outcome of the size of the offspring. There is no way of knowing ahead of time how these two inherited traits will match up in any individual puppy. In the other F1B option of crossing an F1 Goldendoodle with a Golden Retriever, no puppies will inherit two curl genes and no puppies will inherit two furnishing genes. This pairing will likely produce higher shedding coats that will be straight or wavy. Additionally, the F1B Goldendoodle can also benefit from hybrid vigor. Under the healthiest and most cognizant of circumstances, these Goldendoodles can be healthier than their purebred parents. These benefits will only be fortuitous should your breeder be careful about choosing their breeding pairs utilizing health screening protocols. The hybrid vigor will not diminish if the breeder is thorough in health testing and ensures that the parent breed lines are uncrossed, meaning that the parents are unrelated. Like the other generations of Goldendoodles, the F1B generation is highly intelligent, easily trainable, and beautiful. They are created by crossing two F1 Goldendoodles. This generation requires careful selection of parents based on the traits desired in the offspring. Each puppy has equal chances of inheriting zero, one, or two furnishing genes as well as zero, one, or two curl genes. These genes can be inherited in any combination in a single puppy. Puppies inheriting two furnishing genes will likely be non-shedding. Puppies inheriting one furnishing gene will have reduced shedding most likely equal to an F1 Goldendoodle. Those inheriting no furnishing genes will have coats very similar to a Golden Retriever including a smooth face and moderate to heavy shedding. All three coat types are possible in the F2 generation as well — straight, wavy, or curly. Type means traits that all puppies in the same litter inherit eliminating the variety of possibilities within a single litter. Just as in the F2 generation, without careful selection of breeding pairs, a variation of furnishings and coat types can be created. In the multigen, breeders can begin to be more consistent as they can select breeding prospects using DNA to ensure two furnishing genes are present in both parents. This ensures all puppies will inherit two furnishing genes giving them a higher chance of being non-shedding and allergy friendly. The number following refers to how many generations of that breed have been produced from that specific line. These differences are important to understand to know what characteristics are possible in specific pairings. As you can see, not all Goldendoodles are the same! Each generation has its characteristics that are different based on their parents. Knowing the differences can help you choose which Goldendoodle is right for you and your family. It is important to know the breeder you have selected is knowledgeable about the genetics of each parent dog to be able to predict the traits that will be produced by crossing specific dogs together. You may not understand the genetic reports on each parent dog, but the breeder should be able to confidently explain them to you. Breeders that have not done DNA profiles on their breeding dogs before breeding them cannot begin to provide you with accurate predictions of the traits your future puppy may possess. These traits do not only include information on furnishings and coat types, but also diseases each parent may carry as well as the colors they are capable of producing. This certification includes the assurance that your Goldendoodle was produced ethically and is from healthy parents. Goldendoodles are well known for their amazing personalities and for being the perfect family dog. They are typically great with kids, extremely smart, and above all, endearing. No matter what their color or coat type may be, they are very hard to not love! Goldendoodle Generations and What do they Mean? Goldendoodles are one of the original designer dogs. Bred in , they were created when the poodle breed was crossed with the golden retriever breed to provide guide dogs for visually impaired people with allergies. Why Does Goldendoodle Generations Matter? While responsible breeding may lower the risk of some potential issues, their ancestry or the Goldendoodle generations plays a major factor in their physical characteristics, the potential health issues they may be at risk for. The first-generation Goldendoodle will always inherit the shedding gene from their golden retriever parent, shedding anywhere from some to just as much as a full Retriever. Because F1s should most always shed, we recommend going for a genetically coat-tested multigenerational doodle if your search for a hypoallergenic dog is a priority. Goldendoodle Generations Labeling Standards It is best to understand the terminology that is used when labeling the Goldendoodle generations to have a better understanding. While it may confuse you at first, it will be easy once you get familiar with them. The Number The number is the main indicator of what generation the Goldendoodle is. For example, the number 1 is for the first generation and 2 would be for the second generation. That letter means backcross. This is an indicator that the Goldendoodle generation was to bred back to a purebred poodle. While some are bred back to a purebred Golden Retriever, however, this is not common. What are the Different Goldendoodle Generations? F1 — First Generation An F1 is the direct result of breeding a golden retriever with a poodle. The mixture of genes tends to lead to a decrease in the health risks that may be associated with purebred specimens. Shedding — The majority are light-shedding to heavy-shedding. Allergy Potential — This iteration is sometimes fine for families with very mild allergies but not recommended for those with moderate to severe allergies. Coat — Their coat can naturally grow from 3 to 5 inches and requires combing as well as weekly grooming. You can opt to get the fur cut back every couple of months to make your pooch lower-maintenance in the upkeep department. They can have straight, curly or wavy coats. Grooming — Moderate to high requirements. F1b — First Generation Backcross Backcrossing is breeding a hybrid back to one of the breeds it originates from. It can be from a purebred Poodle or a purebred Golden retriever. However, the traits of either the retriever or the poodle can be intensified. Breeders tend to cross a doodle back with a poodle to increase the chances of a lower shedding litter. Hybrid vigor is still present, but since multigenerational litters have a greater chance of inheriting diseases from the same breed line, genetic health testing becomes more important to rule out disease carriers. It may range anywhere from inches or longer and can be straight, wavy, or curly. Coat — F2 coats can be straight, wavy, or curly. Please know that the coat texture of young puppies is not a reliable indicator of future shedding level, as the curl gene is distinct from the shedding gene. Grooming — This varies significantly according to the genetic mix the individual pup inherits. As a first-generation doodle, the F1 parent carries a predictable mix of coat traits both shedding and non-shedding genes , however, the F1b is a mystery. Unless genetic testing is performed on the F1b parent, the litter could result in a litter similar to an F1b litter or F2 litter see above. Genetic screening for health diseases also becomes more important whenever two parents with the same breed ancestry are mixed. It depends on what coat genes the F1b parent carries. Allergy Potential — Working with a breeder who coat tests parents or puppies would be the safest way for a family with allergies to adopt an F2b puppy. Otherwise, the odds of bringing home a hypoallergenic pet are not in your favor. Coat — Coats may be straight, wavy, or curly. Grooming — Moderate to high grooming requirements. When it gets to this stage, breeders often refer to them as multi-generational. At this stage, traits from either breed line can be emphasized either positively or negatively. If the breeder does not know the genetic makeup of the parents, some guesswork is still at play, and puppies of any shedding level can be created. Allergy Potential — Working with a breeder who is familiar with genetic coat testing is the safest way for a family with allergies to adopt a Multigenerational puppy. Although it is rarer to produce non-shedding puppies with straight coats, it is still possible. Usually, multigenerational coats are wavy or curly. What is the Best Goldendoodle Generations? Generally, the Goldendoodle are healthy dogs. The most important factor is if you are an allergy sufferer. If shedding and allergies are not a factor to you, you can never go wrong with F1 or you can choose the generation depending on the coat you want for your Goldendoodle. Get Your Goldendoodle Puppy Today! What about an F2 Goldendoodle? It can be a little confusing. Here is some information to help you understand Goldendoodle generations. F1 Goldendoodle puppies have one Golden Retriever parent and a Poodle parent. First generation Goldendoodles benefit from heterosis, or hybrid vigor, which means that Goldendoodles are typically healthier than a purebred Poodle or Golden Retreiver. F1b Goldendoodle puppies have one Goldendoodle parent and one Poodle parent. F2 Goldendoodle puppies have two F1 Goldendoodle parents. Second generation Goldendoodles are much more genetically diverse than first generation and first generation backcross Goldendoodles. F2b Goldendoodles An F2b Goldendoodle puppy is technically a second generation Goldendoodle as both of its parents are first generation. F2b Goldendoodle puppies have one first generation Goldendoodle F1 parent and one first generation backcross Goldendoodle F1b parent. Multi Generational Goldendoodles Mutli generational Goldendoodles, or Multi-gen Goldendoodles, have two second generation Goldendoodle parents. We also have multi-gen labradoodles available! While Goldendoodles are known to be exceptionally healthy dogs, we do provide a 2-year health guarantee for all of our puppies. Call for more information about our Goldendoodle puppies! Guide to Goldendoodle Generations What do all of the letters and numbers mean? F1 Goldendoodles are a mix of a Golden Retriever and a Poodle. F1 refers to the generation of Goldendoodle that was born from breeding a purebred Golden Retriever and a purebred Poodle. Breeding two F1 dogs produces an F2 or second generation of puppies. Breeding two F2 dogs, which would produce an F3 Goldendoodle, or third generation of puppies. Beyond that F3 dogs bred together are considered multi-generational. Goldendoodle Generations Coat Types A lot of the emphasis for breeders and buyers of Goldendoodles is on the coat. After all, the primary goal of breeding a Goldendoodle in the first place is to get the low-shedding coat of a purebred poodle with the good-natured trainability of a Golden Retriever. Pictures used with permission from Moss Creek Goldendoodles. Most F1 Goldendoodles have light shedding, while some may have moderate shedding. They are suitable for families with mild allergies and have plush, straight to loose wavy coats. This first generation backcross is a popular choice. F1B Goldendoodles have a high chance of being non-shedding and are recommended for families with moderate to severe allergies. F1B Goldendoodles have plush, loose wavy to curly coats. Like F1B Goldendoodles, F2 and F2B Goldendoodles have a high success rate for non-shedding, making them suitable for families with moderate to severe allergies. This second generation backcross is the last highly predictable generation of this hybrid. Therefore, the breeding of F3 Goldendoodles is rare except in dedicated programs