poodle cross puppies for sale

Use tab to navigate through the menu items. Our dogs have OFA certifications, and Pennhips passing results. Puppies are sold with limited registration. Puppy choosing order is based on the order of deposit received. Two year guarantee: Covers such defects as severe hip dysplasia, severe heart defects and serious life altering genetic defects, as these are disorders that greatly affect the quality of a dogs' life due to pain or weakness. Terms to be discussed with breeder. Puppy must be fed premium quality dog food, and NuVet vitamins must be given daily to promote optimal health! We truly believe in nutrition as the number one priority for your new pup. We have done countless research and nothing on the market compares to NuVet Plus vitamins. Our goal is to help you keep your new family member as healthy as can be for his or her entire life. This is why we have incorporated this into our guarantee. Puppies are susceptible to joint diseases and other ailments just like humans so we want to start boosting their immune system as soon as possible! Feeding premium food is not enough because all dry food needs to be processed to destroy bacteria, in return killing all of the heat sensitive nutrients. On your first visit to the vet, the vet will suggest a range of tests and health screenings for your dog. This will include the basics such as physical examination, fecal sample tests, vaccines and parasite prevention treatments. The vet will request further testing and schedule follow-up visits based on the test results. Ideally, a large breed dog like the English Cream Retriever is ready for sterilization when it is closer to 12 months of age. Some veterinary clinics will perform the procedure for a lower cost without any post-op care. So be mindful of what you choose. Note that spaying or neutering your dog is an optional cost. So you can choose to do it when you want or not do it all. But performing this surgery can prevent any reproductive-related issues from developing. Veterinary Care During the Adult Years Visiting the vet during the first year to ensure your puppy is alright and returning to the vet only when your dog gets sick again is not how proper veterinary care works. You have to commit your time and finance to veterinary care. This will ensure your dog is maintained in a healthy state. For an average dog in good health condition, the vet will recommend around follow-up visits throughout the year. These visits will cover the basics like physical examinations, vaccine updates and any required blood work. Depending on the findings, your vet may request further testing if required. Pet Insurance Pet insurance is one of the most essential investments you make for your pet. Pet insurance will cover major medical bills due to emergencies and expensive medical procedures. Many companies offer affordable and extensive plans for accident and illness coverage. Some even extend to complete health coverage which will cost much heavier. No matter what breed your dog is. Grooming Cost English Cream retrievers are easy to groom dogs. Every months, it is recommended that you get a professional grooming session to trim your Retrievers coat at the ears, feet, neck and tail to keep them smart. Training Cost English Cream retrievers are sociable and friendly dogs who are relatively easy to train. Although they have a friendly nature, we recommend professional training sessions for house manners, potty training, basic behavior and command training during the early stages. English Cream Retrievers rarely need private sessions. They are ideal for dogs who lack socialization around other dogs. Other Potential Costs Apart from the basic costs listed above, it would be best if you were also prepared to face additional costs in raising your English Cream Retriever. You may not necessarily be in a situation where you have to incur some of these expenses. But at the same time, some of these costs are unavoidable in certain circumstances. Microchip Microchipping your dog comes in super handy if your dog happens to get lost. When your dog is found and returned to a shelter, a vet can easily identify the owner using the microchip scanner. Dog License A dog license serves a similar purpose as a microchip. Dog Walking Your English Cream retriever will definitely benefit from exercise as they are energetic and playful dogs. So on days, you cannot take your dog for a walk, you can hire a dog walker. If you expect to use this service in the long run, you can multiply and add the respective cost to the annual basic total cost. Traveling If you want your dog to accompany you on your travels, there are options for that too. Many airlines, train companies and hotels do allow the facility of accommodating your pet with you. But this will no doubt come at a hefty price. So check ahead of time and plan your travels accordingly. Training tools dog owners must have for their dogs:. One or both of this puppy's parents have undergone genetic testing. One or both of this puppy's parents are hip certified. One or both of this puppy's parents is OFA Heart certified. This puppy has had early neurological stimulation exercises. Size: inches tall and lbs— so essentially a very large Teddy bear. Lifespan: of the best years of your life! Energy Level: Active Coat: Thick, silky, and luxurious. Shedding: Moderately heavy. Hypoallergenic: Unfortunately, English Cream Goldens are not hypoallergenic. What is an English Cream Golden Retriever? Ah, the English Cream Golden Retriever, also known as the striking ivory white counterpart to the traditional Goldens we all know and love. And with a name like that, it comes as no surprise that these dogs are so sought after! Basically, an English Cream is a subtype of the Golden Retriever breed—more specifically a variation of the British Golden. English Cream Goldens gained their namesake as a result of, well, their elegant pale coats, which can range in color from a delicate cream shade to white. The original Goldens came to be as a result of cross-breeding between various different breeds including: Water Spaniels, Yellow Retrievers, Irish Settlers, and Bloodhounds over several generations. In other words, all Golden Retriever subtypes including the British Golden subtype , are members of the same family, or breed. Oh, and we can thank years of selective breeding for that wonderful and uniquely white coat of theirs, too. Because their temperament is friendly, fun-loving, and obedient. These pups are known for being loyal, intelligent, and attentive. Like all Goldens, they are playful and excitable. In short, their great, balanced temperament makes them a great addition to any home! Oftentimes, cheaper golden retriever puppies can ultimately cost you a LOT more money in the long run because they are more likely to have health issues. Are English Cream Goldens more expensive? What is the difference between English Cream and Golden Retriever? The British Goldens including the English Cream are very similar to their American Golden relatives; however, they do tend to sport slightly lighter colored coats overall and are about 2 inches shorter on average. How big is a full-grown English Cream Golden Retriever? The weight range for these sweet pups can be from pounds for full-grown males, and pounds for full-grown females. Additionally, these babies tend to stand at about inches tall, with males being on the taller end of the spectrum. Do English Cream Goldens shed? Yes, all types and variations of Golden Retrievers shed, and this is entirely normal for the breed. However, it is worth noting that because the English Cream Goldens often have a coat that is slightly thicker and shorter than the American Goldens, some owners claim they shed less overall. Problem solved! Are English Cream Golden Retrievers aggressive? The good news is— no, English Cream Golden Retrievers are not aggressive dogs by nature. In fact, their sweet, calm, and lovable disposition make them a fantastic addition to any family including yours. Are English Cream Goldens more calm? Galen has been connecting quality Golden Retriever breeders with loving families since and is the founder of My Golden Retriever Puppies. He and his wife have four children and love spending time together, traveling lived oversees for 4 years , enjoying the outdoors and connecting Golden families. Be the first to know when we have new puppies! All Rights Reserved. As the name suggests, these dogs are more popular in the UK. Because of their rarity and the specificity of the bloodline, these dogs are very expensive. There are some outliers on either end of this range. This is far more than most other breeds costs. This covers everything, including food, grooming, preventative vet care, and microchipping. Optional things are not included, like pet insurance and dog walking. Your costs can vary widely depending on where you get your dog from. When you compare this to a breeder that charges thousands, the huge savings are pretty obvious. Occasionally, you may be able to find these dogs advertised on places like Craigslist. However, there are many problems with going this route. However, they may occasionally. Generally, dogs on Craigslist are not produced by breeders; this causes a variety of different problems. Firstly, the adult dogs are usually not health tested, which means that they may pass on a variety of different conditions to their puppies. Secondly, most of the puppies do not receive the proper health care. As you might imagine, this can be an obvious problem. Some of these puppies are produced by puppy mills. These focus on producing as many puppies as possible or as cheaply as possible. Typically, this translates into taking many different shortcuts, such as not giving the dogs any medical care and spending very little time socializing with them. As you might imagine, puppies from these breeders are not particularly healthy or well-behaved. Most have never been in a home before their adoption. Some puppy mills produce a number of different breeds, so you might even end up with a mix instead of a pure-bred English Cream Retriever. Your puppy might be a Goldendoodle or similar cross. Getting a puppy from a rescue These dogs are much too rare to be common at rescues. There is simply no other place to find them. The majority of these breeders have contracts with buyers that require them to return the dog if they can no longer take care of it. Therefore, the dogs never end up in an animal shelter. The cost is sometimes based on the amount of vet care that particular dog had to receive. Puppies are usually more expensive than adults, as they tend to be adopted faster. Getting a puppy from a breeder While getting a puppy from a breeder can be expensive, this is mostly because you get a lot with your purchase of the puppy. Most puppies receive their first vaccinations and vet exam before being adopted. Quite a few puppies also come with some basic training before they are adopted out. This may include house training and simple commands. Some breeders do this themselves, while others hire a trainer. All of these extras add to the cost of your puppy. You may end up spending less on these puppies overall when you factor in all of these savings. Plus, many breeders also get their dogs health tested. This lowers the chance that an adult dog will pass on genetic issues to their puppies, resulting in a healthier litter. Costs of health tests One of the main reasons puppies from breeders are so expensive is due to health testing. A big factor in the cost is geographical location, as well as whether or not the dog needs sedation. This issue is common in all large dog breeds, especially retrievers. Flat-Coated Retrievers and Labradors also often show hip dysplasia. Many breeders also do testing for progressive retinal atrophy. This causes the eye to break down over time, which eventually leads to blindness. It simply depends on how the disease progresses. Other eye tests may be done as well, depending on the particular breeder. Their costs are very similar to other Golden Retrievers. A large portion of this will be the supplies your puppy needs when you bring them home, such as a dog bed and bowl. Of course, puppies also need quite a bit of vet care and training as well. All preventative vet care is included in this estimate, as is food, toys, grooming, and other regular costs. This includes all the preventative care your dog will need, like a physical exam, vaccinations, and basic blood tests. Puppies will need to visit the vet more often during their first year to receive all of their vaccinations. The first visit is usually around eight weeks and may be covered by your breeder. If this is the case, you can likely expect to pay on the lower end of the range for vet bills. Adults will only need one preventative appointment a year, but more work will need to be done at this single appointment. Therefore, you probably will pay about the same for adults and puppies. Often, vets will recommend certain diagnostic tests on older adults to catch potential health problems early. Food and toys Because these pups grow to be large dogs , they will require more food. Older dogs are simply larger and eat more, hence the increased cost as your dog ages. This covers high-quality food with plenty of meat and protein. You can save a bit of money by purchasing lower-quality foods, but this is not recommended. Just like people, dogs are what they eat. Because these dogs are quite active, you will be spending quite a bit on toys. While you may save a little bit upfront by purchasing lower-quality toys, your dog will typically be able to tear those up quite quickly. Training costs While these dogs are easy to train, we still recommend taking them to a professional — at least in the beginning. This is likely all that your dog needs. This breed rarely needs private lessons. Private lessons are great for dogs that cannot be around other canines due to a lack of socialization. However, the aim is always to get them into a group class. This breed is very sociable, so they usually have no problem being around other dogs. We highly recommend skipping the private classes, therefore. This assumes your dog is okay being around other canines, of course. Factors influencing the price These dogs vary a bit in pricing. They are all quite expensive, but some are more expensive than others. If a dog is more expensive, it is likely because they have more champions in their bloodline and will perform better in the show ring. Puppies with a direct lineage back to England are also usually more expensive. The amount of training and socialization a puppy also receives matters. Some breeders will charge a few thousand dollars extra for training — which you may or may not be able to opt-out of. All breeders socialize their puppies within their homes. But some will provide more socialization than others. Medical expenses also play a role. If the puppy has already received their first vaccinations, then you will likely pay extra for that puppy. However, you will not have to pay for these vaccinations, so you may end up spending less in the long run. Health testing can be expensive, so these puppies will likely be more expensive as well. Price considerations These dogs can be extremely expensive to adopt. For this reason, your main budgeting will be towards the actual price of a puppy. However, you should also budget appropriately for the annual price of a puppy. The bottom line Due to their rarity, this breed is very expensive to adopt. This includes annual costs and one-time purchases for the puppy. This will cost you a few more thousand dollars a year. Be sure you budget appropriately for this breed before you decide to purchase one. Author: Kristin Kristin was born in Tennessee and currently lives there with her husband and children. She is passionate about educating pet parents and helping them make the best possible decisions for their pets. She currently owns one dog, two cats, a lizard, and a variety of fish. Starting out just training her own Border Collies, she gradually expanded to local classes and seminars, now she travels as far as Europe and teaches students all over the world on how to train their dogs in a positive, bonding, game-based way. She is known for her clear, step-by-step training that lets beginners and advanced dog trainers see lasting results very quickly.

Poodle Shampoo and Coat Products Overview For a shampoo to be one of the best for a Poodle, it must be formulated for this breed's particular needs. Since the Poodle has a single coat of curly hair and not a thick double-coat of fur as many other breeds have , being sure to choose the right shampoo is vital for both skin and coat health. In addition, with Poodles being found in such an array of colors, you'll want to use specific shampoo formulas if your Poodle's coat is looking dulled or stained. Here, we'll cover shampoo, conditioner, finishing sprays, and leave-ins, so that your Poodle can look as beautiful as possible while avoiding common skin issues seen with inferior products. Dyeing the coat with chemicals for better balance or to enrich colors can be exceedingly drying and there are much better ways to bring out natural color on a Poodle. Elements of the Best Shampoos When you have a breed with hair as opposed to fur, there are particular challenges. In addition, skin and coat go hand-in-hand, so every grooming product that you use on the coat must be healthy for the skin as well. A great shampoo should have: Proper pH balance. This should be in the 6. No soaping agents. You may think that a dog shampoo should automatically contain soap and often when speaking, soap and shampoo are used interchangeably; however, this can be exceedingly drying to the skin and strip the cuticles. No chemicals, parabens, sulfate , phthalate , or phosphate, all of which can be terribly detrimental. Be effective enough to cleanse a Poodle's water resistant coat. In addition, choosing the right shampoo can offers other benefits as well: Target and resolve a Poodle's individual needs including skin issues such as itching, rash, and dryness. Since Poodles can have high body oil production which can create an odd smell, a shampoo can offer a long-lasting pleasant fragrance. Enhance coloring. Most Poodles fade as they mature; however, the coat can appear duller than it should and also hold in stains; both of which blocks the puppy or dog's natural beauty. If a Poodle is struggling with moderate to severe skin issues: The right specialty or medicated shampoo can resolve such things as allergy-related issues, and skin infection including yeast, bacterial, and fungi. Tilli, photo courtesy of Candy Evans Poodle Colors and Particular Shampooing Needs As you probably know, the Poodle coat lightens as the dog matures due to the fading gene. However, this should not be mistaken for other issues. Black Poodles can develop a reddish tint known as sunburning due to sun exposure. With all colors, Poodles can have hair that's been affected by the elements that cause a dulling. It is not uncommon for this to be in some some areas of the coat, causing an unbalanced appearance. For others, it will be full-body. Light colored Poodles often have staining. This is from months or years of particle debris and outside exposure gradually staining the hairs without being properly removed during bathing. As you probably know, the Poodle coat lightens as the dog matures due to the fading gene. It is not uncommon for this to be in just some areas of the coat, causing an unbalanced appearance. List of Shampoos and What They Can Do Black color enhancer shampoo - It can be tricky to keep a black Poodle super black; however, if a Poodle is genetically black, the right shampoo can bring back a deep, dark, shiny black coat. But, steer clear of shampoos that contain dyes. The shampoo must be able to remove stains that may be embedded into hair cuticles. As those are being drawn out, natural optical brighteners will enhance light colors, allowing them to shine and sparkle. Oatmeal and Aloe - If you choose a quality brand, this can be one of the best shampoos to prevent dry skin and resolve skin issues commonly seen with the Poodle breed. Eucalyptus and Peppermint - Is great for relieving moderate to severe issues that respond to cooling sensations. Orange Peel - Is fantastic for removing stains and for calming skin issues. Allergy shampoo - Many owners search for medicated shampoos when their Poodle is suffering from severe allergies with excessively dry skin, rashes, hot spots, and itching. However, chemicals can just exasperate problems. A really great allergy shampoo for Poodles will contain natural ingredients such as neem, aloe, bentonite clay, and shea butter to immediately offer relief and healing. Recommended Shampoos Keeping in mind that the shampoo you use on your Poodle must be correctly pH balanced, be free of the many ingredients that can be detrimental to a Poodle's skin and coat, and should only contain all-natural ingredients to meet a Poodle's particular needs, these are all fantastic choices. First, let's look at color enhancing shampoos. We are steering clear of dyes that can be horrible on the skin, and instead looking to all-natural ingredients that help bring out a Poodle's true color. You'll find that Earthbath's coat brightener shampoo is particularly gentle due to lavender oil which is excellent for a dog's skin. Recommended shampoos are below. If you do not see the images, try a refresh. On mobile, you may need to turn your screen horizontal to see all 4. Next, let's cover a basic, essential shampoo for Poodles and also those that help with certain issues common to the Poodle breed. The basic everyweek shampoo must be able to effectively remove accumulated body oils without stripping the cuticles. It will need to be strong enough to be worked through the coat yet gentle enough to pamper the skin. And it must be able to be properly rinsed away without leaving any residue. A specialty shampoo must be able to quickly treat issues that a Poodle may be contending with. One of the biggest problems seen with Poodles is dry, itchy skin. If not properly treated, this can quickly spiral into more severe issues such