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Lifespan Sociability Pugs are one of the most sought-after dog breeds in the world, so they come at a high price. Factors like size and facial structure influence this hybrid more than most hybrids since most potential Box-a-Pug owners are looking for Boxer-Pug mixes that have the boxer face with a pug body. Box-a-Pugs might not be easy to find at dog shelters but you can always ask if they have a mixed-breed dog that resembles the Box-a-Pug. They have a protective nature that comes from their Boxer traits, with a surprisingly deep bark for a smaller-sized dog. Box-a-Pugs are Couch Potatoes While Box-a-Pugs can have lots of energy in their younger years, the Pug side mellows out the hyperactivity that comes with most Boxer hybrids. One way to prepare is to look at the temperaments of both the Boxer and the Pug to get a better idea about the possible personality traits your Box-a-Pug may possess. Known as the class clowns of the purebred dog world, Boxers are energetic and athletic dogs that enjoy living life to the fullest. Though they may be silly and goofy, Boxers are quite smart and are great with obedience. Pugs are inquisitive dogs that enjoy spending time with their favorite person. Although their distinctive bossiness can be a handful, their caring and loving nature are what makes them one of the most popular breeds to date. Box-a-Pugs often enjoy quality time with their favorite people, which comes from both purebred personalities. Box-a-Pugs have the potential to be sociable and friendly but will need to be socialized early and frequently to prevent aggressive issues with strangers. Are These Dogs Good for Families? Box-a-Pugs can do well with families that have older children since their smaller size can make them somewhat fragile. Box-a-Pugs crave attention and will love spending time with the family, but they may struggle to keep up with highly active families. However, if properly introduced or raised together with other animals, Box-a-Pugs can do well in households with other pets. We recommend a high-quality, medium-energy dry kibble with fiber to aid with digestion. At a minimum, your Box-a-Pug will need a few brisk walks and some mental stimulation to maintain a healthy mind and body. However, some Box-a-Pugs inherit the high energy level of the Boxer and will need much more than walking to keep them content. If your Box-a-Pug has lots of energy and is cleared for vigorous exercise, consider trying a canine sport to maintain weight and muscle. To avoid serious stubbornness, make sure you take your Box-a-Pug for walks to help relieve some excess energy. Box-a-Pugs can benefit greatly from group obedience classes to help with training and socialization. If you seem to be struggling with your Box-a-Pup, these classes can be a fun confidence booster while also teaching your puppy the basics in obedience. Weekly brushing to help get rid of loose fur and the occasional bath will help reduce the amount of shedding. Boxers tend to shed more in certain seasons, so you should expect your Box-a-Pug to be similar. Both breeds also have other concerns that make their lifespans shorter than other breeds, but Box-a-Pugs seem to have longer lifespans than their purebred counterparts. Females usually live longer than Male Boxer Pugs. Temperament Intelligent, perfect watchdogs, playful, friendly, excellent with children. Knowing what your Boxer Pugs will be like is a gamble, but the breed is known to have some standard features you can expect. Boxers are large dogs, while Pugs are small. While Boxers have a smoother coat than pugs, you still have to give them weekly brushing to keep their coats healthy looking. Boxers only undergo occasional shedding, whereas Pugs regularly shed. Together, a Boxer Cross Pug makes a medium size dog. However, there are some instances when the Boxer mixed with Pug end up being large dogs. You can expect an average life span for your Pug and Boxer Mix of around years. Boxer Pug Cross make family dogs and companion because of their loving and charming personality, though Pugs show an individual trait of being mischievous. Nevertheless, they are both excellent at supervising children and get along with other dogs. Both breeds are smart, but training Boxers are easier than with Pugs. Finding a Boxer Pug is easy, as the breed is generally favored because of its great personality and features. But before buying online, you have to be strategic and smart with your purchase. Choose from a breeder who is known to be good at breeding dogs, and who can guarantee that the parents of the pup are healthy. Make sure to genetically filter your animals first, because you can avoid experiencing unexpected bad personality behaviors or health concerns. This way. You can personally visit their shop and see the conditions of the dog, and it is one of the most definite ways to see how legit their business is, and the breeders would gladly be proud of their property. Ask your friends for a referral. If you already have friends who own a similar breed or other mix breeds, asked them how their experience was with that particular seller. You want to watch out for signs that point to the seller being dishonest. Approach your local shelter or vets for recommendations. Asking their opinion about mix breeds and breeding practices should help you with your decisions. Ask if they have any suggestion for breeders, or if they also have particular kinds which they can recommend for you. Always get a guarantee from your breeder; in cases, your puppy shows health problems. Grooming them is easy, and here are some basic things you have to observe. Brush their coat at least two to three times a week, to keep their fur looking excellent and clean. Clean the folds and wrinkles on their body. Doing so prevents bacteria from breeding. Check their eyes, and clean any dirt surrounding the area. The breed is known for suffering health injuries on the eye, and you want to prevent any harm from these areas as much as possible. Make sure to cover the simple basics of regularly cleaning their ears and eyes, trimming their nails, and brushing their coats. However, because of their flat face, their eyes are sometimes prone to injury. Here are some common health conditions which Boxer Pug Cross are prone to having. Hip Dysplasia — most of the time, this condition has something to do with the genetic component of the dog, and Pugs are one of the dogs known to have this component. Through time, the condition can put a strain on the muscles of your dogs and cause them extreme pain. Here are some of its common signs: Limping. A mixed-breed can inherit any combination of traits from their parents. Should a Pug Mix take after their Pug parent, they will be an affectionate, social dog that loves their families. A Pug tends to be playful, social, friendly, and gentle. They thrive on attention and affection and tend to get along well with children, other pets, and other dogs. As long as they are well-socialized, they also tend to be open and friendly with strangers. They can be prone to barking and it can become a nuisance behavior if you do not train your dog to stop barking early on. If the other parent breed has a similar temperament, then you can expect the same from a Pug Mix. You still want to ask the breeder about the other parent breed as they will likely introduce their own potential quirks. You can also meet the mother in person to get a sense of her temperament and see the behavior she is modeling for her puppies. Although the breeder should have started socialization and training, it is up to you to continue to train and socialize a puppy once you get them home. Pugs are moderately adaptable dogs. Although they do well in apartments as well as larger homes, they are particularly sensitive to heat and cold as a snub-nosed dog breed. They also do not like to be left alone for long periods of time. If the other parent breed is similar, then you should be able to expect the same from a Pug Mix. The other parent breed could still introduce some traits that affect adaptability, so you do want to ask the breeder about them. Mixed-breed dogs can sometimes be healthier than purebred dogs, but it is not a guarantee. They can inherit none, some, or all of the conditions common to their parent breeds. From the Pug side, potential health conditions to be aware of include eye problems, luxating patella , encephalitis, and hip dysplasia. As a brachycephalic, or snub-nosed, dog, they are prone to allergies and respiratory issues. Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues on to puppies. So, make sure you ask about the health and genetic history of both of the parents. You can also ask about any health tests or clearances that have been done. A Pug is eager to please and tends to pick up on things quickly. They tend to be a good fit for owners of all experience levels. The other parent breed could make a Pug Mix easy to train or more difficult, so you want to make sure you ask the breeder about them. A Pug Mix can inherit a coat similar to one of their parents or a coat that is truly a mix of both. Should they inherit the Pug coat, it will shed a bit year-round, require weekly brushing, and the occasional bath. Cutting nails once or twice monthly keeps them from growing too long. Ear checks on a weekly basis with careful cleanings as needed can help prevent ear infections. Brushing teeth or using an enzyme toothpaste every day in addition to cleanings at the vet as needed are ideal dental care for dogs. Pugs tend to sit in a low to moderate energy range. Usually, daily walks and some playtime are enough to keep them happy and healthy. They may be up for more activity, but can also get easily overheated. There are safe ways to exercise flat-faced dogs to help make sure they get enough activity. If the other parent breed also has a low to moderate activity level, then you can expect something similar from a Pug Mix. However, if the other parent breed is a higher energy dog, then you will want to make sure you are prepared for the potential of a high-energy dog. Fully-grown Pugs are usually inches tall and weigh pounds. The other parent breed can have a big effect on this, especially if they are the mother. Although it is not a guarantee, you can meet the mother in person to get an idea of what to expect in a fully-grown Pug Mix. A Pug generally lives for years. Although the other parent breed may affect this slightly, but you should be able to expect a similar average life span from a Pug Mix. Featured Pug Mix Article. When buying a Boxer Pug mix, you need to take your time and research your options. But what are the factors that are responsible for their popularity? What makes them one of the most preferred breedings in the US? A unique and captivating blend of character, personality, and temperament is the reason why boxer pug mix puppies for sale are the most popular of all the dog breeds. The pair is loved by people of all ages. The puppy looks beautiful and can be kept as a pet forever. But many people are scared of the genetic problems associated with the kind of diet a pug gets and hence, they keep on getting them. Pugs are said to be like wolves in that they need to be taken care of properly. They can have health problems related to their dense coat, or not being able to keep in cool temperatures. Pugs can get eye diseases due to UV light in the sun, or breathing problems because of their short lungs. So, if you decide to get one, always have your vet check it before deciding to get it for yourself. Pugs have been in the news in the past too. In the case of the purebred puppies for sale, there are so many of them that end up being disfigured due to their aggressive nature. Their coats are normally very thick which makes them prone to allergies. For this reason, it is advised that you get them from a breeder who is very keen on maintaining a quality healthy appearance. Boxer pug mix puppies for sale are popular because of their quality. Not just that they can be fed from dog food, the pup is also said to be safe and healthy when taken from dog food. This is because of the heavy coats which allow the puppy to stay warm and stay away from parasites and illness. You should keep an eye on the behavior of the puppy when you get it as they tend to act aggressively when they get nervous or they can be very stubborn. However, once the puppy settles down, they can be made part of your family and can make great pets. Pit Bulls are also known to fight among themselves. So make sure that you buy the puppy from a place that has a lot of experience in dealing with pugs. Also, take care that you check out the pedigree of the puppy to avoid health issues. There are so many breeds of dogs but only a few are good for pug breeding. Most of the boxer pug mix puppies for sale have been put together with the idea of creating a superb-looking product. Thus, if you take care of them well, they can lead a good life. While most people that are thinking about buying a puppy or adopting a dog are interested in purebred dogs, there are some factors to consider when trying to decide if boxer pug mix puppies for sale are the right dog for you. The first thing that you need to think about is what type of personality you have and how serious you are about having your pet. Socializing your puppy with other dogs and cats is one of the most important steps you can take for his safety and health. You also want to make sure that you consider what type of foods and other types of dog food you should be giving him. There are all kinds of potential health risks to consider as well and this is something that you need to take very seriously. If you want a healthier dog that is well cared for and you would like to know that you are choosing a purebred dog, it may be in your best interest to avoid breeding dogs in a puppy mill. In many ways, the best way to go about purchasing a boxer pug mix for sale is to use the Internet as a tool for comparison shopping. Many puppy mills will advertise on the Internet but there are many places that you can look through for the most reputable breeders. As you look through the websites of these online breeders you should see if they seem to be legitimate or if they just want to get your money without doing the proper screening and genetic research. There are several resources available to you that can help you do just that. These are organizations such as the American Kennel Club AKC that can help you find an ideal breeder or puppy mill for boxer pug mix puppies for sale. There are several issues to consider when looking for a breeder and one of the things that you should look for is if the breeder has a good reputation. Also, remember that you can read the information for each puppy and be able to make a good decision as to which boxer pug mix puppies for sale you should buy from. You will need to know the history of the breeder and what kind of environment he creates for his puppies. Once you feel that you have found a really good puppy mill for boxer pug mix puppies for sale then it is time to move forward to bring the pup home. A good breeder will put the pup through his paces from the moment he arrives until he reaches a certain age, and he will have handled him plenty of times by then. First and foremost, you need to decide if this breed is right for you. Compared to other breeds, this one is very gentle and will make an excellent family pet. It is also a great playmate for children. In addition to being a loyal, loving, and clingy dog, Boxers are also good watchdogs and will train well once they are old enough. The most important thing to look for when buying a Boxer Pug mix is its temperament. This type of dog is very friendly and patient with children. However, they are also very protective. They will take their role as the guardian of the family very seriously and will react with great fear to any threat. Therefore, it is best to expose this breed to many people and animals in its early puppyhood. A Pug mix can have multiple purebred or mixed breed lineages. This means that they can be a hybrid of different breeds. The best way to determine the origins of a Pug mix is by using DNA tests. While these tests are more accurate than ever, there are still some people who doubt their accuracy. You should still check with your local animal shelter and see if they offer mixed-breed dogs. This dog is intelligent and loves to play. It will make an excellent companion for kids, and it will enjoy spending time with you and your family. It is very adaptable to hot weather, so it is a good option for senior citizens or apartment dwellers. But proper grooming and exercise are vital for preventing heatstroke. While there are a few disadvantages to choosing a Boxer Pug mix, it is still an excellent choice for many reasons. They are intelligent, loving, and tolerant of children and are great companions. You can ask questions and get a feel for their personalities. In addition, you can also ask the breeder if the pups are healthy and happy. A good breeder will take the time to answer your questions. A healthy Pug will be happy and healthy. The breed is known for its high energy, which makes it a good choice for people with limited space. While boxers and pugs have very different energy levels, boxer pug puppies tend to have the same energy level. The breeder should be reputable and able to give you references. The Boxer Pug Mix is a medium to large size dog and is also a great family dog and companion. These dogs are smart and are easy to train. While they are low-maintenance dogs, they do need regular brushing and regular baths. They also have short nails and are easier to clean than the Pug. A well-maintained dog will last a long time. When it comes to grooming, a Boxer is more demanding than a typical Pug. Share this:.