committed to testing and ok with a high chance of less desirable puppies. Breeders who do strive to produce multigeneration Goldendoodles with predictable traits rely on behavior, health, and coat testing. Shed Locus Test The shed locus test determines how much dogs will. The test looks for different types of genes that the dog can have. Depending on which genes the dog has, it will either shed a lot, a moderate amount, or very little. The test will tell you which genes the dog has and what that means for shedding. The test will also tell you what kind of genes the dog will pass on to its offspring. So, make sure that your dog is free of genetic conditions they may pass on. Female breeding dogs must be healthy enough to hold up to the rigor of pregnancy, birth, and pup raising. Responsible Goldendoodle breeding starts with a health pass. Since this is a mixed-breed dog, health checking must be performed for conditions in both breeds. What About Hybrid Vigor in Goldendoodles? While hybrid vigor is a common advertisement for doodles, in reality, a mixed breed puppy is just as likely to get health conditions from both breeds than not getting the health conditions of either. Two copies of the wrong gene can result in symptomatic disease, regardless of whether the breeding individuals are the same or different breeds. In the limited research that has been done, crosses between goldens and labs resulted in dogs with better training potential but a higher prevalence of multifocal retinal dysplasia than the average prevalence in their purebred parent breeds. This makes an argument for hybrid vigor in trainability, but not health. It is crucial to test the parents of Mini and Toy Goldendoodles for patellar luxation if you plan to breed smaller dogs. The screening should be approved by the OFA. Breeders frequently use Embark, which is OFA accepted, to test their breeding animals. The Goldendoodle Association of North America has an updated, exhaustive list of all health tests that should be done, depending on your breeding plan. Standard Poodles and Golden Retrievers Since these diseases are possible in both breeds that make up the Goldendoodle, extra care must be taken in screening for them. Hip dysplasia: This is a genetic disorder that affects the hip joints, causing them to develop abnormally. This can lead to arthritis and mobility issues. Progressive retinal atrophy PRA : This is a group of genetic diseases that affect the retina of the eye, leading to blindness. It can lead to excessive bleeding after injury or surgery. The vWF antigen test can identify dogs affected by or carriers of vWD. Testing can be done through a DNA test that detects the mutation responsible for the disease. Testing can be done through radiography X-rays. Epilepsy: Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that can cause seizures. There is no specific test for epilepsy, but diagnosis is based on clinical signs and ruling out other causes of seizures. Testing can be done through a blood test that measures cortisol levels. Sebaceous Adenitis SA : SA is a skin disease that can cause hair loss, scaly skin, and secondary infections. Diagnosis is typically based on clinical signs and skin biopsy. Hypothyroidism: Hypothyroidism is a condition where the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone. Testing can be done through a blood test that measures thyroid hormone levels. Golden Retrievers Elbow dysplasia: This is a similar condition to hip dysplasia, but it affects the elbow joints. It can cause pain and lameness in affected dogs. Hereditary cataracts: This is a clouding of the lens in the eye that can cause vision problems or blindness. Muscular dystrophy: This is a progressive muscle-wasting disease that can affect Golden Retrievers. The condition is caused by a mutation in the DMD gene, which is inherited in an X-linked recessive manner. Genetic testing can identify carriers and affected dogs. Subvalvular aortic stenosis SAS : This is a congenital heart defect that causes narrowing of the aortic valve, leading to poor blood flow and heart problems. An echocardiogram can screen for SAS. Osteosarcoma: This is a common type of bone cancer that can affect Goldens. It often occurs in the limbs and can cause lameness and pain. There is no genetic test for osteosarcoma, but early detection and treatment can improve outcomes. Degenerative myelopathy: A progressive disease of the spinal cord that affects mobility in dogs caused by a mutation in the SOD1 gene. As the disease progresses, it can lead to paralysis of the hind legs and loss of bowel and bladder control. However, there are a few characteristics that all Goldendoodle breeders should strive for to ensure a high chance of a new litter full of pleasant pups. According to the breed standard , Goldendoodles are required to have a friendly, reliable, trustworthy, and well-rounded temperament. They should be stable in most situations and environments, especially with children, elderly, and the disabled. They should be suitable to be trained as a service and therapy dog. Temperament faults such as unwarranted hostility, timidity, nervousness, and hyperactivity should not be present in Goldendoodles. Dogs with these traits should not be bred as temperament is essential for this breed. Sociability: Like Goldens, Goldendoodles should be friendly and outgoing with both people and other animals, not reserved as Poodles often are. Intelligence and trainability. Both Golden Retrievers and Poodles are smart, trainable breeds. Breeders should select dogs that are responsive to training and quick learners. Low aggression: Breeders should select dogs with a calm, non-aggressive temperament to ensure that Goldendoodles are also non-aggressive. Playfulness: Goldendoodles should be playful and energetic, which are traits most likely in the Golden Retriever, which seems to act like a puppy throughout life. Affectionate: Goldens and Poodles are affectionate with their families. Breeders should select dogs that are loving and loyal usually not hard to find in this breed. It demonstrates that your dog has passed a series of tests that evaluate its behavior and temperament. These tests ensure that your dog is well-behaved, obedient, and friendly towards people and other dogs. By earning the CGC certificate, you are showing that your dog has been trained and socialized appropriately, which is essential for any breeding dog. This certificate also indicates that your dog is less likely to pass on any behavioral or temperamental issues to its offspring, ensuring that the puppies are more likely to be well-behaved and well-adjusted. Ready to Breed Goldendoodles? Quick Checklist Ensure that the Goldendoodle is at least two to three years old before considering breeding. The female dog must be physically and mentally mature as well as sexually mature to be a good mother to the pups. Take your Goldendoodle to a licensed veterinarian for regular check-ups and vaccinations and to ensure they are ready to have puppies. Find a suitable mate for your goldendoodle, considering factors such as pedigree, weight, and genetics. Prepare for the breeding process by getting supplies like a whelping area, dog food, disposable gloves, formula in case you need to assist in bottle feeding puppies, etc. Raising Goldendoodle Puppies When raising Goldendoodles, it is important to start their socialization and training at an early age with young puppies. This helps to shape their emotional and mental well-being and prevent future behavioral problems. This naturally friendly breed still needs enough time to socialize and experience new things to prepare for new families. Training and socialization mentally stimulates and familiarizes puppies with human interaction, grooming, and body handling. Teaching Goldendoodles to accept grooming from an early age is critical, since it will be a big part of their lives. Crate training, potty training, and obedience training are also essential to improve their confidence and make their transition smoother when going to their forever homes. An animal behaviorist can recommend a system to help you raise the best puppies possible. Finding Homes for Goldendoodle Puppies Advertise your puppies on a quality puppy advertising site, social media, and local pet groups as soon as you know your dog is pregnant or even during the first heat cycle in which you intend to breed. Advertise that your puppies have been cleared of health issues and that these Goldendoodles are registered with the Goldendoodle Association and any other relevant organizations. Make it clear that the orthopedic foundation has cleared your breeding stock from hip and elbow dysplasia and that if the merle gene is in your puppies, there is no increased risk of a double merle because of your careful breeding choices. Charge an appropriate fee for your puppies to cover labor and other expenses. Is Breeding Goldendoodles a Good Idea? They have expanded their breed options to include Standard Poodles and strategic cross-breeds to increase the options in available guide dogs. Cross-breeds such as Goldendoodles and Goldadors are being trained alongside purebred dogs. The goal of this breeding and training program is to address concerns about allergies, as poodles and poodle crosses produce less dander. Other cross-breeds aim to combine the best traits of two breeds, such as the responsiveness of a Golden Retriever and the confidence of a Labrador. The breeding program for Standard Poodles is still in its early stages. GDA is using donated puppies from experienced dog breeders to find the perfect match between guide dog and person without sight. Needless to say, Goldendoodle breeding to help the blind is a legitimate cause. What about breeding two Goldendoodle of higher generations like F3 and F4? Goldendoodles from higher generations, including F3 and F4, and their variations are known as multi-generational. These dogs take on more variations and potential for unpredictable patterns emotionally, physically, and mentally unless breeding stock is carefully tested and planned. F3 Goldendoodles are further removed from their purebred ancestors, which means they have a higher likelihood of inheriting genetic traits and health conditions that can be unpredictable. This is why it is important for breeders to conduct more testing for coat and health conditions when breeding F3 Goldendoodles. F3 Goldendoodles may also have a higher risk of developing certain health conditions or behavior issues due to the complex nature of their breeding. Breeders should work with licensed veterinarians and reproductive specialists to ensure that they are conducting the appropriate tests and screenings to prevent any potential health or behavior issues. Breeding past F3 doodles means that breeders are working to make a brand new breed, as opposed to a hybrid of two breeds. These dogs may be a great fit as therapy dogs, service dogs, and pets, but it will take a lot of work and many generations to get there. F3 Goldendoodles require more testing for coat and health conditions to ensure that the puppies are healthy and have the desired traits, but in the future, these may be the most predictable dogs in terms of health, behavior, and coat. Final Thoughts Breeding healthy, happy Goldendoodle puppies can be extremely fulfilling, whether you want to breed your own pet or start a serious breeding endeavor. Just remember how important it is to rule out any health problems the parents carry and keep shedding levels down. Veterinarian Explained! Goldendoodle breeding can be complex due to the different generations and coat types. Breeding two Goldendoodles together is possible, but it becomes harder to get predictable traits in coat type, behavior, and