as sores, hot spots, and even thinning coat. If a Poodle is having a strong allergic reaction, there can also be localized swelling. There are certain all-natural ingredients that can be quite effective in resolving these sorts of issues, including the above mentioned neem, aloe, colloidal oatmeal, almond, bentonite clay, and shea butter. Medicated Shampoos for Poodles Certain conditions can be treated with canine medicated shampoos. This includes: Mites and mange: There are several types of mite infections and mange also called red mange, demodectic mange, or follicular mange is caused by one mite in particular, the demodex canis. Some mites are very contagious and infestation can be contracted by coming into contact with another dog that is infected. With the case of mange, a certain number of these mites are always living in a dog's hair follicles but due to a weakened immune system or other elements, the number of the mites may increase or a Poodle may have a reaction to them. Signs of mites include intense itching, hair loss, bald spots, skin scabbing, and sores. Skin infections: There are several types of skin infections that can occur with Poodles including yeast, fungal, and bacterial. Signs may vary; however there is typically an odd odor, and with yeast infections this may be a sour-type smell. Severe allergy reactions: General allergy issues can be effectively treated with the aforementioned oatmeal and aloe shampoo. However, some Poodles can have an intense issue that requires additional treatment. One method that can be very helpful is to use a concentrated spray. Recommended medicated shampoos and hot spot sprays are below. Shampooing Tips 1 Take note if the shampoo calls out for it to be diluted with water; this is common with canine shampoos. If you see the word 'concentrated' and a ratio number such as , the first number refers to the water and the second number refers to the product. For example, 10 parts water to 1 part shampoo. And since the Poodle has a water resistant coat, it can take longer to wet the coat down than it would with other breeds. Using a spray nozzle is the easiest method, and you'll want to take the time to saturate the coat before adding shampoo. The right grooming product can bring about amazing results; however, shampoo is meant to be massaged in and then removed. If it is not rinsed out, it will get in the way of conditioner more info ahead and residue can cake up which blocks proper air flow. Bambi, photo courtesy of Veronica The Importance of Conditioners Even if you are using one of the best shampoos possible, if it is used alone, you may have less than desirable results. This is because during the shampooing process, hair follicles open up. It could be compared to a flower in which the petals unfold. In this state, a Poodle's coat is primed to receive a coat conditioner which will be able to penetrate the hairs and work to flatten the cuticles, resulting in strong, resilient hairs. The Importance of a Leave-in Spray No matter how beneficial the shampoo and conditioner, these will only be used every few weeks every 3 weeks is recommended. So, what about all of the other days? Dogs are barraged with elements that will affect the coat. A good leave-in spritz can do the following: Protect the coat from breakage. Typically the culprit is contact friction, in which hairs are lightly but continually rubbed, often leading to split ends. Offer a barrier against arid air in the winter and sun exposure in the summertime; both of which can strip the coat of moisture. If your Poodle spends a lot of time outside in the summer, a leave-in coat spray can also offer the benefit of a sunscreen. Repel fine particle debris including airborne allergens. Keep both skin and coat moisturized, healthy, and shiny. Allow a Poodle to smell nice and clean in between baths. Help keep mats and tangles away. And a good finishing spray can add body and texture to Poodles whose coats appear limp. Tips: Once you have your chosen leave-in product, use this on a regular basis. Most Poodles do well with every 2 to 3 days. If you have a quality product, all you need is a light misting. Overdoing things can lead to heavy buildup and weigh hairs down. Use the coat spray when you brush you Poodle. Brushing a dry coat often leads to damage. Work in sections, misting as you go. Recommend coat sprays for Poodles are below. You may also be interested in: Bathing a Poodle - Techniques to properly wash without blocking skin pores or putting stress on the coat. How to dry a Poodle - The type of towel that you use and blow drying vs air drying will have a big effect on how the coat looks after a bath. Poodle grooming tools - The 'must have' items in your dog's at-home grooming kit. Poodle puppy care - What's needed to help a Poodle pup grow up happy and healthy. Poodle separation anxiety - Helpful tips for when your dog has trouble coping with being home alone. All rights reserved. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon. Share Us. In fact, Poodles are usually described as having hair, not fur. Poodles are known for their lack of shedding; this is because the tight curls keep the hair in place rather than falling out onto the floor. When you are on the hunt for a shampoo for a dog with curly hair and no undercoat, there are particular challenges and specifics to be on the lookout for. Here are some tips on finding the perfect Poodle shampoo: Proper pH balance, preferably 6. Below we will take a look at the different types of shampoos and what purpose they serve. Look for shampoos that are nourishing and enriched with vitamins and essential oils. Remember, a healthy nutritious diet will also play a role in healthy coats so make sure you are feeding a high-quality diet that is age and size appropriate with high levels of essential fatty acids. These shampoos are made to prevent the yellowing of the coat and give your Poodle that vivid, white, flawless coat color. Some shampoos are even designed to enhance the black color in black dogs. Tangle Management Poodles are curly-haired cuties that are prone to tangles. You may want to consider a 2 in 1 shampoo and conditioner to help combat those stubborn tangles. You can even purchase a stand-alone conditioner in addition to your shampoo, a lot of brands will offer both options. Choosing an option that is specifically designed to help eliminate unwanted odors will help get your dog smelling fresh and clean again. Some dogs have more severe skin conditions that may require occasional bathing with medicated shampoo. Make sure to consult with your veterinarian for assistance in picking the best medicated shampoo. In general, when dealing with sensitive skin, make sure you look for shampoos made from natural ingredients and avoid any harsh chemicals that could cause further irritation. These shampoos are not meant for regular bathing use, but come in handy when you have a parasite problem. These shampoos can contain some chemicals that may not be suited for all skin types. Discuss flea and tick shampoos with your veterinarian before use. Puppy Shampoo If you have a puppy, you will want to purchase a puppy shampoo. Puppy shampoos are typically gentler and are considered tear-free. You can also keep an eye out for shampoos that suit all life stages. Waterless Shampoo Are you needing just a quick, on-the-go coat refreshment for your dog? Waterless shampoos are not designed to replace regular full baths but are a great option for when you require a quick fix or a simple spot treatment. Conclusion Hepper Colloidal Oatmeal Pet Shampoo is a great overall choice that is all natural, pH balanced, and gentle yet effective. It is fairly priced and even covers those with skin sensitivities. This natural shampoo is not only healthy but leaves the coat shiny, healthy, and well-moisturized. Try not to get too overwhelmed on the hunt for the right shampoo, just keep your needs in mind and consider all the factors before making your final choice. I was born and raised in Ohio but now live in Tulsa, Oklahoma. We share our home with a German Shepherd, several snakes, tarantulas, and a couple rescue cats. I am also a huge advocate for bully breeds. I feel most at home in the forest either on horseback or in hiking boots.Read more Advertisement. Excellent for fur that easily mats. Cons .Pros A little bit of product goes a long way Great moisturizer. Using human shampoo on your poodle is not recommended. But, finding the right shampoo for your furry friend is worth investing the time in. Here are some reasons why you should refrain from using human shampoo on your poodle. PH Balance. Humans and dogs have different pH balances. Using human shampoo can leave poodles skin dry, flaky, and more vulnerable to parasites and bacteria. Here is a little guide that will help you better navigate choosing a shampoo that will be best for your furry friend. General Purpose. A general-purpose shampoo is ideal for routine bathtime, made with natural ingredients, and is gentle and moisturizing enough for routine use. Puppy Shampoo. Poodle pups have extra sensitive skin, so shampoo should be tear-free, soap-free, soothing, and gentle. Color Enhancing. Due to natural oils, sometimes our furry friends may not smell the freshest. Luckily a lot of shampoos can help with this, and there are a lot on the market that will make your poodle smell great naturally without any strong perfumes. Flea and Tick. Anti Fungal. Yeast infections happen, and if your poodle is experiencing one, an antifungal shampoo will provide relief from the pain and burning. Medicated shampoos are made for itchy or irritated skin, and these shampoos are typically specific for allergies versus infections. Shedding Control. Again, not a huge problem many poodles will experience, but some females do experience shedding, and certain shampoos can help with this. Using a conditioner on your poodle is great for their curls. When fur becomes matted and difficult to brush through, this can be very painful for poodles. Poodle puppies only need to be bathed about once a month to avoid ridding them of natural protective lipid layers. The kitchen sink or a small basin is ideal for a poodle pups bath. When bathing your poodle pup, avoid washing the head. Make the bath as enjoyable as you can so that puppies will be excited for a bath in the future. After shampooing and rinsing your puppy, wrap him or her up in a towel after to stay warm. Bathing an Adult Poodle An adult poodle is going to require a bath roughly every three weeks. Before bathing your poodle, brush the coat gently to remove any tangles. Next, run warm water in the bathtub and help your dog into the bathtub to avoid them slipping. Wet the coat thoroughly, and begin to apply shampoo. Start at the head and work down the neck, black, and to the tail. Next, get the sides, stomach, legs, and feet. When shampoo residue builds up can make fur appear dull and cause irritation. Lastly, condition if necessary, though a lot of products are 2-in-1 formulas which make bathtime that much quicker. Remember to keep bath time as fun and enjoyable as possible. This will ensure future baths will be simple and enjoyable as well. Wrap your poodle up in a towel and gently towel dry, you may also wish to use a hairdryer at this time to keep your dog warm and to speed up the drying and grooming process. Potential Coat issues Encountered When Shampooing a Poodle Poodles have a super unique coat in that unlike most dog breeds. That being said, poodles require pretty frequent grooming and to avoid specific coat problems. Here are a few of the issues poodle parents may run into when shampooing: Matted Hair. Matted hair is most common among playful pups, and also becomes prevalent at around nine months old as puppy hair changes into adult hair. A spray-in conditioner may be a good option to look into, or simply ask your groomer for tips as they are more than happy to help you and give you some expert advice. When a female poodle is in heat or whelping a litter of puppies, a boost in estrogen will cause hair to thin. Allergic reactions can be caused by anything but are nonetheless miserable for your poodle. Intense itching and irritation can cause hair loss and scabs. Luckily, there are tons of shampoos available for dogs suffering from allergies that will be gentle and moisturizing. This is a condition caused by a hormone imbalance. Aside from a thinning coat, look for signs of lethargy and mental slowness, and be sure to contact your vet should you notice these symptoms. Alopecia X. As scary as it sounds, this condition is not painful to your poodle and is actually a growth hormone deficiency. This genetic condition is most common amongst small breeds and is the process of a poodle experiencing hair loss. Fleas, Ticks, and Mites. These pesky pests can cause poodles to bite, scratch, and pull out hair. Many shampoos on the market will kill these pests on contact, but be sure to check with your vet to see if your poodle needs preventative care as well. Ringworm is a highly contagious fungal infection. Over Curling. Over curling can cause excessive knots and matting that will be painful and uncomfortable for your pooch. Poodles are notorious for their beautiful curly coats, but they do require a certain amount of attention to avoid matting and painful skin irritations. There are a few things to know and understand about poodle fur before you begin your bathing and grooming routine at home. Poodle fur is real hair that grows continuously, so routine care is a must. If opting for a professional groomer, your poodle will need to go roughly every weeks. Run clippers over the surface of feet, as well as in between toe pads. With your poodle on its hind legs, trim hair from the belly to back, get inside its hind legs, then move to the base of the tail and trim under the tail from the bottom. Check out this helpful video on grooming your poodle at home: Final Thoughts Poodles are all around great dogs and will make the perfect addition to any household. Still, there is a certain amount of attention their notoriously fluffy and curly coats need to avoid skin irritation and discomfort. Before choosing a shampoo for your poodle, consider any specific needs your poodle may have, such as an extra-gentle formula for puppies or a medicated shampoo to soothe skin irritation. Knowing how to bathe and groom your poodle properly is also super important to keep their skin and coat as healthy as possible and prevent matting from creating painful skin irritation. Poodles are smart, friendly, and make for a great family or show dog. With proper bathing and grooming techniques, your poodle will stay happy and healthy on the outside, as well as the inside. I hope you found it helpful. Here are some products that I personally believe every owner should employ to help ensure the best quality of life for their dogs. But in all honesty, these are the exact products that I use and recommend to everyone, even my own family. Lemonade Pet Insurance : Lemonade Pet Insurance has enabled me to afford a very high level of veterinary care for my dog, Angus. Even after he was diagnosed with cancer a few years back. This program actually works, and at a small fraction of the cost of hiring a dog trainer! Pet Plate is the dog food subscription service I use to provide extremely healthy, pre-portioned meals for my dog. Pet Plate gives my dog Angus the highest quality nutrition at a very affordable price. BarkBox : Without a doubt, my dog enjoys Barkbox more than anything else I buy him. BarkBox delivers a customized box of themed toys, treats, and other products to your door each month. In addition, I like that a percentage of proceeds is donated to local animal shelters. I Purchase this service for my dog Angus and have saved hundreds of dollars over visiting his local vet with questions or more minor health concerns. Brent Hartman I'm Brent Hartman. I've been a dog lover my entire life and have owned many animals over the years. When my black lab Angus passed away, I was looking for another friend to share my life with. As a result of my research, I've come to love poodles and wanted to share some of what I've learned with you. Whether you're looking to adopt a poodle, or already own one, I created Poodle report to be the ultimate guide to help you find the answers you need. Recent Posts. We only recommend products we have tested and are using on our own dogs! Are you — like me — one of the lucky people who is owned by a Poodle? Then you have fallen in love with their smart wits, sense of humor, zest for life and adorable looks. Poodles are renowned for their special coat — one of the reasons all Doodle breeds have been developed from them — but the care for that coat … can be tricky. My own white Miniature Poodle Ada is a challenge to keep clean and groomed. By the way: All of these were approved by my friend and professional groomer Elizabeth. Some of these shampoos are used by dog owners who show their dogs at conformation shows as well! Our Top Choice: The 1 Poodle Shampoo This is the shampoo Ada and I use every time we give her a bath — and I like to imagine she looks just as stunning as the pooch on the shampoo bottle! Specifically designed for curly coats and you cannot get a better product for your pooch. The shampoo lifts the individual hairs for maximum shape and volume, while also coating each hair to smoothen follicles and prevent matting or tangles. Seriously, try it out - you will love it so much! It is not only high-quality, but an amazing budget option as well! I used this on Ada and really enjoyed the Lavender scent, as well as the softness of her coat. Having a shampoo and conditioner in one product makes bath time easy for dogs that are impatient and want to get out of the tub quickly! Best Shampoo for Poodle Puppies Gentle ingredients, tear-free formula and baby powder scent — oh yeah. You can prevent a lot of future struggles by starting bathing your Poodle early in life! Plus - puppies get dirty. A lot. It is from the company Oster, which is the preferred brand among professional groomers. Your puppy will indeed smell and feel like he or she just got back from a professional hair appointment. Check the current price here! Best Shampoo for White Poodles Is your pup sparkling white? Or, well at least you wish — muddy-brown might be a more realistic description … Brightening shampoos are a great choice for white Poodles. They will get rid of tear stains and really make that coat sparkle. If you have a white Poodle or a Parti Poodle with a lot of white, this shampoo will be great to make him or her shine brightly. It removes tears stains all owners of white dogs will struggle with that! Best Shampoo for Black Poodles Have an ebony pooch? But with the right products, they will shine and shimmer in their ebony glory! This shampoo was specifically designed for black dogs. This shampoo is meant to be diluted - meaning that one bottle will last you many months, even if your pooch gets frequent baths. Veterinary Formula Triple Strength Dirty Dog Concentrated Shampoo Whether your Poodle loves to play in puddles or roll in the grass - this shampoo will get even the dirtiest dog to sparkle again! The green apple and white tea fragrance will make your pup smell much better than the mud he chose to run through! Best Shampoo for Pampered Poodles If your dog is used to luxury, this shampoo fits the bill. For doggy divas you know who I mean! It leaves the coat incredibly soft and it smells soooo good! Seriously, I could not stop smelling Ada after bathing her with this. My husband thought I was weird, whatever! It just smells so good. This one made brushing once my Poodle was blow-dried so easy, too! I liked the high-quality ingredients in this shampoo. I found that it was easy to lather and had a pleasant smell. I liked that it had the ability to enhance a light coat without being too harsh. Shampoos with natural ingredients are typically a good indicator of quality. The shampoo you choose should be free of soaping agents and any other harsh additives. This will help to keep it tangle-free and keep your pup looking their best. Some shampoos will be suitable for both adults and puppies, especially if they contain gentle, natural ingredients. Alternatively, you can buy a puppy specific shampoo. High-quality ingredients also add to the value of a shampoo. Additional Features Some shampoos will have specific purposes or additional features, such as being brightening or whitening, tackling fleas and ticks, or being medicated for skin issues. You can choose what best suits your dog if you feel they need a specific shampoo. They have hair rather than fur, unlike most other dog breeds. Just like humans lose some hair as it grows, so do Poodles, although it will be minimal. Either way, regular grooming is essential. It gives you an opportunity to spot lumps, bumps, and skin irritations and deal with them quickly. The grooming process can also help you to bond and build trust with your pup. Bathing them too regularly can strip their skin and coat of their natural oils. Since their coat is so curly and dense, often the hair they do shed becomes trapped within their curls, along with dirt and debris. You should get your Poodle used to baths early on where possible to reduce stress and help them adjust to process. I sometimes find it helpful to rinse twice just to be sure. Additional Grooming As well as bathing your Poodle, they also need to be brushed a few times a week to keep their coat free of mats and tangles. They may need more frequent brushing if you keep their hair longer, and less if you keep it very short. You should regularly trim their nails, usually every few weeks. Your Poodle should have a regular oral hygiene routine, including brushing their teeth and potentially using dental chews. This helps to keep their teeth and gums clean and healthy. You should bath your Poodle every 4 to 8 weeks, depending on how dirty they get. Can you use human shampoo on your Poodle? Since Poodles have hair rather than fur, you could use human shampoo on your Poodle. Conclusion Bathing your Poodle with the right shampoo helps to keep their skin and coat healthy. It also makes them clean and fresh ready for cuddle time.