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 Boxer Overview Boxers, large, muscular, square-headed dogs, appear imposing until their mischievous and joyful eyes reveal their true nature. Boxers reach full maturity at three years, boasting intelligence, alertness, and fearlessness, while remaining friendly. Their loyalty to the family is remarkable, though they can be headstrong when faced with harsh training. With minimal grooming needs, Boxers make excellent family companions, as long as they receive ample physical exercise and mental stimulation. Their origin traces back to Germany, and their short, shiny coats are usually fawn or brindle with white markings. Docked tails and cropped ears are common, but many owners now prefer leaving them natural. Boxers are renowned for their love and loyalty, often trying to be lapdogs. Their strength and courage make them suitable for military, police, and search-and-rescue work. Proper care includes indoor living due to their sensitivity to extreme temperatures. Boxer Highlights Here are some of the highlights of the Boxer breed: Affectionate: Boxers are very affectionate dogs and love to be around their people. They are known for their wagging tails and slobbery kisses. Playful: Boxers are also very playful dogs and love to have fun. They are always up for a game of fetch or a good belly rub. Intelligent: Boxers are very intelligent dogs and can be easily trained. They are often used as working dogs, such as therapy dogs and search and rescue dogs. Trainable: Boxers are also very trainable dogs and can be taught a variety of tricks. They are eager to please their owners and love to learn new things. Loyal: Boxers are very loyal dogs and will always protect their family. They are known for their bravery and willingness to stand up to danger. The Bullenbeisser was used as a hunting dog for centuries to hunt bear, wild boar, and deer, tasked with catching and holding the prey until hunters arrived. Over time, Bullenbeissers lost their jobs on estates and began to be used by farmers and butchers to guard and drive cattle. The Boxer we know today was developed in the late 19th century when a Munich man named Georg Alt bred a brindle-colored female Bullenbeisser named Flora with a local dog of unknown origin. Schecken was then bred to an English Bulldog named Tom to produce a dog named Flocki, who became the first Boxer to be entered in the German Stud Book after winning at a Munich show that had a special event for Boxers. One of her pups was a white female named Meta von der Passage, considered to be the mother of the Boxer breed, even though photographs of her show that she bore little resemblance to the modern Boxer. Our great line of sires all trace directly back to this female. She was a substantially built, low to the ground, brindle and white parti-color, lacking in underjaw and exceedingly lippy. As a producing bitch few in any breed can match her record. She consistently whelped puppies of marvelous type and rare quality. Those of her offspring sired by Flock St. Salvator and Wotan dominate all present-day. The breed became known in other parts of Europe in the late s. Around , the first Boxers were imported into the U. Lehman of New York. When Word War I broke out, Boxers were enlisted into the military, serving as messenger dogs, carrying packs and acting as attack and guard dogs. Boxers started becoming popular in the U. Through them, the breed was introduced to more people and soon became a favorite companion animal, show dog, and guard dog. In the early days, there was a lot of controversy within the club about the Boxer standard. In , the club finally approved a new standard. The latest revisions of the standard were in .Today, the Boxer ranks 7th among the breeds and varieties registered by the AKC. Boxer Size The height at the shoulder for males usually ranges from .Females typically stand 21 to .Strangers are met with wariness, but they respond politely to friendly people. They display aggression only in defense of their family and home. Temperament is influenced by factors like heredity, training , and socialization. Boxer puppies with good temperaments are curious, playful, and open to approaching and being held by people. Socialization, early exposure to diverse experiences, people, and places, is crucial to ensure they grow up as well-rounded, friendly dogs. Enrolling them in puppy kindergarten classes and regular interactions with visitors, neighbors, and various environments help develop their social skills. Boxer Health Boxers are generally a healthy breed, but like all dogs, they have certain health conditions to be aware of. Here are some conditions to watch out for, along with precautions: Cancer : Boxers are prone to mast cell tumors, lymphoma, and brain tumors. White Boxers with excessive white markings can get sunburned and may develop skin cancer. Apply sunscreen to their ears, nose, and coat when they go outdoors. This condition can lead to fainting and sudden death. A veterinary cardiologist can diagnose it after detecting a heart murmur. Affected dogs should not be bred. Boxer cardiomyopathy BCM : An inherited condition causing an irregular heartbeat due to an electrical conduction disorder. It can result in weakness, collapse, or sudden death. Detection is challenging, leading to unexpected fatalities. Dogs showing signs of this condition should not be bred. While some dogs show signs of pain and lameness, others may not exhibit discomfort. X-ray screening helps detect hip dysplasia, and affected dogs should not be bred. Hypothyroidism : Caused by a deficiency of thyroid hormone, leading to infertility, obesity, mental dullness, and lack of energy. It can be managed with daily thyroid replacement pills. Corneal Dystrophy : Non-inflammatory eye diseases inherited in Boxers, affecting one or more corneal layers, causing opaque areas in the eyes. A weakened immune system can lead to demodectic mange, resulting in localized or generalized skin issues. Gastric dilatation-volvulus GDV , also called Bloat or Torsion : A life-threatening condition more common in deep-chested dogs like Boxers. Feeding habits and exercise patterns can contribute to GDV. Immediate medical attention is crucial. Allergies : Boxers are prone to both environmental and food-related allergies. Itchy, scaly skin should be examined by a vet. Responsible breeding is essential to reduce the risk of deafness. Boxer Care Boxers are indoor dogs due to their short noses and coats, making them unsuitable for outdoor living. However, they enjoy playing in a fenced yard. Engage them in play or walk them twice daily for at least half an hour to keep their muscles toned and their energy satisfied. Activities like fetch, long walks, or dog sports like agility and flyball are great options. Adequate exercise ensures good behavior—a tired Boxer is a well-behaved Boxer. Training is crucial for Boxers, as their size and strength can inadvertently harm people. Their temperament, being happy and excitable, requires early and consistent training using firm, fair methods with positive reinforcement through praise, play, and food rewards. Be consistent to avoid pushing boundaries. Settle them down before training class with a walk or play session for better focus. Housetraining requires patience; some Boxers are trained by four months, while others take longer. Regular potty breaks and praising them outdoors are essential. Crate training is recommended for their successful training. Boxer Feeding For an ideal Boxer diet , choose high-quality food suited for medium-sized breeds with high energy. Optimize their chances for a long, healthy life by providing proper nutrition. To prevent weight gain, adhere to a regular feeding schedule with two meals per day. Limit treats and avoid leaving food out all day. Consult your vet for personalized recommendations based on factors like weight, energy levels, and overall health. Boxer Coat Color And Grooming Boxers boast a sleek, short coat with tight skin, accentuating their athletic bodies. They come in fawn or brindle colors, occasionally with white markings. Fawn ranges from light tan to mahogany, while brindle displays striking black stripes on a fawn background. White markings should not cover more than one-third of the coat, and excessive white is discouraged due to potential health issues like skin cancer and deafness. They lack the gene for a solid black coat, so black Boxers are not seen. Bathing should be done as needed. Maintaining dental hygiene and nail care are essential. Regularly brushing their teeth prevents periodontal disease, and trimming nails every few weeks keeps their feet in good condition. Starting grooming routines early in puppyhood helps them become accustomed to the process, ensuring positive veterinary exams and handling as adults. Regular grooming also provides an opportunity to check for any potential health issues, such as sores, rashes, or signs of infection, promoting early detection and care. Boxer Children And Other Pets Boxers are fond of kids and make excellent playmates for active older children. However, their rambunctious nature may be too much for toddlers, possibly causing accidental knocks during play. Never leave a dog unsupervised with a child. With proper socialization, Boxers can also get along well with other dogs and cats, particularly if raised together. Boxer Rescue Groups Boxers are often purchased without any clear understanding of what goes into owning one. There are many Boxers in need of adoption and or fostering. There are a number of rescues that we have not listed. Many can be found with a quick internet search. Vocality level 3 in 5 Disclaimer: While the characteristics mentioned here may frequently represent this breed, dogs are individuals whose personalities and appearances will vary. Please consult the adoption organization for details on a specific pet. Temperament The Boxer is playful, exuberant, inquisitive, attentive, demonstrative, devoted, and outgoing; this dog is a perfect companion for an active family. Boxers can be stubborn, but are sensitive and responsive to commands. They may be assertive toward strange dogs, but are generally good with other family dogs and pets. Upkeep The Boxer needs daily mental and physical exertion. They likes to run, but their exercise needs can also be met with a good jog or long walk on leash. They do not do well in hot weather. Some snore. The coat needs only occasional brushing to remove dead hair. Health Major concerns: boxer cardiomyopathy, SAS, CHD Minor concerns: gastric torsion, hypothyroidism, corneal erosion, colitis Occasionally seen: brain tumors, degenerative myelopathy Suggested tests: thyroid, hip, cardiac Holter monitoring Life span: 8—10 years Note: Sensitive to heat. White boxers may be deaf. The drug acepromazine can cause severe reactions. History The Boxer derives from two central European breeds of dog that no longer exist: the larger Danziger Bullenbeiser and smaller Brabenter Bullenbeiser. Bullenbeiser means bull-biter, and these dogs were used to chase large game through the forest. This required a strong but agile dog with a broad powerful jaw and a recessed nose. In England, the Bulldog was the favored breed for the sport, whereas in Germany large mastiff-type dogs were used. Around the s, German hunters began a concerted effort to create a new breed, crossing their Bullenbeisers with mastiff-type dogs for size, terriers for tenacity, and, finally, Bulldogs. The result was a tough agile dog with a streamlined body and strong grip. By , an entirely new breed, the Boxer, had been established. Although the exact origin of the name Boxer is obscure, it may have been derived from the German Boxl. The Boxer was one of the first breeds to be employed as a police and military dog in Germany. By , the breed had become established as a general utility dog, family pet, and even show dog. The AKC recognized the breed soon after, but only in the s did the breed begin its steady rise to the top of the popularity charts, eventually peaking as the fourth most popular breed in America. Related Content. The contractual agreement between you and the breeder Agreement made to not breed the dog in the future Agreement made to not enter it into competitions No restrictions on the Boxer puppy Read on to see why these factors affect the price of Boxer puppies. Reputation Of The Breeder Breeders spend a lot of time and money to build up their reputation as trustworthy Boxer breeders. The more renowned a breeder is, the more they are able to charge for their dogs. However, some puppy mills and backyard breeders will shoot up their prices to appear to be reputable breeders. Therefore, you should go through a trusted association to find a reputable breeder. Do not be fooled by good advertising. The individual Boxer puppy you want to purchase must have its own papers that document its registration with the American Kennel Club. These papers cost money and will increase the price of your Boxer puppy slightly. This is important because pedigree changes the price of the Boxer puppy; I will discuss this next! Pedigree is important when it comes to determining what your Boxer puppy will look like, its temperament, and the chance of it developing genetic issues in the future as it grows up. Determining who the dam and sire of your Boxer puppy are is important in determining price. If your Boxer puppy has a champion sire or dam, then the price of the puppy will increase significantly. Champion heritage drives the price of the Boxer puppy up because the buyer is almost guaranteed to get a perfect specimen of what a Boxer should be and has a better chance at winning competitions with their Boxer puppy when it grows up. The breed, unfortunately, suffers from hip dysplasia, cardiovascular myopathy, severe arthritis, degenerative myelopathy, several cancers, and aortic valve disease. The American Kennel Club recommends that all of these tests, including thyroid screening, elbow evaluations, and certain DNA tests are all done to produce a long-term prognosis so effective preventative care can be carried out from day one. If a Boxer puppy has any health concerns, then their price will decrease, and they will often be sold for a couple of hundred dollars or so depending on the specific health issues they have. As medium-sized dogs, Boxers can leave their mothers safely at eight weeks. Many people who want to compete with their boxers will wait until the Boxer puppy is six to eight months old before purchasing them. During this time, the breeder will invest in behavioral training. When the Boxer puppy is six to eight months old, the breeder will also be able to give you a better idea of their temperament and their adult markings and ultimate size. As a result, these puppies will be much more expensive than the younger ones. Boxers will stand at 23 to 25 inches tall if they are male and .They have tall, regal-looking shoulders that slope down gently to a smaller set of hips. Their heads are quite square and are characterized by their wrinkles that make them appear confused but curious! Boxers that meet the breed standard are a fawn or brindle color with white markings on their chests, bellies, inner legs, and faces. However, the white markings may not be more than a third of their entire body. If your Boxer puppy meets the breed standard, then their price will increase because they can be used for competitions. However, if they do not meet the breed standard, then their price will be decreased, as this is seen as undesirable from a competition standpoint. The first agreement will prevent you from further breeding your Boxer puppy. The second agreement will prevent you from entering your Boxer puppy into any competitions. Both contacts will decrease the price of your Boxer puppy, as they place restrictions on what you can and cannot do with your puppy as it grows up. There are many other costs associated with owning a Boxer! One-Time Bring Home Costs There are a number of things you will need to purchase before you even pick up your Boxer puppy to make them feel more comfortable and happy in their new home! Fortunately, a lot of these items only need to be purchased once or twice, like food bowls and crates, for example. Here is a list of some of the vital things you need:. Life Span Did You Know? The Boxer is one of the most popular dog breeds in the United States. It has been recognized by the AKC since .Although the Boxer dog breed originated in Germany, their ancient ancestry can be traced back to the Assyrian empire war dogs of BC. The modern Boxer breed we know and love today was originally developed in Germany in the late s. English-bred Bulldogs and the Bullenbesiier were crossed to create an energetic and agile hunting dog to chase wild game. The Boxer is a popular family companion and a versatile working dog. As a member of the Working Group, Boxers can be found competing in dog sports like agility, obedience, and herding. They also make great service and assistance dogs, as well as therapy dogs, and can be found working as search and rescue dogs, drug detection dogs, police dogs, and military dogs. The Boxer is a muscular and energetic dog that tends to have a happy, friendly disposition. They bond closely with their families and tend to get along well with children and other dogs. They can even do well with other pets despite their high prey drive if they are socialized and trained with them. As long as they are well-socialized, Boxers are generally upbeat, playful, and friendly. Although they have a natural instinct to protect their family from unwanted visitors, they do tend to warm up once introduced and are happy to make a new friend. They can be prone to barking a lot if you do not work on socialization and training your dog to stop barking early on. Boxers can be highly adaptable dogs. Although they have a lot of energy and are better suited to homes with yards where they can run, they can adapt to apartment living as long as they get the daily exercise, attention, and mental stimulation they need. As with any non-arctic dog breed, they are sensitive to very cold temperatures. Boxers are also a brachycephalic breed, which means they are even more sensitive to heat than other dogs. A Boxer is also one of the most affectionate dog breeds. Because they bond so closely with their families and get bored easily, they should not be left alone for long periods of time. Potential health conditions to be aware of in a Boxer include hip dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy, thyroid issues , and heart conditions like aortic stenosis and cardiomyopathy. Good breeding practices make a big difference and reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. So, make sure you are asking the breeder about the health and genetic history of the parents and about any health tests that have been done. Boxers are intelligent dogs that are eager to please their owners. Despite their energetic personality, they are one of the best dog breeds for first-time owners and are highly trainable dogs. They tend to excel at almost any task put before them! Because of their open, friendly nature and high energy, they have a tendency to jump up at people in excitement and playfulness. Since they grow into powerful dogs, you will want to make sure you train your dog not to jump up. Boxers have smooth and short coats that will shed a little year-round and require minimal grooming. A brush-down once or twice a week and the occasional bath as needed will keep their short coat healthy and looking great. Nail trims once or twice a month are usually enough to keep nails from growing too long. Checking ears weekly and carefully cleaning as needed can help prevent ear infections. Checking and wiping their facial wrinkles weekly or a few times a week if your dog is prone to getting into things can help keep their wrinkles clean and free of irritation. Dental diseases, like gum disease, are the most common health issues in older dogs because dental care is often overlooked; and, it can lead to other serious health issues. Brushing daily, plus cleanings at the vet when needed, is ideal. The Boxer is a high-energy dog breed that needs plenty of daily exercise to stay happy and healthy. Due to their high prey drive and urge to chase, they should only be let off-leash in secure areas. Boxers tend to get bored with repetition, are excellent problem solvers, and are naturally exuberant. A fully-grown Boxer usually stands inches tall at the shoulder and weighs pounds. Boxers generally live years on average. In Germany, the Boxer was one of the first dog breeds chosen for police training. Featured Boxer Article.
We can proudly boast that all of our dogs and puppies come from only the very best and proven bloodlines in the world. Each one of our males and females is health tested, titled, and has at least one parent that has earned a VA1 title Excellent Select, 1st place. The competition for VA is fierce and very few dogs attain this momentous achievement. Our Dogs Titles: So, what does all of this mean and why should it matter to a pet buyer? Working titles focus on the structural soundness and ability to demonstrate trainability and reliability in obedience, but more importantly, temperament is evaluated. Show titles provide a valuable tool for ensuring that the breed standard is followed. This is an in-depth evaluation that records the qualities and shortcomings of the dog. The temperament, conformation, courage, and function are reported. Temperament and character, along with physical and mental soundness play an enormous role in selectively choosing which dogs are breeding prospects. The German Shepherd is an athletic, loyal, self-assured, attentive, and intelligent dog. This applies to both competition dogs and family pets. Purchasing a puppy from titled parents ensures that the dogs being bred have passed vigorous testing and several judges along the way oversaw the process. Following this standard eliminates a biased breeder from breeding indiscriminately and encourages the goal to be producing the best puppies possible. At Centennial German Shepherds, meticulous planning and an abundance of thought go into producing every litter of puppies. Striving for excellence gives breeders credibility and provides the potential buyer with absolute assurance that their puppy is a product of deliberate and quality mating. Capo and our beautiful granddaughter, Shannon The meaning of Our New Kennel Name After working, showing, and breeding German Shepherds for over 25 years, we decided it was time to create a new kennel name and logo to signify our presence in Colorado the Centennial State combined with our Italian and Estonian foundation dogs. Centennial GSD chose to use the head of our gorgeous female Gucci and combine the American and Italian flags across her face to signify our team concept. Additionally, we blended the American and Estonian flags across our impressive male import's face to represent the Margman presence at Centennial. Our puppies are raised inside of our home where we can interact with them from birth until the day they leave with their new families. We assess them, take notes, photos, and videos, and create a detailed log about each puppy so that we can explain their individual characteristics and personalities as clearly as possible to anyone who is inquiring. We evaluate each puppy's growth and development, along with littermate interactions and responses to "daily life" situations on a full-time basis. Once the puppies are mobile, they are introduced to toys and small obstacles which are intended to spark curiosity and promote problem-solving and confidence. We understand that visiting the puppies or looking at photos is difficult, as both are only small snapshots of time in the rapidly changing life of a growing puppy. Visitors might experience the litter just before or after a nap, eating, playing, or any other event or activity that may skew the true personality of the puppy, and relying on a few minutes or even hours to make a decision can be overwhelming. For these reasons, frequent communication with prospective families from birth to placement is crucial. By clearly conveying expectations, we are able to assist in the selection process to ensure happiness and success for both the puppy and the individual families welcoming the youngster into their new home. Centennial GSD works hard at producing the finest German Shepherd Dogs through methodically and meticulously scrutinizing compatible bloodlines and pedigrees to ensure each breeding results in producing the best litter of puppies possible. Combining specific lines or avoiding lines that have genetic faults is important as we always have the betterment of the breed in mind. This is done by carefully choosing a mating pair that compliment one another by enhancing positive qualities and making an effort to reduce any faults known in one or both bloodlines. Our foundation dogs and the dogs we use for breeding trace back to the best Italian, Estonian, and German bloodlines. We seek out dogs with a geographically diverse gene pool while also studying line breeding to keep the integrity of the breed intact. By doing this, we reduce the risks associated with more closely related dogs. Our breeding dogs have certified hips and elbows, have been tested for DM, and are titled; ensuring that they are healthy both physically and mentally. None of the dogs in our breeding program and many generations back have joint or known hereditary issues and all of the dogs possess stable and wonderful temperaments. At Centennial quality over quantity always comes first. We stay in touch with our families after the sale of our German Shepherd puppies, whether it be for help with a question or just a friendly email to check-in. I sold several puppies almost two decades ago both out of state and overseas and have been fortunate enough to form beautiful friendships with many of those people that will last a lifetime. We take pride in our Colorado German Shepherds. Our goal is to produce healthy and beautiful German Shepherd puppies that win in the show ring, excel as working dogs, succeed as therapy or service dogs, and most importantly, flourish as loving family companions and guardians. I traveled to Estonia to pick up my female puppy Briatore Nordica, and while I was there I met another puppy her half-brother named Margman Othello. He was a gorgeous and friendly 7 month old sable youngster. Both puppies shared the same father, the magnificent multiple VA Margman Torsten. I was immediately smitten and consequently brought both back with me to Colorado. I also had the honor and pleasure of hosting Torsten, his owner, and his breeder at my home when they traveled to the United States for the first time after a Sieger Show. A few years later I imported another Margman female black and red who was bred to Torsten. Her puppies were wonderful and she enjoyed a nice life in Colorado. By this time Margman had become a household name and known for quality German Shepherds around the world. We had lovely puppies; a mix of sable and black and red, both long and short coats. It was then that I began my great love for the long haired German Shepherd. Rio was phenomenal in the show ring, he earned his SchH3 title, placed V1, and produced puppies that achieved the same and other working titles. He was a gentleman in the house and had a flawless character which he passed down to his puppies time and time again. His puppies excelled as therapy dogs, service dogs, and as healthy and loving family dogs. Rio was intelligent, possessed a solid temperament, and was stunning to look at. My beloved Rio was by far one of the best dogs I have ever had the privilege of owning and set the bar high for our future dogs. Now, many years later, I have once again imported a Margman dog; an impressive male to show, breed, and enjoy as a perfect companion dog. We look forward to combining the lines again and producing the best puppies possible. Expanding the gene pool while still staying true to the standard is our goal with future litters. Margman Dacapo is magnificent; an absolute dream dog. In we imported our first Margman long coat, a deeply pigmented black and red girl. Margit has bettered the breed by thinking outside of the box. Her sable and black dogs are the absolute best and she has also produced top long coats along with her phenomenal black and red dogs. She has combined strong females with the correct stud dogs to produce some of the best puppies in the world. She is devoted to her dogs and the future of the German Shepherd Dog. Her dedication is obvious, and the result has been and remains to be dogs that possess beauty, working ability, and outstanding character. Her vision is clear, her dedication is steadfast, and he loves the dogs so her goals are always set with the future in mind. We are a family-owned, professional German shepherd breeder located in beautiful Larkspur, Colorado. Our dogs in our breeding program come with clear-in-the head character, safe nature, and stable nerves. We welcome your visit to our kennels in Douglas County, Colorado. We believe in our German shepherd puppies breeding program, you should too! Our kennels in Larkspur, Colorado, we breed German Shepherd Puppies with world-class parents, top working, show line pedigrees. Confident, self-assured puppies bred for families. We are confident in our purebred German Shepherd puppies; you will be too. Click Here Working line German Shepherds Our working German Shepherds with full working titles are bred with focus and the ability to work, eagerness to learn and accomplish the given role they were originally bred for. Clear in the head, safe nature, and stable nerves to function in any environment with courage, intelligent and stability to exceed your expectations. The most sought after world-class and world champion pedigrees in the world! This is the best puppies you can get, unmatched in every aspect of the top working show line German Shepherds. Click Here Trained German shepherds Our trained puppies include potty and crate training, socialization skills within a family home environment including other animals, cats and dogs. Object orientation in building confident, self-assurd puppies with motivation to perform. Our puppies live with our families, our children, interacting daily in our homes. Click Here German Shepherds Buying an older puppy or a young adult trained German Shepherds can be risky and could end with disastrous results. Protection plus Love!!! We are a small "Mom and Pop", breeder of top quality, working line, German Shepherds. Established in , we are located in the very center of the state of Colorado in the Rocky mountains. Licensed, and AKC inspected and approved facility. Our goal is to breed Dogs who are top quality, and affordable. Beautiful, healthy, dogs that have stable temperaments. All our dogs hips and elbows have been checked, and passed by the OFA. We do genetic testing to insure none of our puppies will develop Degenerative Myelopathy detailed information regarding DM at the bottom of our "Family Comments Gallery" page. The medical documentation paperwork is available for viewing when you come visit to see our dogs or puppies. We breed for black and tan, black and red, sable, black and bi-color puppies. Mostly we have short coat dogs, but do produce limited numbers of long coat pups. Our dogs are predominantly Czech and German working lines. Trained dogs are a positive addition to the lives of their families. These pups can vary in drives and excitability levels but all are working dogs, capable of doing a job suited to their individual drive levels. We try to make it a top priority to match the right puppy to the right family. Our dogs bloodlines are versatile. We breed puppies who could excel in Search and Rescue, Schutzhund, French Ring or Agility, or be great pets and companions. We breed straighter back, working line dogs. You will LOVE them.Get the best supplements for your dog or puppy. All of our dogs and puppies enjoy these daily and are used like a daily treat, taken right from the hand. Call to Order Please use order code You may also place your order on-line today by clicking on the banner below. We are a family located in the beautiful Rocky Mountains of Loveland, Colorado. Our family is passionate about dogs and therapy dogs specifically due to our family story having 2 little ones with special needs and my father was a war veteran who committed suicide. My name is Melissa Wren and I am on a mission driven to help provide unconditional love to others who need it by and through our magnificent dogs. Our German Shepherds have been, and are in the process of being trained to be in the line of service and therapy work. At Sweetheart German Shepherds we are very committed to raising the highest quality German Shepherds that we can with our 1 priority being healthy sound dogs both physically and mentally. All our dogs are health tested and screened for wellness as recommended by the American Kennel Club for the bred and temperament tested before they are used in our breeding and therapy dog training.