health beyond F3. Guide Dogs of America breed and train Goldendoodles and other cross-breeds to address concerns about allergies and combine the best traits of two breeds. F1 Goldendoodles are a mix of a Golden Retriever and a Poodle, and the F number indicates the generation. F1B, F2, and F2B Goldendoodles have a higher chance of being non-shedding and are recommended for families with moderate to severe allergies. F3 Goldendoodles have a higher tendency to shed, and breeding them is rare. Coat testing, specifically the shed locus test, is used by responsible breeders to reduce shedding while maintaining good health and behavior. Breeding healthy pups is the main priority. Responsible Goldendoodle breeding involves health checks for both breeds involved. Hybrid vigor in Goldendoodles is not guaranteed and mixed breed puppies can inherit health conditions from both parent breeds. Breeding programs must screen for genetic diseases approved by the OFA, and Embark is a common testing tool. Personality and temperament of the breeding doodles should also be taken into consideration. These dogs typically have loose, wavy coats. The downside of the F1 generation is they tend to still shed some—less than a purebred Golden Retriever but more than some of the later generations we discuss below. F2 vs F1? However, again, you are likely to have some shedding. The F2 generation is actually the most unpredictable in regard to hair type as a simple Punnett Square illustration would reveal. Some of the puppies are likely to get two copies of the Golden Retriever flat coat gene so may still be quite heavy shedders. This generation is a good choice for people who love both the Golden Retriever and Poodle personalities and want a good mixture of both breeds but are flexible on hair type and shedding. F1 vs F1b? These puppies typically have wavy to curly coats and reduced shedding. The F1b generation is a good choice for allergy sufferers or those who simply want less fur to clean up around the house. Most breeders would avoid this type of F1b as the result would be a dog that sheds as much as Golden Retriever, but it is still good to know to avoid potential confusion. Quiz time: What would you call the puppy born to an F2 Goldendoodle and a Poodle? F1bb vs F1b? In this case, an F1b Goldendoodle has been backcrossed again to a purebred Poodle. While this may sound like a lot of Poodle, the result is a predictably curly, low-shedding coat that is great for allergy-sufferers. As doodle breeders, we have a lot of positive things to say about our poodle parents and the Poodle breed as a whole — you can read more about their history and characteristics here. In the case of an F1bb Goldendoodle —the dog will be more similar to a Poodle in regards to coat, physical structure and certain traits but still have a little dash of retriever to keep things interesting! Put simply it means you are now 3 generations removed from the original cross of Golden Retriever to Poodle, so this can look like an F2 Goldendoodle bred to another Goldendoodle. In this case, most reputable breeders have been careful in selecting their parents and would avoid breeding straight coated, high-shedding parents. An F3 can also mean an F1b X an F1b. This would of course be similar in regards to coat type and breed percentage breakdown as an F1b. The multigenerational doodle could be any combination of Goldendoodle parents past the third generation. The positive side of the multigenerational doodle is that these are typically one of the best options for allergy sufferers as a reputable breeder has been careful to select non-shedding parents in their line; the more generations removed from the original shedding parents i. Golden Retriever , the less chance of any sly shedding genes slipping in! Understanding F1 vs F2 vs F1b vs F2b Is Not Essential At the end of the day, we often tell our puppy parents to not get too hung up on the exact terminology related to the generation of their pup. Knowing what you prefer in regard to personality and coat type is enough information to have a reputable breeder guide you to the right doodle for you. When it comes to goldendoodles, we have come across the most incredibly loving and intelligent dogs of every generation! Benefits, Cautions, and Exercises Stock Up On Breeding Supplies Needless to say, before you start breeding Goldendoodles, you need to make sure you have all the necessary supplies to do so. First, make sure you have enough room in your house to raise the dogs. You should also have enough space for crates, toys, and dog beds. Responsible breeders raise their puppies in a safe and nurturing home environment. This way, the pups get to join in all the fun and get used to a regular, busy home environment from an early age. In addition to that, you should purchase whelping boxes, whelping pads, disposable gloves, heating pads and cooling pads, sanitizers, bulb syringes, clean blankets, bottle and syringe feeding supplies. Again, GANA has an excellent comprehensive list of items that a responsible Goldendoodle breeder should stock up on. Different states and countries have different laws when it comes to breeding dogs. In general, there are a few things you need to keep in mind when breeding Goldendoodles. First of all, both the sire and dam must be health tested and cleared of any genetic diseases before breeding can take place. Secondly, your state may require you to microchip the parents and puppies — this is also a great safety measure in case any of the dogs manage to get out of the house. And finally, your house should be clean and safe so that the dogs and puppies are not exposed to health hazards. After all, they are entrusting you with their new family member, and they need to know that you will take good care of them. One of the best ways to do this is by being completely transparent about your breeding program. Make sure you keep good records of the health tests, vaccinations, and dewormings for both the parents and puppies. You should also provide a contract that outlines your refund and return policy, as well as what is included in the purchase price e. Having a good website with all of the essential information will help you build trust with your potential customers. This way, the buyers know that they can get a refund or replacement if the puppy has inherited any serious genetic defects. Most reputable breeders will offer a one or two-year genetic and congenital health guarantee, although some may offer longer periods. This way, you can show potential buyers that you are a serious breeder who is dedicated to breeding healthy and happy Goldendoodles following responsible breeding guidelines. Or worse, with irresponsible puppy owners or in puppy mills. There are a few things you can do to find good homes for your puppies. Second, you can require that potential buyers sign a contract that outlines their responsibilities as an owner. This is essentially a roadmap that will guide you through the process of breeding Goldendoodles. First of all, Goldendoodles reach sexual maturity around 6 months of age. By this time, the parents are both physically and mentally mature enough to handle the pregnancy. Moreover, responsible breeders usually only have their dams breed 4 to 6 litters before they retire from breeding. In addition to that, there should be enough time between each litter for the mama to recover. However, adopting a Goldendoodle with breeding rights will cost you a lot more, usually a few thousand dollars extra. Obviously, the overall cost of living in your area will also dictate the costs of Goldendoodle breeding. The litter size of a healthy Goldendoodle mama ranges between 3 to 8 puppies per litter. However, the average usually sits between 5 to 7 pups per litter. If you cross an F1 and F2 Goldendoodle, this would usually be considered as a Multigenerational Goldendoodle. Can You Breed Two Goldendoodles? Absolutely, you can breed two Goldendoodles. However, you should always have health and DNA tests done on your potential breeding dogs to rule out any hereditary conditions. Just remember to always put the health and wellbeing of the dogs first. The information on this page is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for qualified professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your veterinarian or other qualified animal health provider with any questions you may have. You Might Also Like.

A loving forever home with a secure fence and another dog in the home She wants to be your "All-American Girl! Carrie Underwood is so sweet and adorable. She is a bundle of tender kisses and has energy for days. She has been a great sister to the newest foster puppies that have come and gone, teaching them the art of playing with toys. Carrie's favorite thing to do is play chase with her K9 buddies. She runs fast and does figure 8's around the resident dogs, who don't even try to keep up with her. Her second favorite activity is napping with the resident Labs. She adores the older resident dogs and has learned great napping skills from them. She continues to work on her leash skills. Carrie has been quietly working on coming out of her shell and has undergone a transformation since arriving at her foster. She loves to curl up in the lap of her FM for naps and bedtime snuggles. She still has her moments of shyness around Foster Dad, but will now come voluntarily to the couch to sit beside him for attention. She's definitely gained lots of confidence. Carrie will need a home with another dog, preferably one who enjoys the same activity level. Carrie still has some shy moments but she is ready for her furever home, and she will steal the heart of anyone who wants to add a sweet yet energetic member to their family. Thank you to the following generous donors currently supporting Carrie's care: Amanda S. Daisy and Brock are a beautiful mother and son pair who love to snuggle together and cuddle. They are both sweet, happy, and friendly. They adore getting attention from anyone they meet during their walks and easily draw people in with their sunny personalities and soft silky coats. They have settled into an easy routine in their foster home and relish their walks every day and visits to the dog park. During their walks Brock clocks roughly twice the mileage of foster mom and Daisy with his side-to-side walking style. Neither is true! These pups love to live it up at the dog park where they show off their speed as Brock sprints and dives after his Kong frisbee, often grabbing it taco style, while Daisy relishes fetching an orange Chuck-It ball before eventually resting to chew on it. Brock is also a master at tug-of-war who has learned to drop it sometimes after repeated requests so it can be thrown again. Brock is extra special because he was born without a tail, which causes him to be incontinent. Inside the house he wears diapers and a belly band, and his incontinence is easily managed. When coming inside from a walk, Brock waits patiently for his diaper to be put on. Daisy and Brock took time to smell the roses and ponder life. While happy to be in a foster home, they would love to find their forever home. Please open your mind and your heart to considering adopting these two gorgeous pups. You will never regret your decision. Vocality level 4 in 5 Disclaimer: While the characteristics mentioned here may frequently represent this breed, dogs are individuals whose personalities and appearances will vary. Please consult the adoption organization for details on a specific pet. Temperament Few breeds so richly deserve their popularity as does the Labrador Retriever. When trained, the breed is obedient and amiable and tolerates the antics of children, other dogs, and other pets. The Lab