Home » Breed » Golden Dox what you need to know before getting one Golden Dox what you need to know before getting one This page contains affiliate links. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post through our independently chosen links, which earn us a commission. The lifespan of the Golden Dox is around 10 to 14 years. In this article, I will be talking more about these adorable puppies and what to consider before taking them home. What is a Golden Dox? Both the Golden Retriever and the Dachshund have been household pet favorites for years. With its parentage, it seems like the Golden Dachshund is made for dog superstardom. Golden Weiner dogs are true people lovers; they love cuddles and just being around their human family. They are good around children, making them ideal house pets. Their friendly nature, however, does not make them ideal guard dogs. Golden Weiners are more likely to welcome strangers than scare them off. They are fine with other dogs, but not with other pets such as rabbits or cats. The Dachshund in them has the tendency to look at smaller animals as prey. Golden Dachshunds are not nuisance barkers and would only bark when they sense that something feels wrong. The Golden Dox loves playtime Golden Weiner dogs are a smart and highly energetic bunch that loves to play outdoors, something that they inherited from their parent breeds. Golden Retriever Dachshund mix need at least 60 minutes of play a day to release all their pent-up energy, or they may turn to chewing and digging. Training the Golden Dox Golden Dachshunds are quick to pick up on commands and learn tricks, but, just like any other breed, it is best to train them young. Starting training as early as 8 weeks old curbs their Dachshund tendency to be stubborn. The eager-to-please Golden Retriever side craves human affirmation so he will seek opportunities to make you happy. But this does not mean that the Golden Dox will obey all the time. Training for the Golden Retriever Dachshund mix has to be both positive and firm. They love positive reinforcement such as praise and treats for a job well done. What do they look like? How Golden Weiner puppies turn out will be largely dependent on which parent breed their genetic makeup is leaning towards. Some of these puppies have the head of a Golden Retriever and the body of a Dachshund, while others take on a different appearance. These hybrids are also described as little Golden Retrievers or bigger Dachshunds. How big do Golden Retriever Dachshund mixes get? As mentioned above the average size of a full-grown Golden Dox is 10 to 23 inches 25 to 58 cm in height and around 30 to 60 pounds 13 to 27 kg. There are also breeders who can give you miniature Golden Dox puppies, which are bred from Golden Retrievers and Mini Dachshunds. However, not much information is given on how tiny Mini Golden Dox puppies can get. The Golden Weiner inherited its muscular build from its Golden Retriever parent and got the long body and short legs of its Dachshund side of the family. You can expect moderate shedding from the Golden Dox all throughout the year. Their double coat can vary from short, medium, or long depending on what they inherit from their parent breeds. The hair can also be smooth or wavy. Grooming the Golden Weiner dog is simple. Daily brushing should keep their coat shiny and tangle- free. Visits to a groomer every other month is also recommended to ensure their coats remain healthy and attractive. Golden Dox ears need to be checked and cleaned once a week to avoid ear infection and his nails should be clipped every two to three weeks. Teeth should be brushed daily or at least three times a week. How can I keep my Golden Dox healthy and happy? As mentioned on the first paragraph the average lifespan of a Golden Dox is 10 to 14 years. Some common health issues are the same as what its parents have. These may be ear infections, intervertebral disc disease, and hip dysplasia. Where can I buy a Golden Dachshund? You can get them from breeders, but, sometimes, you can find a Golden Dox for adoption at rescues and shelters. Breeders who focus on the Golden Retriever-Dachshund mix may not be common, but you may check breeders of the Golden Retriever and the Dachshund. Conclusion Overall, the Golden Dox is ideal for an owner who can take the time to go out and play with it. They are active dogs that want you to be with him in their daily activities for them to be healthy and happy. These crossbreeds can be high-maintenance when it comes to your time and in affirmation. If you have the stamina, the Golden Retriever Dachshund mix is perfect for you. If you want to share your experience with the breed, feel free to submit a comment below. About Alexandra Animalso I was raised to be a dog person. My first Shepherd grew up as I did and wanted to be where I was at all times. I got my second dog as a 16th birthday present, and her loyalty for me was just as strong as my first. I hope that my contribution to Animalso will help others find dogs who give them that same unconditional love. Are the dams and sires of Golden Dox puppies always a Golden sire and Dachshund dam or does it go both ways? If so, is having a Golden dam or a Golden sire better? Being a wonderful companion, it always wants to be close to its people, pleasing the owner with its playful antics. These courageous dogs can also be stubborn, often exhibiting independent behavior. Since it has a hunting ancestry, it may chase small household pets, including cats, squirrels, and birds. Always wary of strangers, it will not hesitate to alert you of any suspicious activity, making for an excellent watchdog. Care Exercise Tiring it out with an hour of daily activity will keep your pet dog mellow and happy. Aside from jogging, walking, or running, your Golden Doxie will enjoy a game of retrieving the ball in the yard. Make sure you have your backyard properly fenced and also stop your dog from jumping on or off high places to avoid back injuries. Grooming It requires a fair amount of grooming, including brushing once a month to keep its hairs from tangling, and bathing when its coat becomes dirty. If it has the smooth coat-type, you should wipe your dog using a damp cloth to keep its fur clean. Brush its teeth on a daily basis to prevent bacterial infections. Health Problems Some Golden Weiners may be prone to some health conditions including intervertebral disc disease, epilepsy, progressive retinal atrophy, diabetes, bloating, and allergies. Training It can often be mischievous, and because of this, you need to be firm and consistent in your approach. Owing to its intelligence, the Golden Dox can learn to respond to commands quickly if motivated. Socialization Introduce your dog to a variety of unknown people and pets, and make sure it has positive experiences with them during its puppyhood. Puppies love exploring new things and form bonds until they are three to four months old. Invite your friends or relatives to come to your place frequently and tell them to offer treats. It will help your Golden Dox feel confident in the presence of friendly visitors. Be sure to keep it on the leash when in public. Let your Golden Doxie take part in dog sports like agility, flyball, and treibball since they provide a physical outlet for indulging in its favorite pastime. Feeding Give your Golden Dox one to two cups of quality dry food on a regular basis. You may also keep it on the BARF diet, which includes raw foods like fruits, vegetables, meat, and bones. The two dog breeds also love to spend their lives outside of their homes. Families who like to go on trips and spend time outside the house are perfect for the hybrid dog. Spend about thirty to sixty minutes a day to exercise with your dog. Take the Dachshund Golden Retriever on a walk in the morning and the evening. During the day, play fetch with the Golden dox leaning to the Golden Retriever side. If it is leaning to the dachshund side, the fetch game may not work as well. Make sure that your house has proper fences to avoid losing the hybrid dog. It is also ideal to avoid letting the Dachshund Golden Retriever from jumping off of high places to prevent leg and back injuries. Puppies love exploring things in their early days, which makes a trip to the woods an ideal exercise for your baby Golden Dox. Invite your friends to your house to give the dog the chance to form bonds with strangers at a young age. Make your friends offer treats to the Golden Dox to make it feel comfortable with friendly visitors. While in public, make sure that you keep your Golden dox on a leash to avoid losing your adventurous pet. It is also ideal for the hybrid dog to participate in dog sports like flyball, treibball, and agility exercises. Golden Retriever Dachshund Mix Training When training the Golden Retriever and dachshund mix, you need to be consistent with your technique. The Golden Dox are intelligent creatures and will react to orders quickly with proper motivation. Positive reinforcement can work on Golden Retrievers and dachshund, which makes it easier for owners to train a Golden Dox. The training method can also include having fun with your dog by going on quick runs and catches. Use treats, praise, and gifts as your positive reinforcement techniques. Golden retrievers are one of the most natural dog breeds to teach, which is why training will not be an issue if the hybrid puppy is leaning more on the Golden Retriever side. The retrievers dedicate themselves to exercise until they get the command right. Dachshunds are more challenging to train because of their stubborn personalities. They can quickly learn commands but feel less inclined to obey them. They mostly decide on what they want to do rather than listen to order if they are not in the mood. To understand better the Sausage pup personality, skim through Dachshund training and Dachshund potty training articles, as well as our Dachshund breed guide. If the pup is leaning to the Golden Retriever side, training will be a breeze. It is advisable for the whole family to use similar command gestures to avoid confusing the dachshund mixed with the Golden Retriever. It is also recommendable to start building a connection with the Golden Dox and let it calm itself before undergoing training. The Golden Dox love to chase and hunt smaller animals, which makes it vital to teach it how to obey commands. If you own a Golden Dox puppy, go through the best ways to train your puppy article, you will find lots of useful info there. Make sure to avoid the most common mistakes in dog training. It is also important to socialize the Golden Dox with other animals in its first months. The dogs leaning to the Dachshund side will chase after other pets, sometimes animals bigger than it, because of lack of training. Its energy levels are suitable for people who love to go outside and participate in activities. Dachshund Golden Retriever is also loyal when owners take the time and patience to raise them properly. The alert level of the Golden Dox is exceptionally high, making them great guards for a safe house. A Golden Dox is a welcome addition to a loving family. When owners dedicate their time to the dog, it will repay them with loyalty and affection. The price of a Golden Dox may be expensive, but it will be worth it when it starts to form bonds with each of the family members. If you are interested in more Dachshund mixes , take a look at our list of these mix cuties. There are actually lots of different names out there for this mix breed. So much so that it can get a little confusing when searching for a Golden weiner dog or Golden Dox for sale. Either term is fine, although Golden Dox is more common. You are probably more likely to find breeders and keen owners talking about Dox crosses than Weiner Dogs. Just make sure to see the parents when buying a puppy, to make sure you and the breeder really are on the same page. Want to train your dog without spending hundreds of dollars? Click Here to check out the brain training for Dogs course now! Why some people are concerned about this extreme hybrid and question the ethics in breeding it? There are some people that will dislike the idea of this cross because it is so extreme. There are fears over the health of the parents and litter, and the practices involved in creating the pups. Clearly, the most important issue on the minds of owners is the size of the dog. Golden retrievers are medium sized gun dogs with a good build. Dachshunds are tiny little hounds with long bodies and short legs. There are many short Golden Doxie dogs with longer bodies and the ears and color of the Golden. These factors will all depend on the leaning towards a certain parent. Some take after the Golden a lot, while others are much more like the Dachshund. Gender will also play its part here. The opposite would put a female Dachshund at risk because of the size of the puppies. Clearly, this safer method requires artificial insemination. Many breeders will go about this the correct way, and breed for healthier litters with fewer health concerns. Others wont think about the risks and could put the pups and mother at risk. Ideally, these pups wont have as many spinal issues, but there are still joint risks due to the heritage of the Golden Retriever. Other risks include epilepsy , bloating and some eye problems. Some Golden Doxes may live longer with proper care. Others will not live that long due to physical issues.

So, while this is not a reason not to get a GSD, it is a reason to look for adequate breeders, to ask for health certificates, to take good care of your dog, and to go to routine vet check-ups. German Shepherds can also be costly to take care of not just to purchase The regular vet visits, the high need for exercise, and the extra-space requirements all make the GSD a relatively expensive dog to take care of in terms of money as well. German Shepherds are very smart but that also makes them easily bored — they require lots of mental stimulation As with all smart dog breeds such as retrievers and other shepherds, the high intelligence of the GSD can be a curse as much as a blessing. So, what can be done to avoid boredom? Toys and time. However, an inexperienced dog owner can find a GSD to be more than a handful. Why is that? Simple — because they are so smart! Yes, their intelligence means that you can train them a lot but it also means they can be temperamental, manipulative, and stubborn! This breed is cute and cuddly at home but socially awkward in public German shepherds are incredibly cute, social, and loving animals. They are loyal to their family and would do anything for those close to them. What does this mean for you? Even if you just get a random GSD and not give it any special training or socialization, the dog may still get along just fine with a cat or a newborn baby. However, in general, the social awkwardness and guard-dog nature of GSDs means that they often need to be socialized well if you want to make other additions to the households down the line. Make sure that you teach your growing GSD to get along with other dog breeds in the dog park or at home. If you have a cat or are thinking of getting a cat, make sure your German Shepherd is accustomed to interacting with cats without any aggression. One of the best and easiest ways to avoid most of the problems above is to just get a second German Shepherd! Yes, we did just say that this breed can be a handful. However, a second dog usually brings much more benefits than negatives: The second dog will join the first in the playtime, meaning that both will exercise with each other very often and minimize the need for your involvement. Having a second GSD also means more mental stimulation for both dogs — again, less work for you and more fun for them. As natural guard dogs, German Shepherds may need to be trained not to bark Unfortunately, GSDs are especially bad for apartment owners not just because they are big but also because they tend to bark at strangers. They are guard dogs after all. This can be avoided, of course, there are ways to train any dog not to bark at strangers or at outside noises. There are several reasons for this: The frequent barking we mentioned above. Yes, you can train that behavior away but your landlord may still forbid you from getting a GSD. Getting a carpet or another type of floor insulation will help here. Giving your dog enough playtime outside will also alleviate this problem. But you may still get in trouble with your neighbors. They are just a large breed and many people, including parents of small children, are afraid of large dogs. Not only are GSDs not hypoallergenic, but they also tend to shed a lot! There are two main reasons for this: The aforementioned health concerns that some German Shepherds have and that get more and more likely as the dog gets older. The simple fact that the GSD is a large dog breed and larger breeds just have a shorter lifespan than smaller ones. As you can see, there are lots of factors to consider before getting a GSD. In general, the right GSD owner can be characterized as such: Has a larger-than-average home, a yard, and a nearby dog park. Has enough time to spend with a German Shepherd. Knows how to train and socialize a GSD properly. Has the financial means to support a German Shepherd. Wants a second dog to play with the first one. How to prepare for getting a German Shepherd? Just like soon-to-be-parents before their first baby, there are lots of books and research to comb through if you want to give your future German Shepherd the care, upbringing, socialization, and care it needs. So Make sure your home is ready for a large dog to soon start springing through it. Make sure you have the time and daily schedule to play with a GSD. Consider owning a Cairn Terrier! In this article, we explore who would benefit them as furry friends! Check them here! Read on to discover nine types of people who should consider owning this unique breed. Check this article to learn more about the types of people who are perfect for owning a Poodle dog! Of that number, a large amount is returned simply because the owners couldn't care for them. This is especially common for puppies that don't receive proper training. You might think that German Shepherds are exempt from these numbers. They're so obedient. They're trained to be police dogs; they're in the military; they're even trained to herd animals on farms. They take a lot of training to get there, though, especially German Shepherd puppies. While adopting a German Shepherd puppy is possibly one of the most rewarding experiences you could ever think of, it's definitely something to think about before taking the plunge. Luckily, we're here to help you learn all you need to know about taking care of puppies and even what you need to know beforehand. Read on to learn all you need to know about taking care of and raising German Shepherd puppies. Also don't forget to check out our custom german shepherd gifts as well! Ensure You'd Like to Adopt a German Shepherd The very first thing you need to consider is whether or not a German Shepherd puppy is going to match your lifestyle. They're a physically demanding breed that requires a lot of regular exercise and stimulation. If they don't get this, you can expect behavioral problems like chewing on and getting into things they shouldn't a common thing for any breed. They're a particularly aloof breed, but they make excellent and watchful family pets. German Shepherds may take time to warm up to strangers and even children, but with proper training and boundary establishment, they're very well-behaved dogs. The two other large things to consider before you decide; how much their care costs and just how big they can get. While some females can be as small as 51 pounds, some males can weigh up to 90 pounds. Typically, females are smaller than males, but German Shepherds are by no means a small breed. Their average height is anywhere from 22 to 26 inches. If you need a size comparison, the average height of a Pomeranian is around 10 inches tall. The other thing to consider is how much they're going to cost not only to adopt but also to care for. Since German Shepherds are typically a large breed, they're going to cost more to feed, transport, and care for on a day-to-day basis. Tips for Picking a Puppy Once you've figured out whether you can handle the financial responsibility of a German Shepherd puppy , it's time to pick out the puppy themselves. Here are a few things to consider, whether you're adopting from a breeder or a shelter. Look for Signs of Abuse and Neglect Abuse or neglect is likely to be more common in shelter puppies, but it's definitely a possibility if you're adopting from a breeder. Some signs of abuse can include: Food aggression or refusing to leave food when called Separation anxiety Antisocial behavior Submission Submission can be a tricky thing to spot at times, but it isn't impossible to detect. Sometimes in it's a dog's nature to be naturally submissive, and it's an important trait to have if they're going to be around established packs. Here are a few signs of abnormal submission that can point to emotional abuse, though: Cowering in fear or hiding when approached Rolling over or walking away with tail tucked between legs when approached Laying down or cowering while urinating These puppies aren't impossible to rehabilitate, but they're going to require patience. Scolding or becoming angry with an abused puppy will only make the problem worse, so it's smart to consider whether or not it's something you can handle. If you're not adopting from a shelter, it's important to ensure the breeder you're looking to work with is a reputable one. Adopting these breeders is an especially important thing you can do to ensure you're getting a healthy and well-cared-for puppy. Look Out for Their Demeanor But also be aware that, while they're still a puppy, you do potentially have some effect on their personality as they grow older. While there are definitely things you might not be able to change how much they enjoy affection, whether or not they like playing for hours or a few minutes , but there are still a lot of things you can affect. The things you can affect usually have to do with their overall temperament. With proper training and boundary-setting, aggressive puppies can be taught to socialize. The same goes for shy or insecure puppies. Curious and hyperactive puppies are already set up for success on the socialization front, but you'll have to show them proper interactions with other dogs and even humans. Training Milestones Once you've decided on a puppy, it's time to start training. These are important guidelines to take into consideration and also important to ensure you can achieve. While this article is going to focus on GSD puppies specifically, they're also milestones to take into consideration no matter what breed of puppy you decide upon. Socialization Socialization is important for any breed because it ensures that you can take your dog out in public safely. It is especially important, however, for German Shepherd puppies from the age of weeks old. As we talked about earlier, this breed is naturally protective of its owners. That's why it's important to establish from an early age which strangers are friendly and what situations are not a threat. The more variety you can provide with your puppy's interactions, the better. This means typical interactions, like going for a walk or visiting the dog park, but also rarer ones. Some examples might be a blind person's white cane that helps them navigate or meeting a person in a wheelchair. While these interactions aren't exactly uncommon to see, if your puppy is unfamiliar with them as they grow older, they might see them as a threat the first time they come across them. The most important thing to remember when it comes to proper socialization, however, is that your puppy will pick up on your cues. This means that confidence is key when it comes to training. If you're nervous the entire time you're attempting to socialize your dog, they're going to notice and become hesitant as well. Ensuring that you're safely exposing your puppy to new sounds, smells, and sights will give you both the confidence needed to live and work together. Crate Training Crate training is a great way to help your puppy avoid developing social anxiety. Like socialization, confidence and safety are crucial to this particular method of training. Your puppy's crate isn't a punishment. In fact, it's usually seen as a safe space for them to go when they want some alone time. To start crate training, begin by placing them in their crate for feeding times and when you sleep at night. It might be difficult when you first start, but it's important to stay consistent, as this shows your puppy that their crate is a place they're safe in. It's also great to leave them in their crate when you leave the house. How long you're gone is going to depend on their age the older they get, the longer they can wait to use the bathroom , but it's still a good way to ensure they're safe when left alone. House Training Crate training is also a great way to supplement house training — especially for GSDs. House training is usually simple for this breed, especially accompanied by supervision, patience, and consistency on the owner's part. When you first bring your puppy home, it's important to take them out at least once an hour, though this number will go down as they get older. Reward them when they use the restroom outside, and don't punish them if they have an accident inside. When you use harsh reinforcement, like shoving their nose in their urine, they're not necessarily going to understand what's going on. Instead, if they have an accident and you catch them in the act, simply pick them up and take them outside. This shows them where they're supposed to go, reinforcing the boundary rather than training from a place of fear. Chewing The same goes for chewing on or getting into items they're not supposed to. Yelling, hitting, or scaring your puppy is not an effective way to train them. Instead — when they're getting into things they shouldn't — remove the item from their possession or move them to a different location while firmly saying "no. In this case, toys are expected to be chewed on. Setting clear boundaries and expectations from day one is not only going to make training your puppy easier, but it's going to make it easier for them to trust you. Obedience Training Starting at three months, obedience training should take place for your puppy. This includes basic commands, impulse control, and teaching them which behaviors are inappropriate for them to exhibit. For impulse control, that means teaching them to stay when food is set in front of them. Inappropriate behaviors will depend on the owner, but this usually means things like excessive barking, digging, chasing especially cats and cars , or even jumping and begging. Establishing trust is important for your dog because the key to obedience training is having their focus be on you. You're the one giving the cue, so they have to be able to trust that you're guiding them appropriately. Having your puppy sit before getting food, being greeted by house guests, playing with a toy, or opening the door to go for a walk is a great place to start. In these situations, the more you can have the puppy's attention on you instead of the impulse, the more effective their training will be. That means lots of positive reinforcement with lots of treats! After 1 Year For many breeds, one year old is considered the "end" of puppyhood, but for a lot of german shepherds , that doesn't come until the age of two to three years old. It's important to continuously reinforce training methods like impulse control, obedience skills, and even possibly advancing to other, more specific, training skills like agility, herding, and even protection work. GSDs are capable of performing all these duties and even excel at them. When you give your puppy something a job to focus on at certain points throughout the day, you give them something to look forward to — dogs of any breed thrive on this. No matter what decision you make, a puppy will make a wonderful addition to any family they're added to — German Shepherd puppies are no exception to this. Overall, the breed is a very loving, loyal, and protective breed. They're going to have a natural affinity for you from the start. If you give them the proper love, affection, and training, you're definitely going to reap the rewards of the decision you made to adopt. Once you decide to adopt, your puppy is going to need a few supplies of its own. Check out our custom german shepherd gifts to show off your love for your puppy no matter where you both choose to venture. They are very loyal, intelligent and love to be kept active, so can be easy to train. They suit very active households as they need a lot of exercise every day. They are great dogs for owners with a lot of experience and time as, like most dogs, they can get bored easily. Unfortunately, German Shepherds do have a range of health issues due to the way they have been bred, which can end up being costly to owners and cause serious problems for the dog. Common health problems in German Shepherds German Shepherds are great dogs for the right owners, but they are at risk of certain conditions and illnesses common with