Are you looking for the best quality French Bulldog puppy breeder in the state of South Dakota? Then you are in the right place. In South Dakota, there are several Frenchie Pug breeders. To assist you in finding your future French bulldog puppies, I did a lot of research and created the following list of the top 12 reputable French Bulldog Breeders in South Dakota. I skipped puppy store, puppy mills, and backyard breeders information in this article. Before purchasing a franchise dog, conduct some research about the breeder. For your ease, I have provided all the information to each breeder. Since , it has been breeding French Bulldogs. They generate and raise top-notch French bulldogs for the house and family along with English Bulldogs. Their canines reflect their breed standard. They maintain a breed standard to provide you with a companion who will live a decent standard of living with you. Bulldogs are their specialty, and they solely work with this breed. Every pup they raise comes with a health guarantee. They offer to ship all around the United States regularly; thus, shipping can be considered an option. Their puppies are well-socialized and indulged when they arrive at your home. The price range varies for some categories or limited registration. They operate a single deposit list for all of the Frenchies litters. Initially, the money will help you to keep your spot on the list until the perfect puppy comes along for you to use it on. Kelly Johnson is the owner of this breeding program. Almost they have 20 years of experience raising high-quality animals. They specialize in both familiar and unusually colored Frenchies. Their purpose is to produce French bulldogs that meet the required temperament, conformation, fitness, and bone structure. They also breed Cavalier King Charlies Spaniels and pugs. Their purpose is to breed AKC registered Frenchies. They also provide health-tested AKC-registered adult Frenchies. A two-year health guarantee covers their puppies from a registered veterinarian. They try to feed them the best food, make sure that they get enough sun and fresh air, and constantly snuggle. Their adult dogs and pups are also trained regularly by the children of the house to ensure a nice, mentally occupied, and well-adjusted puppy. You can also mail them to get more information. Elkton, SD Email Address: mkak itctel. Raising French and English bulldogs. Their operation is small, keeping their focus not only on quality genetics but the social developmment of their puppies. A happy, healthy, social puppy is our goal. While our bulldogs love spending their time in our home. They are able to enjoy the freedom of running outside in nature as dogs should. Breeding dogs have extensive DNA testing Hold OFA Orthopedic Foundation for Animals certifications Have a minimum of four years of certified pedigrees Eat quality dog food and supplement's All of our puppies are microchipped before going to their new homes Providing a well socialized puppies through a positive and safe environment. Week 5 puppies are microchipped week 6 puppies have their first check up, round of shots, and deworming from Dr. Which is conjoined to the living room of our home. Allowing our dogs constant access to us and the excitement outside. The only public place our puppies visit is their vet. That is for their safety and prevention of any canine disease and parasites such as, canine parvovirus. We HIGHLY encourage all of our potential puppies parents to wait two weeks after the puppies last vaccination to bring them to public dog parks, gas stations, etc. Furever Friend take home bag includes: Your puppies paw print taken at 6 weeks 3 photos of your puppy 1 Toy 4 six ounce bag of our dry puppy food 3 six ounce bags of dry dog food Piece of blanket with litter mates and mothers scent 1 Folder including. Email Why hello everyone! It is so nice to meet you! I'm a little cutie that loves my people. I am quite the character. I do know that my cute little antics will win you over every time. I know how to make anyone smile. I love to play and bring my pillow into my bed at night. I can't wait to find a new forever family. Would you like to spend your days and night with me? I will be right there to bring you love and fill your heart with joy. I know what works when it comes to making your heart melt. I will look at you and then when you are not looking, I will jump up on your lap and give kisses. What I am looking for with my new family is lots of love and affection. You won't be disappointed, and I can't wait to see you and start our lives together. By the way, I've already started packing my bags! SweetTart will join her new family with a health certificate from the vet, shot records, her blanket, toys and some of her food to help with adjusting to her new home. Feel free to call or text me with any questions Breed: French Bulldog. Microchipped and spayed needing a new home. She has a playful attitude. Loves to cuddle. I have all her paperwork Certificates of birth and shots are up to date. She comes with a pink cage and accessories. She weighs 19 pounds so she petite for her. Please leave a message. I screen my calls. View Detail Jesco cute Blue frenchie Available Having blue frenchie puppy ,That little face, and those big ears, are going to melt hearts! Jesco is a soft and sweet boy, and the cutest pup of the litter. The French Bulldog is my only breed. I am very proud of my bloodlines, and Jesco is from Champion winning French Bulldog pedigree. This pup will come with all details of vaccinations and deworming to date, microchip, Puppy Guarantee. The puppy is Dewormed withmilbemax and frontlined against ticks and fleas. Each of them can be a great addition to your family : Short overview of us and our breeding program. Our family has been specializing in flat nosed breeds since .Responsible breeding has always been of top priority. Our efforts are focused on making the whole process properly and timely. All test results are on hands and can be provided upon request. We have collected lots of references through the years as we stay in touch with families after adoption. Puppy's vet records: Two sets of shots both lepto and dhppi are done. Also Nobivac KC against kennel cough you can catch it everywhere. Puppies are dewormed with Milbemax and Frontlined against ticks and fleas. All records including microchip are updated in pet cards. Pleasure to answer your questions! Text xxxxxxxxxx text only please thanks. Price incudes shipping and we currently ship all over the US. These babies are such loyal, smart and happy pups. This litter has champion bloodlines. CKC registered. Puppies will come with starter package, bill of health, vet checked, first shots, dew claws removed and de-wormed. We have 4 females and 1 male available for forever homes. View Detail Frenchies for sale blue 3 guys 1 chick. We have 3 blue boys, 1 girl left from a litter of 8 from our blue girl. Dad is also blue and both can be seen as dad belongs to a family member. They are 7 weeks 1 day old now and will be ready to go in a week time. They will leave with AKC papers, first injections, chipped, vet checked and puppy pack. Note that we can hold a puppy for longer if needed. Call, text, email us for more details. He is very playful obedient and loves attention. The reason why I'm putting him up for adoption is because I can't give him the love and attention he need I have a3 year old and he just keeps taking a back seat he doesn't deserve that, I would like for him to have a loving family with a fenced in yard please text me if you have any other questions and I will be happy to answer them. They are well trained and very good with kids. I have a male and female french bulldog puppies ready for their new homes. Text or Call xxxx For More Info. The puppies are up to date on shots, and have recently received vaccination. They are in very good health, and have received formal home training. Welcoming a new puppy into your home is an exciting time filled with joy, cuddles, and a few inevitable challenges. One of the most common questions new puppy owners ask is, "When can puppies go outside? Table of Contents Easiest Dog to Take Care of: Top 10 Breeds for a Happy Home Do you ever dream about having a furry best friend who loves to play fetch, gives the warmest cuddles, and greets you with the happiest tail wags every time you come home? A friend who is not just any dog, but the easiest dog to take care of? We know, it sounds like a dream come true, right? But we also understand that bringing a new puppy home is a big step. It's like adding a new member to your family, a little brother or sister.All French Bulldog Insights French Bulldog Breed Info If you're seeking an adorable companion with a charmingly squashed face, an easygoing personality, and a distinct penchant for lounging on the couch, the French Bulldog could just be your perfect match. With their signature bat ears and expressive eyes, French Bulldogs, or "Frenchies" as they are lovingly known, have captured the hearts of many dog lovers around the globe, consistently ranking among the most popular breeds. Renowned for their easy maintenance and the ability to thrive in apartment living, French Bulldogs are a city dweller's delight. Their small size, typically weighing under 28 pounds, makes them perfectly suited to compact urban spaces. However, their charming personalities and heartwarming companionship are universally loved, irrespective of city or countryside living. This breed's laid-back nature does not mean they're devoid of fun and play. On the contrary, French Bulldogs can be quite playful and are known for their often comical and entertaining antics, which only further endears them to their owners. Their affectionate demeanor, combined with a remarkably low barking tendency, makes them a joy to have around the house. French Bulldogs are sturdy, compact, and stocky, with a powerful muscular build that contradicts their small size. They have a smooth coat that comes in a variety of colors, from fawn and brindle to white and grey. Their facial expressions are human-like, and they're known to "talk" using a complex system of yawns, yips, and gargles. However, owning a French Bulldog does come with responsibilities. Their brachycephalic short-nosed nature makes them prone to certain health issues and less tolerant of extreme temperatures. Despite their muscular appearance, they are not the best swimmers, and care should be taken around bodies of water. Questions about French Bulldog puppies for sale in South Dakota? We have answers. How does French Bulldog puppies for sale in South Dakota work? A French Bulldog South Dakota will grow into an affectionate and good-natured pup with just enough goofiness to keep you smiling all the time. They get on great with other pets too. Why are French Bulldogs so expensive? French Bulldog breeders in South Dakota need to take extra care to guarantee the health of both mama dog and her pups. Frenchies have extremely small pelvic bones, which means South Dakota French Bulldog breeders have to pay for artificial insemination and C-section procedures. We think that shelter dogs are amazing, and sometimes they will be the right choice for you and your family. So, if you choose a shelter pup or a pup from French Bulldog breeders South Dakota, either one is How can I check if my puppy will be healthy? All the South Dakota French Bulldog puppies for sale from our partners are pampered to the highest level as they wait to find their new homes. That includes a full nose-to-tail veterinarian exam before they leave for their new homes. We suggest asking for a copy of their exam, and taking this with you when you book your puppy in for their first vet check as soon as they arrive home with you. Can I just walk my dog or do they need more exercise? The French Bulldogs for sale in South Dakota from our partners will mature into dogs with relatively low exercise requirements. Do you recommend a specific food for Frenchies? Any French Bulldog for sale South Dakota is going to end up with certain likes and dislikes when it comes to what they eat. You can also read some reviews and ask for advice from your veterinarian as you plan what to feed your new pup. How does Uptown deal with transparency of puppy breeders? Can Frenchies live in apartments? South Dakota French Bulldogs for sale are possibly one of the best breeds for an apartment dog. Are French Bulldogs easy to train? Any French Bulldogs for sale South Dakota for sale from our partners will make wonderful training companions. These little pups love praise and are always happy to do their best for their owners. Signing up for puppy training classes is a great way to bond with your new pup while also learning some tricks and commands to make life easier for both of you.
How often you should feed a German Shepherd puppy depends on their age and their activity level. Many owners also want to know when they can switch to adult food formulas for their German Shepherd puppies. Switch your GSD puppy to adult food when they are around 12 to 18 months old. Puppies can begin adult kibble when they are approximately 80 percent of their adult weight. This usually occurs around 8 to 10 months of age, but you can safely feed puppy food up to 18 months old as long as they are not putting on excess weight too quickly. If you want to know what to feed a German Shepherd puppy, keep reading. Finding the best food to feed your German Shepherd puppy is overwhelming at times. This means choosing what to feed a German Shepherd puppy is even more serious and intimidating! Follow this feeding guide when you need to know what to feed German Shepherd puppies. I understand! The following dog foods are all recommended for large breed puppies and meet and exceed regulated nutritional standards. Feeding a high-quality kibble from a name-brand company that uses feeding trials ensures the best quality and nutrition. Here are some of the best German Shepherd puppy foods that are research-backed. Packed with nutrients to help limit inflammation of the joints and uses fresh ingredients. Easily digestible formula for puppies prone to allergies and sensitive stomachs. Rich aroma with DHA fish oil to entice puppies to finish every last bite while giving shine to their coats. The better the food, the healthier your pup will be inside and out. Cheaper GSD puppy food lacks quality proteins that are essential for your working breed dog. Adding too much weight to your German Shepherd too soon can cause lifelong joint issues that are painful to your pet and expensive on your wallet. Most GSDs are healthy and fit on commercial dog foods that are high quality. These balanced formulas keep their bones and muscles strong throughout their growing periods and can ward off later joint issues, a common breed problem, as they mature. There is a greater demand for quality nutrition during the early growth stage. For these reasons, you must feed high-quality food. Now, consider what to feed a German Shepherd puppy based on their age. These feeding charts and guides will help keep your new companion growing strong and athletic. Tiny portions of canned, wet foods are introduced. Meals per day: 4 or more Puppies should stay with their mom for to keep them healthy. Nutrition Warning! At 8-weeks-old a GSD pup is eating more solid foods and develops a better appetite for kibble and other foods. Add in only a couple of small spoonfuls of canned plain pumpkin, unsweetened Greek yogurt, or cooked oatmeal to entice your pup to eat. Meals per day: 4 Week-Old Puppy Continue feeding the same as the 8-week-old diet. Treats are not only enjoyable for your German Shepherd, but help you to eneterain and build a positive relationship with him. Be sure to keep their zoomies under control by playing plenty of fun German Shepherd games for puppies. Meals per day: 4 Week-Old Puppy Continue to feed the kibble. Watch for excessive weight gain during this growth time as their bones cannot take extra weight! Too much weight gain too quickly can cause joint issues as an adult and prevent healthy development. Use their mental energy to help keep them more relaxed throughout the day by playing brain-boosting mind games for German Shepherd puppies. Meals per day: 3 to 4 Week-Old Puppy Keep your puppy trim and athletic by monitoring how much you feed your puppy and their body condition. You can write how much they eat and track this over time, and adjust how much your feed your German Shepherd puppy to keep them at a healthy weight. Try using fresh, raw, cut-up pieces of carrots as healthy treats or small, deseeded cubes of fresh apple as part of their training treats. Keep your eyes open for a growth spurt about to begin! Meals per day: 3 Week-Old Puppy Around 4 months old, you might notice your puppy finish their meal quickly and look for more food. Be sure to watch how many treats you give them throughout the day. You can do this by holding them safely in your arms and weighing them with you on the scale. Then, place them on the floor and step onto the scale without them to weigh yourself. Remember, around 16 to weeks old your German Shepherd puppy begins to rapidly grow. Instead, when looking overhead at your puppy their waist should look trim and not rounded outwards. German Shepherd puppies should appear sleek in their waistline. Meals per day: 3 Week And Older Puppy Continue to feed your German Shepherd puppy dry kibble with a small amount of healthy foods mixed in. You can lessen the healthy food you mix in gradually if you prefer. But, even as adults, German Shepherds love a bit of tasty toppers on their kibble. Around a year old, begin feeding your German Shepherd puppy 2 meals a day. Two meals, one in the morning and evening, are not only safer but also provide your German Shepherd with sustained energy to fuel their high-energy lifestyle. You can create a positive meal time by using the following tips: Always offer fresh water during their meal times. Keep the area where they eat their food in calm and out of the way of the family hustle and bustle. I found sitting with a book reading, just keeping my GSD puppy company, encouraged my dog to eat their meals while giving us time to quietly bond. Feed your German Shepherd at the same time everyday. The best time to feed a German Shepherd puppy is in the morning, before you leave for the day, and in the evening, about 2 hours before you put your dog to bed. Allow them to potty after eating to ensure their comfort. Your dog also needs to eat at other times of the day for their health and growth. How much you should feed a German Shepherd puppy really depends on a number of factors. Your GSD pup should eat enough to maintain their growth and energy, while not carrying any extra fat. Every dog is different. Keep in mind the number of calories in the kibble, which varies from manufacturer to manufacturer. Each puppy food company has a different amount of calories and size of the kibble. Here are a few things that might affect how much your German Shepherd puppy should eat. The more active a German Shepherd puppy is, the more calories he needs to eat to replace lost energy. For example, puppies need nearly twice the amount of calories as compared to adults. And older or senior German Shepherds who are less active need less food. Health Maintaining a healthy weight is essential to feeding your German Shepherd. Simply put, you can prevent some medical conditions and health problems by monitoring their waistlines. Instead follow the healthy way to bulk up a German Shepherd. To see if your German Shepherd is at the right weight you can find the average weight depending on their age. Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links. What to Feed German Shepherd Puppies: A Healthy Feeding Guide One of the first things you need to know about what to feed German Shepherd puppies is, right from the start, to choose a high-quality puppy-specific food for large breed puppies. What to feed German Shepherd puppies—feed German Shepherd puppies a diet that is: Specifically created for large-breed puppies. What do German Shepherd puppies eat? New owners are given a host of choices when bringing home their new pups. You can choose to offer one or the other, or even opt for mixed feeding. Dry Kibble Kibble is the most popular and economical choice for German Shepherd puppies. Plus, the major manufacturers offer a complete and balanced diet in many different flavors, with or without grains, and even limited ingredient diets. Kibble can be moistened either with water or broth. Here are the advantages and disadvantages of kibble when it comes to feeding German Shepherd puppies: Advantages Easy to purchase at most stores and online. Keeps for longer than other food options. Quick and simple to serve with little clean up. Disadvantages Can be difficult for some puppies to chew, causing them to not eat enough. Wet Food Here are some advantages and disadvantages of feeding German Shepherd puppies wet food : Advantages Softer and potentially more palatable for picky eaters. Contains more water content than dry food, which can help keep your puppy hydrated. Can leave dogs feeling fuller for longer due to the water content. Can be more expensive than kibble in the long run. Requires more preparation time. Mixing Dry Kibble and Wet Foods Feeding our German Shepherd puppies is no easy task, and deciding between wet and dry puppy food can leave us scratching our heads. But what if we told you there was a middle ground? Mixing wet and dry puppy foods can be an option worth considering, but it comes with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Wet food contributes to increased water intake, ensuring your furry friend stays well-hydrated. Allows you to provide a diverse array of nutrients, contributing to a balanced diet for your growing German Shepherd. Disadvantages Might make it trickier to regulate portion sizes accurately, potentially leading to overfeeding and weight issues. These diets exclude foods that have been cooked or processed in any way. There are also some advantages and disadvantages to feeding a German Shepherd puppy a raw food diet: Advantages Raw diets consist of uncooked, fresh ingredients that retain their natural nutrients, potentially promoting better health for your puppy. Some puppies with food sensitivities might find relief on a raw diet as it eliminates common allergens found in processed foods. Disadvantages Preparing a balanced raw diet requires careful planning to ensure your pup gets all the necessary nutrients in the right proportions. Raw diets carry a higher risk of bacterial contamination, potentially affecting both your pup and you. Sourcing high-quality ingredients and properly storing them can be costly and time-consuming. Homemade Diets For large breed puppies, like German Shepherds, homemade diets must be carefully formulated, just like commercial foods. To create a homemade diet recipe specifically for your dog, it is preferable to consult a veterinarian who holds a board certification in veterinary nutrition. Unfortunately, research has shown that many well-intentioned dog owners still overfeed or give their dogs an unbalanced diet, which can be harmful. By cooking at home, you can skip additives and preservatives often found in commercial dog food. Disadvantages Without proper knowledge and planning, homemade meals may lack essential nutrients, leading to nutritional imbalances. Preparing homemade food demands time and effort, which might be challenging for busy pet parents. Mishandling raw ingredients can lead to contamination, causing health issues for your puppy. Remember, these charts help provide a guideline, but each dog is an individual. For example, if your dog has had a busy day of training and playing, they may need a few extra calories for dinner. This helps ensure they are growing as expected, and if not, you may need to alter the recommended feeding amount. As a rule of thumb, most German Shepherd puppies will eat as follows in this chart: Age. German Shepherd care German Shepherd puppy diet: newborn For a German Shepherd puppy to develop and grow properly, it is imperative that they first nurse on their mother's milk. The first milk they receive is a protein and antibody-rich type of milk known as colostrum. This gives the puppy's immune and central nervous systems a boost. They then progress on to regular breast milk. Puppies will nurse for at least 6 to 8 weeks, gradually being weaned on to solid food at about 4 weeks. If, for any reason, the puppy cannot suckle its mother, don't give them cow or goat milk. These milks are very poor quality in comparison to a puppy's mother's milk. If your German shepherd puppy has to be prematurely weaned, a veterinarian will be able to prescribe specific infant formula and establish the appropriate dosage for your puppy. For example, a Chihuahua and a German Shepherd should not be fed the same food. This is because hese breeds have different nutritional needs. Take a look here to find out more about the diet for a prematurely weaned puppy. German Shepherd puppy diet: 1 month old From 3 to 4 weeks old, when it comes to feeding a German Shepherd puppy, we should start by letting them taste new foods and flavors. At this stage, the German Shepherd puppy's diet plan requires them to eat a special wet food for puppies. At around 6 to 8 weeks old, a German Shepherd puppy should be given a little dry dog food with water, or unseasoned chicken stock between nursing sessions. From their eighth week onward, a German Shepherd should be weaned and start feeding on solid food with a special puppy feed. The best dog food for a German Shepherd puppy is breed specific, but this may not be available everywhere. In these cases, your veterinarian can create a proper food plan for your German Shepherd puppy. At this stage, milk must be removed from the puppy's diet as it could cause diarrhea. If by any chance your dog or puppy is suffering from a bad stomach, we recommend taking a look at our article on what to do if yourt dog has diarrhea. In addition, it is vital that puppies have constant access to clean fresh water. German Shepherd puppy diet: 2 months old At two months of age, you can start to slowly decrease the moistening of your German Shepherd's dry food. Eventually, the puppy will be used to eating the food completely dry. Following the German Shepherd puppy food chart, from 2 until 4 months old, a puppy will eat 4 or 5 times a day. This has to be carried out with one very important addition: discipline. A puppy needs to learn that it will not be fed constantly throughout the day, but at specific times. We start of by placing a bowl of food down for 10 minutes, this should give the puppy enough time to finish its meal. After 10 minutes, we suggest taking the bowl of food away, even if your puppy hasn't finished eating. A puppy's food bowl must only be available to the dog for 10 minutes. This 10 minutes should be enough time for the puppy to eat all of its provided food. As already mentioned, after 10 minutes, you should take the food bowl away, even if the puppy hasn't finished eating. This pattern will introduce the puppy's food schedule and allow it an opportunity to become accustomed to particular feeding times. Accepting and adapting to a diet plan is very important for a puppy's intellectual development. It also facilitates more complex and demanding training sessions. Food for German shepherd puppies should be higher in calories, fats, proteins and calcium than adult German Shepherd dog food. This is because puppies are still growing and developing and therefore need better nutrition. German Shepherd puppy diet: food plan after 4 months Between 4 and 6 months of age, the number of meals which we have detailed in our German Shepherd puppy food chart should be reduced to 3 a day. The food quantity should be increased and an extra margin of 2 minutes to eat should be provided. The packaging of quality commercial dog food will detail the appropriate suggested amount of food for the puppy, depending on its age and weight. If you have any doubts, consult your veterinarian. You should eventually start mixing fresh food, such as meat, fish or vegetables, with the commercial dry feed. Beware of forbidden foods for dogs. Some people ask about a raw diet for a German shepherd puppy, but we recommend these such foods should always be cooked and never given to a dog raw. Meanwhile, treats for dogs should only be used as positive reinforcement during their training and learning period, never as a food supplement. Under no circumstances should you give your German Shepherd, or any dog, human food leftovers. Human food contains salt, sugar and seasoning contents which are very harmful to a dog's health. In addition, if you do offer your dog your food, it will pester you during meals [1]. For more, take a look at some of the harmful effects of treating a dog like a human. German Shepherd puppy diet: after 6 months When your German Shepherd puppy reaches 6 months of age, its daily food intake should be reduced to twice a day. When we do this we can increase the food portions and eating time accordingly. Our German Shepherd diet chart below should be taken into account depending on the age, lifestyle and size of your German Shepherd puppy. After 6 months, you should give your German Shepherd puppy shatterproof bones, such as beef, to gnaw on. For more, take a look here for more about; Bones For Puppies. German shepherd puppy: Dog food and water bowl hygiene Your puppy's food and drink containers should always be clean. Hygiene is very important in order to prevent the appearance of insects. If you notice that your puppy has not eaten for three consecutive meals, consult your veterinarian immediately. This lack of appetite in a puppy could be caused by bowel obstruction and stomach pain; due to the ingestion of toxic food etc. Don't forget that puppies are very sensitive and fragile and if you ignoring any symptoms of disease, it can result in severe issues or even puppy fatality. German Shepherd care German Shepherd puppies should be socialized and trained to live with you from day one. These dogs are incredibly capable and have the ability, if trained properly, to learn tricks and perform activities [2]. In addition to the diet of a German Shepherd, don't forget the importance of preventative medicines, following the appropriate vaccination schedules and general German Shepherd dog care. For more information about your German shepherd, take a look at.Since puppies have a lot of growing to do, they require plenty of calories. You can reduce the amount of food per pound of body weight until they reach standard adult measurements. The specific amount of food to feed a German Shepherd can vary because different dogs are sized differently and have various needs and levels of athleticism. To learn more about specific foods and ingredients, check out this article on the best diet for German Shepherds. Three to four meals of puppy food a day is ideal for a month-old German Shepherd, as the food will be easily digestible and keep the energy high throughout the day. Feeding a puppy 1—2 large meals might make them feel sick, or they may be unable to finish it all at once. When it comes to how much food to give a 1—4 month-old German Shepherd, the recommended amount is approximately one cup g or a little more, depending on activity levels per meal. Be sure to spread meals evenly throughout the day, and avoid feeding your puppy before bedtime. The West Greenwich Animal Hospital recommends not feeding a dog three hours before bedtime because they may need to go out for a toilet break at night. Since their stomachs and bodies are getting bigger, they can generally handle fewer large meals than more small ones. So, you can reduce the number of puppy food meals to 2 or 3. Since the number of meals is reduced, increase the amount of food per serving to approximately 1. The meals should be spread evenly throughout the day to ensure your German Shepherd has consistent energy levels. My German Shepherd Willow at 4 months old 10 to 12 Months At 10—12 months, a German Shepherd begins to mature as its body continues growing. Split approximately 4—5 cups —1, g of food between two meals. However, this is just a recommendation — as mentioned previously, your dog may require more or less than this depending on their activity levels. Keeping the amount of food at cups , g per day may be sufficient, or it may be best to start feeding your dog more or less than this. For example, many active or working German Shepherds may benefit from 6 cups 1. Again, the specific amount is circumstantial. However, some dog owners make the switch earlier. Honestly, this is the issue with every new pet parent. Below is a German Shepherd feeding chart to help you learn more about giving your pooch the right amount of food at the right time. Remember, the below are simply recommendations, so specific amounts can vary by dog and activity level. Age Amount of food per day Amount of servings per day months 3—4 cups — g spread across multiple servings 3—4 3—4. Always check the packaging of the food you buy for a more detailed analysis. There are endless dog food options, so making the right choice can be challenging and stressful. The main protein source is chicken, and it promotes immune system health and digestive performance. Suitable for puppies up to 15 months, this dog food is the perfect solution for young German Shepherds with lots of growing to do! One of the main benefits of this food is that it comes in different sizes, including a pound 6. This dog food contains all the nutrients a German Shepherd puppy needs to grow and thrive. Blue Buffalo dog food has real chicken, fruits, and vegetables, so your pooch will surely enjoy the delicious taste! It comes in two flavors — a chicken meal with oats and a lamb meal with brown rice. Either contains enough high-quality protein to ensure your pup can grow as healthily as possible. Medium-sized dog breeds can continue eating puppy food until 18 months. Like with puppy food, there are many adult German Shepherd dog food options, so choosing the right one can be challenging. Check out some of my below recommendations to make your search a little easier. Best Breed Dr. Best Breed Dog Food aids digestion as it contains a blend of soluble and insoluble fiber. According to a study, musculoskeletal disorders and the inability to stand are the two most common causes of death in German Shepherds. Since puppies need specific nutrients to grow, their food differs greatly from adult dog food. Puppies especially need protein because it aids with the growth and development of cells. Without adequate protein in the diet , puppies are more susceptible to serious health issues, including: Weight and muscle loss General weakness Chest and abdomen issues German Shepherds can continue eating puppy food for the first year of life and beyond. Usually, 16—18 months is a good time for a dog to start eating adult food. The most important thing to remember is that adult food is never the right choice for a German Shepherd puppy that still has much growing to do. However, there are many other factors to consider when it comes to feeding a German Shepherd, like their general weight and activity levels. Weight and Size The weight of your German Shepherd will determine how much to feed it. The general rule of thumb is that the heavier your dog is, the more food it needs to stay fueled. The average adult German Shepherd is around .Pay attention to the general height and size of your German Shepherd to determine exactly how much food to feed them. For example, an underweight German Shepherd will need extra food to get back to a healthy weight, whereas an overweight one will need less food. As you can imagine, a highly energetic dog will need more food than a German Shepherd that lies around all day. If your German Shepherd is still relatively young, i. Health Health issues can affect the way a dog eats. For example, a dog with stomach issues might avoid food altogether. Other health conditions that affect how much a dog can eat include: Pancreatitis Infections Cancer Consider whether your dog is experiencing health issues when feeding them. For instance, if your dog is shedding too much, you need to change a diet that minimizes shedding. Age The age of a German Shepherd helps determine how much food should be eaten and how often. For example as mentioned earlier , younger dogs must eat smaller meals spread evenly throughout the day, while older dogs can have 2 larger meals. A vet can weigh your German Shepherd, ask questions, and listen to the heartbeat to determine a healthy diet plan. As Willow is now a senior dog, I like to take her for vet checkups every 6 months. In many cases, giving puppies homemade food over long periods can cause health issues down the line. A study by the National Library of Medicine concluded that a homemade diet given by the owner caused a puppy to experience various health issues, including vitamin D deficiency and NSH nutritional secondary hyperparathyroidism. You can give a small treat here and there, but human food should never make up the entire diet of a puppy. Below are some tasty examples! Eggs Not only are eggs beneficial for humans, but they can also be good for dogs if given in moderation. German Shepherds puppies and adults will receive plenty of nutrients from eggs, including protein and fats. The best and easiest way to give a German Shepherd an egg is to hard boil it. Avoid feeding a German Shepherd or any dog fried eggs too often due to the excessive oil. Hard-boiled eggs are usually the easiest for dogs to eat, but you can also try poached or scrambled eggs. Examples of dog-friendly fruits include: Bananas. We all want the best for our pets and want to feed our German Shepherd the best diet. The best dog food for German Shepherds is dry food, which is more practical for large breeds. It is also the least expensive, even if you choose a high-quality brand. Of course, you can feed other diets, such as wet, a mix of dry and wet, raw, home-produced, dehydrated, or freeze-dried. Most owners feed commercial dry food or wet canned food. You should check that vitamins and minerals are also included. The best quality commercial dog foods will consist of additional protein sources, like fish, eggs, and plant-based proteins, like vegetables, legumes, and grains. The best diet for your German Shepherd should suit his size and lifestyle. I will explain what I mean when we take a unique look at the different types of food you can feed your dog see below. Many pet food companies have invested millions of dollars into researching what ingredients contain the maximum levels to achieve a healthy, balanced diet that aids in essential puppy growth and mental and physical development. Dry Foods Dry dog foods are one of the most popular choices. The latter is gaining popularity in the United States and other regions and is widespread in the UK and Europe. Cold-pressed food is deemed a higher quality kibble due to its cooking process. So what exactly is kibble? Kibble is dry dog food made either through extrusion or oven baking. The food is produced under high pressure and high temperatures. All kibble is made the same way and using the same machinery. What is cold-pressed dog food? Cold-pressed dog food is dry food made at much lower temperatures and cooked quickly before being pressed into the desired shape. This unique method means the food retains more nutritional value, flavor, aroma, and vitamins. All the goodness is retained in bite-size pieces. Dry dog food provides more nutrients per bite than wet food because they contain less moisture. Dogs with dental problems may also benefit from dry food as it helps to clean their teeth and gums. Dry dog food is the most practical choice for a large dog, especially a German Shepherd. However, dry food comes in all shapes and sizes, so a smaller sized variety can be suitable for smaller breeds. It is also okay to feed your dog a pure dry diet and add cooked meat, fish, or vegetables, and this is what I do. I feed Willow cold-pressed dog food, and although this is a complete, balanced, high-quality food, I like to mix things up for my German Shepherd. Willow eating dry food with a natural yogurt topping Occasionally my dog will have some tinned tuna or mackerel in oil, which is also excellent for her skin and coat. If I add a topping, I always slightly reduce the quantity of the food to ensure that she is not gaining extra calories. There are some things to be wary of; not every canned food brand provides the protein your German Shepherd needs. Also, the higher the water content, the fewer nutrients, so your dog has to consume more food to get the nutritional value their body needs. Additionally, be wary of low-quality canned foods, as manufacturers often add wheat flour as a thickener or extra white rice or other grains. Canned dog food can be more expensive, especially if you have a large dog breed, but it may be ideal if your dog enjoys eating a more considerable portion. Other advantages of wet food are that it may be more suitable if your GSD is a fussy eater or if you have a senior dog who may have lost his appetite and find wet food more palatable. Semi-moist Dog Foods Semi-moist dog foods are not as popular as other types as they offer the least nutritional value and can be pretty expensive. Unfortunately, manufacturers add sugar and salts to preserve moisture and shelf life. Therefore, a semi-moist diet may not be appropriate for your German Shepherd, especially if he is overweight and needs to lose a few pounds. Many semi-moist foods are also loaded with artificial colors, chemical preservatives, and flavor enhancers. However, semi-moist food may be the best choice if your German Shepherd finds it challenging to digest all other types of dog food. Your dog may also enjoy the meaty taste and find this food more palatable if they are incredibly picky. Dry Dog Food vs. You can mix the foods in the same bowl or feed dry for the morning and wet for the afternoon feed or vice-versa. Some German Shepherd owners that feed dry dog food like to add wet food as a topping. If you choose this option, keeping to the same brand is advisable. They believe their pets will not like or refuse commercial dog food. They may need a home-prepared diet to help with a diagnosis e. They may require a home-prepared diet if a dog has a combination of diseases for which no commercial diet exists. They sought comfort as a home-feeder for dogs with chronic or terminal illnesses. There are several drawbacks to the home preparation of dog food. You can do it, but it takes a lot of dedication and hard work, and it may be more expensive than even the best quality dog food on the market. Homemade diets can provide complete nutrition. However, you need to ensure your German Shepherd gets the right mix of protein, fats, carbohydrates, minerals, and vitamins, which is not easy. Suppose you wish to prepare a home-cooked diet. It is recommended to cook all animal products to kill bacteria that could make your German Shepherd sick. However, if you are a raw feeder see below , you will likely disagree with this statement. Grains, beans, and starchy vegetables must also be cooked to make them easier for your dog to digest. Never add foods that are toxic to dogs. These include chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, avocados, and macadamia nuts, to name but a few. Do you want to know more about homemade diets? My final thoughts on helping you decide on whether to become a home feeder would be: Do you have the time to become a home feeder? There are plenty of high-quality commercial dog foods on the market. Your dog will require regular health checks to check for any nutrient deficiencies. Growth and weight The German Shepherd puppy is a popular addition to many households. Sometimes called the Alsatian puppy, the German Shepherd was initially developed for herding and now commonly used as a working dog or pet. This is your guide to providing all the nutrients your new puppy needs. When Your Puppy Comes Home Although they look pretty sturdy at eight weeks old, German Shepherd puppies are vulnerable to tummy upsets when they arrive at a new home. To help them settle in stick with the food their breeder was giving them for the first two weeks minimum. You can then gradually swap over by increasing proportions over the course of a couple of days. However, if they are doing well on their original food, considering sticking with it for longer. To begin with follow the guidelines provided by the breeder, the feed manufacturer or by your