is a calm house dog, playful yard dog, and intense field dog, all on the same day. Labs are eager to please, enjoys learning, and excel in obedience. It is a powerful breed that loves to swim and retrieve. Labradors need daily physical and mental challenges to keep occupied. A bored Lab can get into trouble! Upkeep Labradors are active and sociable dogs. They need daily exercise, preferably in the form of retrieving and swimming. Owners with swimming pools either must fence them out or be prepared to share the pool with dogs. The Lab coat sheds water easily. Weekly brushing is needed to remove dead hair. Health Major concerns: CHD, elbow dysplasia, OCD, obesity, patellar luxation Minor concerns: cataract, CPRA, hot spots, retinal dysplasia, hypothyroidism Occasionally seen: diabetes, entropion, distichiasis, tricuspid valve dysplasia, centronuclear myopathy, exercise-induced collapse Suggested tests: hip, elbow, eye, exercise-induced collapse DNA , centronuclear myopathy , knee Life span: 10—12 years History The original Labradors were all-purpose water dogs originating in Newfoundland, not Labrador. Not only did the breed not originate in Labrador, but it also was not originally called the Labrador Retriever. These dogs—medium-sized black dogs with close hair—not only retrieved game but also retrieved fish, pulled small fishing boats through icy water and helped the fisherman in any task involving swimming. Eventually, the breed died out in Newfoundland in large part because of a heavy dog tax. However, a core of Labradors had been taken to England in the early s, and it is from these dogs, along with crosses to other retrievers, that the breed continued. It was also in England that the breed earned its reputation as an extraordinary retriever of upland game. Initially, black labs were favored over yellow or chocolate colors. By the early s, the other colors had become more accepted. The popularity of this breed has grown steadily until the Labrador Retriever became the most popular breed in America in and remains so today. Related Content.

The Panda German Shepherd dog is basically the German Shepherd you know and love, except for interesting colour combinations, which are not common in this breed. It has black and white markings, especially around its eyes, similar to the panda of the same name. Contrary to the meaning of the word panda, not all panda German Shepherds puppies are black and white. Many of them can exercise a third colour, usually tan, distributed throughout the body. German Shepherd Panda dog Panda german shepherd size The german shepherd panda has a muscular, elongated body and solid bone structure. They have a rounded forehead and a black nose. They have almond-shaped eyes. Their ears are wide at the base, upright and pointed. They possess an average weight of 77 to 85 pounds. Their males have a height of 24 to 26 inches and females have a height of 22 to 24 inches. Panda German Shepherds, like their standard colour counterparts, originated in Germany, where they kept sheep until the late 19th century. With their industrious and intelligent nature, the panda german shepherd puppies have become one of the preferred dog breeds for the disabled, as well as for police and military assistance. What makes the panda German Shepherd dog distinct is that it carries a mutation of the KIT gene, which leads to its unusual markings. Otherwise, it is the same as regular-coloured German Shepherds, and its colouring has no bearing on its pedigree. Studies showed that the dog was purebred but had the mutated KIT gene, which is said to be dominant. It is a spontaneous mutation, and its ancestors did not have Bai Demu. There are some other dog breeds that look like Panda like the chow chow panda dog which is not a purebred breed. Panda dog Are Panda Shepherds Rare? It is pretty hard to give birth to this breed with the breeding of two shepherds. They have a single GSD bloodline, and thus it is not a designer breed. The color of the coat of a dog depends on the genes and the code of the doggie. Piebald refer to the white markings on a panda GSD. In a Panda German shepherd, the piebald gene determines the proportion of white marking in a panda german shepherd puppies. That means a copy of the piebald gene is crucial in a dog with a white color in its coat, and that too only a single copy of that as two copies will increase the white markings on a Panda German Shepherds drastically. This piebald gene is quite rare to find in the dog, and so it is hard to find a dog breed with a coat resembling that of a Panda. It is a spontaneous mutation and has no white German Shepherds in it is ancestry. The rest of the puppies in the litter were standard looking black and tan German Shepherd pups. In order to protect the image of her breeding program, the founding breeder Ms Cindy took the piebald puppy to Ohio State University Veterinary Hospital for genetic DNA testing to find out the exact cause of the anomaly. This was a purebred GSD that was born with piebald coloring. The same sire and dam that produced the piebald puppy were bred three more times and all the pups were born with the traditional black and tan coloring. A lot of canine genetic coat color testing was done on the piebald puppy who was named Frankie. When Frankie matured she was bred to a traditional colored black and tan GSD. Panda is a dominant gene. In its homozygous state, the mutation is considered embryonic lethal as no live dog has been observed with it german shepherd panda dog German Shepherd Panda Description The Panda Shepherd is a brindle-coloured German Shepherd. It is well proportioned and very strong. The mottling color appears in a single GSD lineage. Its ancestors did not have a white German shepherd. The panda shepherd has a strong, muscular, slightly slender body, with a light and firm bone structure. The head should be in proportion to the body and the forehead should be slightly rounded. The nose of the panda german shepherd dog is usually black, but sometimes blue or liver color may appear, but it is considered a defect and cannot be displayed. The teeth bite in a strong scissors bite. The dark eyes are almond-shaped and never protruding. The ears are wide at the base, pointed, upright and turned forward. The ears of puppies under six months may drop slightly. The bushy tail reaches almost to its hocks and hangs down when the dog is at rest. The front legs and shoulders are muscular and the thighs are thick and sturdy. The round feet have very hard soles. Temperament Often used as working dogs, Panda Shepherds are courageous, keen, alert and fearless. Cheerful, obedient eager to learn, tranquil, confident, serious and clever, Panda Shepherds are extremely faithful and brave. They will not think twice about giving their lives for their human pack. They have a high learning ability. Panda Shepherds love to be close to their families but can be wary of strangers. This Panda Dog needs his people and should not be left isolated for long periods of time. They only bark when they feel it is necessary. Often used as police dogs, the Panda Shepherd has a very strong protective instinct and is extremely loyal to its handler. Socialize this breed well starting at puppyhood. Aggression and attacks on people are due to poor handling and training. The panda shepherd puppy needs owners who are naturally authoritative over the dog in a calm, but firm, confident and consistent way. A stable, well-adjusted and trained dog is, for the most part, generally good with other pets and excellent with children in the family. They must be firmly trained in obedience from an early age. Panda Shepherds who have passive owners and or whose instincts are not being met can become timid, skittish, may be prone to fear biting and develop a guarding issue. The panda shepherd puppy should be trained and socialized from an early age. Panda Shepherds will not listen if they sense that they are stronger minded than their owner, however, they will also not respond well to harsh discipline. Owners need to have an air of natural authority to their demeanour. Do not treat this dog as if he were human. Learn canine instincts and treat the dog accordingly. Panda Shepherds are one of the smartest and most trainable breeds. With this highly skilled working dog comes a drive to have a job and a task in life and a consistent pack leader to show them guidance. Panda Shepherd puppies need somewhere to channel their mental and physical energy. This is not a breed that will be happy simply laying around your living room or locked out in the backyard. The panda colored german shepherd is so intelligent and learns so readily that it has been used as a sheepdog, guard dog, in police work, as a guide for the blind, in search and rescue service and in the military. The Panda Shepherd also excels in many other dog activities including Schutzhund, tracking, obedience, agility, Flyball and ring sport. His fine nose can sniff out drugs and intruders and can alert handlers to the presence of underground mines in time to avoid detonation or gas leaks in pipes buried 15 feet underground. The Panda Shepherd is also a popular show and family companion. They need to be taken on a daily, brisk, long walk, jog or run alongside you when you bicycle. Most shepherds love to play ball or Frisbee. Ten to fifteen minutes of fetching along with daily pack walks will tire your dog out quite nicely as well as give him a sense of purpose. Does best with a job to do. Are German shepherds good with kids? Although the german shepherd panda has a reputation for being tough dogs and smart dogs, German Shepherds particularly females are generally sweet-natured and good with children. Males might be a little less forgiving of rough play and unless raised with children and well trained, they should be supervised. The most important characteristics of the German shepherd panda German Pandas are amazing dogs. They have the same desirable personality traits as other GSDs, including intelligence, loyalty, and confidence. These dogs are an excellent addition to any home, as long as their owners can provide them with adequate exercise, mental stimulation, and care. Intelligence German pandas are very smart. They are often used as guard dogs, police dogs, guide dogs, and especially for people with special needs because of their high intelligence. Panda dogs also have very strong noses capable of sniffing intruders, drugs, bombs and other types of contraband, so the uses of this breed vary in the field of security. Since they are so intelligent, they need frequent mental stimulation to avoid getting bored. When they are not provided with sufficient stimulation, they are more likely to act haphazardly and difficult to control. They are known to give up their lives for their owners because of their deep-rooted loyalty. Where these dogs can change the life of the family and become a member of it. Well-trained panda german shepherd puppies must be able to distinguish between threats and non-threatening, which means that they only act aggressively when their owners are in trouble. The panda german shepherd dog needs early training to help them distinguish between threatening and non-threatening situations. If they do not receive this training, they may act aggressively when an unfamiliar person or pet approaches their owners. Trust German pandas are generally very confident. They are alert, alert, and attentive to their surroundings. They enjoy trying new things and taking on challenges. German Panda Shepherds need reliable, confident leaders. If their owners are passive, they can become very shy. According to the Panda Shepherd Dog Standard, this breed is considered a faulty character if they are shy. German pandas