the breed. Making sure the parents of your puppy have had the relevant health screening can reduce the chances of your puppy being affected by some of these upsetting conditions. This means that these types of dog have been bred over many years to look a certain way, but that these changes to the way they look have started to cause them health problems. For German Shepherds, this is mostly due to the shape of their back legs and hips. There is a screening test for this. There is a screening test. Inherited eye diseases — including cataracts and multifocal retinal dysplasia. There are screening testing for these. Epilepsy — a brain disorder causing seizures. Pituitary dwarfism — a hormone deficiency which causes severe growth problems and reduces lifespan. Haemophilia A and B — bleeding disorders that stop blood from clotting and cause wounds to bleed more than they should. Screening tests are available. This list is not exhaustive, and there are many other conditions that German Shepherds have been shown to be prone to. German Shepherds and barking As with any dog, German Shepherds are likely to bark. Their main purpose was for herding and guarding so they can be quite vocal when people walk past or enter or exit the house, but how much noise they make will vary from dog to dog. Training and socialisation Regardless of the age of your German Shepherd when you adopt it, you need to have clear boundaries to help keep them safe and happy. As with all training — consistency is key! Everyone in the family needs to follow the same rules. German Shepherds are very loyal to their owners and can be protective of their family. They can have a strong guarding instinct, so careful training and socialisation will be needed to prevent any guarding or aggressive behaviours. As with any dog, your German Shepherd will need to be well socialised with people, other animals and different objects and environments from a young age. Try to keep the time your German Shepherd is alone to an absolute minimum as they thrive on company and will worry about you if you leave them too long. You should never leave any dog alone for longer than four hours. Exercise Be prepared — German Shepherds are very active dogs! They need plenty of exercise to keep them happy and occupied. This will also stop them from barking out of boredom or having a nibble on the furniture. Your German Shepherd will need a minimum of two hours of exercise every day. This should include walks and off-lead exercise in a safe area, with extra playtime and training on top to give them a good variety. You can find out how much exercise your dog needs , or even find exercises you can do together online. Our vets recommend spreading exercise across the day rather than trying to do two hours all in one go. German Shepherds are a great breed if you enjoy long walks and spending loads of time exploring outside. If there are times when you are unable to give them the exercise they need, then arranging for a relative, friend or dog-walker to come and help would be essential. Grooming Be prepared for a lot of shedding because German Shepherds have such thick coats! Ideally, you should give your German Shepherd a brush or comb down a few times a week to keep their coat looking healthy, prevent matting and reduce the build-up of dead hair especially if they have a longer coat. You may want to take them to a professional for bath time because of their size. Will you give now to help people and pets in need? As the cost of living continues to rise, vet care could be out of reach for many. Donate to our emergency appeal now to provide vital vet care to pets in need and keep families together during this crisis. Donate German Shepherds and children Adult German Shepherds can range from being calm and patient to bouncy and boisterous, depending on their personality, training and socialisation. Some can make great family pets in homes with children of all ages, but dogs should always be supervised around young children. Make sure you can recognise the signs of unhappiness or anxiety in your dog to help avoid any conflicts. German Shepherds and other pets To help them be calm and patient, it's best to socialise your German Shepherd with other dogs and pets from a young age. Some can be a bit bossy with other dogs as they get older but with proper care, training and socialisation this is unlikely to become a problem. German Shepherds are usually fine with other family pets they have grown up with. Your vet will be able to tell you how much your dog should be eating. You should feed them a good quality, commercially available, complete dog food. We usually recommend splitting their daily allowance into two meals. If you give your dog the occasional treat or use treats for training, remember to take this into account and reduce their daily allowance. You should try to feed your dog at the same time every day to get them into a routine. Remember to leave at a gap after eating and before exercising. Beware unusually cheap puppies as they could come from a puppy farm. These breeders must do extra health tests and meet high standards. Set up costs Puppy vaccines — if you rescue a dog, reputable centres will often vaccinate them for you. Remember that ongoing booster vaccinations will be needed to continue their immunity. Neutering — you should usually arrange for your dog to be neutered at around six months old, though your vet will be able to advise you exactly when is best. Check prices at your local practice as these will depend on your vet and where you live. Some rescue centres will neuter any dogs they rehome, saving you this cost. Equipment — including a collar and tags, lead, harness, dog beds, dog bowls, pet-safe toothpaste and toothbrushes, grooming brushes and toys. Keep in mind that all these will need to be replaced with wear or damage or if your dog outgrows or damages them! Ongoing costs Food. Preventive healthcare — budget for routine vet visits to help stop your dog getting ill and catch any problems early. They need annual check-ups, vaccinations and regular flea and worming treatments. Check if your vet offers a health care plan as this can help spread the cost throughout the year. Accessories — including lots of poo bags, replacing worn toys and grooming accessories, buying doggy toothpaste and any other extras they might need. Other costs Training — basic training is very important and dogs can benefit from formal classes. Some dogs may have, or develop, behavioural problems which might need professional management. Boarding — you may also need to budget for boarding or dog sitting costs if you are planning to go away from home on holiday. If you are having difficulty with veterinary costs, you can check if you are eligible for treatment at PDSA here. Fun facts The first guide dogs for visually impaired people were German Shepherds. They were originally bred to be herding dogs, an instinct which still remains strong in the breed. They need lots of exercise and plenty to do to stop getting bored. Make sure you have enough space and time to give them the exercise and attention they need to stay happy and healthy. Rehoming centres There are plenty of rescue centres across the country where you may find a German Shepherd. Breed-specific rescues that specialise in German Shepherds are also out there. Good rescue centres should let you know of any health and behaviour problems. Breeders If you buy from a breeder, make sure your puppy will be well socialised and have all necessary screening tests, health checks and vaccinations. We recommend looking for a Kennel Club Assured breeder as they meet higher standards. Although a playful pup sounds endearing, consider how many games of fetch or tag you want to play each day, and whether you have kids or other dogs who can stand in as playmates for the dog. Click here for more information on this characteristic German Shepherd Dog Overview The German Shepherd Dog, recognized as the Alsatian in Great Britain and various parts of Europe, stands as one of the foremost canine breeds globally, often finding its place in the top 10 most favored breeds in the United States. Its distinction and fame can be attributed, in part, to a poignant tale from World War I. Amidst the turmoil of war, Corporal Lee Duncan rescued a young puppy from a war-torn breeding kennel in France. This pup, later named Rin Tin Tin, would become a legendary figure in the entertainment industry, starring in numerous films and amassing an astonishing 10, fan letters weekly during the pinnacle of its stardom. Beyond the silver screen, the German Shepherd has embraced a multitude of roles. From aiding the visually impaired and apprehending criminals to detecting illicit substances and serving in the military, this versatile breed has exhibited its prowess. It has also demonstrated its compassion by visiting the sick and exhibiting its herding instincts with livestock. Originating as herding dogs tasked with day-long duties, they possess substantial energy levels, necessitating ample physical activity and mental stimulation. A lack thereof can lead to undesirable behaviors like excessive barking and destructive chewing. Characterized by an aloof and occasionally wary disposition, they excel as vigilant watchdogs but may not exude the warm welcome typical of a family pet. Nevertheless, early exposure to diverse situations and individuals during puppyhood can cultivate adaptability. Descendants from American breeders often prioritize the pursuit of dog show accolades and distinctive aesthetics, sometimes at the expense of traditional working abilities. These dogs tend to exhibit heightened energy and determination. Thus, a visit to a shelter provides an invaluable opportunity to connect with your potential lifelong companion before making a commitment. German Shepherd Dog Highlights Renowned for their vigor and intellect, German Shepherds thrive when engaged in various activities such as learning, playing, and purposeful tasks. Daily routines should incorporate both physical exercises like jogging and Frisbee, as well as mental challenges like training sessions. The German Shepherd may not be the ideal choice if your schedule frequently keeps you away from home or requires extended absences. When left alone, they can develop feelings of unease or monotony, which might manifest through undesirable behaviors like excessive barking , chewing, and digging. German Shepherds often exhibit an aloof and cautious demeanor towards unfamiliar individuals. Initiating obedience training, commencing with puppy classes, aids in familiarizing them with other dogs and humans, while also instilling fundamental canine etiquette. Crate training proves invaluable not only for housebreaking purposes but also in instilling a sense of tranquility and contentment when separated from their owner. This aspect is particularly significant for the German Shepherd, as they can experience separation anxiety, leading to heightened distress when left alone. While they excel as vigilant watchdogs, it is essential to avoid chaining or tethering the German Shepherd solely for guarding purposes. This practice can result in frustration and potentially aggressive behavior. Optimal living conditions involve indoor coexistence with the family, along with access to a spacious, enclosed yard where they can expend their abundant energy. Consider exploring local shelters or breed-specific rescues for your next furry companion, including German Shepherds. Adopting from these sources before resorting to a breeder not only benefits the dog but also offers a chance to make a meaningful difference. An officer in the German cavalry, Captain von Stephanitz harbored a distinct ambition: to cultivate an unparalleled German herding dog. In preceding centuries, German farmers and their European counterparts relied on dogs to manage and safeguard their livestock. Certain canines gained legendary status for their herding prowess, prompting shepherds to traverse great distances to mate their female dogs with distinguished sires. However, as von Stephanitz astutely observed, the local herding dogs had yet to evolve into a distinct and unified breed. In , upon retiring from his military career, von Stephanitz embarked on a new chapter dedicated to his passion: experimenting with dog breeding to fashion an exceptional German herding dog. Drawing inspiration from the British, renowned for their exceptional herding dogs, von Stephanitz studied various breeding techniques. He traversed Germany, attending dog shows and closely observing German-style herding dogs. Amidst the fine examples he encountered—athletic, intelligent, and capable—he found a crucial element lacking: a single dog that encapsulated all these traits. While von Stephanitz initially intended the breed to excel in herding, the industrialization of Germany led him to envision a different path. Among them was an American corporal from Los Angeles, who rescued a newborn puppy from a war-ravaged kennel in France. However, the aftermath of the war introduced challenges. By , he recognized certain unfavorable traits emerging in German Shepherds, such as poor temperament and dental issues. He instituted a rigorous quality control system, requiring dogs to pass rigorous tests before breeding, assessing intelligence, temperament, athleticism, and overall health. American breeding prioritized appearances and show wins, while German Shepherds from Germany remained steadfast in their working abilities. In the face of performance challenges and genetic health concerns among American-bred dogs, a shift began, with some U. This breed falls squarely within the medium to large dog category, characterized by a strong and robust build that exudes both elegance and power. Adult German Shepherds typically possess a height range of 22 to 26 inches 56 to 66 cm at the shoulders, with males often standing slightly taller than females. However, these measurements may vary based on factors such as genetics, lineage, and geographical regions of breeding. This weight range contributes to their substantial and muscular appearance, reflecting their historical role as herding and working dogs. Their well-proportioned body structure, characterized by a level back, strong hindquarters, and deep chest, further emphasizes their agility and strength. While their imposing stature contributes to their role as capable guardians and protectors, it is important to note that their size is coupled with intelligence and an eager-to-please temperament. This blend of physical prowess and mental acuity positions them as versatile companions, excelling in various roles such as search and rescue, police work, service, and family pets. Maintaining an ideal weight and overall health is crucial for the well-being of German Shepherds. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and routine veterinary care contribute to their longevity and vitality. These dogs are inclined toward reserve, forming connections not instantly but deeply, and once those bonds are forged, their loyalty knows no bounds. Within their family circle, they exhibit an affable and approachable demeanor, yet when faced with threats, they can transform into stalwart protectors, showcasing their exceptional watchdog abilities. Endowed with remarkable intelligence and trainable instincts, this breed thrives when given a purposeful task—no challenge is too great. However, one aspect that requires careful consideration is their need for companionship and engagement. Prolonged periods of solitude do not align well with their nature. Without the necessary interaction, exercise, and opportunities to engage their sharp minds, they can experience boredom and restlessness. A German Shepherd left under-stimulated and isolated from family activities may resort to undesirable behaviors, such as excessive barking and destructive chewing. In line with all canines, early socialization proves pivotal for a well-rounded development. The German Shepherd should be exposed to diverse people, environments, sounds, and encounters during their formative stages. Such socialization lays the foundation for an adaptable and balanced adult dog, equipped to handle a variety of situations with confidence and ease. By embracing these qualities and providing suitable outlets for their energy and intellect, the German Shepherd can evolve into an outstanding companion and guardian, embodying the best of their remarkable personality traits. German Shepherd Dog Health German Shepherds typically enjoy good health, yet, akin to all breeds, they have susceptibility to specific health conditions. Hip dysplasia can manifest with or without apparent symptoms. Some dogs may display lameness and discomfort in one or both hind legs, with arthritis potentially developing as they age. Screening for hip dysplasia through X-ray assessments is conducted by organizations like the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals or the University of Pennsylvania Hip Improvement Program. Dogs with hip dysplasia should not be used for breeding. The consequence is painful lameness. Veterinary recommendations could encompass surgical intervention or pain management medications. Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus Bloat : A life-threatening situation predominantly affecting deep-chested large dogs, bloat occurs when the stomach distends due to gas or air and subsequently twists. Immediate medical attention is crucial to prevent shock and possible fatality. Suspect bloat if your dog exhibits abdominal distension, excessive salivation, retching without vomiting, restlessness, lethargy, and rapid heart rate. Dogs with DM struggle to coordinate hind leg movements, often progressing to an inability to walk. Treatment options are limited, although rare instances might involve vitamin deficiencies, necessitating vitamin supplementation. Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency EPI : This genetic pancreatic disorder diminishes digestive enzyme production, leading to impaired food digestion and absorption. Symptoms include gas, appetite loss, weight reduction, altered stools, and increased hunger. Allergies: German Shepherds are susceptible to various allergies encompassing contact and food sensitivities. Indicators may involve persistent scratching, paw licking, and facial rubbing. Consult your vet if such symptoms emerge. This translates to a surplus of energy that necessitates daily exercise for release. Extended periods of solitude without physical exertion can result in issues. Boredom and inactivity pave the way for undesirable behaviors, such as chewing , digging , and barking. To satiate their energetic demands, German Shepherds require both physical engagement jogging, playful sessions at a dog park and mental stimulation participation in agility or obedience competitions. Similar to many herding breeds, German Shepherds have a penchant for vocalization. Furthermore, these dogs have an inclination for chewing, and their formidable jaw strength can swiftly demolish various materials. German Shepherd Dog Feeding Tailoring a diet for a German Shepherd Dog requires consideration of their large size and elevated energy demands. Seeking guidance from your veterinarian or a certified nutritionist is prudent to determine the appropriate nourishment and portion sizes for your German Shepherd. As they progress through puppyhood, adulthood, and senior stages, their dietary requisites will evolve. Remaining attentive to these nutritional shifts is crucial. For German Shepherd puppies, particular attention is necessary when it comes to feeding and physical activity. Their rapid growth between four and seven months leaves them susceptible to bone-related issues. To mitigate such concerns, a high-quality, low-calorie diet is advisable to regulate their growth rate. Grass surfaces are more suitable, and puppy agility with minor jumps is permissible. Cautious portion control is essential to prevent excessive weight gain and potential joint complications. Striking a balance with treats, promoting regular exercise, and adhering to scheduled mealtimes, as opposed to constant access to food, safeguards against overfeeding. By being attentive to their dietary needs and mindful of their activity levels, you can contribute to the well-being and overall health of your German Shepherd. German Shepherd Dog Coat Color And Grooming Originally bred to manage flocks in challenging climates, the German Shepherd boasts a medium-length double coat that suits this task impeccably. This coat serves as a natural shield against rain, snow, and prevents the accumulation of burrs and dirt. The German Shepherd exhibits a diverse range of coat types and colors. The outer layer features dense, straight hair that lies close to the body, occasionally presenting a wavy or wiry texture. Notably, the American Kennel Club does not endorse white as an accepted color for conformation shows, though they remain eligible for other competitions. Prospective German Shepherd owners must brace for hair on various surfaces, from clothing to furniture. While no foolproof remedy exists for shedding, regular brushing , ideally two to three times a week, can help manage the hair situation by capturing more in the brush than on furnishings. A reliable vacuum cleaner also proves advantageous. Despite their shedding reputation, German Shepherds tend to maintain a fairly clean and odor-free disposition. Supplying durable and secure dental chew toys or bones can combat tartar buildup, especially on the back molars. Supplementing this with periodic brushing using a soft toothbrush and dog-specific toothpaste enhances gum and teeth well-being. German Shepherd Dog Children And Other Pets A well-trained German Shepherd that has been exposed to children, especially during their puppyhood, can make an excellent companion for kids. Some liken them to a blend of a caretaker and a guardian, as they exhibit gentleness and protective instincts towards the youngsters within their family. However, given their size, there is a potential for accidental bumps with toddlers or small children. Their reserved demeanor translates into a cautious approach with unfamiliar kids, yet their reliability generally prevails. While not overtly exuberant, German Shepherds can harmoniously coexist with other dogs and pets, provided they receive proper guidance from their early days. In such cases, enlisting the aid of a professional trainer or seeking guidance from the rescue organization, if you obtained the adult German Shepherd from there, can prove beneficial. German Shepherd Dog Rescue Groups Many individuals acquire German Shepherds without a comprehensive grasp of the responsibilities associated with their ownership. A multitude of German Shepherds are seeking adoption or foster care, and numerous breed-specific rescue organizations are spread throughout the nation. Below are a few links to a few of these German Shepherd rescue groups. November 8, In search of a new forever best friend? Not sure what puppy breed works best for you and your family? The German Shepherd Dog, one of the top ten popular breeds in the United States, is known for their regal appearance, bravery, intelligence, and noble character. They are hard-working dogs that fit into a variety of service jobs, but can also be amazing family dogs, making them an all-around great breed for dog lovers! How do you know if the German Shepherd Dog is the right fit for you and your family? German Shepherd Dogs are a younger breed that started in Germany in by Captain Max Von Stephanitz who sought to create an unmatched herding dog. But as Germany became more and more industrialized, the breed shifted from herding work to police and military training. Hundreds of these dogs made their way to the United States during WWI, one such being a small five-day-old puppy that was rescued from a destroyed kennel in France and brought home to the states to Los Angeles. This puppy later grew up to be one of the most famous four-legged movie stars, Rin Tin Tin, starring in 26 movies, forever making the German Shepherd Dog breed a popular choice in the nation! If you are looking for an attractive dog, look no further! German Shepherd Dogs have beautiful coats, strong muscular builds, a square muzzle, long bushy tail, and a black mask. Some colors like red and black, or tan and black, have distinct markings such as saddle or blanket on their back. However, German Shepherd Dogs come in a variety of colors: sable, silver, liver, panda, solid black, and solid white. What are German Shepherd Dog Personalities like? German Shepherd Dogs can be reserved, often appearing aloof toward new people, but this very loyal breed loves their families and can be very affectionate. While they can be wary of new people and protective of their family, with the right socialization, German Shepherd Dogs can be friendly and easy-going. They are an intelligent and high-energy breed that thrives with a job to do. Due to this, without the proper or consistent amount of stimulating work, they can easily become bored and frustrated. Those feelings could translate into behaviors like barking, howling, or chewing. As they get older, they'll equally enjoy relaxing with you at home and getting up with you to do the next fun activity! If you are a lover of going for long walks or runs, enjoy hiking on the weekends, or trips to the beach depending on where you live, a German Shepherd Dog will gladly trot alongside you! German Shepherd Dogs while they can be independent, do crave to be with their family and offer great companionship. With crate training, your German Shepherd puppy will learn to adapt to being left alone for periods of time without developing separation anxiety, however, this breed thrives with interaction and will do best a puppy parent that can provide them with a balanced amount of alone and accompanied time throughout the day. Like many large breed dogs, German Shepherd Dogs can suffer from some common illnesses including hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy, degenerative spinal stenosis, and Von Willebrand disease. Thankfully, responsible breeders today have bred out many of these and improved the health of the breed significantly! When you bring home your new German Shepherd puppy, schedule their first veterinarian visit to discuss appropriate health care, proper nutrition and supplements, and exercise. German Shepherd Dogs tend to shed regularly and heavily twice in the year during the Spring and Fall season. With soft undercoats and harsher topcoats, they would do best with regular brushing once a week will help remove their dead fur and maintain healthy skin! Note: When looking for a reputable German Shepherd Dog breeder, go through an accredited website such as AKC for their breeder locator. Additionally, many pure-breed and mixed German Shepherds are available in rescues and shelters for adoption! German Shepherds are smart and hard-working, so puppy training will not only provide them with the stimulation they crave but also solidify your communication, trust, and overall relationship! Early puppy training Lay the foundation for good behavior the day your puppy comes home, introducing them to basic obedience. Keeping your puppy on a leash at home while under supervision will help to build their focus on you as their leader and also help keep them from darting away. Soon, build up to more obedience training commands, work on their focus through distractions, and start to introduce training in different locations such as your yard, or neighborhood to solidify their communication with you in any situation. Also, check out the rest of our Puppy Training and Puppyhood Made Easy for New Owners series to guide you through what to train your puppy next, how to troubleshoot, and other important topics every puppy owner should know! Going back to their wilder instincts, puppies will naturally avoid soiling where they sleep. Crate training your German Shepherd Dog puppy will help boost their confidence and resilience while learning to be alone at home. Socialization is a must German Shepherd Dogs are natural protectors and benefit greatly from being socialized with other dogs, people, new places, textures, and sounds. When done correctly, s ocialization helps teach your puppy the proper way to greet people, other dogs and create boundaries. During socialization sessions, you can work with your puppy on barking or jumping, which are common puppy behaviors when they are excited or over-stimulated when meeting strangers. And if you're not sure how to do this on your own, hire a local puppy trainer to help set you up for the best success! Consider advanced training to keep them engaged German Shepherd Dogs are very intelligent and have high-prey drives which mean they love to work! Along with basic obedience, dog sports like agility are a great way to motivate them and help your puppy work out their energy. Agility helps establish a stronger communication bond through body language while your puppy is participating. Developed as part of K9 and military dog training, this is a perfect activity for your German Shepherd to burn off some mental and physical steam! Did you recently bring home a German Shepherd Dog puppy? Are you still planning and not sure what breed fits your lifestyle? Let us know in the comments! Check out these blogs related to puppy training and more!