veterinarian. This will vary depending on how calorie dense the food is and how it is formulated. Your puppy should be fed four times a day up to the age of four months. After this age, two larger meals at regular times will be sufficient. However, the more often you feed your pup the stronger your bond will grow. Simple sits and recalls, puppy tricks, they all make a big difference to how your dog behaves towards you and feels about you as they grow. What to Feed A German Shepherd Puppy You will find there are a lot of different opinions about what kind of food is best. Kibble and wet food are the most popular, but you do also have the option of raw or homemade meals. Puppy Kibble Great quality, high meat content kibble is my go-to for feeding larger puppy breeds. At the beginning of the day I measure out their daily food amount, then separate it into little pots. Some as meals, and the remainder to use throughout the day to reward good behavior or get off on the right foot with positive reinforcement. The FDA recently issued a notice alerting dog owners to a potential increased risk of a serious heart condition. This is called canine dilated cardiomyopathy DCM. The risk is in dogs eating foods that include peas, lentils, or potatoes instead of grains. The underlying cause of these cases is not clear, but the FDA note suggests that caution should be used in selecting foods with these ingredients for German Shepherds and other large dogs. Canned Dog Food For picky eaters canned food can be more appealing. It smells stronger, and debatably tastes nicer. These diets do not include cooked or otherwise processed foods. However, it may be more difficult to regulate a BARF diet to ensure a slow and steady growth rate in young puppies. If you find this option intriguing, you can check out our article on feeding your dog a raw diet. Homemade Diets Research has shown that in the past, poorly balanced homemade diets have been harmful to German Shepherd puppies. There is now abundant information available to anyone who is willing and able to produce a safe and balanced diet. However, modern cases studies have shown that well-meaning owners may still over-feed or create an unbalanced diet. So, this is an area where you really can have too much of a good thing. As with commercial foods, homemade diets must be properly formulated for a large breed dog. Do not deviate from recommended recipes as provided by a veterinarian. If possible, preferably a vet with a board certification in veterinary nutrition. Recipes published in popular magazine and websites may not be nutritionally complete or suitable for a large breed puppy. Is My Puppy the Right Weight? You can also refer to German Shepherd puppy growth charts to see if you puppy is gaining weight and within the normal range. However, keep in mind that some dogs will be unusually small or large but still be perfectly healthy. Do not try to maximize growth rates as this can lead to health problems later. Ensure that you are familiar with how to assess the body condition of your puppy. The ribs and spine should be easy to feel but not simple to see. My Puppy Is Still Hungry If your puppy seems excessively hungry provide more frequent but smaller meals. Young puppies cannot tolerate going without food for extended periods. With older puppies you may wish to experiment with foods that help them feel more full, and provide low calories treats. Keeping a health puppy active and occupied will help prevent them from becoming overly focused on anticipating their next meal. The best food for German Shepherd puppies in their first two to four months of life is milk from their mother. This specialised care is usually left to German Shepherd breeders or veterinarians, who are knowledgeable in caring for pups with no mother to nurse from. If you have recently brought a German Shepherd puppy into your family, they are most likely older than 8 weeks, and so have started to eat solid foods. Before the four month mark, it is advised to include some dry food in their diet. You can do this in a few simple steps: Mix some dry food with specially formulated puppy milk to form a soft mixture. You can feed your puppy this mixture three to four times a day. Over time, reduce the amount of milk you include in this mixture, until they are at the point where they are happily eating dry foods. Read on to learn how much you should feed your German Shepherd puppy as they get older. With this rapid growth can come some risks. German Shepherds are susceptible to bone growth disorders, like hip dysplasia, that can start in puppyhood. They will be very active in their adolescent years, and so should be fed with this in mind. The transition from puppy food to adult food should happen between 12 and 24 months of age. This is because, being a larger breed who grows very quickly, you want to ensure that you are feeding them according to their large breed needs. Remember that the more active the pup, the more food they require. While following feeding guidelines is important to avoid over and underfeeding, you can adjust the amounts of food you provide to your dog based on level of activity. If you are unsure, it is always best to ask your vet for guidance. You need to take special care when considering what you should feed your German Shepherd puppy, as they require different nutrients compared to their adult counterparts. For puppies, this amount will often be two of three times higher, as they are more active and growing quickly. German Shepherd puppies need to eat food that is high in proteins and fats. Carbohydrates are also essential for supporting your active pup. Aside from nutritionally complete dry puppy food, German Shepherd puppies can benefit from the extra protein that raw meat can provide them with, such as lean beef, turkey, chicken, or fish. However, they can also be at risk of gastric dilatation or volvulus, or GDV. Certain dog breeds can be more susceptible to GDV; particularly deep chested breeds including German Shepherds. GDV can occur when a dog bloats a few hours after eating a meal. Though the exact causes of GDV are not known, grains and cereals are suspected to be contributors. The amount of food you give your German Shepherd is determined by their weight, energy levels, and age. For most adult German Shepherds, between 1, to 2, calories per day from high quality food sources is ideal. Female German Shepherds, which tend to be about 8 kilos lighter than males, may need less food, as will less active dogs. Dogs who need less food, whether they are less active or simply older, will usually still need around 1, and 1, per day. You may want to alter the amount of food you are feeding your German Shepherd based on how calorically dense their food is. German Shepherds should be fed twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening. Their daily allotment of food should be split evenly between these two meals. For most dogs, it is recommended that you exercise your dog before meal times to assist with potty training. However, some dogs who are at risk of GDV may benefit from exercise after eating, to aid with digestion. You should also try to give your German Shepherd a high quality food that is specially designed for larger or working breeds, especially if they are very active. For example, less active senior dogs will need to eat less food as they will not be burning calories as quickly as a lively little puppy will. Senior dogs may benefit from a higher fibre and lower calorie diet. Your dog may also develop chronic or short term medical conditions that require specially formulated food. German Shepherds can be particularly susceptible to skin disease or allergies, including canine atopic dermatitis, bacterial skin infections, flea allergy dermatitis, forms of contact dermatitis, or scabies. If your dog develops a skin issue, it is often a sign that they may be suffering from a form of food sensitivity. If you are unsure about what you should feed your German Shepherd, you should always consult your vet as they will be able to determine if your dog is suffering from any allergies or chronic health issues: creating a nutritional plan to help keep your dog healthy and happy for years to come. Part of figuring out what you should feed your German Shepherd includes deciding between wet, dry, or a raw food diet. Wet food for German Shepherds is often high in protein and fat, and is better at keeping your dog hydrated than other food sources. A raw diet can be a good option for your German Shepherd as you have more control over the kinds of food and amount of nutrients your pup is consuming. For this reason, raw diets require a lot more work on your part as an owner. Whatever you decide to feed your German Shepherd, all dogs need a similar ratio of nutrients in their diets. The amount of food you feed your dog should be determined by their activity levels, age, weight, breed, and size. Any meals prepared for your dog need to contain the right balance of nutrients. You should also be extra careful not to introduce your dog to foods that are harmful to their health. While we might enjoy the taste of nuts, artificial sweeteners, alcohol and onions, these can be toxic for dogs and can cause serious illness and even death. German Shepherds in particular need plenty of exercise as they are a large working breed with a lot of energy. No matter how old your German Shepherd is, it is important to keep to a consistent feeding schedule. A feeding schedule can help you keep track of any changes in behaviour around food that might signal illness or physiological stress.
Amazing family dog, intelligent and easy to train, good natured and silly. CONS More prone to serious health concerns, high shedding and needs lots of exercise. Appearance Since these two breeds are quite different in appearance, a mix between them can be a strikingly beautiful dog. A Goberian might look more like a Golden Retriever with just one color to its coat, or it may inherit the Husky patterning. Look at this shy Golden Retriever Husky Mix! But there are other combinations a Goberian pup can have, too. Their eyes can be brown, blue, or they can have one eye with each color. Huskies and Goldens are both notorious shedders. Especially huskies! About twice a year, though, these dogs will go through a period of especially heavy shedding. A good bath, blow dry, and brush out will help loosen these tufts of fur so they can be removed or brushed out. When they are not heavily shedding, a quick daily brush-out is sufficient to keep their coat looking amazing and have less shedding around the house. The average Siberian Husky stands between 20 and .A Goberian usually ends up weighing anywhere from 45 to 85 pounds and standing at 20 to 23 inches. They often forget their own size and think of themselves as lap dogs, too. They really just want to stick to you like glue! Goberians tend to be incredibly sweet, loving, and friendly to everybody they meet. Goofy Goberian temperaments are the best! However, factors such as size, genetics, and health conditions can, of course, also play a part. Further reading: How old is my Husky in humans years? Intelligence Both parent breeds are recognized as intelligent dogs. Despite this potential stubbornness, they are high performers in areas like agility, obedience, dock diving, hunting and retrieving, or really any athletic competition that requires some smarts! So lots of exercise and fun activities is a must for this breed! Golden Retrievers seem to have a special affinity for water, so this breed may love going to the beach or lake and going for a swim! They often perform really well with hunting and retrieving, and dock diving! Golden Retriever Husky Mixes love retrieving frisbees! Goberians are definitely considered to be family-friendly dogs. Because of their Golden Retriever heritage, they are often very sweet and patient with children. However, the Goberian can sometimes get a little too excited and play too hard, which may not be ideal around especially small children. The Golden Retriever can run both at high speeds in short increments and at moderate speeds for long distances. Many people make Golden Retrievers their running or jogging partner or even hiking partner! Because of this, the Goberian is usually an all-star athlete. Behavior Goberians can be best described as happy-go-lucky dogs who have tons of energy and love to play. Because of all this energy, they can sometimes develop or engage in some bad behaviors because of boredom. For example, instead of playing with their toys, they may decide that their brand-new dog bed looks like the perfect victim to chew and shred to pieces! Thankfully, because the Goberian is an intelligent breed, they can easily absorb good behavior training. Additionally, so long as they are kept active every day, they are less likely to develop bad habits. Boredom is one of the leading causes of behavioral problems, so it is still important to start training early on. Consider enrolling in behavioral or obedience courses with certified dog trainers. Visit our Husky Behavior hub to learn more. Funny Goberian behavior! Huskies were originally bred by the Chukchi people in northern Siberia to be working dogs. They would use them to pull sleds full of food and equipment, and even keep the families warm at night! In the early s, when the Siberian Husky started making its way to Alaska, their popularity continued to grow. Eventually, they became a favorite breed of people all across the United States. And now, decades later, they continue to be one of the most popular dog breeds in America! History of the Golden Retriever Golden Retrievers were developed by a nobleman by the name of Dudley Marjoribanks, the first Lord Tweedmouth, in the Scottish Highlands in the mids. He developed a breeding program that started with an unusual yellow-coated sporting dog and added in other various retriever-type dogs as well as the Irish Setter, the Bloodhound, and the now-extinct Tweed Water Spaniel. Over a period of 50 years, Lord Tweedmouth kept meticulous records about his breeding program to create the ideal hunting dog, which ultimately led to the Golden Retriever as we know it today. The history of the Golden Retriever and Husky is almost as old as the sun! Especially for dogs as athletic as the Goberian, plenty of protein will be important. Visit our Husky Nutrition hub to learn more. Exercise The Goberian needs lots of exercise! They have lots of energy, especially from their Husky side. While they will love a leisurely walk around the block, they will also need something a little bit more intensive to really get their blood flowing. Even just throwing a ball around in the backyard so the dog can get some sprints in will be enough to help get some of that excess energy out. A typical recommendation is for a Goberian to get at least an hour of exercise every day, if not more. Instead, a couple of half-hour sessions will be good as well! Just a Goberian doing some exercise. Remember that grooming does not necessarily mean shaving, even though it may seem tempting, thanks to all their shedding! However, shaving a double coated dog can actually make shedding worse. In fact, a Goberian should never be shaved except in cases of medical necessity. Both the Siberian Husky and the Golden are double-coated, meaning that their coat has two layers. One that is a bit more coarse and thick on the outside, and the inner layer, which is more soft and downy. Having a double coat actually provides protection from sun damage as well as protection from extreme cold and heat. Shaving makes it more difficult for double-coated dogs to regulate their body temperature, and it can cause the fur to grow back coarse and even somewhat sharp to the touch. That aside, grooming for a Goberian will entail taking the pup to the groomer to get a bath and a good brush out. Or you can do it at home! Groomers will often be able to use an awesome deshedding shampoo and conditioner, which helps reduce shedding in the long run! They are also great at trimming their nails short and even smoothing them with a grinder or file. In addition to trips to the groomer, regular brushing will be incredibly important for maintenance. This Goberian is going to need some good grooming! Image from konathegoldenhusky Training Goberians are eager to please most of the time, thanks to their sweet Golden Retriever nature. However, they can sometimes act quite stubborn, thanks to their Husky background. Despite this, Goberians can be used for tracking, police and military work, and therapy work. Start training early for puppies. But do remember to keep it fun, no matter the age, and train in short increments. Puppies undoubtedly will lose interest and start getting distracted if training is longer than 10 minutes at a time, but bigger dogs can focus for longer. But usually, if you have a treat in your hand, a Goberian will follow you to the ends of the earth! Visit our Husky Training hub to learn more. Goberians are quick learners when training! They love to play and explore, and that can often lead to them getting into trouble. Try your best to stick to a routine for potty training and sleep time. Also, try to incorporate lots of play sessions in between nap times! That will help keep your puppy happy and out of trouble. Look at this cute Goberian puppy! Unfortunately, though, they are at an increased risk of developing certain health concerns. Hemangiosarcoma, lymphoma, and osteosarcoma are just a few of the cancers that Golden Retrievers are more susceptible to than other dogs. A few other health problems that Goberians may be more prone to developing include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, bloat, retinal atrophy, and hypothyroidism. A good, nutritious diet and regular veterinarian check-ups will help ensure that these pups remain in good health. Visit our Husky Health hub to learn more. Golden Retriever Husky Mix Price The price for a Goberian puppy from a breeder usually lands somewhere between to 1, dollars. Since these mixes are sometimes the result of an accidental litter, they can sometimes be found in shelters or rescues. Depending on the shelter or rescue, the price could be as low as dollars for a senior dog to as high as dollars for a puppy. Visit our Siberian Husky Price hub to learn about the maintenance cost of Huskies. Cons: More prone to serious health concerns, high shedding and needs lots of exercise. Here are some Husky mix alternatives:. Confidence Protectiveness Husky Golden Retrievers are inclined to enjoy their alone time. They are not prone to having separation anxiety. However, it is not recommended to leave them alone for too long. You could find them trying to escape the house. Because of their nature, it is advisable to have this pet when you have a large backyard. This mixed puppy is known to be friendly and gentle to the family members. They usually get along with all the members and are affectionate to children too. They can be fans of cuddling. Golden Retriever Crossed with Husky puppies can be excellent watchdogs. With proper training and sufficient bonding with their owners, they are obedient and alert to suspicious people. They are quite protective of the family members when there is a threatening situation. Husky Mixed with Golden Retriever pups tends to have independent thinking. This trait comes from their Husky origin. At times, they may come off as obnoxious and act on their volition. They may be disobedient to your commands. When dealing with this behavior, it is crucial to remember that you need patience in caring for them. This mixed breed dog has a strong prey drive. They tend to chase smaller creatures. Be sure to keep an eye on other small animals such as cats and squirrels. Backyard Breeders Rescue Shelters Professional Breeders If you will spend money, I highly advise buying from professional breeders among these options. These people take good care of the dogs and prevent inbreeding to guarantee minimal health problems. Reliable breeders can provide you with results of genetic testing for the parent dogs and offspring, as well as records of vaccination and other pertinent documents. They also provide health clearances for the parent dogs. However, before buying from professional breeders, you can also consider visiting your local shelters to check if there is an available Golden Retriever Husky puppy and if you can adopt it. There are also rescue-centers that are breed-specific and non-profit. However, it is remarkable that the mixed breed of Golden Retriever and Husky do not shed much, and it is considered part of the low shedders. Aside from the aesthetic purpose of grooming, there are a lot more reasons to accomplish this activity. Developing a more intimate relationship Maintaining the cleanliness and physical health Bringing out the natural oil on the coat Avoid issues like bug infestations Checking anomalies and possible health problems Here is a list of the tools and equipment you will need for grooming this pup: Slicker Brush Cotton Ball Nail Clipper A regular grooming routine is essential in keeping the shiny and healthy coat of your Husky Golden Retriever Mix puppy. A fundamental step in the grooming routine is regular brushing using a slicker brush. Other steps include giving a bath, trimming the nails, and cleaning its ears. The use of a slicker brush over a pin brush is advisable due to its purpose of untangling mats or knots in the fur. Also, it helps in removing debris and loose hair. It can run through the thick layers of the double coat and facilitate effective grooming. Another advantage of this brush is its massaging quality since it has long pins. Massaging the skin of your pup will stimulate the production of essential oils for moisturizing the coat. Also, this will increase the blood circulation and promote health for the dog. This activity should be done at least once a week to decrease the amount of shedding and avoid matting of fur. In brushing the whole coat, you need to brush places of matting and thicker fur more diligently. If your dog has a collar, remove it when brushing the coat, and do not leave out the neck area unkempt. Cutting matted fur should only be done when you cannot brush out the mat. The next step is bathing your pup, especially when it is smelly and dirty. Some people proceed to trim the coat of the puppy