who hide behind their owners or brood are considered defective. Shyness is also a problem because shy German pandas are more likely to act aggressively toward humans and other animals out of fear. Grooming is an everyday need for almost all dog breeds. Whether they have smaller hairs or long hairs , everyone needs regular grooming. Similar to the German shepherd dogs, these shepherd dogs breed requires proper grooming and care. Because they have large hairs that shed a lot, especially in the spring season, it is crucial to brush their hair daily. Apart from this, their white coat is more prone to dust and dirt, thus bath them on a regular interval to keep their unique coat shining all the time. Also, dry their coats with a hairdryer after washing, as it will take a lot of time for its fur to dry naturally. What is the Best Exercies for panda German shepherd? Panda German Shepherd puppies love strenuous activity, preferably combined with some sort of training such as running, chasing or making moves, because these dogs are very intelligent, strong and crave a good challenge. Where dog experts believe that Panda Shepherd Dogs should be taken on daily walks over long distances such as jogging or jogging alongside you when riding a bike. Or during a walk, the panda german shepherd puppy should be made to walk next to or behind the person, as, in the mind of the dog, the leader The way, this leader must be human. Most dog shepherds love to play ball or frisbee. Ten to fifteen minutes of fetching combined with daily walks will tire your dog out pretty well, and also give him a sense of purpose. It works best with work to do. How to Train Panda German Shepherds? Panda German Shepherds will do anything to please their owners. As long as they are given adequate and consistent training, this makes these dogs tend to behave well. German pandas learn best from positive reinforcement training techniques in which owners reward them with praise or small rewards whenever they behave appropriately. For example, if your Panda German Shepherd puppies are not listening or behaving in an inappropriate manner, the appropriate behaviour on the part of the owner is to ignore the dog. Owners must then wait for the dog to perform the desired behaviour before rewarding them with attention, praise, or rewards. Doing so will help German pandas to quickly distinguish what their owners find acceptable and unacceptable. The panda GSD Owners need to be confident and consistent during training to get the best results. Confidence will teach German Shepherd Pandas that their owners are the leader of the herd, not the other way around! Consistency is also important when training this breed. These dogs need to experience consistent reactions from their owners to avoid confusion. For example, if the owner does not want the shepherd to jump on his friends, he should not let them jump on them either. German Panda Shepherds must receive socialization training, starting from a very young age. They should be social with a variety of people, animals, things, locations, and situations. This will make them behave better in the future. Panda german shepherd puppy obedience classes are also a great idea for panda GSD dogs. They work well with confidence and intent, which these classes are designed to deliver. Additionally, these classes will introduce them to humans and other dogs in a safe environment. For a detailed look at socializing with your German Shepherd, we have a great informative article for you linked below. It will take all the guesswork out and tell you exactly what you need to know! These panda dogs should also be fed puppy, young, adult or old food, depending on their age. If you are trying to cut costs, it is best to either avoid getting a panda german shepherd puppy or perhaps cut your budget in other areas. In comparison to a black and tan German Shepherd , this is rather expensive. It is no doubt that this steep purchase price is due to supply and demand. Because the panda german shepherd puppies are so rare, when born, they are often can be taken for before their eyes are even open. While the black and white markings of the Panda German Shepherd dogs are undoubtedly beautiful, are they worth paying the extra price? German Shepherds are highly driven dogs that need specialized care and are not suitable for uneducated owners. The Panda dog should be reserved for those that have a love for the breed itself and want to own a beautiful dog that they know how to properly care for. Once an ethical breeder is found, the prospective owner should be sure the Panda dog is healthy, has a good temperament, and is trainable. It is only then that a Panda should be owned, trained, loved, and cared for, by a responsible owner. How much is The Price of a Panda German shepherd? Since Panda German Shepherds are rare, they become one of the most expensive dogs in the world, they generally cost more than normal GSDs. Before purchasing a Panda German Shepherd, you should make sure that your breeder has the correct documentation, including DNA paperwork for the puppies and their parents. Panda shepherd price is so high for some people but in the end, you can really know how much this dog is worth. Are you looking for the panda German Shepherd breeders? Panda German Shepherds are simply uniquely colored offspring in a Shepherd line. These shepherds show unique markings of symmetrical black and white coloring, mostly around the face, often resembling markings of a panda bear. This coloring amongst other animals is known as Piebald. Out of that discovery, it was shown that future GSD breeding prospects could be tested in order to tell if they had a chance of producing panda offspring. This means that they have the same health record as their lineage. The overall health is dependent on the breeder in which the Panda came from, as is with all purebred dogs. Panda German Shepherds health depends on their lineage. A responsible breeder who genuinely cares about the outcome and health of their dogs will not breed dogs that are predisposed to health issues. However, there are certain health issues that German Shepherds including Pandas can have due to their build. Such things as hip dysplasia can be bred out of a line but because it is so prominent, it can skip generations or even littermates. A common health issue among German Shepherds that cannot be bred out is bloat. This happens due to the size of the breed, and is found among other large and giant breed dogs with deep chests. As mentioned above, the only difference between the Panda and the German Shepherd is their coloring. Per dogbreedinfo. Strong rich colors are preferred. Pale, washed-out colors and blues or livers are serious fault. A white dog must be disqualified. Therefore, it is rare. And because of that rarity breeders who bank on the mutation often are not in it for the health of the dogs, unfortunately. Things to consider before getting a Panda German Shepard There are several things to consider if looking to adopt a Panda German Shepherd. The first, know what you are getting into! Have you ever had a German Shepherd before? While they are known to be loyal, confident, and make great guard dogs, they require a lot of exercise, training, and socialization. The owner of a Panda German Shepherd should not just be worried about the looks of the dog, although that is the main reason most people are attracted to the Panda. When looking for a reputable Panda German Shepherd breeder it is essential that you do your research. Find a breeder that is in it for the good of the breed. A good breeder will do health testing on all of their breed stock. A GSD breeder will focus on common health issues and temperament of their dogs. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals recommends German Shepherds be tested for both hip and elbow dysplasia. The German Shepherd Dog Club of America also states that conscientious breeders are to breed for temperament, confirmation, and trainability. In comparison to a black and tan German Shepherd, this is rather expensive. It is no doubt that this steep purchase price is due to supply and demand. Because the Panda is so rare, when born, they are often spoken for before their eyes even open. While the black and white markings of the Panda German Shepherd are undoubtedly beautiful, are they worth paying the extra price? German Shepherds are highly driven dogs that need specialized care and are not suitable for uneducated owners. The Panda should be reserved for those that have a love for the breed itself and want to own a beautiful dog that they know how to properly care for. Once an ethical breeder is found, the prospective owner should be sure the Panda is healthy, has a good temperament, and is trainable. It is only then that a Panda should be owned, trained, loved, and cared for, by a responsible owner. I will start by saying that the GSD started as a good old 'mutt'. There were many many dogs used to create the GSD as we know it today including wolfdogs. However in the instance of blue, liver, white, and even piebalds, these genes are recessives. Recessives are forever. The parents to the puppies that you guys are debating are from 2 different breeders virtually across the US from one another that were here at my home and bred together. Mom is as Rava's mom pointed out is a blue sable and dad is a solid liver, again from 2 different breeders. No line breeding or inbreeding. My 2 puppies are related to 2 other like patterned piebald puppies also here in the US that are from the same lines. If you would take the time to read about white spotting in dogs by this link you will see it can affect the dog a little bit which is what is seen most of the time or it can affect the dog a lot which is what happened with these puppies. Please note the link below is kept current by a leading color geneticist that works for Healthgene in Canada, she is highly respected for the work she has done. I happen to like it on my girls I know over sea's they tend to breed for thicker heads. Please note in the link above the white spotting MITF can and does accompany 'ticking' like you see on my puppies. Fetch a high price? I guess they could but they are not for sale. I have others from the same lines and may end up with more. As for only breeding for color??? I work with the Pallet that the gene pool in the GSD has given me. Thank you for understanding and I look forward to answering any color questions or providing other info. Piebald aka recessive white spotting Impossible!! No it's genetics :- Quite a few lines of GSD carry the recessive white spotting gene. To date no health issues are associated with this recessive white spotting gene. Buster is a sable piebald GSD. Genetic information on white spotting There is a lot of information about white spotting and how it occurs genetically. However it is not known why some get small amounts of white and others are more extreme. There seems to be a modifier that has not been identified genetically yet. Sheila Schmutz with health gene, dna authenticated this litter with it's parents and documented these GSD pose the recessive white spotting gene. However as stated above, no way to differentiate between minute amount of white spotting vs what we call piebald spotting as the modifier has not been found to date. Pies born at my kennel I have had 2 true piebalds born here, they are cousins to the piebalds in the above photo's. I have also had puppies born with the white spotting gene that do not have the extreme amount of white on them as piebalds do. The recessive white spotting gene is apart of the original GSD gene pool, there were a few Collie type dogs used to create the GSD and that implanted the white recessive white spotting