Breed Title Goldador Puppies Temperament Goldadors are an amazing combination of the intelligence and trainability of the Labrador and the friendly, gentle personality of the Golden Retriever. With their outgoing, friendly character and sweet disposition, Goldadors make excellent family pets around children and other animals as they have a great aptitude for understanding people. In terms of temperament, these beloved pups are highly sociable but not overly boisterous or hyper; they enjoy playing fetch but rest just as happily on your lap or at your feet while you work. Golden Labrador Retriever Puppy Health Considerations Though generally very happy and long-lived — with an average lifespan of around years — our Goldadors for sale are not without their unique health concerns. Like every breed of dog, there are a few conditions you should be aware of before you consider purchasing one of our Golden Labrador Retriever puppies for sale. Understanding the risks allows you to know the signs and prevent small health concerns from turning into big ones. Finding a Golden Labrador puppy for sale from a reputable breeder can also dramatically — although, not eliminate — the risk of your dog developing some of these conditions. Depending on the climate they live in, Goldadors may need regular baths — however omitting shampoo once or twice a year will ensure their coat retains its natural oils. Finally it is recommended to check the ears regularly and trim nails as needed. Adopted Golden Labrador Retriever Puppies. Life Span Did You Know? The Golden Labrador is a designer dog breed that originated in the United States. They are a cross between a Golden Retriever and a Labrador Retriever. The goal was to combine these two highly popular breeds to create a dog that exhibits the best traits from both of them. A mixed dog breed can take after one parent breed more than the other or any combination of traits from the parent breeds. This can result in some variation among individual puppies. But, overall, a Golden Labrador is friendly, intelligent, energetic, and affectionate. Although this mixed breed is not recognized by the American Kennel Club, they are recognized by other notable organizations like the American Canine Hybrid Club and more. This large designer breed is characterized by their energetic personality and friendly disposition. Both of the parent breeds in this cross are open, friendly, and affectionate, so you can expect the same in your Golden Labrador puppy. They are very playful and get along fabulously with children, other dogs, and other pets. They may be alert enough to be a good watchdog, but they do not make good guard dogs. They are instinctually more interested in making new friends and getting attention than they are with anything else. They can have a slight prey drive, but most of the time, they are just curious and interested in playing and making friends. The Golden Labrador is a moderately adaptable dog breed. Their large size and energy tend to make them a better fit for larger homes with room to run. They can adapt well to apartment living as long as they are given enough exercise and mental stimulation. But, small spaces can be a challenge because they are large dogs that are so playful and energetic. Golden Labradors do well in just about any climate. As with most dog breeds, they are sensitive to heat and extreme cold. Because they love their families, thrive on attention, and get bored easily, they do not like to be left alone for long periods of time. As a mixed breed, a Golden Labrador can inherit the potential health conditions of one or both of the parent breeds. Although the Golden Labrador is a relatively healthy dog breed, there are some potential health conditions to be aware of. These include eye problems like progressive retinal atrophy and joint issues common to large dogs like patellar luxation and hip dysplasia. Like their parent breeds, the Golden Labrador can be prone to weight gain, which does put them at risk of diabetes later in life. Reputable breeders will screen their stock to ensure genetic conditions are not being passed on to puppies. Regular vet visits, proper nutrition, and sufficient exercise can help keep your dog healthy and reduce preventable diseases. Both of the parent breeds in this cross are highly intelligent and highly trainable, so the Golden Labrador should be no different. Eager to please their owners, these dogs pick up on things quickly and respond best to positive training methods focused on praise and reward. This dog breed, like both of the parent breeds, is a great fit for owners of all experience levels, including first-time dog owners. Their high energy can sometimes be a challenge, so you may want to consider puppy training and obedience classes. This designer dog breed may be called a Golden Labrador, but they can show up in many colors. A cream, yellow, or golden coat may be the most common, but a Golden Labrador can also have a black, red, or brown coat. It tends to be a dense double coat that is short or medium in length. This dog breed will shed moderately year-round with heavier shedding sessions twice a year as the seasons change. During seasonal changes, you may want to increase to daily brushing. Not only will this make your dog more comfortable, but it will also decrease the amount of loose fur that ends up around your house. In addition to coat care, you will also need to handle nail, ear, and dental care for your Golden Labrador. Floppy ears tend to trap more dirt, moisture, and debris, which makes them more prone to developing ear infections than ears that stick straight up. Unfortunately, this is often overlooked, which is why gum disease is one of the most common health issues in dogs. Beyond that, you can use vet-approved dental hygiene chews and treats and even a specially-formulated dental care diet to supplement your efforts. Getting them used to it early and keeping it a positive experience can make grooming a lot easier as your puppy grows into a big dog! Plus, it can become a bonding experience that your dog looks forward to. Golden Labradors are high-energy dogs. Daily walks, playtime, and some extra activity are generally enough for this dog to stay happy and healthy. But, they will probably tire out before you do! Their friendly nature makes the Golden Labrador a great fit for trips to the dog park. Try teaching your dog how to play frisbee. With their retriever background, it could become one of their favorite activities. You can also train your Golden Labrador for several dog sports like agility, dock diving, obedience, and more. A fully-grown Golden Labrador usually stands inches tall at the shoulder and weighs between pounds. A Golden Labrador generally lives years. Although Golden Labrador is the most popular name for this designer dog breed, they are also sometimes referred to as a Goldador or a Goldador Retriever. Featured Golden Labrador Article. Simba 2yrs old Golden Lab St. Catharines This is Simba! Simba has lots of energy, loves going for walks, can play fetch for eternity but is also always cuddled up by my side. It breaks my heart to have to give him away as I love him so much.Call or text only. Friendly playful well tempered and seriously good.Gorrie One sweet, 7-week-old female puppy ready for a new home next week! Has had vaccinations, vet check and deworming. Mother is on site and very good.Jacobs Mixed large breed puppies for sale. Call or text us to get a quick reply. Raised on the farm. Lots of experience playing with children. Have had their first shots and dewormed. Vet checked healthy. Come and pick out your new.Played and socialized with kids and adults every day! We have 8 black and 2 yellow pups available. Mama dog is the picture of the chocolate lab, and the golden retriever is.Great family dog! Best of both worlds. Dad is purebred golden retriever. Parents DNA tested. Super friendly breed and good with our kids. Mom is pure lab, Dad is red lab x golden.Some search tips we've found useful: Try a different or more general keyword Expand search location.

However, these numbers are not set in stone, as some pups do grow faster, and some a bit slower. From there on, their growth will slow down significantly. Around the time they are 18 to 24 months old, Boxers finish growing. Naturally, larger Boxers will reach their adult size later than Boxers on the lower end of the scale. However, all Boxers will continue to gain girth and fill up their chest cavities well over their first birthdays. If their paws look disproportionately big compared to the rest of their body, they still have some growing to do! Boxer is a medium to large sized breed with a boxy chest and muscular body. Full-grown female Boxers usually weigh around 50 to 65 pounds, and stand around .Male full-grown Boxers usually weigh more than females with an average of 65 to 80 pound body weight. They usually stand around 23 to 25 inches tall at the shoulder. Full-grown Boxers can weigh anywhere between 50 to 80 pounds, and stand around .We hope you found this Boxer size guide helpful in understanding the sizes and growth patterns of Boxers. After all, knowing the estimated adult size of your Boxer puppy will provide you a better understanding of what type of living conditions you can provide them. After all, what every dog owner wants is for their furry little companion to thrive and live the best life possible! This post may contain affiliate links. Read more here. Courage and loyalty are attributes the Boxer is usually described with. With a good work ethic, playful demeanor, and a goofy face, this dog breed ranks among the top 10 in the USA for a while now. Their nobility and elegance came to focus after the originally working breed Boxer became unemployed during the early 19th century. The breed name derives from the way they defend themselves with their paws while playing. It really appears as the dog spars with the front paws. There is no doubt one might be tempted to get bring home one of these loving fellas. The growth in dogs has much to say about their health and potential — but how? While growing up dogs that suffer from some diseases might stagnate more than others. Boxers are a medium to large dog breed and are pretty safe from the usual bone and muscle disorders in larger dogs. However, hip dysplasia remains one of the most common issues. Reputable breeders will let you meet the parents and give you contacts from owners of puppies born in previous litters. Most Boxer puppies will correspond just fine to the ranges mentioned for their age. It is super important to not rush the growing process. Dogs that are overweight can experience problems later on in life that might have been avoided by maintaining an appropriate body condition. Moreover, the veterinarian can have the pup checked for possible health conditions causing the slow growth. Photo by otsphoto on Shutterstock Even with late bloomers, there is no reason to worry. Some dogs experience growing episodes sooner than others. The same rules apply to puppies that grow too fast. Damage due to wrong feeding can be avoided by using high-quality premium food and sticking to the recommendations according to weight and age on the labels. Never miss out on consulting your vet on the topic first — they will be glad to guide you through it! Boxer Growth Stages Until they reach adulthood, Boxers go through 3 growth stages. The general difference between the growth stages is how fast the puppy grows during the period and how they appear in posture and body condition. The first stage is from birth until they are 2 weeks of age. After the second week, the growth rate slows down. Most breeders wean the puppies off around the 4th-5th week. At 18 months of age, you can probably introduce your companion as a fully developed, curious, and independent adult Boxer. Boxer puppies have somewhere between 2. At the end of the first stage, they can reach around 4. At 1 month of age, their stuffed muscle figure comes at about 5. By the time they are 16 weeks old, males weigh lbs .Male Boxers are expected to have approximately lbs .In the next six months, the growth slows down to about lbs 0. Male Boxers should weigh around lbs kg by the time they reach 6 months of age. Female boxer puppies are expected to have lbs kg when they are half a year old. Since the Boxer qualifies as a medium to large breed, it takes longer for them to reach their full-sized version compared to other smaller breeds. There are exceptions when Boxers complete the growth at 20, even 24 months. Female Boxers that are done growing up weigh approximately lbs kg and stand .Their male counterparts have between 60 and 70 lbs kg and are 23 to 25 inches cm tall. In the meantime provide quality food, regular exercise, and maintain regular veterinary check-ups to ensure their well-being. As with all other dog breeds, some adult Boxers will be smaller than the standard dimensions of the breed. On the other hand, there is a handful of those that are larger than the standard too. Genetics is the most probable cause for this. Rarely do Boxers end up being smaller than the rest due to low production of the growth hormone. Luckily growth hormone problems in Boxers are very rare and other breeds such as the Miniature Pinscher, Spitz, or Karelian Bear Dog are more prone to the condition. Growth defects in dogs can appear due to Dwarfism Achondroplasia. Minor deformities can be surgically corrected, but again with a dubious prognosis. In Conclusion Understanding the growth chart will help you understand what role nutrition, diet, and exercise plays and adjust accordingly. Getting rid of excess weight or ruling out health issues is something you and your vet can work on together. Disclaimer: This blog post does not substitute veterinary attention and does not intend to do so. I am not a veterinarian or pet nutritionist. If your dog shows any sign of illness, call your vet. Post navigation. We can see when your Boxer puppy will become their adult size and reach its full height. Your new puppy will grow rapidly for the first two weeks. Your pup should weigh between 4. When your doggo is between six and eight weeks old, they should also prepare for their first vaccinations. Males should be around 17 to 19 inches .At one year old, females should weigh between 55 and 65 pounds .Many factors are involved. For your doggo to maintain a healthy lifestyle, monitoring their growth and weight is a good idea. How can you tell how big a Boxer will get? Within the first six months of age, your Boxer will grow rapidly. You can tell how big your pooch may get by looking at their paws and head. For example, your furry friend may look disproportionate for a while. However, some parts of their body will catch up to the rest within a few months or even a few weeks. Is your Boxer at a healthy weight? You can typically tell whether or not your Boxer is at a healthy weight by their ribs. But, on the other hand, if you can feel and see their ribs, they may be underweight. Always check with your vet to be on the safe side. What are some Boxer dog body shape changes? Boxer puppies grow in height faster than their weight gain. When this dog breed matures and becomes an adult, they will have a wide chest. But, overall, Boxer is strong and lean. In addition, different factors are involved when it comes to impacting how your dog grows. In addition, reputable breeders should have this information. The nutrition you feed your pooch can help or hinder their growth. For example, if you feed them dog food with unhealthy fillers and lots of fat, they may become obese, thus hurting their growth and overall health. Will neutering or spaying your Boxer affect their growth? Spaying or neutering your Boxer has more pros than cons. For example, some health conditions may include hip dyslexia, bloat, acne, arthritis, and cancer. The best way to ensure your pooch remains healthy is to work together with your veterinarian. Take your dog to regular vet appointments at least once per year for an annual check-up. In addition, talk to your vet about the type of dog food and exercise your Boxer should be getting. If your doggo is overweight or underweight, the vet will be able to help. Finally, properly groom your doggo. Physical activity Boxers need plenty of room to run around and stretch their legs. However, they love to play and enjoy a round of fetch with you in a fenced-in yard. Just be sure to wait until their bones and joints are fully developed before taking them for jogs or hikes. Otherwise, they could have joint issues later in life. Dangers of stunted or accelerated growth If your Boxer is a little bigger or small than the others of its breed, that may not necessarily be a bad thing. However, some issues can occur. For example, your pooch may be smaller due to a growth hormone deficiency. This controls the growth rate in dogs, their bone and teeth development and maintains a healthy coat. Dwarfism could also be the reason. When do Boxers stop growing? You can expect your Boxer to be fully grown and stop growing between 18 and 24 months of age. This system works on a scale of one to nine. One means your pup is underweight and unhealthy. Nine means they are extremely overweight. The ideal place on the scale where you want your large dog to be is a five. What should you do if your Boxer is growing too fast? Growth disorders can occur in larger dogs, such as Boxers. If you notice your dog growing too fast, talk to your vet first. How to help your Boxer lose weight if he is overweight? This includes their diet and exercise. Take a look at what dog food you feed your pooch. In addition, do you feed your doggo people food and table scraps? Do Boxer mixes vary in size? If you want to learn more, you can read about Boxer mixes here. How Big Is Your Boxer? These happy doggos are a delight to have around. Boxers are great companions dogs for anyone young or old. While this pooch can have certain health conditions, they do have an average growth track. Overall, with proper exercise and dieting, your Boxer will develop into a happy, healthy pup. Did your Boxer puppy grow on track? Let us know in the comments below. Further reading: Learn more about the Growth of other Dog Breeds. Male Dog Track your Boxer's weight and compare it to other dogs! Discover the ideal weight for your Boxer and track his progress! Register your dog or puppy now for free and become a part of our growing community of over 7. Boxer: Frequently asked questions about the dog breed How much does a Boxer puppy weigh? Typically, a Boxer puppy weighs around 12,5 - 22,9 lbs at 2 months old and continues to gain an additional 18,24 lbs over the next 2 months. By approximately 18 weeks, when the puppy reaches the adolescent stage, a Boxer puppy weighs about 29,2 - 38,5 lbs. What is the typical size of a Boxer? The size of an Boxer can vary depending on gender and genetics. Generally, male Boxers reach a shoulder height of approximately 60 cm, while females have an average shoulder height of around .When is the dog breed Boxer fully grown? The dog breed Boxer usually reaches full physical maturity at about 15 to 15 months of age. However, this may vary from individual to individual, as each dog has its own growth rate. What is the average weight of a fully grown Boxer? The weight of a fully grown Boxer dog can vary depending on factors such as gender and genetics. On average, male dogs of this breed typically weigh between .Female dogs, on the other hand, usually have a weight range of .What is the average lifespan of a Boxer dog? Boxers generally have a life expectancy of approximately 10 to 12 years. With proper care, nutrition, and regular veterinary attention, they can lead happy and healthy lives. Our goal is to promote and support healthy growth of your dog.