before bathing it. It is your discretion if you will follow the steps to the dot. After lathering with shampoo and then rinsing the coat, you can opt to blow-dry the coat. The frequency of bathing will also depend on your decision, based on the smell and sanitary condition of the Golden Retriever Crossed with Husky puppy. After the bath, you will proceed to brush the coat again. Then, you will initiate the trimming process. In trimming, you should avoid trimming the entire coat. The double coat of your puppy functions as an insulation against the fluctuating weather. It also traps warm air on a cold day and cool air on a hot day. Usually, groomers use clippers for this process. However, you may opt to use thinning shears for cutting parts of the coat. You need to trim the fuzzy hair growth around the edges cleanly. You will trim the fur between the toes next. For cracked dog pads, you can apply Vaseline as a regimen. In trimming the legs, you will cut the unkempt fur to achieve symmetry and balance. The fur on the front of the legs is shorter than that on the back. The hair on the back of the legs should flare out slightly behind the dog. Similar with the legs, trimming the chest and neck should aim to remove the unkempt fur. It should be noted that you will move the thinning shears with the direction of hair growth. After the neck and chest areas, you will trim the fur around the ears. This step will help fend off parasites. Lastly, you will trim the tail. For this step, you will trim the length by tapering the tail, starting from the base to the tip. Part of the grooming process is checking for wax buildup in the ears and signs of an ear infection. You can clean their ears with a cotton ball and a dog-specific ear solution. You should never use a cotton swab for their ears. You can also use a cotton ball with mineral oil or microfiber cloth with mineral oil to remove debris from the eyes. The frequency of this activity depends on the rate of its toenail growth. Long names may break, and cause irregular gait and infection. If you do not have this much time in your hands, you should schedule appointments with trustworthy groomers around your neighborhood. Husky Mixed with Golden Retriever Puppies Health Problems Most of the Husky mixed with Golden Retriever dogs are free of fatal and congenital diseases, primarily because of their enlarged gene pool. Their average life span is 10 to 13 years. One condition you need to prevent is heat stroke. Since this breed has a dense and double coat, they do not tolerate heat as much as they tolerate cold weather. You should protect your puppy from overexposure to the sun and keep it well hydrated. Even if there is a reduced risk for the usual health conditions from the parent breeds, it is important to know the possible diseases your puppy may acquire, especially when it gets older. One these health problems is a cataract, an opacity of the eye lens. When your dog acquires this disease, its eyes will appear cloudy. One of the possible health problems is hip or elbow dysplasia. This is an inheritable disease wherein the thighbone does not attach properly with the hip joint. Elbow dysplasia involves joint laxity due to different growth rates of the bones of the elbow. Vaccinations are weapons against fatal diseases. There is a generally accepted guideline of puppy vaccination. Some of the recommended vaccinations are measles, rabies, and DHPP which is the combination of vaccines for distemper, adenovirus, hepatitis, parainfluenza, and parvovirus. By knowing the possible serious health issues of this mixed pup, you can be more watchful when your pup manifests some warning signs related to these possible conditions. Golden Retriever Mixed with Husky Food Requirements The following factors determine the amount of food you will give to your Golden Retriever mixed with Husky puppy: Age—choose a chow that is age-appropriate; our essential guides to the best puppy food brands and the best senior dry dog food will help you find the right one! Size—depending on the size, some pups will thrive on the best dry dog food for small dogs whereas others will be better off with the best large breed dry dog food Metabolism Level of activity The kind of food recommended for this mixed breed is dry food, preferably one of the brands featured in our best dry dog food guide. Commonly, medium to large dogs is given three to four cups of nutritious dog food, divided into two meals. Just like with human food, there are brands you should avoid at any cost. For your convenience, we singled out some of the worst dry dog food brands. Meanwhile, Golden Retrievers have a big appetite and are at risk for obesity. This classification means that you should provide them with lots of mental and physical stimulation. The duration of physical activity would be enough to maintain its weight and protect them from lifestyle diseases. I recommend walking, running, playing with Frisbee or tennis ball for your Golden Retriever Crossed with Husky puppy. If the Golden Retriever Husky mix puppy does not get enough physical and mental stimulation, it may exhibit behavioral problems. These problems include inappropriate barking, chewing, and causing property destruction. This breed is intelligent and fast learners. However, their independent side may antagonize your directions if training started late. An effective way to facilitate the training is by initially having short training sessions. To avoid possible destructive behavior that can be traced to their Husky origin, you should employ obedience training and leash training. You need to assert yourself as the leader by having consistency and clarity. A reliable way to do this task is making the puppy wait for its food. This act will establish your role as the provider and keeper of all the resources, such as the treats, food, toys, and other assets. During training, it is possible to encounter mischief and fluctuations in concentration. A way to prevent this situation is keeping the sessions short. However, you should be cautious and never leave your child and the dog alone. This action could aggravate and provoke the pet. Aside from the appropriate training for the dog, you should teach your child to avoid disturbing or playing with the pup when it is eating or sleeping. Golden Retriever mixed with Husky pups are affectionate to families. They have an innate loyal character, and they enjoy being around people. This trait is probably attributable to its Golden Retriever parent. Red Golden Retriever And Husky Mix Temperament Predicting the temperament of any mixed-breed dog is tricky, and there is no certain way to know if your Goberian dog will take more after his Husky parent or vice versa. To get a better sense of your new Golden Retriever Husky mix, try to meet both of his parents and get a sense of their temperaments. Friendly The Husky and Golden Retriever mix is going to be a very friendly and people-oriented pooch. Like both of its parenting breeds, the Goberian likes to spend time and interact with people and is especially gentle towards children. Goberians form strong bonds with their humans and will love to spend time and cuddle with all family members. However, they tend to pick a special person, someone whom they favor more than anyone else and that person will have a special place in their hearts. Highly Energetic The Husky Golden Retriever mix is a very energetic and active dog that requires prolonged exercise sessions to stay happy and well-behaved. If not properly exercised, Goberians can easily get bored and will resort to destructive chewing, howling, barking, and full-blown mayhem! Goberians need up to 90 minutes of exercise every day, and enjoy swimming, running, hiking, or any other activity that gets the heart rate going. Independent Depending on how much it takes after its Husky parent, your crossbreed can be very independent and stubborn at times. Intelligent Both Huskies and Golden Retrievers are smart breeds, so your mix will be too. The greatest thing with owning an intelligent dog is that they are easy to train when properly motivated. Start training your puppy as soon as you bring it home and only use positive reinforcement. Using treats , play, toys, or cuddles as rewards can motivate your pooch to stay focused on training even if he is stubborn and this will make the whole process a lot easier for you. Goberians that take more after their Husky parent have a stronger wanderlust potential so it is wise to keep your pooch on a leash and have a fully fenced yard. Otherwise, be prepared to run miles to catch and bring your dog back home from exploratory adventures. While Goberians are generally healthy, they are prone to certain diseases that affect Huskies and Golden Retrievers. The most common problems seen it this mix are: Hip dysplasia. Puppies are 10 weeks old. Got first vaccine shot and dewormed 2 times. Very playful and well.Catharines Adorable pups looking for their forever home! Only 2 left! They are happy, playful and full of life. Black one is a male White one is a female.Golden, Husky and Shepherd Mixed Puppies!!! 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For nearly 50 years we have produced English Labradors in the true style of the all-around dog they were meant to be. Our ultimate goal has been a beautiful dog conforming to breed standards with soundness of temperament and body. Our Labradors retain the hunting ability that has made them the supreme hunting retriever. This intelligent, well-tempered dog is a perfect family companion and service dog. We are pleased to not only have many of our On The Bluff Labradors in pet, show and hunting homes, but also used as guide dogs for the disabled and specialist for airscent detection. Our breeding program strives for perfection in every litter. We use the highest quality stud dogs with a background of multiple Grand Champions. We combine their linage with the outstanding genetics of our females. The result are not just cute, adorable puppies, but dogs that can be well trained, healthy companions for a lifetime. We have never lost sight of our initial goal to produce the perfect Labrador- in mind and body. Feel free to email us for additional information or to get on a waiting list for one of our puppies. Staffed by professional trainers- each puppy receives several weeks and hundreds of hours of individual lessons- Obedience Training, House Living Training, Group Socialization, and Outside Etiquette. We believe our unique training methods and individualized programs sets us apart from any other breeder. Here you will find many adorable pictures of our current puppies. During this time, they have learned that good breeding is not seldom. This is why they conduct DNA genetic testing on the mating Labs, research pedigrees, and perform x-rays. At other times, they fly in semen from other states to guarantee the best quality future Labs. They have produced family dogs, show dogs, hunting dogs, and service dogs. If you want to reserve a puppy from Humehill, they will send you a questionnaire and a deposit contract. The puppies leave the facility after they are eight weeks old. Prior to this, the puppies are taken to the vet for a checkup, dewormed, microchipped, and receive their first vaccine. They consider themselves knowledgeable breeders because they have degrees in Animal Science and Agricultural Engineering. They focus on producing and raising genetically quality dogs, a reason why the parents undergo Embark tests. In addition, they raise the puppies in an acre home with fenced-in yards instead of kennels. The dogs also have a large pond to swim or play in. All Hidden Pond puppies have veterinarian health certification, a one-year written health guarantee, have their first shots, and are microchipped. They also give a lifetime placement warranty and offer stud service. They aim to breed championship Labs that can go to the show program. The pups that do not qualify for show programs are trained for companionship, hunting, therapy, or response dogs. The breeder is dedicated to guaranteeing that future Labs have the best genetics to live a long, happy life. They also receive year-long preventative health care. Stoneleigh Labrador puppies are hand-raised with abundant affection then socialized before they leave the facility. Even though the breeder does not always have available puppies all year round, they will be happy to have you on a waiting list. Legacy puppies receive the same socialization programs as service and guide dogs. They are paper trained, crate trained, taken for car rides, and receive daily playtime. They are also microchipped and AKC registered. Unlike other Labrador breeders, Legacy accepts applications only when there is a litter available. This means you must be on the lookout since they do not keep a waiting list for potential buyers. Occasionally, they have older dogs available after they have finished their show careers. These dogs are suitable for children of all ages because they are socialized at a young age. All pups receive their first shots and worming before they leave. To purchase one, contact the breeder via email or the website. She has a passion for Labradors and loves their sweet temperament. This is proof that not only are the Labs well-bred, but they are healthy and with easy to live temperaments. To find and purchase a pup , visit the website, or contact the breeder via email. Ollie, originally from the USA, holds his master's degree in wildlife biology and moved to Australia to pursue his career and passion but has found a new love for working online and writing about animals of all types. Thank you David for all the joy you have given us. We love our beautiful dogs! He is just perfect! My vet said he has never seen a better put together Lab. He is the hit of our community and has to say hello to everyone he meets. Hidden Ponds is just the best place to purchase a Lab. David is so kind and informative. His dogs are gorgeous and well mannered. They treat their dogs with kindness and it shows. They are smart, their costs are beautiful! He has a great personality and is wonderful with the kids! He is lbs and thinks he is a lap dog. We would definitely buy from Dave again!! Lindie is an incredible athlete, as you can see by the photo. Lindie also volunteers at our local hospital in Glens Falls, NY comforting anyone that needs fur therapy! She is an amazing ambassador for the Labrador breed! Thank you! He hiked his first mountains this weekend in the Adirondacks. He is such a wonderful addition to our family and we will be back for a companion for him next year. Read more testimonials Bentley Bentley is almost 4 years old and is absolutely amazing! She is the happiest, cuddliest, wiggliest ball of fur, and I love her more than I can say. She is super smart, very curious, and a little mischievous. She has already learned to walk very well with my wheelchair. Thank you, Hidden Pond! At 9weeks she has accomplished stairs,swimming learned to sit and give paw. Play time and eating remain 1 LOL but,she is full of kisses and love all the time too. My sweet service dog, Rhett, came home in October of and has been the biggest blessing in my life. This breeder not only breeds for confirmation and health but for perfect personality and temperament. They are perfect in every sense of the term responsible breeder. I cannot imagine life without my Labs. And not to mention how welcoming everyone was when we went to pick Rhett up. They care about each puppy they welcome into their home. And they strongly support several forms of care to keep the puppies happy and healthy in their new homes like food and supplements! I cannot thank them enough or recommend them enough!! Savannah Stevens Read more testimonials Chip Chip is a crazy, funny, lovable gem. He is the most gorgeous dog. He has the most regal head. Everyone who sees him stops to tell us what a handsome dog he is. Thank you to Hidden Pond for letting him be ours. We picked her up in early July , and she made our family complete! She is such an amazing dog: sweet, gentle, loving, and playful. It is wonderful to see how much she loves our three young boys. We love how much she loves being outside — especially swimming and playing in the snow. Thank you Dave and your family for bringing her into our lives. She was exactly what our family needed to be complete. She is the sweetest, spunkiest and most wonderful dog we could have asked for. We picked him up this past September. He is a joy, fully housebroken, and so very funny. Everyone who meets him always comment on how handsome he is. He is really beginning to look like his dad, Thunder. He loves walking and meeting all his dog friends in our community. Thanks, David, for this wonderful dog! He has made our house a home again!! She brings so much joy to our home. She is loyal, smart and a lot of fun. She loves going on walks or long hikes in the woods and is a big snuggler in the house. Scout has a very sweet disposition and people comment on what a beautiful girl she is. She enjoys people and dogs of all ages. Thank you Dave, we are enjoying every day with one of your Hidden Pond pups! Courtney Hundley Read more testimonials Raemo This Lab is truly a best friend to everyone that comes his way. Very kind and affectionate. Raemo is now 6 months old and is great with the family, friends and the neighborhood. He is great with other dogs too! David and his Labs are simply the best and worth the wait! Rob Amurao Read more testimonials Daisy We got Daisy in June , but Dave introduced us to her the day she was born; it was love at first sight!!! Dave kept us updated with pictures and short videos as we anxiously awaited the day we could pick her up. She has been an absolute joy in our lives! She is incredibly smart, a sweetheart along with being an active puppy. She was swimming at 10 weeks with our other dogs. She is now 10 months old; everyone she meets loves her. Thank you, Dave, for such an awesome new family member!!! Marilyn Morey Read more testimonials Mabel Mabel is 6 months and we thank you for this blessing. She is a wonderful addition to our family. We love going on adventures with our little girl. Highly recommend and reasonable pricing! He has an amazing temperament, his favorite activities are long walks and swimming! Marlana Broderick Read more testimonials Chip Chip is the best dog we have ever had. He is funny, silly, smart and so handsome. We get stopped on the street every 5 feet. Everyone asks where he is from and tells us how gorgeous he is. Thank you Dave. This photo is with his sister Cocoa. Chip on the left Cocoa on the right. She has such a great personality. Gets along so well with the grandkids ,and so adaptable she took to the crate and house breaking so easily. Accepts new experiences so calmly. Dave has been great to work with a fountain of info. We also went with the dog food he recommended an love the results that we switched our cat to it as well. She is the most beautiful, sweet tempered, smart lab. We could not be happier having her as part of our family. Romy Ziegler. Life Span Did You Know? There is a reason that year after year, the Labrador Retriever is the most popular dog breed in the United States. The history of the Labrador Retriever dates back to the early s in Newfoundland, just off the Atlantic coast of Canada. Had these families not played a vital part in the continuation of the breed, the loving and affectionate Labs we have all grown to love may not exist today. The first recognized Yellow Labrador Retriever was born in .One of the friendliest breeds out there, Yellow Labs are great companions and love to be a part of the family. While the color yellow is part of their namesake, their coats range from fawn or cream to butterscotch or a deep golden hue. Coming into popularity during the midth century, the Yellow Labrador Retriever has been a staple for hunters and family homes alike ever since. These dogs are patient and kind when faced with energetic young ones. Yellow Labs delight in big spaces, opting to run and play wildly. However, they will happily lounge on the couch after having a long, hard run outside. When given a little training, they can easily learn to control barking habits and restrain themselves from digging. Their double coat also makes them a good fit for just about any climate. As with most dogs, they are sensitive to extreme heat or cold. Generally speaking, Labradors are healthy. They can develop certain inherent conditions, along with cataracts and kneecap displacement, but will remain healthy overall. As long as they are taken to their vet appointments with regularity, Labs will usually feel just fine. Yellow Labs are loyal companions with few drawbacks. Treats never hurt, of course. This, paired with their eagerness to please, makes them a highly trainable dog breed that is a good fit for owners of any experience level. With minimal training, these dogs can control their barking and digging without much trouble. Labs have very short, double-layered, and water-resistant fur. Its density protects them from the cold, so they will often try to swim any time of year. They experience heavier seasonal shedding twice a year and slight shedding throughout the year. Giving them a good brush once a week or a few times a week should keep their coats shiny and healthy. Other grooming tasks include nail trimming, ear care, and dental care. Proper dental care for dogs includes brushing their teeth or using an enzyme toothpaste every day. This helps prevent the tartar buildup that causes dental diseases like gum disease and tooth decay. You can also supplement your dental care efforts with dental hygiene chews, a special dental care diet, and more. This breed tends to be very active. They were bred to be working dogs and need exercise. A few daily walks and some time to run should help assuage their energy levels. Yellow Labs also need a fair amount of mental activity as well; they like to stay sharp. Yellow Labs are classified as medium to large dogs. They reach an average height of 23 inches and an average healthy weight of 75 pounds. A Yellow Labrador Retriever generally lives years. It was traditional in Newfoundland for every fishing boat to have a Labrador Retriever that would help retrieve the fish as they came in off the trawl. Featured Yellow Labrador Retriever Article.