gene in the GSD gene pool. Keep in mind if you have one born in your litter it may appear to be Panda but in reality it is due to the recessive white spotting gene. UCDavis currently has a test on the market that is available to the public now to see if what you have had born in your litter is affected by the Panda gene or the white spotting gene. My recommendation is to test for the recessive white spotting gene and the Panda gene, so that you will know which gene caused the white spotting on your dog. So when you sell your puppy you advertise it for what it is and not as something it is not Panda. Remember all Panda's are related as they stem from one dog named Franka. The test a simple cheek swab. Scroll through the albums and if you do not find what you are looking for please send me a message. Keep in mind you do not have to have a facebook page to see this page. It is well proportioned and very strong. The piebald coloring has occurred in a single GSD bloodline. The Panda Shepherd has a sturdy, muscular, slightly elongated body with a light, solid bone structure. The head should be in proportion to its body, and the forehead a little rounded. The nose is most often black, however blue or liver still do sometimes occur, but are considered a fault and cannot be shown. The teeth meet in a strong scissors bite. The dark eyes are almond shaped and never protruding. The ears are wide at the base, pointed, upright and turned forward. The ears of puppies under six months may drop slightly. The bushy tail reaches almost to its hocks and hangs down when the dog is at rest. The front legs and shoulders are muscular and the thighs are thick and sturdy. The round feet have very hard soles. Temperament Often used as working dogs, Panda Shepherds are courageous, keen, alert and fearless. Cheerful, obedient eager to learn, tranquil, confident, serious and clever, Panda Shepherds are extremely faithful and brave. They will not think twice about giving their lives for their human pack. They have a high learning ability. Panda Shepherds love to be close to their families, but can be wary of strangers. This breed needs his people and should not be left isolated for long periods of time. They only bark when they feel it is necessary. Often used as police dogs, the Panda Shepherd has a very strong protective instinct, and is extremely loyal to its handler. Socialize this breed well starting at puppyhood. Aggression and attacks on people are due to poor handling and training. This breed needs owners who are naturally authoritative over the dog in a calm, but firm, confident and consistent way. A stable, well-adjusted and trained dog is, for the most part, generally good with other pets and excellent with children in the family. They must be firmly trained in obedience from an early age. Panda Shepherds who have passive owners and or whose instincts are not being met can become timid, skittish, may be prone to fear biting and develop a guarding issue. They should be trained and socialized from an early age. Panda Shepherds will not listen if they sense that they are stronger minded than their owner, however they will also not respond well to harsh discipline. Owners need to have an air of natural authority to their demeanor. Do not treat this dog as if he were human. Learn canine instincts and treat the dog accordingly. Panda Shepherds are one of the smartest and most trainable breeds. With this highly skilled working dog comes a drive to have a job and a task in life and a consistent pack leader to show them guidance. They need somewhere to channel their mental and physical energy. This is not a breed that will be happy simply lying around your living room or locked out in the backyard. The breed is so intelligent and learns so readily that it has been used as a sheepdog, guard dog, in police work, as a guide for the blind, in search and rescue service and in the military. The Panda Shepherd also excels in many other dog activities including Schutzhund, tracking, obedience, agility, Flyball and ring sport. His fine nose can sniff out drugs and intruders , and can alert handlers to the presence of underground mines in time to avoid detonation, or gas leaks in a pipes buried 15 feet underground. The Panda Shepherd is also a popular show and family companion. Height, Weight Height: Males 24 - 26 inches 60 - 65 cm Females 22 - 24 inches 55 - 60 cm Weight: 77 - 85 pounds 35 - 40 kg Health Problems Indiscriminate breeding has led to hereditary diseases such as hip and elbow dysplasia be sure both parents have had their hips certified at least OFA good , blood disorders, digestive problems probably due to nerves , epilepsy, chronic eczema, keratitis inflammation of the cornea , dwarfism and flea allergies. Living Conditions The Panda Shepherd will do okay in an apartment if sufficiently exercised. These dogs are relatively inactive indoors and do best with at least a large yard. Exercise Panda Shepherd Dogs love strenuous activity, preferably combined with training of some kind, for these dogs are very intelligent and crave a good challenge. They need to be taken on a daily, brisk, long walk , jog or run alongside you when you bicycle. While out on the walk the dog must be made to heel beside or behind the person holding the lead, as in a dog's mind the leader leads the way, and that leader needs to be the human. Most shepherds love to play ball or Frisbee. Ten to fifteen minutes of fetching along with daily pack walks will tire your dog out quite nicely as well as give him a sense of purpose. Does best with a job to do. Life Expectancy. So, how do they compare to a regular German Shepherd? Panda German Shepherds are similar to all other German Shepherd Dogs, and the only striking difference between them is that they have unique coloring and coats. They are just as healthy and hold the same health record in their lineage as German Shepherds. The overall health depends on the breeder in which the Panda was raised, as it is for purebred dogs. A reliable breeder is someone who genuinely cares about the health of their dogs and will not breed dogs that are predisposed to health issues. Nevertheless, there are specific health issues that German Shepherds can have due to their build. Hip dysplasia can be bred out of a line during breeding, but it can skip generations as it is so prominent. Pandas are not recognized by the American Kennel Club AKC as their official standard of the GSD states that they are different from GSD in color, and blues or livers are serious faults, so a white dog must be disqualified. You need to know some essential things before you decide to get a Panda German Shepherd. According to the German Shepherd Dog Club of America, principled breeders breed temperament, confirmation, and trainability. As far as the cost is concerned, a Panda German Shepherd is expensive compared to a black and tan German Shepherd. Undoubtedly, this steep purchase price is due to supply and demand. As the Panda GSD is rare, they are often spoken for when they are born before their eyes even open. Overall, a Panda German Shepherd is an attractive dog. While Panda German Shepherds look different with their coat color, they still share similar characteristics and traits with your average German Shepherd. Nonetheless, they can be a little more discreet on the whole. Other than color, Panda Shepherds are the same as other GSDs, sharing identical conformation, intelligence, temperament, and working qualities. Panda Shepherds, like every other Shepherd, can trace their lineage to Beowulf. Beowulf, like his grandsire, Horand von Grafrath, fathered almost pups, many through inbreeding. Horand, of course, was the foundational sire of the German Shepherd breed, hand-selected by Max von Stephanitz in in Germany. Franka was the only Panda offspring of her parents despite three more breedings. Later research revealed that the panda pattern, although similar to the piebald expression in other breeds, was a relatively recent spontaneous mutation. Piebald in many breeds is an expression at the S locus Coat color pattern is tricky in dogs because not only is it the result of genetics, but it also receives specific coding from the breed. Piebald is the expression of white spotting or markings. Many dog breeds carry the piebald gene on the S locus or location. S alleles can be incompletely dominant or recessive. If recessive, dogs must have both copies of the piebald gene at S to have any white markings. Alternatively, incomplete dominance means one copy of the piebald gene may show some white markings while two copies would produce more dramatic areas of white or even solid white. One example of an animal that exhibits incomplete dominance of the piebald gene and great variations in its expression is the Bulldog. Several breeds like the Great Dane, Irish Setter, and Boston Terrier exhibit symmetrical Irish white type markings while others, such as the Dachshund, are more random. To confuse the issue further, Irish white is a specific pattern you see in Collies and other breeds mentioned above. An Irish white pattern is among the most symmetrical coat color variations and involves a recessive gene on the S locus that is distinct from the piebald gene. Although originally springing up spontaneously from standard parents, the GSD panda coat pattern is a dominant gene. Panda is a type of piebald pattern. White usually shows up minimally on the tip of the tail, as a white blaze down the face, a white ring around the muzzle, a splash across the chest and belly, and a collar around the neck of Panda German Shepherd puppy. Individuals may exhibit more or less white, but the pattern remains similar between dogs. Another unique feature of the Panda gene is that two copies are lethal, killing the embryo before full development. It shares embryonic lethality in common with the merle gene. Many Panda Shepherds have a base color of black and tan, but the pattern can also show up in solid blue, black, or liver dogs as well as liver and tans, silver and tans, and blue and tans. What does the KIT gene do? The KIT gene, also known by other names such as Receptor Tyrosine Kinase and the Piebald Trait Protein, contains a blueprint for producing proteins that transmit important information from the cell surface to the inner working parts. Thus, KIT enables processes such as cellular growth and migration of cells to their specific areas of function. For example, KIT genes ensure cells that are responsible for nerve function in the gut arrive in the small intestine. Likewise, KIT genes direct pigmentation cells called melanocytes to migrate throughout areas of the coat, most pertinent in the Panda German Shepherd. Where the melanocytes fail to arrive is where you see white spotting. One area you may not often think about concerning melanocytes is as pertains to the eye. Panda Shepherds may have blue eyes if KIT mutation affects melanocyte migration to the iris. The Panda Shepherd has faced resistance for much of its existence. Many German Shepherd registries along with the AKC disqualify dogs with any white coloration from conformational show rings. Germany prevents the registration of white German Shepherds. Some breeders even maintain long-held beliefs that Panda Shepherds have and pass along the white gene and, worse, cause fading in dogs who are standard colors. Others seek to capitalize on the rarity of the Panda Shepherd and, as a result, often breed irresponsibly and charge exorbitant prices. Unfortunately, most so-called Panda Shepherds are likely mixed dogs as people once feared in the first place. There are a few characteristics that may alert you that a Panda Shepherd has mixed heritage and a seller may be trying to manipulate you. Exercise caution when