All dogs are unique and grow at their own rate. Pro Tip: Check out our complete guide to puppy care to ensure your Lab gets off to a great start. As a medium to large breed, Labrador Retrievers need at least one year to reach their full size. A general rule of thumb suggests your Lab should be at or close to its full size by their first birthday. However, bigger-boned Lab puppies can keep growing and filling out their chest up to 18 months old. How big should a 6-month-old Labrador Retriever be? The average Lab weight at six months old is about 40 to 55 pounds for males or 30 to 35 pounds for females. Please keep in mind that these numbers are averages, and every puppy will grow at a slightly different rate. How much bigger will my Labrador Retriever get? There are three ways to predict the size of a Labrador Retriever at maturity: Age. Labrador Retrievers typically reach their full height and weight around their first birthday. Larger Labs may need up to 18 months to fill out their chest, but any weight gain after 12 months should be minimal overall. If your Lab is less than a year old, they are likely still growing and putting on muscle to reach their adult size. Paw Size. If their paws look oversized next to their legs and body, then they are probably still growing, as this is a classic puppy feature. Lastly, if you purchased your Lab through a breeder, you can contact them for a more exact height and weight estimate. What is the size of a full-grown Labrador Retriever? A full-grown Labrador Retriever weighs between 65 and 80 pounds and stands about .The average weight of a full-grown female Labrador Retriever should be about 55 to 70 pounds, standing at .Make sure to consult with your veterinarian to ensure that your Lab is maintaining a healthy weight for its body size. The Labrador Retriever growth rate should be indicative of its athletic body and muscular build. Did you know. ? Their webbed paws made them strong swimmers, along with their otter tail, which acts like a powerful rudder when retrieving ducks. English nobles spotted the dogs and brought them home across the Atlantic, where breeders continued to refine the breed into its own variation. Between their friendly demeanor, adaptability, and outgoing disposition, they make ideal family members. As cherished members of our families, Labs deserve the best care. Unfortunately, like many other purebred dogs, Labrador Retrievers are more susceptible to various health issues. Some of the most common examples include:. I am looking for advice about our chocolate lab, Hunter, who is about to be 6 months old. We are kind of at a loss! We had a yellow lab for 14 years prior to this and he had his share of antics but they were occasional things. I feel like our current problems are unmanageable. Something has to give. My kids 14, 12, 8 are getting tired of it, even my husband has mentioned how long we can keep up with this. I have had my fair share of days when I am in tears trying to love a dog that seems hell-bent on destroying everything we own. Let me start with the positives.He is crate-trained and mostly-we have some barking problems when he can hear people in the house does great with it. He walks on a leash pretty well without major distractions. He has a decent command of sit, stay when we are playing with a treat , lay down, shake, come again, without distraction and wait for his food, or a treat. There is also a lot of time especially, now in the summer when he is outside in the yard with us or the kids. We live on land but he is starting to wander outside of the "yard" area that he is supposed to stay in which makes it harder to let him roam free. We have an underground fence arriving this week that will hopefully fix that problem. However, the majority of the time when he is out inside the house he is behaving terribly. It started like normal puppy antics when we got him at 8. He chews on my furniture there is no corner on my coffee table or paint on the legs of the end tables. He steals everything in sight-books, paper, pens, socks, shoes, laundry, etc. We keep all bedroom doors and bathroom doors shut to decrease our problems but between the kitchen, living room, mud room and laundry room he finds more than enough trouble. He jumps on counters, the table, and will take whatever he can reach off of them. His powerful jaws can chew an awful lot in a hurry, but he has no interest in giving it back. We've tried firm drop commands but he doesn't care. We tried offering treats to trade for the item and that worked for about a week. Now he'd rather not trade. I know it sounds like this is an unsupervised dog problem-but it's not!! He is not left alone-someone is on "Hunter Duty" anytime he is out of the crate. But we can be in a middle of a game with his toy and he iwll just start eating things. He also jumps on the furniture and refuses to get off, treat or no. We have to physically pick him up and put him on the floor. Most of the time this just leads to him running from one couch to the next Part of the problem is that he doesn't seem to be able to take a break and just relax in the house. I can count without using up my fingers how many times he has actually laid down in the house and chilled out, aside from being put in the crate. We have bought him 2 beds for the living room, hoping that it would give him a place to be calm. He ate them. Again, while being supervised. But a few bites here and there before we can get him to stop and pretty soon all of the stuffing is coming out. I have recently tried to leave his leash attached while in the house to make him easier to grab but he has almost chewed through it. We were having a lot of biting of us and our clothes, but that has greatly reduced thank. I will gladly take any suggestions! Click to expand.I don't really have any advice as such because I'm in the exact same position. Nelly is 6 months and I think it's similar to the terrible twos in children!!! Nelly does everything you say Hunter does! I always think I just can't cope anymore but then every evening she cuddles up to me and kisses me and it's all worth it in the end! Good luck- you're not alone. Most dogs show some maturity at six-months of age and all the work you have done up to this point assuming you have done the work in the previous posts should start coming together. Here is the training you can work on with your 6-month-old Lab puppy. About this series This is the final post of a step-by-step training and socialization program for Labrador puppies. If you read our first post , you know that this series follows our training of Bubba, a female chocolate lab puppy. Bubba is already sold as one of our Custom Trained Retrievers, so it is our responsibility to raise and train her until she has progressed to the level of training the owner has requested. In this case, Bubba will be with us for almost a year and a half. Bubba at 6 months Bubba has changed so much from the seven-week-old puppy we brought home to the gangly 6-month-old she has become. She is still Bubba — full of energy and mischief and always ready to go. But she has matured in many ways too. The products I recommend I believe are a good value or good investment for anyone working to train or maintain training on their retriever. When possible, I include links to the product. Some of these links may be Amazon or other affiliate links in which I am paid a small commission at no cost to you. All opinions and recommendations are my own. For instance, now, when I take her out of the dog trailer to train, she knows the process and embraces it. She understands that if she wants to do the fun stuff — the retrieving — she must do her obedience training. Bubba willingly sits still while I put on her electronic collar and chain collar. During the obedience work, she pays attention to the commands and complies quickly most of the time. She is still a 6-month-old puppy, so she makes quite a few mistakes and gets a little too excited at times, but she is progressing well. Maintaining this obedience will be key from now on. Obedience training your 6-month-old puppy Bubba is now old enough to go through electronic collar conditioning. She has been wearing an electronic collar for a few weeks already. The collar has never been turned on, but it has been something we require Bubba to wear each and every time we let her outside. This process, having your dog wear an electronic collar for a period with NO corrections, is called collar conditioning. Collar conditioning your Lab puppy Collar conditioning is necessary so that when we are ready to use the electronic collar for corrections, Bubba is none the wiser and has no idea that the collar she has been wearing for weeks is the source of the correction. It also helps so that down the line, Bubba will not become collar wise. Collar wise dogs are obedient only when the electronic collar is on and are disobedient when it is off. This is something we want to avoid if possible. Using the electronic collar to enforce obedience The second step in collar conditioning is using the electronic collar to enforce obedience commands that Bubba already knows. For instance, Bubba knows the command SIT. Previously, if Bubba did not obey when I said SIT, I would tap her bottom with the heeling stick or push down on her bottom. Now, I will do the same obedience drill, but I will use the electronic collar as the correction. Be very careful. There is a right way to introduce the electronic collar corrections, so be sure and read my post on introducing the electronic collar. Prior to using the e-collar the first time. Making the e-collar a positive experience Some dogs get very excited when the owner grabs the leash because they know that they are going for a walk. This is the same reaction we are looking for when putting an electronic collar on a dog. The dog should not act differently when the e-collar is on. If your dog cowers or fights you when you want to put the e-collar on, then you have introduced the collar incorrectly and your dog now thinks that the e-collar is a bad thing. This means that your dog is collar wise and will act completely different when the e-collar is on. This is a huge problem because it is very likely your dog will be obedient when the collar is on and disobedient when the collar is off. That is not what we want to achieve. We want your dog to be obedient with or without the e-collar on. Training and socializing a six-month-old Labrador puppy Most dogs that we train for hunting or competition enter our program at around the age of months. Bubba is coming right up to that point now. So, I will be switching from the puppy training program in the next few weeks, and she will officially start our Sportsman training program. Since she will also be going through our advanced program, some of the drills for the advanced work will be mixed into the training to move her along with the most efficiency. Here are the things I have been working on with Bubba this month. Many of these training concepts and drills will continue, but on a more interim basis since we have many more concepts to cover within the hunting and advanced programs. Self-control and restraint It is vital for all dogs to learn self-control and restraint. No dog should be allowed to just react on a whim and be excused for their action simply because they are a dog. Having a dog is a responsibility. A reactive dog with no training can hurt someone, and you, as the owner, will be liable for that injury. I am constantly amazed at how little expectation most people have for their dogs. Many people constantly make up excuses for why their dog is so disobedient or being a terror. The expectation is just so low, that many owners are willing to put up with anything. The truth is that working dogs can be taught self-control and restraint and you should constantly be working on this trait. In past posts I have given many examples on how you can do this, and quite honestly there are no limitations here. Many of our clients talk about having problems with their dog accosting anyone who comes through the door. Teaching your dog to kennel when the doorbell rings or when someone knocks on the door can quickly eliminate this problem. Yes, it will take some work and a LOT of repetition, but it will be worth in in the end. At five-months-old, Bubba was heeling on lead, but her attitude was not great, and she struggled with self-control. Now, Bubba heels so nice, it is relaxing to walk with her. She stays in the correct position and pays good attention to my legs so that she is ready when I turn or stop. We will continue to work on HEEL and will be adding off-lead obedience in the future, but her progress is right on schedule, and I am very happy with how well she is doing now. Learn more about How to obedience train a Labrador puppy. If you have been following this series, you know that Bubba struggled with a remote SIT for a long time. I knew it was a maturity issue for her, but I was unprepared for how quickly the maturity for this arrived. Bubba will now remote SIT with amazing steadiness. She will remain sitting when I tug on her lead, when I jump up and down and when I squat in front of her. Bubba may look away, especially when I squat right in front of her, but that is okay, she is looking away so that she can remain steady in her SIT. It is very fun to watch her progress on these drills. Her progress tells me she is smart and tractable. She wants to please and do what we ask her to do. This is a great characteristic for a working dog. Through lots and lots of exposure to this drill, dogs quickly learn that when I say HEEL and put my left hand out from my side slightly and they should come into that position. Of course, I knew that once I was able to start working with electronic collar, I would make progress. There is nothing that solidifies the HERE command like an electronic collar. It gives you the ability to reach out and touch your dog no matter where they are, and the ability to enforce the command immediately after your dog has refused is what makes all the difference. All dogs learn faster when the correction is closely timed to the refusal. Bubba is no exception. She now quickly complies with the HERE command except for a few testing moments. All dogs will test, they are not robots, the trick is to be ready for the test and respond with a quick correction. If you are not consistent with this, and your dog gets away with a refusal, then you are now on a slippery slope. If you do, you will quickly have made your dog collar-wise. Then you have even more problems. Expect your dog to test your authority and be ready to give a correction at the precise time. This is the most humane way to teach your dog to be obedient. She runs out like gangbusters, picks up the bumper or bird and runs back with the same enthusiasm. She will then flip herself around and wait for the next throw. Her enthusiasm is contagious and so much fun. I must take care though, not to overdo it. Too many retrieves is the fastest way to destroy desire, I want to stop while she still wants more. Our policy is to limit dogs to retrieves in one session. Especially for puppies of her age. Steady and Lab puppies At six-months-old we will not steady Bubba yet. One of the biggest mistakes people make is trying to steady their dog too early. For those not familiar with the term steady, this means to make your dog SIT and wait to be sent for the mark or throw. So we will leave steady work until she is a bit older. These are simple, single marks with a bumper that is easy to see white or a bird. More complexity such as deeper cover, longer marks and more complex marks with be added once Bubba is through force fetch. Because Bubba with be an Advanced Waterfowl dog, we also will start teaching her simple doubles and basic casting work this month. This is not something I would recommend for most dogs but because we have the experience and a very proven training plan, we like to begin introductions to this early on. What is next for Bubba? Bubba will begin our step-by-step training program for hunting dogs starting in her seventh month. This means she will continue obedience and start learning HOLD, force fetch, collar fetch and walk fetch. These steps are vital for the rest of the training. The training will take her through the next month and then she will be ready for the real learning such as hunting scenarios, blind work, and having live birds shot over her all while working through the very detailed advanced training. Final thoughts on training for your 6-month-old Labrador puppy Bubba has been a good example of the training we do here at Otter Tail Kennels for dogs purchased though our Custom Trained Retrievers. Each dog is different, and yet there are some very similar challenges with each one. It is always fun to watch these pups go from little fur balls to intense working dogs over a matter of months. I hope you have enjoyed following Bubba through this journey. I will continue to post progress photos on our Instagram and Facebook pages. If you are struggling or need additional help with your new puppy, you can email me ottertailkennels gmail. I would be happy to discuss your goals for your retriever and tell you about the programs I offer. Until next time, happy retrieving. Training your 6-month-old Labrador puppy. You should take your puppy outdoors and let him exercise his socialization potential at a young age. Visiting friends and family is one way to go about it. You can also spot a dog park and carry him there. Remember that your pet is still learning to follow directions and walk with you. You cannot expect him to cover long distances. The best way to avoid this is to take them far enough from the house and ensure they have a positive outside experience. It is worth noting that you should do this as often as you can, preferably daily. Start Potty Training It would be best to start potty training your Lab puppy the first day you bring him home. Start by showing your pup where you want him to potty, such as a sectioned-off area of your yard or garden. A good idea is to cordon off a small area and add some bark chippings. Next, you need a potty training schedule such as first thing in the morning, after mealtimes and play, and hourly for young pups. Many owners use dog crates to help with house training. I have a step-by-step guide on Labrador puppy crate training where you can learn tons more. Discourage Biting If you follow my blog, you know I am against punishment-oriented training. If you train your dog young enough to avoid harsh bites, you will not need punishment-driven discipline strategies. In any case, using physical force or yelling at your pup will only instill fear and distrust and can cause aggression in your dog. You can also check out my article, How to Discipline a Labrador , for greater insight into this topic. Instead, you can wait until your Labrador bites during a positive activity and then discontinue it. It will anchor the consequence better. Follow up using positive reinforcement by rewarding the correct behavior with a treat. Your Labrador will quickly learn that displaying good behavior reaps nice things. Puppies need to learn their bite inhibition soft-mouth by continuing the excellent work their mother and siblings taught them. Learn Bite Inhibition Training! Instill Patience You must use your best judgment when training your dog to be patient. Generally speaking, your Labrador will be mature enough to learn self-control by the tenth week. You can use a clicker or a whistle to teach your puppy to assume the natural heel position. Chances are, at first, your Labrador will try to change his pace to be behind you because of the force of habit. Walking in areas familiar to your dog will eliminate this problem. While you previously trained him to assume a heel position, you can also teach him these techniques. You may notice that your puppy can tell your words apart by the thirteenth week. So by the time he is four months old, you can use the position cues and positive reinforcement to get your dog to follow. These included whistling, clapping, or saying a specific word to indicate that your Labrador is doing a good job, typically followed by a well-deserved treat. Now is the time to see whether the anchors work! Where you previously whistled when your Lab ran towards you, now you must whistle, so he begins his run. This is the start of his Labrador recall training. Teaching good recall is an ongoing process. My dog was around 12 months old before seeing a noticeable improvement in her recall. Please avoid forcing the dog, as that only introduces confusion. Build Comfort With Crowds — Work on Socialization You have trained your Labrador to acknowledge close friends and family in the past few weeks. While this enables the puppy to be more social when you have visitors, a grown dog must learn to walk outdoors without acting out. This transition must be gradual, and try to keep experiences positive. Whether it is a cuddle, a pat, attention, or something tasty, you must teach your pup target training , for example, to touch a target with a specific part of his body. Remember that your Lab may end up biting or clawing to communicate if you do not teach him more acceptable communication methods. Here, I recommend teaching your Labrador to touch your hand with his nose. Ultimately, this is an excellent replacement for bites! Hand targeting is fun to teach, helps your pup build trust, and gets him using his brain! You have laid a strong foundation of discipline and positive reinforcement, making it easier to train your dog to follow more complex commands. In these weeks, you will introduce him to assuming different positions, obeying your commands as he moves away from you, and reacting to more nuanced anchors. Remember, 4-month-old Labrador puppies have a short attention span, so avoid long training sessions. Teach the Sit and Stay Teaching your Lab to sit and stay is a useful command for him to learn. Train Your Dog to Fetch If you have taken your Labrador to public parks and he has seen other dogs play fetch, it will be easier to teach him to retrieve whatever you throw. Your Labrador may not bring the toy back to you for a second round, but he will soon get the idea of retrieving it. You can gradually turn it into a game of fetch over the next few weeks and reward your doggo with high-value training treats. Continue Potty Training In the fourth month of Labrador training, you will continue potty training with a degree of independence. Continue with a good schedule and sync your walks with his natural cycle to align with the times he needs to go. You can use it to control your Labrador and later to test his ability to execute a command off-leash. A harness is also a good idea and is used for outdoor training and walks. Many owners will opt for a rear-attaching harness. Related: Harness vs. Collar for Lab Puppy: Which is Best? How to Train a 5-Month-Old Lab Puppy A five-month-old Labrador puppy is ready to be tested for his general obedience and the ability to deal with distractions, whether other dogs, people, or other animals such as squirrels or birds. Earlier, I mentioned that you could not expect an eight-week-old puppy to delay gratification. Your puppy can deal with distractions at five months old if you introduce them slowly. You must be prepared for your dog to run ahead of you now! However, suppose you have developed a solid relationship with your pup and worked on his training. In that case, he will stay within a reasonable distance, remaining by your side and showing loyalty. Once your Lab puppy has reached his 6-month milestone, it also marks the point where you introduce him to advanced obedience training. The good news is that all the training you have previously given will make it easier for your dog to follow your lead. Conclude Potty Training Your dog has had months to learn how to communicate his need to go potty. He has also likely refined the patience to hold it instead of relieving himself on the floor. Therefore, you can communicate your disappointment with your body language if your dog makes a mess. Avoid physical punishment and even verbal chastising as it impacts your dog negatively. All dogs can still have the odd accident up to 12 months old. Moreover, you must be prepared for your dog to relieve himself indoors if he is excited or frightened, known as either excitement or submissive urination. Increase Exercise Now that your Lab puppy is six months old, you can increase his exercise to thirty minutes twice daily. Energy levels, especially for larger breed dogs, escalate during this time. While the average exercise for a pup before this is generally five minutes of exercise per month of age, twice a day, a six-month-old Labrador can be out for one hour if you split his walks into thirty minutes a day. To train your 6-month-old Lab puppy, start with two commands with the most practical use. From six months onwards, until your Labrador is a well-trained adult, you can teach the following commands or tricks in any order. How to Train a 7-Month-Old Labrador As your Lab progresses to seven months old, a lot of the previous training needs to be kept consistent as you gradually teach him to comprehend more commands. Maybe there is a trespasser, and you want your dog to scare them away. You will need to continue training your dog to hold things or release them on command, but you can also proceed to add distance and even more background distractions. Ironically, you need to teach him to bark on command before learning to be silent on cue. Over this month, he will learn to associate the respective commands with barking and silence. This is quite tricky, but your Lab will eventually get there if you practice and stay consistent. The