Although a playful pup sounds endearing, consider how many games of fetch or tag you want to play each day, and whether you have kids or other dogs who can stand in as playmates for the dog. They are not purebreds like their Shih Tzu or Poodle parents. Shih-Poo coats can be curly like their Poodle parent, straight like their Shih-Tzu parent, or a combination of the two. They are generally considered hypoallergenic. Shih-Poos can come in black, white, brown, brindle, and all variations and color combinations. Like most small dogs, Shih-Poos can be prone to dental health issues. Maintain proper dental hygiene for your Shih-Poo. Shih-Poos are pretty versatile and can live in just about any kind of home. Shih-Poos come from the loyal, adorable Shih Tzu, and the intelligent, sophisticated Poodle. Unfortunately, like any other breed, these little cutie pies wind up in shelters, from people not wanting a long-term commitment. If you keep your eyes out for a Shih Tzu or Poodle rescue, in your area, that is most likely where you will find a Shih-Poo awaiting adoption. They are not acknowledged as an official breed at the present time. That said, as a mix between Shih-Tzu and Toy Poodle parents, you can expect the Shih-Poo to be on the small side Most weigh in at eight to 18 pounds and range in height from eight to 18 inches. As Poodle and Shih Tzu size can vary between teacup, miniature and standard, the size of the Shih-Poo will also vary. Shih Tzus can be stubborn, but what they lack in trainability, they make up for in personality ten fold. They are incredibly friendly, attentive, and cute, while Poodles are intelligent, trainable, and active. Shih-Poo personalities can vary but typically will fall in the middle of parental traits. Most Shih-Poos are described as friendly and playful. While Shih-Poos enjoy a good siesta, they also enjoy walks and thrive on playtime. They may not be eager to learn new tricks but do enjoy interaction and attention. Shih-Poos may not be as barky as their Poodle parent, but may alert you to any displeasures, such as a missed meal, with a single bark until every few minutes until needs are met. Training and socialization should be established early on. Consistency and positive reinforcement are the ways to go with Shih-Poos. Shih-Poo Health While many designer crossbreeds have improved overall health, they can inherit health issues their parents are prone to. That said, Shih-Poos can typically live approximately 16 years on average in relatively great health. Watch for signs of heat stroke if your dog happens to have a shorter snout. As a small dog, they can be prone to dental problems. Maintain good dental care and have their teeth regularly checked and professionally cleaned. Your vet can help you develop a care routine that will keep your dog healthy. Make sure Shih-Poos are kept on a dietary schedule. Do not allow free-feeding as they will overeat and rapidly gain weight. They will need regular potty breaks and one or two ten-to minute walks a day for optimal health. Dental issues can be problematic. Regular teeth cleanings are recommended, as well as systematic dental chews and teeth brushings. Your vet should be able to help you establish a routine. Shih-Poo ears should be kept clean and dry. After bathing, take extra steps to ensure this. If your pup gets a smelly, pungent odor, they may have an ear infection. Ear cleaning solution can help keep your pup from getting infections and unnecessary trips to the vet. Shih-Poo Feeding An ideal Shih-Poo diet should be formulated for a small-sized breed with medium energy. High quality food is recommended, as they do tend to have dental issues. They should not be allowed to free feed as they may gain weight. A feeding schedule is ideal with a minimum of treats. They can get the curly fur from their Poodle parent, the straight fur from their Shih-Tzu parent, or a combination of the two, which is most likely. The color will vary, as well. They can come in black, white, brown, brindle, and all variations and color combinations. Daily brushings, as well as monthly groomings, will help keep your pup looking and feeling their very best. You may also want to give them a few baths in between, but not more than weekly, as their skin and coat can get dry and irritated. Shih-Poos prefer to be mostly around adults or older kids who know how to play gently. That said, for children who learn early how to properly approach and play with a small dog, the Shih-Poo can make a great companion. When it comes to other pets, Shih-Poos can get along with other animals if they are introduced slowly and calmly, and early socialization will help this go smoothly. Shih-Poos can be left alone for short periods of time, but a second dog could be ideal for them, especially in their later years. However, you may want to try Shih Tzu or Poodle breed-specific rescues, as they often care for mixes, as well. Here are some rescues you can try:. The tiny size of the shih-poo has made them typically shy towards strangers. However, having a friendly disposition, they are keen in pleasing their owners. They know how to socialize with children and other pets. It is pretty easy for the owner to train this intelligent, alert pet. They are loyal, loving and affectionate, enjoying attention and spending time caressed, sitting on the laps of their family members. This makes them a good companion dog to families with elderly people. Care Exercise Shipoos enjoy outing, and require a moderate amount of exercise. Take them out for a medium to short walk every day. Since they also love playing, allow them to play without a leash if you have an enclosed yard space. Shihpoos also get a fairly good amount of exercise, shedding calories while playing around all day. Grooming The coat of the shihpoo is wavy to curly that needs regular brushing. This is to avoid their long hair from getting matted. Brush it with a soft brush with special attention to its hindquarters, behind the ears, and beneath the shoulders. You can also seek for professional help every 3 to 4 months. Health Problems Being a cross breed, they are not much vulnerable to catching diseases, except for the general health problems. Since their inner ear temperature runs more than normal because of their floppy ears, they are much vulnerable to ear infections. To avoid this, keep their ears dry, especially after bath. Also insist on a good dental health regimen since they might as well be susceptible to dental issues. Training The ready-to-please attitude, along with loyalty and intelligence have made the shihpoos easily trainable. Socialize them from their puppy-days, and train them get used to strangers and be tolerant with other pets. Crate training is also easy, since this dog loves to poop and pee in such places that are away from their sleeping place. Like many small dogs, this breed tends to act stubborn at times. So be sure to be strict and authoritative while training so that they understand the rule that it is you who is the leader of its new pack. But never be rude, since these dogs do not respond well to harsh training techniques. Hence, monitor its dietary habits and calorie intake. Like most other dogs of the size, insist on raw meat diet, and try avoiding foods not good for dogs in general. But, to be specific, dry foods like kibble is advisable for this breed, since they are prone to develop issues with teeth and might very easily suffer from premature loss of teeth. This should also keep it safe from gum infections and bad breath. Interesting Facts The Shih-poo is mostly a mixture of a shih-tzu and a mini Poodle. A shih-poo having a standard Poodle is extremely uncommon. If healthy, these dogs do very well in dog sports like agility, obedience, and rally. If possible, arrange to meet them and spend some time with them. This will give you some idea of their characteristic traits and, while there is no guarantee that these traits will pass on to your puppy, you should look for friendly, alert, and happy parents. Shih-Poos Are Considered Hypoallergenic Shih-Poos, like their Poodle parent breed , are often described as being hypoallergenic which prospective owners take to mean that they will not affect those with allergies to dogs. However, those with dog allergies are allergic to the dander that the dog produces, and not to a specific coat or hair. All dogs produce dander, which is effectively just dead skin cells. However, while there is no such thing as a truly hypoallergenic dog breed, the Poodle is one breed that is known to cause fewer allergic reactions in sufferers, lending some credence to the claim. If you are allergic to dogs or have a condition like asthma, try spending some time with these breeds to see how you react and whether they trigger allergic reactions. Although they are best known as a Chinese breed, they actually originate from Tibet and it is believed that the nation sent dogs to Chinese royalty as gifts, and they were then bred with Pekinese or Pugs. Although the breed has long been popular in China, it was at its most popular in the 19th century. The Empress was so taken with the breed that she considered the dogs to be sacred. This popularity stems from the fact that the little lion dogs have a face that looks like a lion and Buddha was said to have ridden to Earth on the back of a lion. There is some debate surrounding its origins but the breed was either first bred as a water dog in Germany or from the French Barbet. On balance, even though the dog was once named the royal breed in France, it seems most likely that they are a German water dog by origin. Even their fancy hairstyle stems from their early working lives. Today, there are dozens of hybrid Poodle breeds available, including the Shih-Poo. However, they have been bred from two very well-known breeds that we can take information from. Shih-Tzus and Poodles both tend to be friendly and outgoing, and they should not be shy or nervous. This breed is known to get on well with people of all ages, especially those that show them love and adoration. They are very happy to be stroked and loved. This can be further encouraged through positive and continuous socialization at a young age. However, they do not always get on well with dogs outside the family unit but can make companions for existing dogs when bought as a puppy. Small dogs are known for being a bit yappy. They vocalize their feelings, to make up for the fact that they are small. While this is common in a lot of small breeds, it is actually less common in the Shih-Poo, which adopts the quieter nature of the Poodle. Are These Dogs Good for Families? He will happily curl up on your lap for hours if allowed, and he will get on with all family members. He will also enjoy playing, so he is a good dog for older children. As ever, it is not recommended that families with very small children have this dog. Babies and toddlers tend to grab at things when concentrating on them, and this can lead to injury or cause the dog to nip. However, if you want your dog to live with cats or other dogs, it is better to introduce them slowly and at a young age. Shih-Poos do not cope well with being left alone for extended periods of time, so having another dog as a companion can help to alleviate loneliness, prevent boredom, and stop any negative habits that might form. He can make a great family pet for those with older children that know how to play calmly with a dog. He can also be integrated into an existing family consisting of other dogs and even cats. He will benefit from being fed high-quality dry kibble, and you should expect to feed approximately one cup of food a day. This is best served as two small meals and you should avoid free-feeding because this breed, like so many other dog breeds, has a tendency to overeat which can lead to weight issues like joint pain. This is thanks, in part, to their diminutive size. A short, brisk walk in the morning and another in the evening is ideal, and you can supplement this throughout the day by playing with a ball or small toy. He will, however, perform well in agility classes and these can be a great way to exercise his mind as well as his body. This means that you need to offer training at a young age to ensure that they are learning desirable traits and behaviors. Although they are intelligent, the Shih-Poo can be headstrong and stubborn, and they do not always take well to training. The short attention span means that your dog will benefit from short and relatively simple training sessions. You will need a lot of patience to get the desired results, so be prepared to put in some time and effort. Socialization should be considered an important part of training any dog, especially this breed. Good socialization teaches the dog how to behave around strangers and when meeting new people. It also introduces them to other dogs and helps prevent them from being nervous and unhappy. A nervous dog is always on edge and can become nippy. A good way to ensure socialization is with puppy classes. Your Shih-Poo might not want to learn new tricks or other behaviors but is likely to want to meet new people and make new friends, so they will usually relish puppy classes. You can also take walks at your local dog park, which will offer further socialization. Brushing their coat is vital, and you should do this twice a week. You may also need to trim the coat every year, especially around the eyes and face to help ensure that your dog can see properly. Small dogs are especially prone to dental problems, so brush two or three times a week, more often if your dog will let you. In general, you should avoid bathing dogs because it can strip them of natural, protective oils, but it is recommended that Shih Tzu and Poodle Mix owners bathe their dogs every month or two. This can help prevent skin problems that are otherwise prevalent in this breed. Brush at least twice a week, ideally three times, and potentially every day if your dog will let you. The breed also has the potential to suffer from skin and coat complaints. Regular and thorough grooming will help to prevent these problems and can provide them some relief if they are suffering any kind of insensitivity or rash. They can also become teary-eyed, and this can prevent them from seeing properly and may lead to them scratching and rubbing at their eyes, causing further problems. Wipe the tears away when you see there is a buildup and this will prevent your dog from having to do it and potentially irritate the area further. As such, you should be prepared to take them for regular veterinarian checkups and make sure you have good pet insurance because the costs can quickly mount. Despite these potential problems, the Shih-Poo has a life expectancy of between 12 and 15 years with some dogs living much longer than this. Minor Conditions.
This comes at no extra cost to you. If you have a young Golden Retriever, you might be wondering when your dog is going to calm down. Or you just want some more downtime at home where your dog is able to relax. However, there are several factors, beyond age, that influence when and if your Golden can start chilling out. Most Golden Retrievers will start to calm down between two to three years of age. This is when they reach adulthood. They need a lot of playtime to run around and burn all their puppy energy. Before your puppy came to live with you, they spent much of their waking time playing with their littermates. Young puppies usually wear out pretty quickly and will crash for naptime. As puppies get a bit older, usually around the week mark, they start to have more endurance. What used to fully tire them out is no longer enough to satisfy their need for play and exercise. Older puppies often need more activity before they feel able to settle down for a snooze. Canine Adolescence Energy levels and exercise needs continue to increase as your pup hits canine adolescence. Adolescence typically begins at 6 months old and lasts until 2 to 3 years old. Because Golden Retrievers are a larger breed of dog, their adolescent phase is longer than smaller breeds. Dogs become teenagers just like humans, and go through different changes as they mature into adults. So while a Golden puppy has a lot of energy, a teenage Golden Retriever will have even more. This is often the most challenging developmental stage for owners because of how rambunctious adolescent dogs can be. Adolescence is the development stage where your dog will have the highest exercise needs. Adulthood Around 2 to 3 years old is when most Golden Retrievers will finish both physical and social maturity. Many people think that their Golden is an adult after one year of age, but they still have quite a bit of developing to do. Energy levels tend to drop and stabilize at this stage. A calmer dog is your reward for making it through the puppy and adolescent stages. Seniors At eight years old, Golden Retrievers are considered seniors. How energetic or chill an individual dog is can be influenced by genetics. If a breeder pairs two calm therapy dogs together, the puppies are also likely to be calm and have lower energy levels. Contrast that with a breeder who is breeding for excellent hunting dogs. Known as field Golden Retrievers , this type of Golden is going to have much higher energy levels and need more exercise. Even as an adult, that type of dog will have more energy than a dog bred with therapy work in mind. So how much your Golden will calm down is in part a result of their genetics. Both physical and mental exercise are key to helping your dog be able to chill out around the house. A dog who has opportunities to move their body and work their brain is much more able to settle down and be a pleasant housemate, no matter what developmental stage they are in. This breed was originally created to be a hunting companion, running through fields and marshes on all-day hunts. But even though you and your dog may not hunt, that need for exercise and mental stimulation is still there. Most adult Goldens need 60 to 90 minutes of exercise per day. You can also hit up a local trail or field with your dog on a harness and a foot longline , which allows them to move around and sniff much more than if they were on a 6-foot leash. Allowing your dog to sniff also provides excellent mental stimulation, as their brain works to process all the information they receive through their nose. Puzzle toys are also a great way to provide mental exercise, as your dog has to interact with the toy to get food out of it. Here are a few favorites:. Golden Retrievers are great family dogs who are well-known for their friendly disposition. With the right amount of obedience training and daily exercise, a Golden Retriever can be a calm dog. Golden Retriever Puppy Behavior Stages Golden Retriever puppies develop quickly, and their behavior will change as they age. To understand when Golden Retrievers start to calm down, we need to explore what their behavior will look like through different stages. Very young puppies will begin to explore their new world in short bursts. Because they expend a lot of energy, they also sleep frequently. These pups still spend a considerable amount of time snoozing, but their time awake will be crucial for brain development. Your Golden Retriever puppy will be curious about the world around them. During this age range, your job is to teach impulse control and the expectations of the household. The more your pup interacts with other dogs, household pets, and humans, the better they will react to strangers in the future. Golden Retriever puppies who are not adequately socialized after four months can become distrustful of others. This could increase undesired behaviors like barking and aggression. From four to six months , your puppy craves adventure. One of the greatest perks of being a dog owner is that one-on-one attention is in itself positive reinforcement for your pet. Your Golden puppy will feel rewarded simply by spending time with you. To avoid this problem, keep your belongings out of sight and buy a variety of chew toys for your Golden. When you find your dog chewing on his things and not yours , give him lots of praise. If you have begun crate training and your dog remains quiet in his space for more than 30 minutes, you can start leaving for short periods of time. Our guide on the right size of crate for your dog can help you select the best types of dog crates for your pup. By following these recommendations, your Golden Retriever will exhibit positive behaviors and listen to commands at one year of age. If you have socialized your dog well, your Golden will desire your approval and adapt well to strangers. Purchasing a puppy from a reputable breeder ensures your Golden Retriever enters your home with a great temperament and prior behavioral training. Each puppy is trained in simple commands, positive behaviors, and basic crate training. Snowy Pines also offers additional courses such as the Wagology Honors Program or Doctoral Program for a higher level of lifestyle and behavioral training. They will need additional behavioral training and positive reinforcement long after their puppy phase. The good news: Golden Retrievers are highly rated for their intelligence , making them excellent service dogs and ideal family dogs. Goldens are quick learners and easier to train than other dog breeds. However, if you pay too much attention to misbehavior, your dog may begin acting out to get recognition. This is not ideal for families who want a calm, happy dog. Overall, a crate should be a positive environment for your Golden Retriever where they go to relax, sleep, and enjoy their favorite toys. A crate should never be used as a means of punishment for dogs. That can create negative emotions for your pup, and the space will become a source of stress. When you are home, leave the crate door open for your dog to roam freely in and out. Eventually, a Golden Retriever will learn this is their room of the house and will enter the crate willingly. Goldens have an active temperament and are family-oriented, which means they love to stay busy and prefer to spend time with their family. They can also be independent, especially if you teach them to spend time alone when they are old enough. A hyper Golden Retriever can be calm, but they need frequent exercise to release their pent-up energy. Golden Retrievers need around minutes of exercise every day. This number will vary based on how energetic your dog is. To keep your Golden entertained, you should buy a wide range of toys for your dog. Puzzle toys will keep dogs active while they try to obtain the treats inside. You can even get a puzzle food bowl to mentally stimulate your Golden Retriever during mealtime. Most dogs go crazy over tennis balls, and Golden Retrievers are no different. Your Golden will love burning excess energy by chasing after tennis balls during a game of fetch. Adding a frisbee into the mix will allow your Golden to run and jump to catch the frisbee in midair. Both games are excellent sources of exercise for your dog. You can train your Golden Retriever to complete an agility course given their high energy and intelligence. These courses have various obstacles for your dog to learn how to weave, jump over, and run through. You can even enroll your Golden in agility training classes to learn from the experts in a safe way. Lastly, one of the best forms of physical exercise for Golden Retrievers will be going out for a daily walk. If you find it challenging to walk your dog consistently, consider taking your Golden to a dog park or employing a dog walker. Dog parks allow friendly dogs to run off-leash, which provides an excellent opportunity for exercise and socialization with other dogs. All in all, Golden Retrievers can be peaceful pets with proper training, socialization, and exercise. But the more time you spend with your pup, the more energy your Golden will expend and the calmer he will act. English Cream Goldens are naturally calmer and easier to please when they receive early training and expert care. Reach out today to learn about our available puppies. Share on. Pet Keen is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more. They always rank at the top of the list when any credible reference is discussing family favorites. Goldens are perfect for families, therapy, service, and show. But when it comes to activity levels, these pups are quite active. They tend to calm down after a while, but the puppy years might be a little challenging. Of course, every Golden will have an individual personality, so no one size fits all. Generally speaking, by 2 years old, your Goldie should be mellowing out, but there are a lot of factors that go into that prediction. Even though they might have a lot of steam to let off, they also have a strong affection for their humans. Their desire to please will help during training to create a mannerly, obedient dog. Luckily, goldens are highly intelligent and emotionally intuitive, even though these traits can vary from dog to dog. Training a Young Golden Retriever You might find some Goldens to be more challenging than others to train—keep in mind that every dog learns at their own place. Young Golden Retrievers can be easier to train than some other breeds, as they can learn specific service and therapy tasks. Even though it might be hard to keep their focus at first, Golden Retrievers learn well with patience, consistency, and routine. Because they are so sensitive and naturally pleasing, they do best with positive reinforcement training tactics. Trainers can work directly with your dog based on their temperament to craft techniques that work. You have to be willing to keep up with commands to carry out everything your pup learned when they come home. Locking a puppy in a crate or kennel for hours a day can cause a buildup, leading to destructive behaviors and rambunctiousness. Puppies need lots of variety to keep them busy—like toys, walks, runs, games of fetch, and romping around with family. As a general rule, young puppies need two intervals of exercise per day lasting 5 minutes. For each month that they age, add 5 minutes to the exercise time. For