adopting a Panda German Shepherd Tail — curled over back, too short, or rope-like rather than a brush Shortened muzzle or face too narrow with a pointed snout — Heeler or Collie respectively Colors not seen in the German Shepherd — merle; Panda Shepherds can have black spots on the muzzle White that extends past the shoulders onto the body other than the ventral abdomen sometimes extending slightly upwards — a splash of white on the trunk is not a pattern we see in the Panda Shepherd Non stereotypical distribution of solid colors not usually seen in the GSD such as patchwork black and tan on two sides of the face — Cattle Dog and Aussie color pattern The body shape that is not German Shepherd-like If you want a Panda Shepherd Dog, perform due diligence as you would for any pet. You should ideally visit the breeding location and be able to see any parents onsite. Breeders should be able to provide you certification on hips and elbows, and pedigree lineage for the parents. If they have Panda German Shepherd pups, one of the parents has to be a Panda. Other than the color you would not know the difference between this dog and any other GSD. Note the signature large upright ears of the GSD in this video , a long bushy tail, slightly sloping topline with a frame somewhat longer than the dog is tall. Moreover, Dakota is attentive to her handler but devoted to her owner. Another feature of the piebald coloration is that it is roughly symmetrical. This dog is a black and tan panda color. This is another example of how a Panda Shepherd should look exactly like a German Shepherd. This working dog illustrates Irish white spotting in a Shetland Sheepdog. Not only is the white in a stereotypical pattern on paws, face, chest, neck, and tail tip, but it breeds true, indicating affected dogs have two copies of the gene. Shelties are unique as a breed in that individuals can exhibit either a piebald or an Irish spotting gene, according to Champagnekennels. Most breeds have one or the other exclusively. Note the similarities between the Panda pattern and Irish white spotting, which involves a completely different gene. Frequently Asked Questions Are panda German shepherds rare? Yes, Panda German Shepherds are rare. When it comes to the rarest dogs that are available, Panda German Shepherds are one of the rarest. They are so rare that often people are unsure of what one is. While they are rare due to how beautiful they are and their personalities, they are a highly sought after type of German Shepherd dog GSD. Their coat is tricolor, and the majority of their coat is white. When you take into consideration the color of a standard German Shepherd, it is easy to see how this type is striking in its appearance in comparison. As they are so rare it is difficult to determine whether a GSD is going to be a Panda. However, it is thought that this coloring is linked to the piebald gene. This is present in this variation of GSD. How much do panda German shepherds cost? When taking into consideration the cost of Panda German Shepherds, due to their rarity, they are quite expensive. In comparison to a standard German Shepherd, the cost is significantly higher. This is significantly more expensive than a standard GSD. The price can fluctuate to be above this cost too. The price you pay will vary depending on the breeder, the area you live in, and the state too. When purchasing a Panda German Shepherd, it is so important to ensure that you have chosen a reputable breeder. Are panda German shepherds purebred? Yes, Panda German Shepherds are purebred, rather than a designer one. While this may not be assumed due to their markings, they are seen to be purebred. Their color comes from a mutation in their genes, rather than through a specific breeding process. As a result of this, this type of GSD was then accepted as a purebred, rather than a designer breed. While Panda German Shepherds do look different with the color of their coat, they still share similar characteristics and traits with your average German Shepherd. However, they can be a little more cautious on the whole. When looking at their health, they are still prone to many of the same issues such as hip dysplasia, cancers, and elbow dysplasia. This is why it is always important to ensure you are purchasing a Panda German Shepherd from a reputable breeder to help prevent hereditary issues from occurring.

How long should puppies stay with their mother? The ideal window is between 8 and weeks-old. They are healthy and adorable, and you want to bring them home as soon as you possibly can. However, the time your puppy spends with their mother and siblings is critical for development, and so it's important to make sure they spend this growth period with their litter. The first month For the first four weeks or so, puppies depend on their mothers for everything. This milk provides all the nutrition the puppies need for the first few weeks after birth. Weaning to solid foods Puppies start to experiment with solid food as early as 3-weeks-old. They still nurse, and mothers continue to produce milk for up to 10 weeks. Some nursing is for nutrition, but it is also a comforting, bonding activity for the puppies. Most puppies are fully weaned to solid food between 7 and 10 weeks of age, although the transition can occur earlier. Learning to speak dog Just as important for puppy development is learning proper canine etiquette and communication as part of a litter. For example, as early as 3 weeks of age, puppies start learning from their mother and siblings to eliminate away from where they sleep, which helps with housebreaking later. The pups are practicing hunting and communication behaviors that they need to perfect. One of the most important skills that puppies learn through play is bite inhibition and not chomping down too hard. If a puppy bites too hard, the other will cry out, signaling that the bite was too rough. Moms will do the same thing or may gently correct the puppies for getting too rough. This is a critical lesson to learn before heading out into the world, as other dogs will be far less tolerant of inappropriate puppy play than Mom! Biting is also a common problem behavior that can land a dog in a shelter or worse later in life. Puppies will also practice a variety of vocalizations and body language, learning to communicate with their siblings and mother. Socialization Puppies have an early critical socialization period from approximately 5 to 14 weeks of age. During this time, puppies are open to learning and experiencing new things, and the things they learn will affect how they go through the rest of their lives. Breeders and other caretakers should be exposing the puppies to novel sights and sounds on a regular basis. Puppies destined to be working or sporting dogs should be exposed to things they will encounter in their future roles, such as sheep wool for herding dogs, a variety of materials and obstacles to climb over for agility dogs, and training scents for future drug and bomb detection dogs. These safe exposures should continue after you bring your puppy home, but early socialization with litter-mates and the mother are also important for building confidence. The puppies will observe how their mother responds to new people and things and then mimic her behavior. If Mom is relaxed and friendly around new people, the puppies will likely be comfortable with strangers. Research has found that puppies who are separated from the litter too early are more likely to show fear, aggression, anxiety, resource guarding, reactivity and inappropriate play biting than puppies who stay with the litter for at least eight weeks. The ideal time The exact time that is best for a puppy to go to its new home can vary by situation, but most breeders and veterinarians agree that 8 weeks of age is a good minimum. Some states have laws in place preventing puppies from being sold any earlier. Eight weeks after birth, the puppy is eating solid food on their own, they have benefited from socializing with litter-mates and observing mom, and they are well within the ideal timeframe to bond with new owners. Breeders may also opt to keep the puppies until 10 or 12 weeks of age. Toy breeds in particular are often kept with the litter until they are 12 weeks old because they are so small and fragile. This gives the pups extra time with the litter, and still has them going to their forever homes in plenty of time to form a strong bond with their new people. And anyone who has welcomed an adult dog into their home knows that dogs of any age will still bond with their new owners as long as they have had socialization with people! Keeping the puppies longer does mean more work for the breeder, since they are responsible for all the puppies during those extra weeks. But if the breeder is putting in that time and effort to give the puppies a great foundation, then the extra time with their litter can be very beneficial to both you and your new puppy. Translation missing: en. June 8, Liz Palika Dog breeders and behavioral specialists feel that the week range is the adequate age for most dogs to leave their mother for their new homes. Unfortunately, in talking with other dog trainers, behavioral consultants and behaviorists, we all agree we're seeing a trend of puppies leaving mom and littermates far too young. A puppy who leaves his mother and littermates at five to six weeks of age, or worse yet, even younger, is going to suffer for that throughout his life. Adopting Eight Week Old Dogs Is Typical The traditional age for puppies to leave their mom and littermates and go to their new home has been eight weeks of age. At eight weeks of age most puppies are able to eat well, no longer need to nurse or eat supplemental formula, are mobile, and are aware of their world. They are well socialized to the people in their household and hopefully have also met other animals in the home. They have been exposed to a variety of sights, sounds, and smells and while they pay attention to these things, they are not afraid. At eight weeks of age these puppies are ready to leave their mother and siblings and go to their new home. Nine to Ten Week Old Pups are Typically The Best Age Since some puppies tend to go through a fear period at eight weeks of age an awareness of the world around them that can cause anxiety , many breeders and new owners would prefer to wait one or two more weeks. I brought home Hero, and before him Bones, at nine and a half weeks of age, because I felt that the puppies at that age were a bit more mature and ready for their new lives. One to two weeks can make a big difference. Other dog trainers and behaviorists agree: nine to 10 weeks of age is absolutely fine. In fact at this age, the puppy is past the eight week fear period, if he had one, and he's a bit more confident now. Developmentally, he's ready to learn, explore and figure out what his new life is going to be. Those who breed toy breeds especially, including Chihuahuas, Papillons, and other tiny dogs, will keep the puppies until they are 11 to 12 weeks of age. These tiny puppies can be quite fragile physically and may be slower to mature mentally and emotionally as babies. A few more weeks with their mother and littermates, as well as the people they know in their family, is often best for them. Larger puppies, however, shouldn't wait this long to go to their new homes. Nine to ten weeks of age is fine but any older could be problematic. Not only do large breed puppies grow rapidly, they are also stronger and rowdy, potentially making it more difficult for new owners to bond with this excited, big puppy who is jumping, pawing and otherwise making life difficult. Also, a week-old large-breed puppy is still a dependent baby; by 12 