eighth month is ideal for training your Lab to go to different places upon hearing the command word. Either way, do not overload him with place commands, and stick to no more than two per month. Or you can use the ninth month to teach a cool party trick! After a week, you can remove the treat and teach your Lab to follow your finger. Of course, you will still need to reward him after he follows the command. By the third week, you can cue your doggo to spin and see if he does so without your finger guiding him in a circular motion. It might take an extra week or two, but I recommend this as an addition in the ninth month because it allows you to continue training your pet to learn previous commands better. You can teach him to go to different places, hold or release objects, and fetch toys. You can now progress this further and teach him to roll over on command. Your 1-year-old Labrador only learns to comprehend more at the same pace as he has since the 6-month mark. You should also audit previously taught commands and see any weak associations you can reinforce. How to Train an Month-Old Labrador You will not have to alter your training regimen dramatically if you have trained your Labrador properly from eight weeks onward. If anything, this is the period where you customize his training to your convenience. Now is when your dog must learn to be compatible with your life. From the month mark onwards, you must train your dog to be harmonious with modern adult life within reason. It is sad to see dog owners having to give away their pets because of behavior issues. Such things are avoidable if you train your dog correctly and sufficiently exercise him. It would be best if you simply established authority by having a positive yet commanding presence. Once your dog acknowledges your authority and sees you as a guide, you can merely treat him as a six-month-old, albeit on an accelerated schedule, and train him accordingly. Your job becomes even easier once you have a workable training schedule and stick to your routine. This month-by-month Labrador puppy training schedule will help you successfully train your doggo and turn him into the beloved companion you always desired. Good luck with your training! Related Posts You May Like:. What commands should my six month puppy know? And much more! Average 6 month old Lab size? It seems amazing that the little fluff ball you bought home just four months ago should be so big. And bouncy! But I know you want an answer, so as a very rough guide, many 6 month old lab puppies will weigh around 50lbs. The remainder of his growth, another lbs or so will take place more slowly over the next 6 months. What should my black, yellow, or chocolate Labrador weigh at six months? People often ask if there is any difference between the different colors with regard to weight and size. The answer is kind of. Working type American or field bred Labradors are often lighter at six months than show type English or bench bred Labradors. And in the UK at least, most field bred Labradors are either black the majority or yellow including fox red. Most not all, but most chocolate Labs in the UK are show or pet bred Labradors and tend to be more heavily built. There is a softness to his features that will last another couple of months or so. How much food does a 6 month old Lab need? How much food your puppy needs will depend on how much he weighs and what condition he is in. Have a look at our puppy feeding chart and also at the instructions on the packet of food that you are using. If your puppy is a little on the skinny side give him a tiny bit more food than recommended and if he is looking a bit plump, a little bit less. Consistent overfeeding will make a puppy fat. Consistent underfeeding will see him lose weight. How often should I feed my six month old puppy? Your 6 month old Lab can drop down from three meals a day to two without any problems. This means that you will be giving the same amount of food as before, but in two larger meals instead of three smaller ones. So, if your pup gets diarrhoea when you switch to twice daily feed, skip a meal to let his tummy settle, then go back to three meals a day for a few days. When you next try going down to two meals a day, give him two small meals to begin with and increase the meal size gradually over the next few days How far should my six month old be walked every day? If you are not familiar with it, the five minute rule says that a puppy needs five minutes of exercise per day for each month of his life. Like many young Labs, adorable six month old Myles loves everyone: by Ericka from the USA Most experts would divide that into two sessions. This refers to formal walks, not playing in the garden or messing about with other dogs. And the reason for that caution is that your puppy is still growing and the growth plates in his joints are still vulnerable to damage. So my advice would be to avoid hard exercise until your puppy is well past his first birthday and then to build up gradually over a period of several weeks. Sexual maturity in Labradors Puppies become sexually mature before they are physically mature and long before they are mentally adults. Some six month old puppies are capable of breeding. And definitely should not be allowed to do so. Apart from the ethical and moral implications, it may be physically harmful to breed from such a young female. Many female Labradors will have their first season sometime between six months and a year, so this is something you need to be looking out for. Neutering Some of you will have already had your 6 month pup neutered, others will be thinking about doing so in the next few months. If you decide against neutering, this is a good point in time to review the security on your property and make sure it is thoroughly dog proof. Labradors are surprisingly agile and can often jump higher, and dig deeper, than you imagine. Beautiful Poppy at just seven months old: by Karen R from Germany Once sexually mature, many a Labrador, particularly but not only males, will make more effort to explore beyond the boundaries of your property. And if you have a female in season, other enterprising males will do their best to find a way in! Whatever your intentions, the time for breeding is a long way off right now. Bear in mind your dog is nowhere near grown up. In many ways he is still a baby. Has my 6 month old Lab finished teething? Most puppies have shed the last of their baby teeth by six months of age. And will have cut many of their adult teeth by this point too. Most will have all their adult teeth within the next month or so. This is the point at which most young dogs start to lose their fear of losing you. This has some big implications for those that exercise their young dogs off leash in open country, where there are temptations such as wild birds and animals to chase. Which brings us to the next question. As a trainer of working retrievers I can tell you that I have had six month old Labradors that were quite advanced with their training and others that had barely started. All reached the same standard eventually. However, it is important to get started with training now. And while there is no set standard your puppy should have reached, it is definitely time to get some safety cues installed. What commands should my six month old puppy know? Most six month old pups have only quite basic obedience and are not yet reliably obedient when there are lots of distractions about. While many six month olds will sit when asked, and come when called in the house and yard. And a lot the majority of six month old Labradors are still pulling on the lead. Professional or serious hobby trainers aside, this is fairly normal. Most importantly, you need to focus on proofing these cues against distraction. Come The come cue, or recall, is important so that your dog can be allowed safely off leash and recalled if any hazards appear. You can find information on teaching recall here: How to teach a basic recall Even if you have made quite good progress with recall, now is quite a good point at which to be thinking about the about turn walk this is a technique to prevent your dog from getting too far away from you on walks. This is especially important as he grows bigger. Labradors are strong and often friendly dogs. This makes pulling on the lead very common as your puppy does his best to engage every passing stranger in a game. Gorgeous Charlie enjoying a run at six months of age — he also appears in our feature at the top of the page: by Julie T from Cornwall UK I have seen grown ups pulled clean off their feet by large dogs on leash. Being pulled off your feet, or losing control of your dog at the roadside is a very real risk. Many young Labradors are very friendly and while this is a great thing overall, it can cause some problems with training at this age. I mentioned proofing earlier, and proofing is the process which teaches our dogs to come away from other dogs or people. And proofing is the way to succeed. The main problem with proofing is that it takes time and help. You might also find proofing Labrador obedience helpful. What is the best way to train my 6 month old? Training methods are changing. We are in something of a new era with regard to dog training methods and there are now plenty of good trainers who can show you how to train your dog effectively without fear or pain. Behavior problems Most six month old pups are through the housetraining phase, though there may be very occasional accidents if a your dog is left alone for a lot longer than usual. Female dogs may have an occasional accident during their first season too, but these are usually isolated incidents. What about chewing? If you are expecting chewing to stop at the same time as teething coming to an end, you may be disappointed. We look at destructive chewing in more detail in this article , but it can be at its worst between 6 and 9 months of age. Which brings us to a common question Can I de-crate my six month old Lab? It seems mean to shut him away at bedtime. Why not give him the freedom of the kitchen during the night? Well, this can work. But often it does not and results either in a bad chewing problem or occasionally, in a relapse in house training. You can find out more in this article which includes detailed de-crating instructions. The other big issue for many puppy parents with six month olds, is excitable behavior. Particularly jumping up, and sometimes nipping How do I stop my six month old Labrador from jumping up? Jumping up is a common problem in young labs. These are friendly and affectionate dogs who enjoy close contact and like to greet their friends up close! You and your visitors not only tolerate it, but actually reinforce it by petting the puppy as he does it. Or rather over- excitement. This is the age at which excitable behavior can become quite a challenge again. Partly because the dog is now physically bigger, stronger, and more difficult to control. Now, more than ever, you need your dog to listen and respond to your voice. Playing safely More often than not, excitable behavior that has got out of control, started out as a game. However, if you are struggling a bit, you are not on your own. Drop into the forum and say hello to all the other puppy parents. A Labrador retriever of this particular age needs special and careful attention from a dog owner: well-balanced diet, moderate training and in-time vet examinations should be a must. On this stage, a puppy tends to grow in height, but after 1 year it is more likely to grow breadthways. Training and Behavior 6-months puppy is a real teenager in its awkward age: playful and active, but stubborn, wilful and rather troublesome. A Labrador retriever of this age thinks, that he is already an adult dog but still a playful and absent-minded puppy who wants to upset well-established hierarchy inside his family and among other dogs. Be careful! It is necessary to unleash a puppy in safe and enclosed areas only. The main rule for a dog owner now is moderate training and strong discipline toward a puppy. Do not let your dog think that it is the nub of the universe; constantly shows a puppy that you are his master and want it to obey you especially for a male dog. Recommendation: proceed socializing your puppy among other dogs and people. How to Feed a 6-Months Labrador Retriever? Now your dog should be fed times a day, at that, one meal should be a between-meal snack. For example, you can feed your puppy like that: 8 a. Labrador retrievers are prone to obesity, so, you should not overfeed your puppy. Give it meal 3 times a day in strict proportions and, if you feed a puppy with dry food, choose one for puppies prone to extra weight. Advice: even the most well-balanced diet is not able to enrich a puppy with all necessary vitamins and microelements. Choose special vitamins for puppies with a maximum content of calcium, vitamin D3 and phosphorous. Health Care 6-months age is a high time to vaccinate your puppy against rabies and a complex of other contagious diseases. Before this immunization, make sure you have treated a puppy against worms. During this period an owner should be very responsible and responsive towards a puppy: well-balanced diet, frequent walks with moderate activity and in-time vet examinations are very important. Take care of your Labrador puppy since the very beginning to make your dog sound and healthy.

Do Labradors Sleep Through the Night? There may be a lot of causes, though, if your dog sleeps more than 15 hours each day. Age, breed, amount of activity, and environmental circumstances are just a few of the multiple variables that affect how much sleep your dog needs. If your dog appears to be sleeping more than usual, analyze any environmental changes. Minor lifestyle adjustments for your dog might have a major impact on how they sleep. You might be curious as to why your Lab sleeps so much. If you have a smaller dog, it could seem like they are sleeping more or more than you are used to. The following are some reasons for changes in the sleeping pattern of your Labrador. Diet If your pooch has begun sleeping more since changing its food, nutritional variations could be the problem. Large dogs like Labradors typically sleep for 12 to 14 hours each day source. Your Labrador will probably sleep even longer if it is a puppy or an older dog. Weather It can be the case that the hot temperature has been making you feel exhausted if the weather has gotten hotter where you are. In this situation, providing it with access to shaded areas, water, and a cool room throughout the day would be beneficial. It would also be beneficial to walk it in the early morning or late evening when it is cooler. Aside from that, it would be beneficial to keep it out of the sun as much as possible to prevent heatstroke. Illness It may have been sleeping more recently due to a disease. That would be more likely if it had more recently started to sleep and had been displaying other symptoms of illness, such as weariness while up. It would be better to take it to the vet in this situation. Boredom Its tendency to sleep more might be because of boredom and lack of stimulation. A lot of daily activity is suggested for the breed of Labradors. It is often advised that they exercise for an hour each day. Click here to learn more. Activity Level Does your dog like frequent strolls across the park? Or does your dog prefer to sit on the couch? The American Kennel Club AKC estimates that a puppy that is highly active when awake may require up to 18 to 20 hours of sleep each day. Less active dogs, on the other hand, often sleep for just around 14 hours daily. No matter how active your dog is, the best strategy is to spread their exercise throughout the day. Dogs often want to snooze frequently to rejuvenate. Aging Puppies and senior dogs typically sleep even more. Puppies sleep more because they are quickly growing and because sleep is when their muscles are rebuilt. Older dogs sleep more because getting around takes more energy and they become weary more quickly. Click here to find out. Since they are young, being separated from their mother may make them feel lonely and afraid. Throughout the night, they could also need to feed or go outside a few times. Before assuming that the dog can sleep through the night, you will need to allow them some time to acclimate. They will eventually quit complaining and keeping you up at night so they can sleep through the night like everyone else. But you might be wondering when this is going to happen for those new pet owners who are sick of waking up in the middle of the night. When a Labrador Retriever reaches the age of around four months, pet owners may anticipate that they will begin to sleep through the night. They have reached an age where they can successfully sleep through the night and are less likely to need to get up in the middle of the night to obtain attention or for any other reason. The simpler it is to encourage the puppy to accomplish this milestone, the more of a foundation you provide for them early on. Each puppy may react differently to being in your house, and some may take a little longer to sleep through the night. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Please note: We are not veterinarians and you use our advice at your own discretion. We always recommend that you consult your veterinarian whenever you have health-related conditions your furbaby is facing. With that in mind, as pet parents ourselves, we wish nothing but the best for your pet and their healthy and happy lives. To help them do this by sleeping during the night, make sure to establish a routine with the puppies so they learn when to sleep when to play, and when they can go potty. Tips to help your Labrador puppy sleep: Establish a nightly routine if you can establish a routine for the whole day as it will help the puppy adjust faster Keep the sleeping area dim and quiet Don't get the puppy energetic before bedtime avoid the temptation for a late evening playtime session Prepare for interruptions barking , howling , or potty breaks during the first few weeks of their life 10 Weeks Old At about 10 weeks old, the puppy is likely still adjusting to its new home and only just starting to get used to the nightly routine. They will sleep for about 16 to 20 hours each day. At this stage of their life, your puppy should start getting better control of its bowels, meaning you shouldn't have to take it out during the night as often as you have in the past few weeks. They may even be able to sleep through the night without a bathroom break. During this period, make sure to mainly focus on helping your puppy learn its nighttime schedule, as it is still difficult for it to learn at this stage. Trying to teach too many things to the pup at once can overwhelm it and rove to be unsuccessful. Your puppy should be getting around 11 to 15 hours of sleep every day. It is at this age that you are going to have to worry about the dog's temperament. However, if a good schedule was established for the puppy with time for naps throughout the day, you shouldn't have to worry about a rowdy or energetic pup during the night, as it knows when bedtime is. At about 6 months old your Labrador puppy will be sleeping for about 12 to 14 hours every day. By this stage in your Labrador puppy's life, it should no longer be barking, howling, or need to go to the bathroom during the night as you have established a routine and it has had plenty of time to learn it. With Labradors, make sure to give them plenty of exercise during the day so that they use up the stores of energy they have, or they can develop health problems and an irregular sleep schedule. Giving your Lab something to chew on before it goes to bed will also help it use up its excess energy and sleep better through the night. Now that it is an adult, it requires less sleep and will usually sleep for around 8 to 13 hours a day. This is a positive for Lab owners as they are monophasic sleepers , which means that they only have one sleep period. This means that if you have established a good routine for your Lab, you will be on the same sleep schedule. This is nice as most dogs are polyphasic sleepers , separating their periods of sleep into two or three chunks throughout the day. So, your Lab will still take naps during the day, but they will likely occur while you are at work or are out and about during the day. Example Routine For Labrador Puppies The following is likely what your Labrador's schedule will look like, including its naps. Morning Schedule: Wake up and take the puppy outside to relieve itself Feed it breakfast Give it another potty break it is typically that puppies need to relieve themselves after eating Socializing, playing with your puppy, or taking on a walk Ideally for 30 to 60 minutes Nap Time Expect about 30 minutes to 2 hours depending on age Potty Break. He started off in the corner of our room on his bed with a dog gate surrounding him so he couldn't get out. As he got a little older, he would be able to get out of his fenced area we created it was just two pieces of a gate that connected to form the whole one and get out on his own when he needed to go to the bathroom or wanted to wake up. Since he was already staying in his bed the whole night anyway, we decided to not use the fence thing anymore and now he stays in his bed with out the gate pretty much the whole night until we wakes up, which is typically ish. Sometimes he will get up a little earlier and lay somewhere else in the room or chew his bone in his bed until and we are ok with this too, as long as he isn't doing anything wrong. He still gets up a bit earlier than we would like by about minutes but that's also because we are going to bed earlier than we used to. But we are ok with it. It gives us more time to spend with him before we leave him for work. Also, his chewing on things has gotten so much better since his early puppy days, so we haven't had to worry about him chewing stuff in the bedroom lately. I like having him in the bedroom with us. It's hilarious seeing him trot to his bed and plopping down when we tell him to go to bed and it's really hilarious when we wake up and his tail is wagging all the way outside to go pee. Click to expand.It is lovely isn't it? Chewie is always so infectiously happy in the morning that even my OH who is really not a morning person is happy to see him at 6am! So, where should your Lab puppy sleep? A Labrador puppy should sleep in a crate or dog bed. The easiest option is a crate as you can control his environment better, and it also helps to toilet train your puppy quicker. If you choose a dog bed, partition off an area of the house using baby gates or a playpen. As a first-time dog owner, I took the sound advice of my breeder. He told me that a crate is the easiest way to train a pup to sleep well — and for faster potty training! Although I could hear my puppy cry once in a while during her first night, after that, she was fine. This is quite normal, and your dog will soon get to love his crate — he will recognize it as his special place where no one else is allowed! Here are some helpful tips to help your Labrador settle in his crate and sleep well, especially on his first night: Make sure you buy the correct size. Use a divider to partition the crate in half. As the crate will be too large at first, you can use a divider to adjust the size as your Labrador grows. I like the Midwest Homes for Pets iCrate from Amazon as it has everything you need and comes with an all-inclusive divider and wipe-clean removable tray. You can also choose either a single or double door that is handy. Cover half of the crate with a blanket. Situate the crate close to your bedroom. A quiet area for sleeping is best, not too far away from your bedroom, so you can hear your pup if he needs to go outside during the night. Or you can choose to put it right next to your bed if space allows. If you put the crate in your bedroom, you can transition to another part of the house after a few weeks. I chose to put the crate at the end of the landing as I am a light sleeper, and I hate having my sleep disturbed! Remember, dogs have different sleep cycles from humans! Check out this step-by-step guide to learn tons more on crate training, Easy Labrador Puppy Crate Training. Check out my recommendations for the Best Dog Crates for Labradors and Playpens , including soft crates, travel crates, and furniture styles. If your Labrador puppy is having a tough time sleeping through the night, you may wonder exactly when they might be able to master this new skill! Labrador puppies typically sleep through the night by 4 months old. At this age, they should sleep between hours. If you lay the foundations on the first night, your puppy may be able to achieve a night without waking up sooner. It can also help if you have a good routine and are an early riser. Here are some helpful tips to speed up the process of getting your pup to sleep through the night: Routine. Dogs thrive on routine, so ensure you establish a good bedtime routine. Potty breaks. Make sure you allow your pup to go potty right before bedtime. However, young puppies may need to go outside during the night while their tiny bladders develop. Interactive puzzle toys are also great for mental stimulation. Crate training. You can learn what to do instead in my article all about common Labrador behaviors. But are you wondering at what age your Labrador can sleep with you? This allows him to be fully potty trained and sleep through the night without having to go potty or cry for you. This interesting study compared human-canine sleeping with adult-child co-sleeping and evidenced that both shared similar benefits and drawbacks. Remember, dogs