example, a 3-month-old puppy would need 15 minutes of exercise a day, twice a day. What to Expect After Year Two After year two, not only does activity level start to wane, they also have pretty much learned all the ropes. You should come close to having a well-behaved, good old boy or girl in no time. Of course, there are exceptions, and some dogs might not calm down how you wish they would. But most will turn from playful, boisterous puppies into mannerly, well-spirited adults. You might still have some challenges—like curbing chewing, jumping, or barking habits. But behaviors can level out over time with constant attention. Do you ever notice how they tend to pack on a few pounds after an animal gets fixed? This is a phenomenon that happens from a few factors. First, the process reduces the hormones that drive high energy. Females might be significantly affected because they no longer go through the hormonal fluctuations of heat. Sometimes, training a dog yourself can be pretty challenging. Featured Image Credit: tanatat, Shuttertock Written by Ashley Bates Author Ashley Bates is a freelance dog writer and pet enthusiast who is currently studying the art of animal therapy. A mother to four human children— and 23 furry and feathery kids, too — Ashley volunteers at local shelters, advocates for animal well-being, and rescues every creature she finds. Her mission is to create awareness, education, and entertainment about pets to prevent homelessness. Her specialties are cats and dogs.Read more Advertisement. Are Golden Retrievers Hyper Dogs? The reason is due to their history as working dogs. Golden Retrievers love to get attention, play all day, go on adventures, and more, but this level of energy could get out of hand especially for new owners if it remains unchecked. The longer your Golden goes without any playtime, the more they become anxious and let out their energy in other ways, like chewing on things, and jumping on unsuspecting family members. So, it is advisable to keep your Golden outside playing, walking, or interacting with other dogs, for as long as possible to let them get it all out of their system. To help subdue these behaviors, make sure to give your golden attention throughout the day, not just when they act out. This will help because instead of associating their bad behavior with your affection, they will instead not have to act out for you to pay attention to them. Most Golden Retrievers are high energy, but that is not to say that every single one will be. There are several in the mix who prefer to be calm, cuddly, lap companions, especially in their older age or if you have a female Golden. Female Golden Retrievers mature faster than their male counterparts, so they grow out of their puppy phase faster. Most Golden Retriever puppies will be very high energy and require a lot of affection from their owner. This is a great question for new owners or even some seasoned Golden Retriever owners who may have had a Golden with a slightly different personality. A Golden Retriever dog breed has hard work and outdoor activities running through their veins, they have a free spirit and love to explore. They were bred to be hunting, and working dogs, so many generations have accumulated one fluffy, domesticated, ball of energy! Age: Oh, the Golden Puppy Stage! Age is a major contributing factor when it comes to why your Golden Retriever is so hyper. They are developing social constructs, getting used to their surroundings, and just like children, they love to play. Due to their historic disposition of outdoor activities, this dog loves to be outside in a big yard playing with children or other dogs. This lets them run off all of that energy while also building interactions with others. Golden Retrievers are were bred to be active, outgoing dogs Golden Retrievers Are Hyper by Nature They were bred as working dogs, meaning they have a genetic predisposition for more stamina and energy than some other dog breeds. They were primarily used as companions in midth Scotland to hunt waterfowl, and track downed birds during hunting. This history means that the Golden Retriever was bred to keep up with birds being tracked in the water and on land over many miles. This sporting breed has always been high energy and ready to please. Lack of Exercise can cause excessive hyperactivity in Goldens Just how we humans can get cabin fever and want to go outside and do something to alleviate the mundanity, dogs are the same way. The best way to combat this is to get them some exercise, at least 30 minutes a day is usually sufficient for this breed. Lack of Attention As I mentioned previously, your dog may be acting out because they want to get your attention. Goldens are notoriously cuddly and somewhat clingy companions especially if you have a male Golden Retriever , and they want all of the affection you can spare to them. If you have not played with or snuggled your Golden pup lately, they might be feeling a little neglected, which can lead them to act out in order to get you to fixate on them. If this sounds like the case for you, then the fix for this is to dedicate a time frame at least once or twice a day to giving your dog the attention they have been craving and playing one on one with them. This will let them know your bond is still strong while letting them get out some excess energy. Golden Retrievers Get Bored Similar to the issue of the lack of exercise, Golden Retrievers get bored and act out by showing their hyperactivity. The boredom can stem from many things like a lack of attention, exercise, or not having enough stimulating activities or training. To keep your dog from feeling bored, it is best to keep up their training and introduce new games and activities for them to try. Much like children, they need to be constantly stimulated, so switching up toys, or taking them to a dog park so they can have new interactions are great ways to rectify this. These tips will give you the tools you need to keep you golden happy, healthy, and calm. Keep your Golden busy with Mental Activities Mental activities are a great stimulator for dogs and especially puppies. Mental training and games will keep your dog entertained and help to keep their attention during training exercises. At a minimum, your Golden Retriever needs at least 30 minutes of exercise a day. A Golden Retriever can play for hours on end, and they love it! Training, Training, and More Training! Training your golden is very rewarding for both you and them, and as an added bonus it helps to keep their hyperactivity to a minimum. Golden Retriever dog breed is especially intelligent and is fairly easy to train, and sometimes they just need a little help with self-control, which can be taught. Obedience training will allow you to mentally stimulate your dog while also letting them learn the proper commands and times for things. The more training you give your dog, the more well-behaved they will be and the stronger your bond will become. Give Your Attention to Your Golden Regularly The most important thing to think about when getting a Golden Retriever is to know they will require regular exercise and attention. A Golden Retriever dog breed is very playful and affectionate and needs to be loved constantly. Invest in high-quality chew treats and toys As Goldens can get bored very easily, and since they are known as strong sporting dogs, they have been known to destroy many chew toys. The best way to keep them interested and to keep you from buying new toys every few days is to invest in high-quality chew toys and treats. Do Golden Retrievers calm down after being neutered or spayed? Many owners believe that spaying or neutering their dog will help to calm them down but that is usually not the case. Neutering and spaying can result in making the dog calmer for a short period of time while they are recovering and feeling fatigued. Neutering has a slight chance of helping to correct behaviors if done while they are puppies, this is because they have not had time to learn problematic behaviors. In males, it is likely to help reduce aggression but does not guarantee an effect on hyperactivity, especially since this is a breed trait in Golden Retrievers and not just a hormonal factor. The reduced energy behavior usually comes from the effects of the surgery itself being draining rather than changing their entire demeanor. It is more effective to train your Golden Retriever and reward for calmer behaviors, as this will become a lasting standard for your Golden, rather than a short-lived reprieve due to a procedure. Will my Golden Stay Hyper Forever? Golden Retrievers are a hyper dog breed, however, like most dogs, they tend to calm down after their puppy phase, around 2 or 3 years old. Golden Retriever females of the breed tend to mature faster obedience-wise than males, so they are more likely to be calmer overall. How much they calm down is dependent on the specific dog itself, some may maintain their energy throughout their entire lives and others may taper off later in their life. Overall, when you choose a Golden Retriever to be your family dog, it is important to know the breed is known to be a hyper, attention-seeking, and very active dog. It is important that you give your Golden Retriever daily exercise, training, and affection to have the happiest and healthiest life. Related Posts:. Playful Biting: Expect some playful biting as your Golden puppy explores the world around them using their mouth. Factors Influencing Golden Retriever Energy Levels While Golden Retrievers are generally high-energy dogs, several factors can influence their individual energy levels. Puppies and adolescents tend to be the most energetic, while adult and senior dogs tend to be calmer. Some Golden Retrievers may inherit a more relaxed demeanor, while others may be naturally more energetic. Healthy dogs usually have more energy, while dogs with health issues might be less active. A well-trained and socialized dog may be better able to control their excitement and energy. But the good news is, they do eventually calm down. First, for short periods and then good behavior kicks in. Daisy, our Golden as an adolescent. She was starting to calm down. But she was still very active…and cute! Most Golden Retrievers start to show signs of calming down around the age of 2 to 3 years old. Individual dogs may take a bit more or less time to mature and settle into a calmer demeanor. Some puppies may naturally be more relaxed, while others might remain more energetic even as they age. Physical Activity: Regular physical activity is crucial for helping Golden Retriever puppies burn off their excess energy. Mental Stimulation: Mental stimulation, such as puzzle toys and training, can also help tire out your energetic puppy. Providing mental challenges for your puppy can help them stay engaged and focused. Consequently, this makes them less likely to act out with hyperactivity. Training: Consistent, positive training from an early age can help teach your Golden Retriever self-control and good manners. This leads to a calmer demeanor over time. This will help your Golden Retriever mature into a calm, well-behaved adult dog. Most Goldens start to calm from their adolescent phase to adulthood around 2 to 3 years of age. This is a gradual process. During this time, you may observe a decrease in hyperactivity in your dog. At the same time, you may see an increase in focus and self-control. This is because your dog is now able to better manage its energy levels. Stay patient with your Golden Retriever. Provide consistent training and exercise. This will help them reach their full potential. They will become a calm and well-behaved adult dog. Are Golden Retrievers Calm? When do Golden Retrievers calm down? They still maintain an enthusiastic and playful attitude. But they are better able to manage their energy levels, making them more predictable and easygoing. By understanding and addressing these factors, you can help your dog reach their full potential: Training your Golden Retriever should be consistent and positive. Reinforcement-based training from an early age can help teach self-control and good manners. Regular Exercise: Ensuring your Golden Retriever receives adequate daily exercise will help burn off excess energy, making them more relaxed and content. Mental stimulation is important for dogs. Puzzle toys, training and interactive games can help keep them engaged and prevent boredom. If a dog is bored, it can lead to hyperactivity. Socializing your Golden Retriever can help them become more confident and adaptable. This makes them better able to stay calm in different situations. Introduce them to various environments, people, and animals from a young age to ensure they have the best start. Creating a daily routine for your dog can help promote a calmer demeanor. This routine should include regular feeding times, walks, and training sessions. This structure can provide your dog with a sense of stability and security. Address these factors and maintain a nurturing, supportive environment. This will give your Golden Retriever the best chance to develop into a calm, well-behaved, and happy adult dog. No worries! Use calming aids: Try calming sprays, diffusers, or calming treats to help your pup relax. Massage time: Gently massaging your Golden can help release tension and promote relaxation. Keep it low-key: Dim the lights, play soft music, or use white noise to create a soothing atmosphere. Mental stimulation prevents boredom: Engaged dogs are less likely to act out or become hyperactive. Practice impulse control: Teach your dog to wait patiently for treats, toys, and attention. Remember, patience and consistency are key to helping your Golden Retriever become a calmer, happier companion. You can do it! Every dog is different, so their energy and time to calm down can vary. Keep up with training, exercise, and fun activities to help your dog be the best they can be. Enjoy every moment with your Golden Retriever as they grow into a well-behaved, relaxed, and loving friend. More Posts You Will Like:.
pro plan puppy golden retriever - I am about 2 years old and I love follow my foster mum around. She tells me I am her shadow. My foster potty trained me in a day and she said I am very very smart and I have to agree with that. I also learned new commands like sit, down, and off. We are working on the stay but I have a hard time sitting still because I have lots to keep an eye on inside. She walks me always on her right side and I became very well behaved in our leash walking training. I do like to be right by my foster brother Logan, so sometimes I will pull to be with him. I have an another foster brother and he is smaller and furry and he meows for food all the time when he is not sleeping. I love him and he give me sand kisses. We went to a coffee shop other day and all these people want to pet me and take pics of me. I felt like a movie star! On the walks I get overly excited when I see other dogs and I am very vocal about it. Sometimes the dogs get scared of me, but I assure you, I am awesome and not aggressive at all. I just want to say hi to ALL the dogs! But I warm up to everyone very quickly. I am getting a lot of love and attention right now and it will be ideal for me to not be left alone for too long. Thank you for considering rescue. Before we begin, please know that the majority of our adoptable animals never make it to our website as our adoption coordinators are working behind the scenes with our approved adopters. Therefore, the website does not reflect ALL the animals we have in our care that are available for adoption. Please understand that if you do select a specific dog, your application may not be the only one received for that pup but again, our adoption coordinator will work to find the best pup for you. Our placement process is very fluid and availability can change quickly. After you submit your application, you will hear back within 72 hours from a member of our adoption team. We are a volunteer-based organization and appreciate your patience. In the interim, do not fret, applications are processed in the order they are received. You have not lost your place in the queue. If multiple applications were submitted for the same dog or puppy, the first application in is the first application to be considered for that pup. When you adopt you save 2 lives! We look forward to welcoming you into the Sweet Paws Rescue family. We are 5-month-old Standard Poodles weighing about lbs. While I love to play with my foster siblings, I really just want calm space to hang out with my humans and other fur friends. I wake and jump into bed to give my foster parents good morning snuggles! I enjoy a light morning snack and spend the rest of the day napping and hanging out with the humans while they work. After work, all bets are off, and I make sure to get all the puppy zoomies out. My leash training is going well, but I often try to chase the leaves and get distracted by unfamiliar sights and smells. I love to go outside to play, chew on a stick or take a walk. I also enjoy down time with humans to cuddle and get lots of belly rubs. I start my day at am, go potty, then breakfast. After I like going outside to chase squirrels and play. I then have dinner around pm and in my crate by 10pm for bed. I love learning tricks and am very food motivated! I also like to try and outsmart my foster parents when they hide my treats or sticks, I bring inside. I am very curious and love to explore, play, eat, and cuddle. Now that I am older, I can make it through the night without any potty accidents but I need to go outside as soon as I am up, usually around 7am. I eat breakfast then it's right back outside for my next potty break! I like to have a chew bone and play for a while, then naps. I like to sit on the couch next to my foster mom, or lay on my back sprawled out on the floor. I love going for walks and am learning to not pull. I bark a little at other dogs but I am very dog and people friendly. Nights are pretty low key, I may play a little before bed time, where I prefer to sleep next to my foster parent's bed. I love to cuddle if you'll allow me up too! Since I am still a puppy, I need reinforcements with potty training, proper leash walking, and learning what and what not to chew on. I am just a super sweet girl and can't wait to share my love with you!
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pro plan puppy golden retriever - I have a 4 month old puppy called Charlie. He is lovely. Seems very healthy and bright and approaches everything in life with great enthusiasm. I have had a black Labrador before, many, many years ago, when I was a kid — and my mum did all the work and worrying. That Labrador was from a big farm in North Yorkshire and I guess he was from "working lines". I feed Charlie on Royal Canin kibble which is what the breeder used and he gets loads and loads of treats — at puppy class clicker training, for walking without pulling, for peeing and pooing outside. Should it be about the same weight chicken for kibble? At 4 months, Charlie is the same weight 17kg now as the girl puppy that the breeder kept for herself. The breeder says that based on his mum and dad, she would guess Charlie will end up weighing, when he is grown, about 35kg. The vet says he is not too fat and is fine, and the vet nurse says the same. Is there anything else I can do to check that he is not overweight? Many thanks for reading what is probably too much information, and thank you in advance for any comments you are kind enough to give. JulieT I have tried to attach a picture… the one on the sofa shows the "puppy fat" along his back and his big tummy. Helping your dog to lose weight. Is My Labrador Fat? The best way to tell is by eye and touch. Have a look at your dog and compare him with the picture below of a healthy Labrador. Look at your dog from the side. Does his belly slope upwards towards his groin, or is it a level line from his front legs to his back, or even worse is it sagging down between his legs? Your Labrador should have an upward sloping line from the base of his chest, towards his back legs. Now look at the dog from above. You should be able to! Your dog should not be the same width all the way down his body. Look at your dog from the side again. Can you see any ribs? Run you hands along his rib cages firmly. Can you feel his ribs? If you can see ribs when he is standing still he is too thin. If you cannot feel his ribs at all with your hands he is too fat! As we have seen above, the best way to tell if you have a fat Labrador is by looking and feeling. The trouble with providing you with a number is that it can give a false impression. Depending upon whether your Lab is field or bench bred, short or tall, chunky or slight, male or female, will all make a big difference to their ideal weight for the individual. The average adult Labrador will weigh anywhere between 55 to 80 lbs! Male Labs usually being around 5 to 10 lbs heavier than their female counterparts. If you are still unsure whether your Lab is the right weight for his or her build having given her a thorough check yourself as described above, then the best thing to do is to pop down to your local veterinarian. They will be happy to let you know how much your individual Labrador should weigh. Why Is My Labrador Fat? So how did your slim little puppy end up as a fat adult Labrador? There are three common assumptions that people make when considering how their dogs came to be overweight. Does the dog need more exercise? Has he got some kind of medical problem? Or am I just feeding him too much at mealtimes or giving too many snacks? In general if your dog is overweight the real reason is simply that he has eaten too much. Or rather, been allowed to eat too much. Does my dog need more exercise? He may well need more exercise, but that is not why he is fat. He is overweight because when you take into account the amount he exercises along with a number of other factors, he has eaten too much. The exercise needs of your dog are an important but separate issue, which we look at in other articles. The important thing to remember is this: The less exercise you give the dog, the less you must feed him. Once put on, weight is hard to shift and it will simply go up and up over time. Medical causes of canine obesity Although most dogs who are overweight have simply had a few too many bites to eat, there are some medical causes for obesity which do crop up from time to time. Canine medical conditions that can affect your Labs weight include hypothyroidism, insulinoma and hyperadrenocorticism. If a medical condition is the reason then the weight gain will normally be sudden and unexpected. If you are concerned by sudden weight gain in your Lab when you have not been giving him more food, then a checkup at the vets is definitely in order. You may also find that your dog puts on weight after having been neutered. If this is the case you will need to adjust your feeding habits accordingly. However, for most dogs weight gain is a simple result of over feeding. My Labrador is always hungry People are often concerned because they worry that their dog is still hungry after eating his dinner. Here is an important truth: Most Labradors are always hungry. You cannot win this battle. These are greedy dogs and your Labrador will always want more food than you give him. No matter how much that may be. If your Labrador is overweight he really needs to eat less and he will get used to his new regime quite quickly. Are Fat Labs Less Healthy? If you have looked at your Labrador and decided he is overweight, you might be wondered whether that actually matters. Is it really worth the effort of ignoring those puppy dog eyes and whines for extra food? Slim dogs are healthier Being overweight predisposes you to an awful lot of unpleasant health problems. This is true regardless of whether you are a human or a dog. Carrying extra pounds can also make existing problems your dog may have worse. For example joint problems like arthritis and hip dysplasia can be exacerbated by having more weight to lug around. As well as joints and bones suffering from obesity related issues, increased body fat can also make your dog more likely to have problems with their organs including those needed for breathing and digestion. Just a bit of extra fat can have a host of unwanted consequences. Being a fat Lab puppy can potentially make your dog more likely to suffer from joint problems later in life. Slim dogs live longer Not only will a slim dog have a better level of fitness and a lower likelihood of becoming unwell, they will in all probability live longer too. Those Labs on the large food ration had a median lifespan of over 11 years old. Those on the smaller food ration lived to be over 13 years old. When you look at the difference which can be made in these terms, by helping your Lab to stay slim you could be giving him an incredible two more years with you! If he gets a lot of household scraps these may have to go too. If you use food as rewards in dog training, this should be deducted from his daily food allowance. It could also help to find healthier alternatives to your usual training treats. Bear in mind that if your dog is unwell, old or very young , it is sensible to consult your vet before tampering with his diet. It is also a good idea to have a chat with them beforehand if your dog is very overweight and has a lot to lose. Take a photo of him from above and from the side before you start. At the end of the three to four days, check the dog over as described above and ask yourself if he is still fat. If you think he has improved a little but needs to slim down a bit further, keep going for another three to four days then review the situation. Compare the photo you took a week ago and you should see some improvement. You may need to increase his food slightly in order to maintain his new slim figure and ensure he does not get thin. If the dog is not losing weight after a couple of weeks on two-thirds of his previous food allowance, you may need to cut his food down even further.