weeks he's changing. It's much easier for new owners to bond with an eight—to week-old puppy. The mother dog has so much to teach the new puppy ; lessons that will affect him all his life, and his littermates teach important lessons as well. If the mother dog has passed away, the littermates need to remain together. To Learn Key Social and Behavioral Traits Puppies who leave their canine family too early will show immediate behavior problems. They will be fearful of many things and show a lack of confidence. They can also be slow to bond to people or will go the other direction, attaching so strongly to their new owners that they will panic when left alone. The ability to soothe himself, to relax when left alone, is missing with most of these puppies. Biting is common. The mother dog teaches the puppy to control his biting as do the puppy's littermates. When puppies go to their new home, some biting is to be expected, as all puppies experiment. But when deprived of these early lessons, the puppy will bite more and harder, and teaching him that biting is not allowed is more difficult. This important transition time ensures that puppies receive all the appropriate nutrition from their mother. This will support the long term health of the puppy. Additionally, interrupting the weaning process too early has behavioral side effects for young dogs. Suckling, even past the need for milk can be a source of comfort while a puppy grows accustomed to eating only solid foods. Taking Puppies Too Young is Illegal In Some States In 26 states , the age at which puppies may be separated from the mother dog or sold is defined by law. Of those, 22 say that puppies must be eight weeks old before they can be sold. Three states—Wisconsin, Virginia, and Maine—require that puppies must be seven weeks old. Some states focus on the age that a puppy can be separated from his mother. Illinois, for example, requires that a puppy be at least eight weeks old before he can be taken from his mother. The laws vary as to who these laws apply to, with some focusing on dog breeders, kennels, and other commercial facilities. Other laws apply to anyone selling puppies, including those on Craigslist. Before buying any puppy, the more you know the better. If an unscrupulous person produces puppies and knows that he can sell them early at six to seven weeks or earlier and avoid paying for food, veterinary care, or other costs, then that cycle will continue. But if more people say no, then perhaps that cycle of human behavior can be changed. Table of Contents When can German shepherd puppies leave their mom? Keep reading to learn more about when German shepherd puppies can typically be separated from their mothers. In some cases, it may be necessary to remove the puppy from its mother for health reasons. If the mother is sick or otherwise unable to care for her young, the puppies will need to be relocated. For German Shepherd puppies, there are several key milestones that must be reached before they can be separated from their mother. Another important milestone is when the puppies are able to socialize with other dogs. At this age, they can begin to interact with other dogs and animals, which is an important step in their development. During this procedure, puppies should get dry puppy chow combined with some water to form a softer, soup-like meal. See that they require you to urge them to consume this new meal, yet many others will start eating fast. They normally begin weaning at around 3 or 4 weeks and extend it progressively until 7 or 8 weeks of age. This is one of the most significant arguments in favor of our German Shepherd puppy remaining with its mother for the longest period of time that is practicable. At this point, the progenitor has to be extremely well-nourished, which will ultimately lead to improved health for the offspring. Socialization As we stated, German Shepherds are social creatures that require the company of their own kind and other animals to feel relaxed and content. Puppies that are removed from their littermates and mother too early may have difficulty socializing when they reach adulthood. The mother starts the process of socializing and teaching the German Shepherd puppy how to speak with its congeners while the puppy is still nursing from her while the mother is still producing milk. The process of socializing a puppy is essential to its overall development. In order for them to become fully socialized, they need to be exposed to a wide variety of people, places, things, and sights as well as smells. The Mental and Physical Development of the Puppy During the first few weeks of life, German Shepherd puppies are developing rapidly, both mentally and physically. They need to be in an environment that is safe, clean, and free from stress in order to develop properly. The mother provides a safe and clean environment for her puppies as well as the nutrients they need to grow and develop properly. The answer to this question depends on a number of factors, including the health of the mother and puppies, the socialization process, and the development of the puppies. Bottom Line Now that you know when can German Shepherd puppies leave their mom, you can make sure that your puppy is properly taken care of during this crucial time in its development. German Shepherds are a loyal and loving breed that makes a great addition to any family. With proper care and socialization, your German shepherd will grow into a happy and healthy dog. The new owners are very gentle with the puppy and simply talk softly to him and give him pats and toys as he gets settled in. Sadly, the Puppy Mill Project states there are more than 10, puppy mills operating just in the United States alone. Puppy mills keep breeding pairs of dogs in often horrific conditions and take the puppies away from their moms much too soon so they can breed another litter of puppies. The Humane Society states that there are some warning signs you can watch for to indicate you may be getting your puppy from an unethical breeder or even from a puppy mill: The breeder is willing to release the puppy to you at a very early age before the age of eight weeks. The breeder will not allow you to visit their kennel and see their operation or meet the parent dogs — they only sell at off-site locations or over the internet. Here again, this question is a topic of often intense debate between different breeders. As one canine biologist explains in Psychology Today , the very earliest any puppy should be allowed to leave the litter and go to their new home is 79 days seven weeks. But many other breeders feel that even seven weeks is too early, as the GSDCA article cited earlier here states. There are a variety of reasons why letting a puppy leave the litter sooner than seven to eight weeks is considered a bad idea. The puppy is still too little and fragile Some breeders believe a primary reason to keep puppies with the mom and littermates longer is that puppies are very little and easily injured. However, because the German Shepherd is a large breed dog and has a sturdier body to start with, some breeders may be apt to release GSD puppies closer to the eight week age range. In contrast, smaller and toy dog breeds that are very delicate may need a bit longer to grow up before going to their new home. The puppy needs to learn social skills Another common reason why many breeders feel that puppies should stay with their litters and mothers at least until they turn eight weeks old is that the puppy will learn important social skills. The best trainer for any German Shepherd puppy is typically going to be the mother dog. As well, GSD puppies will have the chance to play and learn from their littermates and get comfortable with having people around by watching their mother interact with the breeder. Some theories suggest that this initial period of dog-to-dog socialization needs to happen before the dog-to-people socialization so the puppy can learn to be a dog first and then to be a companion to humans next. This benefit is simply that the German Shepherd breeder is experienced working with this dog breed and can give your puppy some early expert training and socialization with people. The difference here would be bringing home a puppy that is already used to a collar and lead, puppy pads, and some initial potty training commands, playing with toys and being handled by people. The rehoming process is always going to be stressful enough on its own that you want to be sure your puppy has the most confidence possible before coming home with you. Set aside time to just be with your puppy Your puppy is going to be a bit nervous or even frightened at first — this is normal. Rehoming is a big change. You can make it easier by just carving out time to sit nearby, praising your puppy, offering pats, and talking softly. These guidelines can ensure that your new German Shepherd puppy feels at home right away living with you. Posted in Uncategorized. We are very excited to present them to the world and look forward to seeing them grow, develop, and move on to their loving forever homes. Puppies need to stay with the dog breeder for a little while after birth. During this time, they learn skills and socialize so they will be well-adjusted when they move away from the litter. Socialization Puppies should stay with the litter for about 8 to 12 weeks. Probably the main reason for this is socialization. When a puppy is with its litter and especially its mother, it learns valuable behaviors. A reputable dog breeder will never let a puppy leave before 7 weeks at the minimum. During this time, the pup will learn how to deal and live with other living things. In a sense, the dogs learn how to dog. Mostly they spend their time playing with their littermates. These are all skills that if developed well, they can use throughout their lives. They also learn how to communicate and receive commands from both their parents and humans. A dog that is not properly socialized will not be confident and may have difficulties fitting into new environments. They could be easily confused and fearful. Neither of these traits is good for both house dogs and dogs that are meant to work or show animals. Unsocialized dogs also tend to have more behavioral problems. They act out in situations in which they are not comfortable. This can mean chewing, barking, or even viciousness. Other dogs are the best trainers for a new pup, so keeping them with their littermates and parents will help them grow and develop into confident, well-behaved dogs. They are bred to be experts at detection, which is great for policing, and agility. While these traits are inbred and instinctual, they also need to be developed. These puppies are spending time with their mother and littermates, with whom their skills are already becoming apparent. The parental dogs provide a good example and play with siblings will mimic and develop these skills. The same goes for agility. There is no better training ground for a pup than an open space with their siblings. German Shepherd Puppies and Humans The fact is, the puppy will most likely be going from a place with many other puppies to a home with either none or comparatively very few. Most of the interactions throughout their lives will be with humans. Dog breeders are dog experts who will calmly and confidently help your puppy get used to human interaction in a safe and respectful way. A newborn puppy sent into a home without that buffer will be extremely stressed and have incredible difficulty adjusting. When it comes to adopting German Shepherd puppies, it is natural to be impatient. However, waiting just a few short weeks to have this beautiful and intelligent pet in your home will pay off down the road.