who are territorial or aggressive should not sleep in your bed. Some of the most common health benefits of sleeping with your Labrador include: An overall reduction in depression and anxiety. Increased feeling of security. Provide companionship and decrease loneliness. Reduced stress. Lowered blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and triglyceride levels. A decrease in hypertension. Cons of Sleeping with Your Labrador Of course, there can be negatives to allowing your Labrador to sleep with you in your bed. Labs are also heavy shedders, and you may find pet dander uncomfortable. Your dog can sometimes carry harmful germs. It may affect your relationship! If you sleep with a partner, allowing your dog to sleep in your bed can cause friction and disruption. Although you may suffer from disturbed sleep if you sleep with your dog, you are unlikely to be affected by his night-time antics if you are a deep sleeper. Indeed, this study from The Mayo Clinic looked at the sleep of 40 healthy humans and their dogs occupying the same bedroom to find out whether sleeping together was detrimental to sleep. Human sleep quality was lower if the dog slept on the bed rather than just in the room. Nonetheless, even if you allow your Labrador to sleep with you, only let him onto your bed when you say so. Your dog should not have free reign of your bed, which can hinder how he views the pecking order. But what about modern dogs? Do Labradors actually like sleeping with their owners? Most Labradors like to sleep with their owners as a sign of affection and closeness. Dogs are social animals and instinctively want to sleep with you as they like to be close to their pack, and you are the head of the pack! They also want to protect you and display their loyalty and trust. Some dogs might get too hot on your bed and may temporarily move onto the floor to cool down. Some might not want to sleep with you at all! Always have another place where your Labrador can sleep, such as a bed or crate nearby where he can get warm and cozy. Can a Labrador Puppy Sleep Outside? Labrador puppies grow very quickly, which leaves some pet owners wondering when would be the right time to transition their pooch to an outdoor sleeping area. But can a Labrador puppy sleep outside in the first instance? Labrador puppies can sleep outside, but not until they are between months of age. They also need to be socialized, trained, and spend time bonding with their family. The health risks around this become more precarious in extremely hot or cold temperatures. The same goes for the rarer long-haired Lab. Your Labrador is more at risk of diseases and parasites. Until your pup has received his vaccinations to keep him healthy, he is more vulnerable to illnesses and parasites. Immunizations are typically not completed until 16 weeks, so training him to sleep outside sooner than this may compromise his health. Your Lab needs to be socialized and trained. All puppies must be socialized, obedience trained, and allowed to bond with their family. Without proper socialization, you risk your Lab becoming fearful, reactive , nervous, or even aggressive. To ensure that your Labrador puppy is healthy and safe when sleeping outside, there are a few things you should always make sure he has. These items include: A doghouse. This provides your puppy with a safe space to feel safe and snuggle down. I would definitely have this Petmate Dog House from Amazon on my wish list! A bit pricey, though! Water bowl. Make sure your Lab has his favorite water bowl filled to the brink every night. Favorite toys. To make your puppy feel comfortable and relaxed, put his favorite toys wherever he sleeps outside. When all is said and done once your dog has matured, it is a matter of personal choice. Here are the key takeaways from the article: You may choose to let your new puppy sleep at your side. When he has grown, you can let him sleep on your bed. He needs to be fully house-trained and at least six months old. The benefits of sleeping with your Lab are security, bonding, and mental health. Negatives include disturbed sleep and an increase in your allergy symptoms. Most Labradors like sleeping with their owners. You can transition your dog to sleep outside between months of age. Related Posts You May Like:. Where do dogs sleep? Dog sleep patterns are fascinating things. They have what is called polyphasic sleep, where they have periods of wake and sleep that occur during both the day and the night. And help you to understand the changes that occur in different stages of their lives, including when they are unwell. How Long Do Dogs Sleep? Dogs have a sleep pattern known as polyphasic. This means that they have multiple periods of sleep scattered throughout the day and night. A feature that they share with many other mammals. Dogs have better night vision than we do. So their ancestors could hunt both by day and by night, if necessary. In fact, hunting at night may have given them some advantages. It is easier to creep up on your victim under the cover of darkness. Dog Sleep Patterns Sleeping all night had no advantage for dogs, so dogs did not evolve a natural tendency to sleep for a single long stretch of time like we do. Instead, they acquired the useful ability to get as much sleep as possible, often in short stretches, whenever there is nothing much going on. You may have noticed that your dog wakes up instantly and is ready for action right away. And living with humans means that most dogs do learn to sleep the night away without disturbing their human family. Though they may wake and move around briefly during this period of time. If your dog is not sleeping through the night and disturbing your sleep, consider whether he is getting enough daytime activity and stimulation. Dogs have retained their ability to sleep whenever life gets dull. Studies of guard dogs have shown that dogs are not disadvantaged by being woken up frequently or working in changing shifts. They simply sleep when they get the chance. But how many hours sleep does a dog need during each 24 hour period? Dogs naturally sleep for longer periods of time each day than people do. But just like humans, sleep needs vary among individual dogs. Sleep needs also vary among different dog breeds. Adult Labradors will sleep for well over half of every 24 hours, and puppies under four months old may sleep as much as 20 hours a day. The reason for all this sleeping may have to do with a special type of sleep called rapid eye movement, or REM, sleep during which dreaming takes place. Do Dogs Dream? Dogs certainly appear to dream in the same way that we do. And their brains behave in a similar way to ours during the sleep cycle. REM sleep is just one phase of the sleep cycle that both dogs and humans experience. A study published in showed that REM or dreaming sleep decreases as dogs get older. So it looks as though puppies dream more than adult dogs. Sometimes when fast asleep, your dog will make twitching and running movements with his paws, and some dogs will give little yips and barks. This is a normal part of deep REM or dreaming sleep. Studies have also shown that if the part of the brain that de-activates movement during sleep is removed from a dog, the sleeping dog will actually carry out the behaviors that he is dreaming about. Let Sleeping Dogs Lie! We know that in humans, REM sleep is important. Being deprived of REM sleep can cause unpleasant effects, and there is no reason to think that dogs are any different. It is important to allow your dog to sleep deeply when he wants to and to not interrupt his sleep when he starts dreaming. Some veterinary specialists speculate that dogs sleep more than humans because their REM sleep is often interrupted due to their ability to wake easily and quickly and be ready for action. Because of that wakefulness, dogs need more periods of sleep in which to get an adequate amount of REM sleep. If you are worried that your dog may be ill because he is sleeping so much, ask yourself what has changed. Is he sleeping a lot more than he was just last week? Or has he always slept this much? Is he bright and bouncy when he is awake? Does he have a good appetite? Or does he seem lethargic or uninterested in food? Excessive sleeping in a dog that is eating well and full of energy when awake is unlikely to have any significance. And some elderly dogs tend to sleep more than they did when they were young. Make a Special Sleeping Space Your Labrador, like all dogs, is able to awaken quickly from sleep and be ready for action, whenever an opportunity presents itself. However, constantly interrupting his sleep is not a good idea. While many confident dogs will sleep pretty much anywhere, it is important that every dog has his own sleeping space. A place where he can go and relax when he wants to. Even if your dog shares your bed at night, he should still have a bed somewhere in the house that he can call his own. It needs to be somewhere free of drafts and comfortable, preferably lined with a cozy mat or blanket. Elderly Labradors may need thicker padding to support their joints. Orthopedic dog beds can provide extra comfort. It is here, in his special space, that your dog can relax fully and sleep deeply. Dogs naturally sleep for long periods of time, and sleeping a lot is nothing to worry about in a dog that is active, enjoying his food and living life to the fullest. Just like people, dogs need deep REM sleep, and constantly interrupted sleep can be harmful. You can check out crate information here: The benefits of a dog crate.

For the complete list please see our Breeder Listings page. The price of a Boxer puppy varies depending on the breeder and where you are located. Boxer puppies usually go fast because this is such a popular breed of dog, so make sure you act quickly once you find one that interests you. The price of Boxer puppies in Texas might vary because of where you live and the reputation of the breeder. There are certain things you should consider when looking for a breeder like their location, reputation, and costs. The best way to research your breeder is by asking around for recommendations from other pet owners in the area. Word of mouth is often the most effective way to find a good breeder. Make sure you ask about costs and any guarantees or warranties that they offer. Visit Your Texas Boxer Breeder in Person Whether you physically searched for a Boxer puppy in Texas or found a breeder online, once you find one that interests you, the most important thing to do is visit them in person. It will also let you see their facilities first hand which can give you a better idea of what your puppy will be like. If possible, ask if they can let your future pup run around with other young boxers while you wait. This dog-to-dog interaction will help socialize him and make sure he grows up healthy and happy. Questions to Ask Ask for References from Your Boxer Breeder in Texas If you feel comfortable with your boxer breeder in Texas, ask to see references from other people who have purchased their puppies. If they are reluctant to give you any names or contact details of other customers, this might be a sign that there is something fishy going on. If previous customers had any issues with the company or their puppies, you should probably find another breeder. These people could also give you lots of helpful advice about your specific dog and what kind of personality he might have based on his parents and genetics. Meeting past customers will also give you the chance to ask them questions about their experience with your breeder. If they had any problems, this is your chance to find out all about it. Remember, even one bad review should be enough for you to walk away from a breeder. Even if your Texas Boxer Breeder has nothing to hide, they should still have a good veterinarian that they use regularly. The best way for you to find out is to ask them what type of veterinary care their dogs receive and who your puppy will be seeing. The general rule of thumb is that the longer the warranty period, the better the policy will be for you and your pet. The minimum amount of time usually given by breeders is 1 year but reputable breeders like those listed here at PuppySpot offer 2 to 3 years. Some lifetime warranties against certain genetic diseases. First of all, if the prices seem too good to be true…they probably are. Often times they just want your cash without caring about whether or not their breeding practices result in healthy, happy pets which could lead to expensive health problems down the road. Unethical breeders will also try to make you feel like they are doing you a favor by selling you their puppies, but this is just another tactic used to put pressure on the consumer. Finally, if the breeder says that only cash is accepted as payment…move on. Any refusal of credit cards should be an immediate red flag. Most reputable breeders will be honest with you and tell you if there are any issues or history of disease in either the parents or other relatives. The truth is that no one is perfect and every dog has some sort of health concern or another. Reputable breeders will know about these issues before they sell their puppies to you which means they will provide documentation for proof. How to Prepare Your Home for Your Boxer Puppy Before you actually bring your new boxer home, the first thing that you should do is make sure to set up a safe and comfortable area for them. First of all, you will need to find a way to confine your boxer while you are away at work or school. The good news is that there are many different options available for everyone whether they live in an apartment or have acres of land. You also want to make sure that the bathroom has been properly puppy-proofed before your boxer comes home. This will typically involve covering up anything sharp, electrical or poisonous items that could pose a problem for your new pet. Finally, if you have any valuable items on hand such as a TV or laptop, make sure to put them out of reach. In addition, whenever you bring them back inside from playing around in the backyard make sure to immediately put them on a leash so that you can quickly grab them if they need to go to the bathroom. Once again, this will be a lot easier if you have a fenced-in area for outdoor playtime but it can still be accomplished using an electronic fence if necessary. Boxers are incredibly intelligent dogs which means that most of them pick up on things very quickly. In fact, many boxer puppies learn how to properly eliminate outside all on their own within just a few days of being home with you. If they have any accidents inside, never scold them because this will only lead to confusion and mistrust. Instead, always use positive reinforcement by either praising them when they do something good or by giving them a treat whenever they go potty out in the yard. Continue doing this until they understand that going outside is the only acceptable place to have a bowel movement. 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. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. Click here to add your own text and edit me. Welcome to the Sergeant's Boxers website! Thank you for stopping by! We are Cassie and Luke! First off, Boxers are the absolute best family members imaginable. Luke and I gained our first boxer family member in .From the very beginning, we were hooked! We then gained our newest addition, Diva and boy does her name fit her well! We were overjoyed with our family fur-members and wanted to provide joy to other families. That is when we decided we wanted to breed Boxers and bring love and happiness to other families, just as our Boxers brought love and happiness into ours. Our family continued to grow, as did our happiness and joy! We now have 8 boxers and one spayed boxer mix. All are our fur-kids come first and foremost! Diva and Sergeant had their first litter in .Since then, we have learned so much about the breed and about producing healthy puppies. A lot of thought and research goes into each and every breeding. In the early part of , we started showing. This was such a new experience for us, but we enjoyed it so very much! Bailey was our first girl to show and she had a blast! Her face would light up when trotting around the ring. She obtained her International and National Champion Title that weekend and we were so very proud of her! Remington and Diva were a little hesitant at first, but ended up doing very well by the end of the weekend. By the 4th run, they were so excited to get out there and perform! They ran their hearts out and smiled while doing so. It also helped that daddy was there the second day and waiting at the finish line for them : Captain and Benelli went to their first show in June of .Benelli was just 3 months old and competed in the baby class. She did so very well! She gained great ratings that first day and caught the eyes of everyone there! Captain also did very well! He strutted around the ring and smiled the entire time! It was not hard to see that this was something he enjoyed so very much! We couldn't wait to get them back out there for the next show! In September of , we went to 2 shows! The first show was a UKC show. Captain and Bailey competed and had a blast. Captain obtained his UKC Champion. Bailey obtained all of the points needed and is now only waiting for her competition wins. We cant wait to call her a UKC Champion too! Captain gained his National, International and Honors Ch. At only 3 months old, Dawn made it to Best of Show during this show! It is the best feeling in the world to see the smiles on their faces and their eyes lighting up! They all had a blast! Captain obtained his Honors Bronze Champion Title. Both girls did well. They both won first in each of their classes and Dawn won Reserve Best of Breed in all four shows. We were unable to attend due to puppies being at home, but didnt want the girls to miss out on a great weekend of showing! Dawn got first in class for all three shows. Benelli got first in class all three shows. Benelli also got Reserve Best Female in two show and Best female in one show. For being at a show without mama and dad, the girls did so good! Im so proud of them and a special thanks to Angie for talking the girls! We look forward to the upcoming shows and we are so very excited!! Benelli gained another competition win and many points to add towards obtaining her UKC Champion Title! I have no doubt she will obtain the rest of the needed points and competition win needed to obtain her title soon! The girls did great, even with the judges all wearing masks! We can not wait until the next show!! This was Sergeant's first show and he surprised us all!! We had a blast! Results will be posted in each of their files. Sergeant, Harley, Captain and Dawn participated and did very well! Captain even made it to the Best of Show on Sunday! Dawn and Remi did absolutely wonderful! Harley struggled a bit. She wanted to catch the line instead of the lure! Anyways, they all had a great time and we will certainly be back for more! Harley and Captain got to attend the Norman show! Harley won Reserve Ch x3 shows. Captain and our friend Junior handler Alicia Hood won x1 best Junior class! They both did great! Can't wait until the next show! Remi also came out to the show for her very first time! Dawn and Harley also attended and both did well. Captain, of course, tagged along too! Results will be posted once they are posted on UKC site, as I completely forgot to write down results while at the show! Such an exciting sport. Watching them be so excited to chase the lure is absolutely fun times!! We traveled all of the way there to be a part of this amazing show! We earned a total of 9 titles in both Dock Jumping and Precision Coursing! Harley showed in a couple of shows there, but did not place she was too busy worrying about diving and Captain got to strut around in the TOP 10 Boxer ring! Huge Congratulations to these girls!! Information to come! This means that for every litter, Sergeants Boxers will go down the list and offer puppies to the families in order of deposits received. The family may choose a puppy from the current litter or may pass to wait for a later litter. Even if the family initially expressed the desire for a puppy from a future litter early in the conversation, they will still be asked if they would like to select a puppy when the current litter selections start. Selections start at each litter's 6 weeks of age mark. This allows the families to not only pick from color, but also from personality. Please know that these can change at any time and are only listed for reference. This is non-negotiable. Address: Montgomery, Houston, Texas 4. DS Boxers, Texas. According to the owner, everything started about 20 years ago when she and her son got their first Boxer pet. She has been in love with this dog breed ever since, and she claims that she has the same amount of love for these doggies even today! Although this is more of a hobby breeder, the kennel provides the future pet owner with all documentation and health certificates. However, the owner claims that most doggies are already spoiled because of all the love and cuddling they receive. When it comes to the price, most pups cost differently according to the bloodline, coat color, and registration. The cost of transportation will be added to the overall price you pay for your future pet. If you possess a female Boxer and would like her to have her own puppies, you can use the stud services at this kennel. All you have to do is contact them and make an agreement. Breeder details: Telephone number: Address: Kempner, Texas 5. Black Champion Boxers. With more than 30 years of experience in Boxer breeding, the owners of this kennel, Ron and Debbie, are still loving every aspect of their jobs. They pass their love for Boxers onto their grandchildren as well! After spending time in Arizona, the couple decided to come to Texas and continue their family business, which has been going strong for the last 19 years in Decatur. A acre field is the perfect place to breed these wonderful animals. All puppies from this kennel have been tested for various diseases and conditions, had their dew claws done, and are vaccinated. However, like most Boxers, they do have high energy levels, which is why these dogs are more suitable for homes with bigger back yards. Breeder details:. Exercises Grooming From ancient Germany precisely around the 19th century had the now extinct mastiff breed Bullenbeisser and bulldogs brought in from England. At the time of their arrival, they served as hunting dogs for bears, deer, and other ferocious beasts, it would capture the prey with the help of its awesome teeth and detain it until the hunter arrives. And in the first boxer standard club was launched with a comprehensive document that is still in use today. Shortly after, the breed made its way into other European countries and got into the U. S in the late 19th century with the American Kennel Club taking registration of its first boxer around .During the first world war, boxers played the role of a military dog as a pack-carrier, a guard dog, and an attack dog, later they were taken home by the soldiers and got introduced into the domestic world as a show dog, best companion, and a reliable guard. One with so much life, energetic, curious, attentive, active, smart, sociable and incredible fun with children is the boxer, they are also known to be very patient and highly protective of their family members making them the love and desire of many homes. As active dogs, they need a lot of exercise to keep them mentally fit, apparently having a mind of its own, you will find your boxer entertain itself by digging the ground often, chewing, and licking the mouth to beat boredom. They are also very stubborn in character which makes them a terrible choice for first-timers with dogs, they are generally a bit difficult with adult dogs including dogs of a similar breed but friendly with puppies. They usually do not bark unless there is a genuine reason behind it but they love to growl. If you have occupied home with people around all the time or you want a canine buddy the whole time, then a boxer is just the perfect breed to get. Being a highly active dog, they dread loneliness and they can cope finely in both a house and an apartment as long as you provide it with enough room and spaces for exercises and activities. What you must have is a large yard if you are living in a house for it to dig the ground and run around as it likes. And more so, if you are given to being away from home most of the time, getting a boxer may not be the best for you and the dog, because they usually get aggressive when left alone. Boxers are known as loud snorers and they drool greatly too. Boxers are playful and very energetic dogs as such regular exercises are part of a good canine relationship, especially a breed of this sort. Your boxer should be allowed to play in a fenced area and on-leashed since it is likely to jump and leap around in excitement. This puts a boxer as a bad choice for a frail owner as they may find it a tad impossible and daunting keeping up with its excessive activity demands. Being a breed with a short and thin coat its grooming demands are quite easy and little, all it needs is a light brushing of the hair twice every week to maintain its good and gleeful looks. Bathing should be a once in a while since boxers are generally clean dogs and its nails, be trimmed once every month or as often as they grow worn on surfaces, its teeth should also be brushed daily to avoid tartar formation and other dental crises. Our Boxer 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. Boxer Puppies for Sale.